Auburn Alabama Area Real Estate Living

OPELIKA LOVE BIRDS - a 70th anniversary celebration

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:57:13 -0500

I had the most delightful visit this week with long-time Opelika residents, Jack and Betty Walton. After seventy years together, the Opelika Observer deemed it newsworthy, and asked me to do the story. Throughout our conversation, I couldn't help but reflect on the most evident and enduring qualities that create a strong relationship and prosperous community legacy.

It all begins with caring about each other. I am grateful for amazing folks that are the neighbors in Opelika... Let me introduce you to Betty and Jack, and their story that was published in the January 27th issue:

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

FOR SALE - 180 Lee Road 431 Opelika Alabama 36804

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:10:43 -0500

FOR SALE -180 Lee Road 431 Opelika, Alabama36804

1 story, nearly 1/2-acre in Beauregard community

Three bedrooms, one bath, across from Beauregard High School football field; Super cute & SUPER CONVENIENTlocation; Lovely landscaping! A buffer of trees beyond the yard is part of this lot; the yard is enclosed by trees on either side and creates a perfect privacy hedge; Very well-maintained home of approx. 1017 sq ft; Dishwasher added with counter top & shelf that remains; Very sweet setting and utilization of space; Lots of cabinets in kitchen; Double-pane efficiency windows; ceiling fans; washer/dryer hookup; pantry; total electric with Alabama Power; brand new motor in HVAC unit; new water heater in 2010; Includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove; Well-maintained; Additional outside storage ~

A wonderful place to live!

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

Real Estate - 708 5th Avenue Opelika Alabama - SOLD

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:06:23 -0500

Real Estate For Sale ~ Opelika Alabama ~ Listed at $123,900 and SOLD at $123,900 by Mara Hawks, First Realty Auburn in December, 2011.

This two-bedroom, one-bath brick home is located in Opelika's Historic District and featured lovely updates throughout with refinished wood floors, kitchen cabinetry and hardware, granite counter tops, stainless appliances and tile flooring, bathroom basin and storage and more. An extra large living room with fireplace, an exquisite dining room with built-in cabinets, a covered side porch and walk-out basement / garage, made this home feel extra spacious and functional. Luxurious details in hardware, wainscoating and molding contributed to the undeniable charm of this storybook gem.

The enlosed yard was a beautiful setting for several small garden and patio areas, with lots of visual interest in the landscaping and cascading ivy.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika) - November 2011 Market Report

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:01:37 -0500

The following report is published by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? Are you looking for an agent to help you find a home or sell your home in Auburn-Opelika? Let me be your Realtor! If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, or have any questions about homes in Auburn or Opelika, feel free to contact me with a request.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

AREA'S BEST HOMES_902 Floral St Opelika AL _Featured Property For Sale

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:46:53 -0500

This AIRPLANE BUNGALOW home is a design that grew out of the Craftsman movement in the early part of the 20th century. The Craftsman movement developed from the English Arts and Crafts Movement that left a distinct architectural legacy, that has withstood the test of time for its historic value and visual appeal.

This particular style is characterized by the cupola effect of the second floor that rests like a cockpit over the two wings of the main level.

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

Home For Sale - 902 FLORAL ST - Opelika Alabama 36801

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:50:50 -0500

For Sale in Opelika-Auburn / Lee County Alabama, 902 FLORAL STREET, Opelika Al 36801; Realtor Mara Hawks with homes for sale at First Realty Auburn, a Realty South Company.

* * *An above average home with a below appraisal price of $198,902. Call for same day showing.

~Legendaty homebuilder Ewell Screws introduced this classic, craftsman style to Opelika in the 1920's and 30's. Its architectural theme and detail was influenced by the Spanish mission home designs of California.

~Location and Liftoff! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath + sunroom house completely occupies Block Eight, nearly three-quarters of an acre in the Alta Vista Subdivision that features this circa 1926 AIRPLANE BUNGALOW, as this style was named. A style that is characterized by a "pop-up" 2nd floor, originally a Sleeping Porch. The house also has a full, unheated basement with commode and laundry hookup.

~An additional 2-room + full bath structure sits on the property, alongside a greenhouse and storage shed.

~Unique in its style, story, gardens and landscaping (also a stop on the local Azalea Trail, an annual event timed by Mother Nature), original English row house door introduces honest Craftsman design details and inspiration.

~An above average home with a below appraisal price of $198,902. Call for same day showing.

CLICK HERE for more information and slideshow.

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

In Honor of Veteran's Day

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:13:56 -0500

VETERAN'S DAY 11-11-11
War is wrong but the fight is right. This is a day to pause and reflect...to pull in our aligned forces of gratitude for those who serve our highest ideals in the fight for freedom.

TODAY I want to acknowledge and remember the men and women I've learned of (including my mom, pictured below), known of and some I've met here in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama through my work as a REALTOR. What a privilege I have in America---to have such an opportunity to work and encounter so many incredible people along the way. Each one is a brilliant reflection of humanity's collective struggle to be free and to have a place to stand and understand... to know of HOME on earth.

TODAY I salute the men and women who have participated in the action, to those who gave (and are still giving) of their own blood, sweat and tears to foster FREEDOM.

TODAYI am thank-full, and pray that each spirit can soar, guided by the Light that unearths remains of ancestral wisdom from the tears and terrain of battlefields.

TODAY, charged with freedom we are changed, 'from glory to glory'...from moment to moment... from soldier to soldier---each and every one... THANK YOU.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika) - October 2011 Market Report

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:27:55 -0500

The following report is calculated by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? Are you looking for an agent to help you find a home or sell your home in Auburn-Opelika? Let me be your Realtor! If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, or have any questions about homes in Auburn or Opelika, feel free to contact me with a request.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

Opelika Business Community - TRANSFORMATIONS LIFE CENTER

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:31:39 -0400

[First published in the OPELIKA OBSERVER 10-21-11 issue ]

Just as fall began making its cooling, color-changing appearance, a big, bold mandala (a sanskrit work meaning "circle") appeared in a shop window on Avenue A, introducing Transformations Life Center to the Opelika business community.

In art, mandalas suggest a focal point through repeated designs, concentric squares and circles and/or geometric patterns, traditionally illustrating an indistinguishable wholeness, sometimes representing an entire world or universe. They engage the world of symbolism and often evoke contemplation that can guide one on a transformative path.

Transformations Life Center is the start-up of Dr. Bridget Finlen Smith, a licensed, clinical psychologist with a specialty in child and adolescent psychology. Dr. Smith runs a traditional, clinical practice, Psychological Associates, LLC, in Auburn, where she is devoted to assessment and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. Observing how education and sharing common experiences makes a difference in a person's quality of life, the idea for Transformations was a natural progression for Bridget's work. She began thinking about how to expand affordable services into the community and saw that group work would be an enriching way to address many common struggles and foster one's sense of human connectedness.

"I love groups," Bridget said, "because it’s a shared experience. These groups are trying to help you sleep better, encourage better health habits, become better parents. We are facilitators. What we will do here is really about 75 percent teaching and 25 percent about being a clinician. Groups are also easier to manage for a busy person's schedule."

Bridget's inspiration for Transformations comes from the vision of moving away from a strictly clinical approach and tapping into springs of wellness and more preventative and positive approaches to balances in health, relationships and lifestyle. The Life Center emphasizes the learning of positive paths and applying them to dimensions of daily life.

" I want people to value their psychological health as much as they value their medical health. Why don’t we have more optimistic children or children that can develop a more compassionate heart? It’s important to take a little knowledge and nurture it and let it blossom. No one teaches us how to handle a lot of daily battles. It's important to learn about coping skills, resilience, wellness and peace of mind. So this is the transforming shift, learning about new ways to think about these things."

Although she's lived in Auburn with her REALTOR-husband, JR, and two sons, Stephen and Jeffrey, Bridget fell in love with Opelika years ago, and is happy to be placing a footprint here in the railroad town.

"We eat here a lot and come here to shop. I discovered this building for lease on a rainy day, when I'd come to Opelika to meet a friend for lunch. While waiting, I walked inside the empty office space and the owner happened to be here, and we struck up a conversation. I couldn't stop thinking about it and, three days later, I called to see about renting, even though I couldn't at the time, exactly articulate my vision."

Sometimes we can throw some light on challenges and what was dark, simply vanishes.

"When folks come in, I want them to feel better and to come back," Bridget said.

Transformations Life Center hopes to offer people in the community some ways to "see" themselves and their responsibilities in a better light. People can't read in the dark, much less live.

Book titles on child-raising, relationships, family conflicts, chronic pain and a variety of resources fill the shelves, framed by walls and tables that hold displays of inspirational retail items, including jewelry.

Stop by and say hello or visit the website, http://www.transformationslifecenter.org for a complete list of ongoing classes and groups being offered for families, couples and adults.

Smith holds a master's and doctorate from Auburn University, and did an internship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She has been practicing since 1984.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika) - September 2011 Market Report

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:50:49 -0400

The following report is calculated by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? Are you looking for an agent to help you find a home or sell your home in Auburn-Opelika? Let me be your Realtor! If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, or have any questions about homes in Auburn or Opelika, feel free to contact me with a request.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika) - August 2011 Market Report

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:14:48 -0400

The following report is calculated by the Alabama Center of Real Estate. This report, along with more detailed information, can be found on their website: http://arerec.cba.ua.edu/ Are you considering a move into or out of Lee County Alabama? Are you looking for an agent to help you find a home or sell your home in Auburn-Opelika? Let me be your Realtor! If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, or have any questions about homes in Auburn or Opelika, feel free to contact me with a request.

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

FOR SALE Historic Home - 902 FLORAL ST Opelika Alabama 36801

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:05:43 -0400

For Sale in Opelika-Auburn / Lee County Alabama, 902 FLORAL STREET, Opelika Al 36801; Listed by Mara Hawks - First Realty Auburn

Circa 1926 Craftsman-style AIRPLANE BUNGALOW is situated on its own "Block" of over half an acre in the beautiful Alta Vista subdivision of Opelika Alabama. . Unique in its style, story, gardens and landscaping (also a stop on the AZALEA TRAIL), original English row house door introduces honest Craftsman design details & inspiration~

AIRPLANE BUNGALOW, cir. 1926

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$259,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2059 sqft
Lot: .68 acre(s)
Location

902 FLORAL ST
OPELIKA, AL 36801
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Nearby properties for sale

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

Seller Tips: Bring More Natural Light into Your Charlotte Home for Sale

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:19:13 -0400

My friend, Debe Maxwell, is my best referral to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Charlotte, NC, I always enjoy the wonderful lists of suggestions she puts together for buyers and sellers, and I really liked this one on how to improve the LIGHT in your home space. She mentions "tubular skylights" (sometimes called "solartubes"). I learned about these from one of my buyers a couple of years ago, and have since recommended them to other clients. I am amazed at their simplicity, slim design and versatility...in addition to easily brightening up those dark hallways. And you can control the strength and placement of the light with a wallswitch device, much the same way you'd adjust light with window blinds.

Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

Bring More Natural Light into Your Charlotte Home for Sale

Why would you want to bring more natural light into your Charlotte home for sale? Any time you don’t need to turn on a light switch, it saves energy and money. It discourages mold and mildew. It’s cheering and feels expansive. Even if your power goes out, you can see and possibly even read by natural light. Here are some ways to do it:

Paint it brightly. You may be amazed at how much brighter a room becomes when the walls are a lighter color. Give it a try in one room and you will see the difference.

Use mirrors strategically. Hanging a mirror on the wall opposite a window will not only make the room seem bigger, it will bounce the light around and banish any dark corners you may have concern about.

Install a skylight. This is a good solution if your Charlotte home is wide and light from windows can’t reach the interior. Homeowners with heavily wooded lots benefit from this tip.

Install a tubular skylight. This is not your father’s skylight. This is a smaller, better insulated version that does not afford a view of the sky, but resembles a ceiling light. Tubular skylights emit a surprising amount of light for their size, due to the reflective surface of the tube that comes down from the roof, intensifying the light. They’re great for internal rooms with no windows or even for closets. Be aware that they also emit moonlight. Some people love to be in touch with the phases of the moon in their bedroom, others do not.

Install larger windows. If it’s time to upgrade to tighter, better insulated windows, consider making them larger on the south side of your Charlotte home. Windows on the south side allow more light inside in winter, while keeping sun out in summer. Keep windows on the north side small, as they do the opposite.

Open up your floorplan. Many homes have interior walls that block sunlight from penetrating into the living area. If you can remove walls that do so, or cut openings in them, it makes the area feel much more spacious. This works especially well if you have a wall between the kitchen and dining room. Some dark hallways can be eliminated entirely.

If you’re looking for a Charlotte home with lots of natural light, or a fixer-upper you can work on, I can help. Call or email me today.

Read More: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/bring-more-natural-light-into-your-charlotte-home-for-sale/

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*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

HOUSING STATISTICS for Lee County (Auburn-Opelika) - July 2011 Market Report

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 07:19:45 -0400

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

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Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!

FORECLOSURE-Auburn-Opelika Homes For Sale -1592 Millbranch Drive Auburn Alabama 36830

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:03:21 -0400

FIRST REALTY - Auburn Alabama Real Estate ~ Newly Listed Home For Sale, 1592 Millbranch Drive Auburn Alabama 36830. Listed at $104,900 by Mara Hawks, First Realty Realtor. This is a Foreclosure sale and needs lender approval for all terms and conditions.

Location! Location! Everything for a beginner's dream of making a house a home. Three-bedrooms; one and
one-half baths; no carpeting; all wood and tile flooring; stone fireplace, woodburning; newly painted interior; washer-dryer connection; ceiing fans, dishwasher, electric stove; according to public records, roof approx 17 years old and HVAC upgraded with new in 1990; termite inspected & bonded in 07/11; Right-of-redemption is April 2012; Great neighborhood with winding roads and lots of trees; Big backyard on level land; Storage shed. Close to Auburn Early Education Center and University; Millbranch Drive has access from Wrights Mill Road, one & one-half miles from Chewacla State Park walking trails.

FORECLOSURE Deal in Ogletree School District

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood

$104,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1426 sqft
Lot: 0.33 acre(s)
Location

1592 Millbranch Dr
Auburn, AL 36830
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

MARA HAWKS

FIRST REALTY, A RealtySouth Company
(334) 524-2220
mhawks7@aol.com
http://www.marahawks.com

Listed by: Mara Hawks

Nearby properties for sale

*and reach for some stars * * *

I "LIKE" Lee County … WAR EAGLE!

Looking for a local neighbor to help you tell your story?

Google one here!

Courtesy of Mara Hawks, inactive REALTOR®, storyteller/writer/editor.

Let's talk about LEE COUNTY ALABAMA!