About Lee County, AL

On this MEMORIAL DAY, May 25th, everyone is invited to the Auburn Mayor's Memorial Day BREAKFAST at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. This traditioanl event, now in its 11th year, honors our country's servicemen---the REAL American Idols...the unsung heroes who fought unflinchingly for our freedoms, the soldiers who sacrificed their lives, and the veterans who carry on the legacy with their lives, contributing their voice of remembrance and reason to their communities.

Tickets can be purchased for $20 each. All proceeds will be contributed to the Auburn Veteran's Memorial fund.

Following the breakfast that begins at 10:00 a.m., everyone is invited to attend a wreath ceremony at the Auburn Veteran's Memorial Monument, located at the corner of Ross and Glenn Avenues.

For more information about the Monument and the Veteran's Committee in Auburn, you are welcome to visit their website here.

© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here, including photographs, are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved.

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

CLICK ON CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

I attended the recent Commencement exercise of Auburn University graduates, as it included my daughter, Hilary. The Commencement Address was given by former pro athlete and an AU alumnus, Vincent "BO" Jackson. It was a touching moment when he had all of the graduates stand, look towards where their family might be sitting in the bleachers, and say "THANK YOU" to their moms. The graduation also happend to be on Mother's Day weekend.

As for my daughter, I couldn't be more proud of this young woman's perseverence, fortitude and poetic heart of worldly compassion. As any parent knows that has attended a college graduation, it's a moving on for you, too, as you witness your child moving into yet a larger realm of challenges and opportunities. While her college diploma can hold a matter-of-factness, the graduate, herself, will carry the qualities and character, developed so poignantly throughout her years, for a lifetime. This is solid ground to stand on, having learned that the highest uses of the mind cannot be set apart from the heart.

Following the traditional fanfare & Recessional, the graduates made their exit to the WAR EAGLE spirit song, heard at all of Auburn's athletic events. May "the force" of the EAGLE be with you, Hilary Hawks!

© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here, are the property of Mara Hawks and Mara Hawks' Family of Photos, All Rights Reserved

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

CLICK ON CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

If you find that you can afford to purchase a home while the housing market continues its downward shift, there are some excellent benefits for your investment, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer.

1. Per square foot, home prices have dramatically decreased in the past 24 months.

2. A large crop of inventory has created a high probability for you to find the créme de la crop!

3. Interest rates are considered "historic" as they haven't been this low in decades.

4. First-time homebuyers (or those who haven't owned a home in at least 3 years) are most eligible to qualify for the $8000 tax credit, if home is purchased before November 30, 2009. (Find out more)

Breaking News Update: While there was a plan brewing as late as last week to allow first time home buyers to use the $8,000 federal income tax credit for down payment, HUD reversed their decision and have closed the door on this option. One concern had been the similarity this seemed to have to ‘seller-funded down payment assistance.' And it could have been viewed as debt rather than credit, so NO !

5. Homeowners are able to take advantage of significant tax deductions, while building equity and household wealth. With the abundance of homes for sale in a downturned market, a good strategy to consider would be to scale back and revise the picture of your DREAM home...maybe something smaller or something you can gradually upgrade. There a lot of new construction, smaller homes , where builders have included some of the nicer building materials and extras that are traditionally expected in higher-priced homes. It's worth checking out the lower price ranges, even if, right now, you can afford more.

Rent costs, along with the costs of living, don't seem to diminish with the housing market prices. If you are a renter, it would be worth finding out the facts and learn what it would take to take the leap into home ownership. 2009 is a really great year to become a homeowner!

For a free consultation or to learn how you can plan to frame up your financial picture for a HOME purchase in Alabama, contact Emily White at Realty South Mortgage.

© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here, except where noted, are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

CLICK ON CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.

PAWS on SATURDAY, MAY 16th, from 9:00 - noon, and visit the Lee County Humane Society's PUPPY ADOPTION EXTRAVAGANZA. This fun-filled event is a wonderful opportunity for puppies looking for people with a home to share. Many litters of puppies that are otherwise going to spend the summer months at the shelter, get to receive special attention on this day...and some lucky dog just might notice you and you will get that feeling of PUPPY LOVE.

The Humane Society plans to have kennels all set up outside, and will have adoption counseling sessions ongoing. If you have been thinking about adopting a dog, bring along these 3 documents:

1. A copy of your current pet(s) vaccination records

2. A copy of your lease or proof that a pet will be allowed (if you are renting)

3. A driver's license or other photo I.D.

All puppies adopted at Puppy Adoption Extravaganzas have a discounted adoption processing fee of $60.

Join the Lee County Humane Society this Saturday for a day of fun and puppy love!

ROO (shown above) was adopted from the Lee County Humane Society over a year ago, and has added much joy to a household.

On Tuesday May 19th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm., the Lee County Humane Society invites everyone to Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A in the Village Mall. You can enjoy a delicious Chick-fil-A meal that will be served with extra goodness, as the proceeds from each meal ticket will be contributed to the Spay/Neuter Facility fund for the shelter. Seei you on Tuesday night!

© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

CLICK ON CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA

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? If you would like to receive these monthly reports, emailed directly to you, along with other local area information, feel free to contact me with a request.

REMINDER: MAKING HOME AFFORDABLE program, offered by the U.S. Treasury Department, is trying to assist homeowners with refinancing or modifying their mortgages. This federal government program is reaching out to homeowners whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. This may not be for everyone, and there is controversial discussion around the long-term effects on the overall economy, but this may be helpful information for some. You can visit their website or phone their hotine number: 888.995.4673.

BENEFIT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS - The Tax Credit Advantage

© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here, except where noted, are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL, #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! Committed to INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE.

CLICK ON CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Disclaimer: All information provided by this author is is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.