It's been nearly 40 years since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, it was established as a time for communities the world over, to recognize our deeper responsibility by minding our ways in caring for our natural resources. It was intended as a global reminder that The Earth is, essentially, our home... so let's all pitch in and do our part to promote clean and economical uses of energy and preserve our irreplaceable, natural resources. I don't think it's enough to simply think about recycling trash. It might be more to think about the freedoms we have here in this country to make the choices and make a difference--- even to the point of recycling some of our habitual ways of thinking. While recycling office equipment, plastics, glass and paper may seem insignificant on an individual level, I've observed that it can develop an increased sense of observation and listening to daily life, conversations and situations. I've observed the subtle growth that can expand a person's or a community's capacity to find peaceable resolutions.
In a land and country that continues to fight long and hard for its freedoms, we can learn that pursuits, even when driven by desperation, are optimized with opportunity--- an ever-present resource, especially in America. I suppose that is a miracle of the human quest, We just never know how close we might be to the next opportunity... to knowing a difference, to making a difference, to 'being' the difference. "In my Father's house are many mansions"... In my Mother's heart are many doors... OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING...open a door today, for Mother Earth, for the world we live in.
Related blog: BLOCKS OF EARTH - and the REALTOR Code of Ethics
© Copyright of photos and content, 2009. 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.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS: The 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. 
Yesterday evening, I enjoyed a wonderful intermission from the heralding beat of foreclosures, price reductions and low offers, when I went to hear The National Philharmonic of Russia perform at the Opelika Center for Performing Arts, sponsored by the Arts Association of East Alabama. It was an opportunity that affirmed, for me, that MUSIC is a natural "way of understanding" for all mankind. The National Philharmonic of Russia artistic director and principal conductor, Vladimir Spivakov, was brilliant in his remarkable interpretation of pieces by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev. A young, Japanese violinist, Mayuko Kamio, starred in the performance of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major. As if the content, form, beauty and skill were not enough of a bigger-than-life portrayal this piece, Mayuko's delivery of artistic genius was unbelieveable. After her final, most highly pitched note was bowed, like a fragile, fading whisper being carried off in a delicate breeze, you could hear a pin drop in the packed auditorium... a pause of complete awe, followed by a roaring, standing ovation.
Sitting back in the balcony, my thoughts diverted, at one point, to the real estate / banking mess. I've often sought wisdom from the principles of music, and for a moment last night, observed the success of a perfect presentation, as each section of the orchestra adhered to the score at the direction of the conductor. There truly are many illustrations for teamwork, synchronization of systems, and achievement of excellence that can be drawn from or modeled from the design and performance art of an orchestra.
As a Realtor, practicing real estate, I can aspire to this model for conducting business, appreciating the counterpoint and precision of reliable services, knowing how to read and interpret the score, keeping harmony in check, paying attention, striving for the best presentation of skills and knowledge that comes from practice, learning, applying, practice, learning more and more practice, presenting my best for the teamwork that fine tunes every transaction.
It's good to get away from the fast tempo that easily becomes a daily rhythm. Stopping to rest, appreciating beauty-in nature, in music, in art---uplifts our sights and offers perspective for our own practice and performance. The Arts Association of East Alabama has a word for this practice: "UNPLUG."
For more information on East Alabama Arts and upcoming exhibits and performances, you can visit their website here.
© Copyright 2009 - This posting and the contents written here, except where noted, are the copyrighted 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 strictly an opinion, 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.
According to The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act of 2009, an $8000 tax credit is available for any qualified purchase before December 1, 2009. In the following chart, the data in blue highlights the modifications that were made to the 2008 tax credit. For more information, visit www.realtor.org.
© 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 strictly an opinion, 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.
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. 
LEE COUNTY HOUSING STATISTICS
February 2009 and February 2008
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 strictly an opinion, 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.
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Find homes for sale in Auburn, AL . Working with First Realty Auburn, the #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, THE LEADER in results, service and expertise in all areas of real estate.
I am privileged to work with the #1 Real Estate Team in Lee County, the leader in professional real estate services in Auburn, Opelika & Lee County for over 3 decades! FIRST REALTY has maintained their top ranking for the number of closed transactions, every year since 1976. I am, along with my associates, committed to our company philosophy of INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE of all phases of the real estate business, and SERVICE to you, our customer and client. Whether you're moving in or moving out of the area, I can assist you, and, as always, look forward to making your experience a truly harmonious and moving one!
The following expresses a little about why I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Realtor today:
"SoCal Wildfires Inspire Response From Realtors" Maintaining ‘A Sense of Home' Mara D. Hawks
www.rismedia.com
November 8, 2007
I work in Alabama, and was visiting my daughter and family in Encinitas, California, during the days of the fires. We were on a vigilant watch with the news and keeping track of nearby relatives. I feel an intense compassion for the land and for the people whose homes and neighborhoods were affected, and, in retrospect, am also in awe of the galvanized spirit of Southern Californians and the hearts of gold that are clearly evident in times like these. These unchangeable, enduring qualities spark the fuel for reconnecting, rebuilding, relocating and restoring. I am more proud today of my work as a Realtor, just knowing of those Realtors who are able to effectively facilitate practical services and a sense of home-no matter what the circumstances.
Realtor
Auburn, Alabama
First-Time Home Buyers - NEST EGGS come in all sizes. When you first begin thinking of buying a home, there are many questions and concerns, anxiety and excitement. Taking time to research and look at different shapes and sizes of homes is a big part of the process, (sort of like sitting on the egg!), and definitely the first step after getting some finances in order. Once you decide on some areas or neighborhoods you like, and also on a few basic things that your home must have, like how many bedrooms, what general price range, new construction or anything, you can let me know, and I can set you up with a customized New Listings Notification, which can assist you in your search for a home.is After that, you will be notified by email of new listings that come on the market and meet your criteria. This tool helps you in a very timely way (you are notified within 24 hours of a new property being listed on the Lee County Multiple Listing Service). It also helps you understand the local market and can help you stay on track with your search. When a property comes on the market that looks like your future home, just contact me and I can make a showing appointment for you. Just call me (Mara at 334-524-2220) or email me and let me know you'd like to be set up on the New Listings Notification program! Sometimes, new buyers find exactly what they want on our first trip out to view properties!
NEW CONSTRUCTION - My association with several builders and developers continues to give me a unique and very educational experience in working with new construction homes. Like a new pair of shoes, you sometimes have to walk in them a bit and wear them in, and then they are your favorite! I can work with you every step of the way, whether you're considering a custom home, a semi-custom or a spec. New construction is exciting. Growing Auburn has a wide selection of new construction homes, offering much in the way of premium materials, fixtures, hardware, and state-of-the-art designs and plans. Right now in Auburn, Opelika and Notasulga on Saugahatchee Creek, there are communities of beautiful homes developing (from my website, visit HELPFUL LINKS for some of these developments. If you have a plan, some ideas you've collected over the years and stashed away for your dream home design, or no plans at all except an interest in building a custom home, don't hesitate to contact me for some resources and to set up a free consultation with a quality, approved homebuilder!
Lynne Pope (Los Angeles area) Interior Design, Pope and Associates Interior Design Inc. worked directly with Mara as a colleague
"Mara has been amazing on all her projects. She has a huge vision and ability to transfer word images and photography into a product which sells properties. Most important is that she loves homes and people and gives the extra mile of service." January 25, 2008
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Andy Vear (Chicago) hired Mara as a Real Estate Agent in 2006
"Mara was the most helpful real estate agent I have ever worked with, I would highly recommend her and plan on using her again and again." January 27, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
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Angela Bernstein (Alabama) hired Mara as a Real Estate Agent in 2006
"Best realtor in the Auburn, Alabama area." March 22, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
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Kim Mancuso (Auburn, AL) hired Mara as a Real Estate Agent in 2007
"Having Mara represent you would impress anyone. She's awesome! She worked very hard for us and helped make our dreams come true."
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