Posts
All Comments
© Copyright 2009 - This photo is 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 CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA 
This could be a sure sign of spring, after the surprise snowstorm of a couple weeks ago. This was taken on Rockybrook Road in Opelika, AL
© Copyright 2009 - This posting, photos 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 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.
I didn't think the bandwidth of RETech South's BEST SPEAKERS EVER could broaden any further after Jeff Turner stepped down from the main stage (and I think we're all in agreement that those are some one-of-a-kind shoes to fill), and yet another gift of the amazing day (produced and orchestrated by Matt Fagioli and Brad Nix) was the presentation of DAVE JENKS. What a privilege to have the opportunity to listen to this man's stories and wisdom! Dave has been in the business of real estate for about 30 years. He currently represents Keller Williams Realty, possibly attracted by the firehouse red color they brand with, because he is FIRED UP and ignited his audience! He is also the co-author of 4 best-selling must-reads:
Straight up, Dave positioned us with "We are not under the gun in this market. We are under the gun in our profession," then proceeded to teach us how to identify our target, aim and BE FIRED UP (yet calm). It's not who you know anymore, but rather WHO KNOWS YOU. Social media allows consumers to virtually watch you work. Your words reveal you. Establish credibility. Target your transparency so consumers and search engines point and aim your way. Taste, intelligence, trust... credibility and skill....be mindful and proactive...'DO IT, OR CONNECT THEM TO IT'...
Dave encouraged everyone to 'increase your bandwidth,' even if you're uncomfortable. DO IT!
T.R.Y. = The Real You
'Talent,' he reassured us, 'is not the issue. IT'S TIME ON THE TASK! You can be terrible at something, and 5000 hours later, BE EXCELLENT at it.' (practice, practice, practice!)
Much of the Dave Jenks attitude stems from his adopted philosophy that 'you don't get business---you attract it.' Just this week, his team launched and invited us to join the F.E.W, the Free Enterprise Warriors, aimed to provide support and thought-leadership worldwide, specifically to entreprenuerial ventures.
P.S. On a note of synchronicity, at the day's end, I (and one other person) boarded a shuttle to go back to the hotel.We began pulling away from the curb and got flagged down by 2 more riders---Dave Jenks and his brilliant assistant, Laurie Hathorn. That was simply the icing on the cake!
© Copyright 2009 - This posting, photos and the contents written here, except where noted, are the property of Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved (with exception to Dave Jenks and Laurie Hathorn, of course!)
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 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 sun is setting on this ST PATRICK'S DAY. It began with the making of 
traditional Irish Soda Bread and bringing it to the office along with some Irish Breakfast Tea. My recipe for the Irish soda bread tastes like a creamy, caraway scone...real butter is encouraged, and the tea was the perfect beverage that hour of the day.
The traditional Irish Blessing is offered with the bread.
This afternoon I was back at my computer, and happened to come across a really cool photograph of a St. Patrick's Day parade in Belfast, Ireland. The photo was very interesting (and very cute!) and slightly confusing, as the young paraders were all wearing curly, purple wigs, orange shirts and yellow coveralls...a few were carrying yokes with milk buckets hanging off of them, and some were carrying large, paper-machie mushrooms, painted in oranges, reds and blues. My first thought was: 'Are we color blind?' I don't understand the lack of green, and I'd love to learn the story behind this colorful St. Patrick's Day parade that lacked GREEN! I was entirely enthused about sharing the photo find. It was posted by the Associated Press. For the first time ever, I actually went through the process of writing to them for permission to use this photo for a blog post---and, of course, promising to credit AP and anything else they wanted.
After several emails back and forth, mainly reassuring them of my intent, I was told I could post it for one month for $75 or for a year for $150, and then it would have to be removed. NO LUCK! I was more worried that I might forget to remove it in a year, and then I'd worry all year about forgetting. I just couldn't afford it financially or psychologically, if you know what I mean. I was not happy to have my fun spoiled. I really wanted to share it with YOU! So...a little leprechaun sketched it out and did somewhat of a rendering of the photo. I hope it gives you an idea of the St. Patrick's Day Parade today, in Belfast, Ireland----with colors like you'd never expect at a parade on this day---like the one in Chicago!
WISHING YOU LUCK FOR A HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!
© 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 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.
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.
CLICK 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. 
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.
The founding purpose of International Kiwanis Clubs is to serve the needs of children around the world. “ONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE” is not only a belief, but a practice in providing opportunities to help and care. Kiwanians are passionate about encouraging The Golden Rule and promoting their works
of goodwill with the highest of social and professional standards. Their selfless efforts continue to sustain and strengthen our communities. Your participation reaches much farther than the purchase of a plant. If you haven’t already stopped by, they are set up on the northwest corner of Opelika Road and University Drive, across from the mall.
The local division here in Lee County, covers Auburn, Opelika and Phenix City and surrounding areas. For more info on Kiwanis Club in Lee County, visit here.
© 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 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.
A SNOWFALL is a rare occurance in this part of the south. Being a native northerner, it was like waking up to a surprise holiday with beautiful, snowy views of Auburn-Opelika. I headed out with my camera at 6:30 a.m. to take in the magic of A WINTER DAY in Auburn!
CLICK HERE for SNOWY SLIDESHOW of Auburn-Opelika, AL on March 1, 2009
CLICK HERE to see SNOWMEN of ALABAMA!
© 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.
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 CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA
I take great pride in working with the FIRST REALTY team in Auburn, Alabama. Their considerable ranking in closed real estate transactions has been sustained for more than three decades in LEE COUNTY. The Company philosophy of INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE of all phases of the real estate business and SERVICE established the FIRST REALTY mission statement in 1976. Since then, EXCELLENT leadership and TEAMWORK have patterned agents with this underpinning, creating the durable fabric of sheer success in working with Buyers and Sellers. THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, pointing to First Realty as having consistent results and experienced success in Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County real estate year after year. Get to know us by visiting our website or give us a call. Agents are available seven days a week!
Are you thinking about a career selling real estate in Auburn, Opelika or Lee County, AL? Does your business philosophy encompass INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE and SERVICE to your customers and clients? If so,you are invited to use our Real Estate Simulator to find out if a career in real estate is right for you. Give us a call for a confidential interview or contact GLORIA or SHERRI by email.
Active in Alabama, Mara Hawks, REALTOR with FIRST REALTY of Auburn, AL
CLICK CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA
SUNDAY, January 11th at 1:00 p.m. the Opelila-Auburn News and the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Program have teamed up as sponsors for the 2009 BRIDAL EXPO at the Grand Mariott National Lodge and 
Conference Center . This annual event has been presented by the OA News since 2000, catering to brides-to-be with dozens of professional vendors, offering ideas and services for the wedding day. This year is more exciting than ever, with the co-sponsoring by the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Program, who are providing professional speakers to present two, information and inspiration-packed talks, in support of healthy relationships and the concept of forever : "Keep Your Marriage Sizzling" and "Keys To Blissful Communication."
I had a chance to speak with Melissa Blackburn, the marketing coordinator for the OA News who organized the Expo. Her bubbling enthusiasm had me smiling as she described another new item for the expo, being the GROOMS LOUNGE! That's right, this is going to be fun for BOTH the brides and grooms-to be! These guys will be able to "lounge" with a golf expert (who will share tips to improve anyone's game), sports on a big screen, some refreshments and fun.
Vendors will cover photography, jewelry, catering and cakes, invitations, venues and lodging, music, rentals, and, of course, bridal gowns! Brides-to-Be are eligible for $5000 in Door Prizes! A beautiful Clothes Rack Fashion Show begins at 4:00. Tickets for the entire afternoon event are $8 at the door. For more info about the expo, visit their website.
I am personally looking forward to attending this event with my daughter, Hilary, who is planning an
August wedding!
This event comes on the heels of HEALTHY MARRIAGE Month in the state of Alabama, designated as February by Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Mrs. Patsy Riley. For some delightful reflection and motivation on marriage, visit www.alaba,amarriage.org and read some of the essays collected from eighth graders across the state, who wrote about "The Best Marriage You Know." PRICELESS!
© 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 CART TO SHOP FOR HOMES IN AUBURN-OPELIKA, ALABAMA
