Here Comes Christmas!!!

Can you believe Christmas Day is almost here!!!!????? I can't! I'm almost in a panic. Shopping isn't done and I have one more party at my house to prepare for. Busy! Busy!! Since this is the last full weekend before Christmas I thought I would let you know off a few store hours a few shopping establishments you might need to put on your list for this weekend.

Sears
Saturday Hours 7 am-11 pm
Sales range from 20% off to 70% off

JCPenney
Friday Hours 8 am-midnight
Saturday Hours 6 am-midnight
Sales range from 25% off to 70% off

ToysRus
Friday and Saturday Hours 6 am-midnight
Sales range from 25% off to 85% off

Dillards
9:30am-10 pm

Stein Mart
Opens at 6 am on Saturday

These are just a few stores you can choose from. I'm sure even more have extended hours. And of course, you can always save WalMart for last because they are opened 24 hours a day for your shopping convenience.

Just remember the true meaning of the season is not all the material frenzy we run around and buy, it's the Birth of Jesus who we really celebrate!

Merry Christmas!

Michelle

Dothan's Downtown Christmas

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! The City of Dothan, along with a host of sponsors, is hosting it's 4th Annual Downtown Christmas. There are many activities going on Friday night and all day Saturday. They kicked all the festivities off last night in the chilly air with the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was a grand night with singing, lights, and of course, Santa! The Downtown Christmas is a wonderful way to kick-off the holiday season and get that Christmas spirit going! They have so much planned starting with the Holiday Spectacular which will feature tons of entertainment orchestrated by Ron DeVane. Saturday's events include a huge Snow Zone, music, crafts for the kids, food including one of my favorites-The Corn Dog Man and tons of vendors selling everything from Watkins products, Simply Tasteful, to clothes and purses. There will also be a Pet Fashion Extravaganza! How Cute! To find out more information check out www.downtowngroup.com.

Friday, December 5, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Holiday Spectacular
Dothan Opera House
Adults: $11
Students: $8

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Starts at 9:00 a.m.
It's FREE!!!!
Snow Zone
Arts and Crafts
Kids Activities
Music
Food
FUN!!!!

Saturday, December 6, 2008
A Wiregrass Christmas
Dothan Opera House
7:00 p.m.
Adults: $10
Students: $8

It's going to be a great Holiday Celebration in Downtown Dothan!
Hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas!

Michelle

Christmas Tree Lighting in Dothan

Tonight at 6:00 p.m. the city of Dothan will host the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This tradition has been going on for over 38 years. There have been 3 Christmas Trees in my lifetime. The first I remember was in front of the Houston County Courthouse. It was huge! Then when they fixed up Poplar Head Park they had a tree there that grew to be very large. Now we have a very, very large tree that sits on the balcony of the Dothan Civic Center. It is adorned beautifully each Christmas.

Come on down tonight and enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree. There will be singing by the Montana Magnet School Chorus and many other things going on. It should make for a great start to your Christmas Season.

Dothan Civic Center
December 2, 2008
6:00 p.m.

Merry Christmas!

Don't forget your coat!

Michelle

Black Friday in Dothan

Dothan is loaded with places to shop on Black Friday! Thanksgiving is a great time to have a newspaper. After you finish eating and cleaning the kitchen sit down and rest and put your feet up. While your feet are up you can plan you Black Friday Attack!!!!!! There are stores that open at 4:00 AM in Dothan. I have seen advertisements with sales as much as 60% off. I'll have to say I've never seen such a discount so far away from Christmas. Sign of the times I guess.

Here's a few tips for your Black Friday Shopping:

Make your list and check it twice.
Check sales papers and write store beside each item.
Map out your route.
Buy only what is on your list. Don't waste time looking!
Use cash. Don't go into debt.
Be careful! Watch out for the other person.
Be nice! No fighting. Remember it is just "stuff".
Have fun!

With these tips you should have a successful Black Friday day.

Happy Shopping!

Michelle

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is here! Take time to ponder all that you have to be thankful for and take that into the Christmas season!

Happy Turkey Day!

Michelle

Turkey Day is Coming!

Thanksgiving! Have you ever just pondered that word? Over the past week, I started to think about and remember those Thanksgiving traditions and really what I had to be thankful for this year. With the state of our country and economy some people will have a very slim holiday and it might not look like you have much to be thankful for, but we all do.

I have been through a Thanksgiving with no job and no prospects on the horizon. I visited with loved ones at the hospital on holidays. I have been alone because of illness and sent my family to enjoy themselves with family, even though I could not. Times can be hard, but I can think of so many things I have in my life to be thankful for. As far as our country is concerned we have not been attacked on American soil since 911. Our troops overseas have done a fabulous job keeping us safe and making great progress which is not reported. Our city has new businesses opening up which means more jobs. Our church just had our Thanksgiving Celebration to celebrate all God has done for us and for paying off over 1 million dollars for our newest building in only 22 months. I personally have a great husband and daughter, a wonderful family, food on the table, and a roof over my head. I am very blessed.

One thing to be thankful for that many of us forget is that we are breathing and our heart is still beating--we are ALIVE!!! I wake up-thankful. I'm breathing-thankful. Even on my worst day those are things to be thankful for. During this Thanksgiving season be thankful for even the smallest of things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle

Publix Times 2

Publix is coming! Publix is coming!! Sound the alarm Publix is coming! Your eyes are not deceiving you! This chain has been long awaited in the circle city. Publix will be located on Hwy 84 west on the corner of 84 and John D. Odom and the corner of Cottonwood Road and Ross Clark Circle. Publix will the the anchor store for each location. The 84 west complex will be called Westway Publix and the Cottonwood Road location will be called Cottonwood Corners.

Many people in the Wiregrass have been awaiting the day that Publix would grace the map in Dothan. Publix has the reputation of being a top of the line market. The variety they offer is huge and the Publix brand items are great! Yes, it can be a little pricier that the other grocers in the area, but the quality is a higher and you pay for quality. The have a huge variety of produce and even carry sushi. Publix ranks up there with another grocer-Fresh Market.

It's a great time for the city of Dothan. We have new retail coming in which means new jobs and more places to spend our money.

Publix is Coming!!

Michelle

It's Here! It's Here!!!

The National Peanut Festival started this past Friday and will continue through Sunday, November 9. This is a very exciting part of the year for many folks who grew-up around here. I have always enjoyed the "fair" since I was a little girl. I can remember riding all the kiddy rides and then moving up to the "big girl" rides as I got older. I truly enjoy my corn dog from "The Corn Dog Man" and my elephant from the Boy Scouts. Let me tell you there's nothin' better. The weather is just perfect with the nip in the air at night. Believe me, you don't want to sweat at the fair. There's something that just isn't right about the combination of sweat and the fair.

This Saturday, November 8, marks the parade. The parade is like the crowning jewel of the National Peanut Festival. People from all around line Main Street just to see it. It encompasses everything about the festival and Dothan. There are bands, ROTC groups, motorcycles, queens, children, dignitaries, and so much more. One of the highlights early on is when that cement truck full of peanuts slowly moves dropping 100's of pounds of peanuts on the street. Tons of kids and grown-ups run to collect their share. It's lots of fun and it gives you something to eat during the parade.

Come and join the fun and visit the fair and check out the parade.

Parade
Saturday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m.

Just go NUTS!!!!

Michelle

Video Tours of Dothan Real Estate-It's New and It's GREAT!!!

Finding a home has come a long way! The advances of technology make the real estate business so much fun! Years ago you looked in books at the houses on the market and now with a few strokes on the keyboard you can see everything with digital pictures and video. It's makes it so easy to buy a house. All the new advancements save everyone so much time.



When I got into the business all I heard was "pictures sell a house". I never knew how true that was until I bought mine. When I bought mine it looked terrible and the pictures didn't help whatsoever. I know now that's one reason it was on the market for 18 months. My husband found it and saw the potential. There weren't that many pictures to start with. Working with many clients who are out-of-state, pictures have been a huge selling point. I actually got a contract on a house the buyers had never stepped foot in and they bought it off of my pictures and my description. Pictures can truly tell the story of the house. It was amazing!



The newest technology is video! It puts you right inside the home. At Century 21 Key Realty, we have 2 types of videos we are doing. One is about 2 minutes long and it gives the highlights of the house. Then we have the video tour. This video is around 4 minutes and is narrated with tons of information about the home as you look. It's a great tool! I have done one of my listings as a video tour so go check it out.
Click Below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBSJ_WZFrZo

Isn't technology wonderful!!!

Michelle

www.youtube.com

How Long Will It Last?

Old vs. New? Which is better? Most of the time I like a good mix until it comes to those "can't do without it" appliances, etc. I stumbled upon this article from The Old House Web called "Life Expectancy". It talked about how long "things" in your house are suppose to last. Here's a few things we all have in our house and how long they should last:

Dishwasher 10 years
Electric Ranges 17 years
Gas Ranges 19 years
Gas Ovens 14 years
Fiberglass bathtub/showers 10-15 years
Copper wiring 100+ years
Paint, Plaster, & Stucco 3-5 years
Oak/Pine Floors- Lifetime
Carpeting (depends on installation, amount of traffic, & quality of carpet) 11 years
Central Air Conditioning Unit 15 years
Aluminum, exterior Shutters 3-5 years
Gutters/Downspouts 30 years
Ceramic Tile, high grade installation Lifetime

And the list goes on and on. Once items in our houses get a little older, it might be time to purchase a Home Warranty. What's that you say? A home warranty is kinda like insurance as far as you have a one-time yearly cost and then you pay only a certain amount per service call. There are only a few parts that aren't covered. I have had a home warranty on all my homes and they have always paid for themselves. I would highly recommend a home warranty with any pre-loved home.

Isn't it neat to know how long things are suppose to last? Many appliances now-a-days are almost becoming throw away. Sometimes it is cheaper to chunk it and buy new, than it is to repair. That's amazing!

Michelle

Miss National Peanut Pageant-Saturday

As a little girl, me and my mom went to all the Miss Peanut pageants. It was just tradition. I can remember getting autographs from all the guest queens and how they were all "bigger than life". Well, now that I'm about 20 years their senior, I see they are beautiful, smart, sweet, YOUNG gals. I still love pageants. I guess I've gotten more interested in them since I became friends with people who work with these pageants. My friend Melanie has introduced me to a few Miss Alabama's and I was able to meet Diedra Downs when she was Miss America a few years ago. That's the closest I've come to the famous queens.

Okay, back to the Peanut Festival Pageant. Saturday night will be the Miss National Peanut Pageant. I'm proud to say my friend Walter Hill, CEO of the United Way, will be co-emceeing this event. He is going to do a wonderful job! Let me encourage you to go and support your town's beauty. The NPF Queen has quite a few duties during the week of the National Peanut Festival. One duty is to "grease the pigs" for the greasy pig chase. This is always fun to watch. Throughout the years, some queens have jumped in to help and others have watched in amazement like it was their first time seeing a pig. They do lots throughout the week and they top the week off at the National Peanut Festival Parade on the final Saturday of the fair.

Make plans to attend the Miss Peanut Pageant.

Saturday, October 18
7:00 p.m. (check me on this)
Dothan Civic Center

Go Walter!

Michelle

"You Would Be Amazed"

"You would be amazed" is a saying my husband and I throw around when we have the opportunity to enjoy something "extra". The first time I used this was when I was sharing with the hubby how wonderful my massage was that I had. I told him, "you would be amazed at how relaxed you can be after having a massage".

As I look out from my chalet with an INCREDIBLE VIEW, once again I have to say, "you would be amazed" at how wonderful a relaxing vacation can really be. Yes-a vacation! Can you believe it? I'm on vacation. The little lady is out on fall break and a wonderful friend blessed us with a place to stay in Gatlinburg, so here we are! Hubby is having a good chuckle at my expense because I can't get real close to the railing of our chalet because heights give me a little trouble sometimes. My goal by the end of this vacation is to be able to stand at the rail and look down. Sounds small I know, but you have to understand when I look off the balcony on the second floor, I am looking at the tops of trees! That's how high on the mountain I am!

I'm looking forward to reading some books and working on classes for real estate. You are probably thinking-work? Well, I have the time and not many distractions. I have to stay up on my real estate market, I just can't get behind. Plus I love real estate and just can't put it down for too long at the time. Don't worry if you need to get in touch with me I'm still available. This computer is working away and cell service is alive and well. Actually, I'm higher than the towers. lol

Go relax! I am.

Michelle

National Peanut Festival Coming Soon!

YeeHaw! The National Peanut Festival is a highlight in my life every year. I know many will say, it's corny, or there's nothing really special about it, etc., but growing up with it year after year, I usually can't wait for fall to get here because I know what's coming next.

My fondest memories are going with my deddy, and no I spell it the way I pronounce it. Most of my life the festival was at the Houston County Farm Center and that's where most of my memories lie. My deddy has always been in law enforcement and ever since I can remember had a pass to park in the livestock exhibitor's parking, so I have fortunately never had to endure the general parking. Since we could park so close, we would go every night. As I got older, deddy would stay and talk at the livestock barns and I would get to walk around by myself or with friends. Of course, back then you were safe walking around by yourself. I don't think I could do that with my daughter today. One of my favorite events is the greasy pig chase and the calf scramble. Little did I know, I would eventually marry the son of the winner of the first calf scramble in Peanut Festival history.

Eating at the fair was always first and most important. I would plan my rides around my eating. It would be interesting to know how many hours I have stood in line for a corn dog for the Famous Corn Dog Man over the years. Before leaving each night I would get an Elephant Ear. I can remember making a trip to the fair just to get a corn dog and elephant ear and then taking some home to have for breakfast the next morning. Boy those were the days!

Since the National Peanut Festival moved down 231 south and I have finally grown up, I don't go every night. I do look forward to the nights I do go. My family loves the roasted corn, polish sausage, kettle corn, and still my favorites-corn dog and elephant ear. Oh wait! Don't forget the boiled peanuts. I believe my daughter could eat her weight in them. She loves boiled peanuts!

Parade Day is always fun! We get there at least an hour early to put our chairs out and watch the people. My daughter would hardly ride with her PawPaw in the parade because she didn't want to miss any of it, even though he was in the first few people. I haven't missed a parade in 39 years and my daughter has never missed one in her lifetime. It's just tradition and there some traditions you don't break.

The dates of the National Peanut Festival are Friday, October 31-Sunday, November 9. Make plans to attend and enjoy the southern fun. For more info: www.nationalpeanutfestival.com or 793-4323.

Hope to see you there.

Michelle

10 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Agent-Me of course!

I ran across this little tidbit of info about using a real estate agent and thought I would share it with you. Regions Mortgage came up with this list.

Sell at the right price.
Work with only quilified buyers.
Better marketing means a quicker sale.
Show your home in the best possible light.
Helpful financial tips.
Buy the right home.
Get the best price.
Choose the perfect neighborhood.
Keep a cool head in negotiations.
Financing 101-Some expert advice.

This is a great list! A good real estate agent can walk you through every step listed above. We are educated professionals here to serve you.

My philosophy is to make your home buying/selling experience as stress-free as possible and hopefully fun. I enjoy working with buyers and sellers. Homes are my passion and selling yours or helping you find the perfect one is truly where I love to be. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me: cell-334-333-1609 or michelle@c21keyrealty.com

It's a great time to buy or sell!

Michelle

Dothan Dots of Info: Holiday of Hope Marketplace-this Weekend

Dothan Dots of Info: Holiday of Hope Marketplace-this Weekend

Make sure you put the Holiday of Hope Marketplace on your calendar this weekend. Check out a former post under the same name for extra info.

Holiday of Hope Marketplace
October 3-5
Dothan Civic Center

$6 per person for entrance

Happy Shopping!

Michelle

Holiday of Hope Marketplace-this Weekend

ShopInDothan.com-It's Here!

ShopInDothan.com will launch on October 4, 2008 with a celebration at Willy T's during the lunch hour. What is ShopInDothan.com? Plainly put, it's a website promoting great businesses in Dothan who give good service, quality products, and possess a good reputation in the community. What a great idea!!!

Brett Smith created ShopInDothan.com to declare and highlight great businesses in Dothan. He and his family moved here about a year ago, knowing very little about the area, struggled to learn about different businesses in Dothan. ShopInDothan.com was given life, so others won't waste precious time with businesses who aren't giving good products and services. What a service offered to newcomers to our area and those who have lived here for a few years or a lifetime. Sometimes we get into a slump of using the same businesses even though they are not giving good service, but we think they are the only one in Dothan. Guess what? There are very few businesses that have the entire corner on the market in Dothan, but we just don't know all of them. This is where ShopInDothan.com comes into play. ShopInDothan.com does all the work for you! Yeah!

Go check out ShopInDothan.com and register for their free give-a-ways and check out their new website. Sometimes you think no one ever wins those give-a-ways, well guess what? I was their first $50 gas card winner! Hooray!

ShopInDothan.com Launch
October 4, 2008
Willy T's
Lunch Hour
They will have balloons, other business involvement, promos, and give-a-ways!

See You There!

Michelle

Senior World Conference in Dothan

Seniors have a new look in our world today. I say this from looking at my wonderful mom and dad. They don't look, act, or feel as old as they are.(on most days) My parents are much more active at their age than my grandparents at the same age. I'm sure there's a list of reasons why, but that's another post. My mom was all excited when she reach the age to go to the senior adult luncheon at church. I'm the one who told her she wasn't old enough. I just couldn't believe my mom was that old. It's just 50! Needless to say, I'm getting closer to that to that number everyday.

Troy University will host the Senior World Conference this Friday. Dothan Police Chief John Powell will be the guest speaker and then they will have breakout sessions. The breakout session topics will range from organic gardening to health and legal issues and lots in between. I think this will be a great opportunity to learn about issues facing seniors. Get out and have fun!

Senior World Conference
Friday, September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Troy University Dothan's Sony Hall
Cost: $10 at the door, $8 in advance
Info: www.the seniorworld.org or 983-0005

Mom, hope you have fun!

Michelle

Holiday of Hope Marketplace

What is your favorite time of the year? Starting now until the end of the year is the "bestest" time of the year. A tradition in Dothan for the past 3 years has been the Holiday of Hope Marketplace. This is a great place to start your Christmas shopping and get a look at the newest trends for the year. A variety of vendors participate to show-off their treasures. Fine gifts, gourmet foods, clothing, pet items, handbags, jewelry, home decor, children's attire, and more.

Start today making your Christmas list today. It's important to be organized in shopping, so you don't duplicate gifts. This is a great event for ladies to get together and do what we do best--SHOP!!!!

The Holiday of Hope Marketplace is presented by The City of Dothan. The proceeds from this event benefit Covenant Hospice. There is a Preview Party & Silent Auction on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. Please contact the Dothan Civic Center for Preview ticket cost. It only cost $6 per day and children 8 & under are $2. Believe me it's worth every penny and what a great cause.

Holiday of Hope Marketplace
Dothan Civic Center
October 3-5, 2008
Friday 9-7
Saturday 9-7
Sunday 12:30-4

Make your list and check it twice!

Michelle

Wiregrass Home & Garden Expo

The Wiregrass Home & Garden Expo is here! You can find most anything for your home at this expo. I can personally hook you up with a realtor-ME! There will be seminars all 3 days at various times. Demonstrations at different vendors and plenty to see. There will be over 47 venders. All proceeds will benefit Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity Youth United. I can't wait! Here's the info:

Wiregrass Home & Garden Expo

September 19-21

Dothan Civic Center

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 9am-6pm

Sunday Noon-4pm

Admission is $5

I will be at the Century 21 Key Realty booth on Friday from 10-2. I hope to see you there. Stop by and pick up some freebies and info on area homes.

See ya where the fun will be.

Michelle

Art After Hours in Dothan

Art After Hours will be held Thursday, September 18 from 5-7:30 at the Wiregrass Museum of Art. This is the season finale and will include live music, horsd'oeuvres and wine. This would be a wonderful close to a busy day. The music will be provided by Wigatron, a blues and fund band out of Birmingham. The Wiregrass Museum of Art has so much to offer our community so go by on Thursday and enjoy a little Art After Hours. Tickets are $5 and free for museum members. If you have any questions please call 794-3871.

Have Fun!

Michelle

Deciding to Buy in Dothan

Are you ready to get out of that apartment? Want to own your very own home? Are you ready for more responsibility? When you get to this point thousands of ideas run through your mind and if you ask, you will probably get way more opinions than you would ever want. These questions will help you come closer to the answers you need.

Do you want to fix-up an older home in an established neighborhood?
Do you want to walk into a home with that "new" smell lingering?
How much time do you have to devote to maintaining your home?
Do you like yard work?
Do you want to live close to work?
Do you need to be in a certain school district?
What area/neighborhood do you want to live?
How big does your home need to be?

To help get some of these answers I would suggest you ride around different neighborhoods at different times of the day. On Sunday's go to open house. There are always houses open each Sunday and you can see new construction and pre-loved homes. The answers to these questions and these tips will assist you in getting on the right track to purchase a new home.

One last thing, CALL ME!!! I can help you with the answers to these questions. I can show you things in person and even over email which will assist you on your journey to a new home. Realtors are professionals in the housing industry. I look forward to hearing from you.

Cell: 334-333-1609
Office:334-793-6990
michelle@c21keyrealty.com

Call me your adventure awaits!

Michelle

Dothan's Jewish Community Goes National

Last week I blogged about a new program the Family Jewish Community Services in Dothan was offering for people to move to Dothan. Big is not the word for it! It's the buzz in New York! How exciting! Dothan has hit the front page of the AM New York paper. This news has been in hundreds of newspapers and linked on more than 700 blogs, per Google search. The Blumberg Family Jewish Community Services of Dothan Web site has over 150,000 hits and the office has fielded over 500 calls from across the country. You can go online and fill out and application. There are stipulations, such as, criminal background checks, etc. and you do have to stay in Dothan at least 5 years. This program shows the dedication and love that Larry Blumberg has for the Jewish community, but also for Dothan.

I look forward to meeting new friends coming to Dothan!

Michelle

Low Country Boil at Landmark Park

Have you ever eaten from a wheelbarrow? Thursday night is your chance to experience a Low Country Boil at Landmark Park. The night will be filled with food, music, and an auction. This is a huge fundraiser for Landmark Park and all proceeds will go to further the parks development in the future. The Stokes Barn will house the main scene on this special night, as the wheelbarrows bring the food to the tables and then the food is spread out before you to feast on all the things you like such as shrimp, sausage, corn, etc. it's so much fun. Pure & Simple, a local bluegrass band, will provide entertainment for the night. Your kids can come and play on the Barnyard Playground and go on a fun hayride. Hotdogs will also be available. An auction will also be held with Auburn and Alabama signed footballs on the block to be auctioned plus more things like trips.

This will be a great night of activities for the entire family and all proceeds will go to future development.

Landmark Park-Highway 431 North in Dothan
Stokes Activity Barn
Thursday, September 18, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $60 per person, $50 per person for park members, some reserved tables for 8 are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the park.

Come on out and enjoy the Landmark Low Country Boil!

Michelle

Move to Dothan For Money

Move to Dothan for money? Yes it is true! Temple Emanu-El in Dothan is working with Blumberg Family Jewish Community Services of Dothan to increase the membership of the temple in Dothan. This organization is offering as much as $50,000 dollars to families who will to Dothan and live for at least five years. Over the years the Temple Emanu-El has lost more than half its membership and is left with a remnant of about 50 families. Rabbi Lynne Goldsmith hopes this works for the temple. They are advertising this program in Jewish papers in Miami, Boston, Providence, R.I., and Washington so far. Finding young people to use their religious school and help create a family atmosphere in the temple would be great. So many Jews have left our area for the bigger cities and some have died, leaving our Dothan temple slim on members. Of course, there are requirements such as securing employment, no criminal record, etc. in order to receive the money, but the money doesn't have to be repaid. I think this would be a great opportunity for a Jewish family.

Michelle

District to Open in Downtown Dothan

Downtown Dothan is moving up in the world! The newest addition to downtown Dothan is a wonderful place called District. It boast a combination of restaurant, lounge, and dance. The 8,500 square foot will be home to 4 lounge/bar areas, restaurant, concert hall, outdoor pavilion, and a 1,800 square foot VIP area. Wow! The District will bring sophistication to a Dothan. The Red Room & Pavilion will serve lunch Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm. There will be a private meeting/event space. They will feature fine wines & spirits from around the world and their menu will be intercontinental. Other added features are limo services provided by Bay Limousine and valet parking ($5). The District has a mandatory dress code and also requires a membership. There are VIP services for black & platinum cardholders and 20 VIP tables for bottle service. The District is for those age 21 and over and there is a mandatory dress code.

The Ultralounge and Club are open Wednesday - Saturday at 5pm. The District is a non-smoking venue with smoking permitted on the outdoor pavilion only. The District is staged to be a welcome addition to Dothan's downtown scene. For general information and VIP Entertainment Concierge Services call 334.67.DANCE. Check out MYSPACE.COM/DISTRICTULTRALOUNGE.

DISTRICT
158 North Foster Street

Enjoy the sophistication!

Michelle

Open House This Weekend-1402 Hiawatha

Here's a heads-up about a great house that will be open on Sunday, September 7 from 2-4. This unique home is a 3 possibly 4 bedroom home with 3 full baths. The square footage is 2408 and it has a contemporary, ranch-style architecture. It boast 2 master suites with turning the office/study in one of the master suites back into a bedroom. Hiawatha's backyard is very private and fenced and the landscape has very large mature trees in the wonderful neighborhood. There is plenty of room for a large family and entertaining. The price is $149,900 which comes out to $62.25 per sq. ft. That's great for this large house. This home is nestled in Cherokee Acres and is convenient to shopping, schools, churches, and the grocery. It's a wonderful neighborhood to live in and I should know because I have live experience living in this neighborhood.

Directions: Turn inside the Ross Clark Circle onto Cherokee, take a left on Sequoyah and a right on Hiawatha.

Definitely put this OPEN HOUSE on your list. Tell Lisa you read about 1402 Hiawatha Open House here.

Check out http://www.dothanhomesearch.com/ for more info on Dothan and homes. Call me I would love to show you any of the homes on our MLS (Multiple Listing Service). 334-333-1609

Happy House Hunting!

Michelle

Weekend Fun at the Wiregrass Museum Of Art

The Wiregrass Museum of Art will be bustling with activity on Saturday, September 6. Check out these activities this weekend and join the fun.

First Saturday Family Day
Saturday, September 6, 2008
10:30 a.m.
Every first Saturday of the month kids and their families can enjoy free art lessons.

Yard Party for Art (Finally no bad weather)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Annual fundraiser for the museum.
Featured Guest: The Circle City Rollers
Tickets: $15 in advance and $20 at the gate
Must be 18 to enter

Go and join the excitement and support a good thing in Dothan.

Michelle

YouTube Phenomenon

YouTube is a phenomenon! You can see just about anything on there. From the cute baby laughing to the skateboarder trick gone bad, there's just nothing that isn't put on video now a days. Did you know people 55+ make up 22% of all the users of YouTube. Wow! 51% of YouTube viewers are men with 49% women. The age group with the fewest users of 13.2 million is people 18-44 years of age.

I know you are wondering who is all these people doing videos. They are regular folks, just like you and me, from all over the world. 10 hours of video are uploaded every minute of the day. That is UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Of the 72+ million viewers this is the #1 entertainment Internet site in the US. Each person spends on the average of 48 minutes per day on YouTube. Is your head spinning yet? Mine is.

I want to let you know of a special YouTube video. The address is www.YouTube.com/dothanhomesearch. Century 21 Key Realty is now putting their homes on video. Isn't that cool! Check it out it's really neat. As time goes on more and more homes will appear. Check out our Century 21 Key Realty website for a full list of homes and more info. The address is www.dothanhomesearch.com.

How many YouTube minutes have you logged? Me? Probably too many! lol

Have fun YouTube surfing!

Michelle

Dothan Tourist Population Growing

Do you ever wonder why we need one more ball field, soccer field, or tennis court? Tourism is the answer. Family vacations now surround their kid's sports. On any given weekend in Dothan there is some type of sporting event taking place, whether it be baseball, softball, tennis, swimming, or BMX. Folks are coming into Dothan to play and guess what they leave--money. Tourism is the largest industry in Alabama and Dothan is working their way up the tourist ladder. The Robert Trent Jones Trail is the largest attraction in Alabama and we have a golf course here. It was host this year to the Hooter's Pro Golf Classic. We host many tennis tournaments with the next one coming September 12. This tournament will bring in 550 players. This year the Future Masters hosted 550 players for an entire week. We won the bid for the Dixie Youth World Series in the future, which will bring in thousands on people. Leisure Services is working on adding to the number of soccer fields to be able to host more tournaments. The list can go on and on. Dothan is preparing to be a great tourist spot.

Not only are the players coming, but they bring their families. They lodge in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores. Dothan can't help but prosper from sports tourist.

Show that wonderful Southern hospitality to our visitors.

Michelle

Dothan's Play Time

Dothan's Leisure Services offers multiple activities for the entire family. While called Leisure Services, it also acts as a huge draw for our tourism industry in Dothan. Tennis courts and Baseball/softball fields bring huge dollars into Dothan. Vacation patterns have changed among families and now they travel with their kids to multiple cities to play ball, tennis, and swim. The plus for Dothan is our hotels are full and they have to eat, so eating out is the plan for the day. This money stays in Dothan. A huge percentage of visitors money is not only on lodging and food, but they shop in our stores. It's always exciting to shop in different cities!

Not only do we have these activities that draw in money, Dothan Leisure Services has parks, walking trails and picnic pavilions for the home folk to enjoy. The following is a list of all the aspects of Dothan Leisure Services:

21 Total Parks
7 Recreation Centers
11 Playgrounds
6 Picnic Pavilions
47 Tennis Courts
31 Baseball/softball fields
4 Soccer Fields
5 Swimming Pools (1 indoor)
1 Water Park
4 Walking Trails
2 Football fields
1 Football Stadium
1 BMX Track

What a list! We should never fuss about not having anything to do. There is something for the entire family and all ages. Leisure Services Director Elston Jones is doing a great job! Check it out and get involved.

Playtime is great!

Michelle

Dothan Neighborhood-Stone Creek Landing

Can you imagine not ever having to cut grass, paint, edge, or do any project to the outside of your home? I have your dream home! Stone Creek Landing is Dothan's newest cutting-edge community. Stone Creek Landing was created by businessmen Philip Frankhauser and Edward Bacome and is an Epcon Community. It's a beautiful planned community where they dreamed of neighbors watching out for each other and actually knowing each other. That unfortunately seems to be a thing of the past. Stone Creek Landing will boast a state of the art club house, beautiful pool, exercise area, walking trails, stocked ponds, and 15 acres of open space. What a wonderful place for a traveling salesperson, someone who loves to travel, an anti-yard work person, or retirees to live. Stone Creek Landing is located just 1 mile from the Ross Clark Circle on Park Avenue Extension. There are different models to choose from starting in the high $160s. Check out their website at www.epconcommunities.com. Please let me know if you would like more information on Stone Creek Landing I can "hook you up". You can reach me at 334-333-1609 or michelle@c21keyrealty.com.

Michelle

Tags Unlimited LLC-Cool Dothan Business

Looking through the "Spotlight on Business" insert in the Dothan Eagle, I spotted a new business I had never heard about. It is a coolest idea I've seen when working on a budget. Tags Unlimited LLC, specializes in clothing for teens, tweens and twenty year-olds. Tammy Maddox is the owner of this unique shop which carries stylish, totally cool, name brand clothing at a fraction of the retail price tag. This idea is what the highly more mature (older) folks call a consignment shop. This one just has a cool name. Don't worry they only carry gently "loved" items, so they don't look worn or faded, they are just slightly used. I can remember buying my little girl clothes at the "consignment shop" and some still had the tags on them. They always held up well. Difficult sizes like "0" can be found along with belts, purses, and shoes.

Want to cleanse your closet of Express, Gap, Tommy, Old Navy, Hollister, Abercrombie, Aeropostale Limited Too, and American Eagle and others, of course, so you can buy more? Here's a suggestion: take them into Tags Unlimited LLC and earn 20% in cash of Tag's selling cost or you may want to earn store credit and recoup 50% of the store's selling cost. Either way is a plus.

Tags Unlimited LLC
168 S. Foster Street
Monday, Thursday & Friday 1:30-6 pm
Wednesday 1:30-5 pm
Closed Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday

Check out their website at www.tagsunlimitedllc.com

Happy Saving Money Shopping! (Dave Ramsey would be proud!)

Michelle

Dothan Tourism Alive and Well

I have lived in Dothan my whole life and never really thought about tourism to our town--until today. We've always had the beach traffic, but people visiting our town are not just passing through anymore they are staying. Bob Hendrix, Executive Director, of the Dothan Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, talked today at our monthly Dothan Association of Realtors luncheon today. He was full of facts and figures about our city and the impact tourism has on Dothan, Alabama. Tourism in Alabama brings in 9.3 billion dollars. What a figure! Did you know tourism is the largest industry in Alabama? I had no clue, and lumber is running a close second. When people come to visit Dothan this is the break down of how they spend their money:

27% Eating/Drinking
24% Auto (gas)
16% Public Transportation (airfare, cabs, etc.)
13% Lodging
10% Retail
10% Entertainment

As you can tell people spend money when they come to Dothan. Being a Dothanite, I sometimes fuss and complain about the traffic, but look at with the "glass half full". Those people are leaving their dollars in our city and when guest leave their money it is always a good thing for Dothan. Next time you run into a visitor to our beautiful city, show them that wonderful southern hospitality.

Check out the Dothan Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.dothanalcvb.com

Michelle

Dothan's Private Schools Make History Tonight

Tonight, history will be made at Rip Hewes Stadium. For the first time in history, Providence Christian Eagles and Houston Academy Raiders will clash on the football field. Wow! How exciting for all these guys. Providence is starting their 3rd season of varsity football, while Houston Academy is a vetran in the sport. This will prove to be one of the biggest games some of these guys will play. Respect has been established between the 2 teams as they fueled the friendly fire over the summer with the Eagles and the Raiders running drills together. Providence had a great 7-4 record in their 2nd season and advanced to the first round of the 1A playoffs. Houston Academy also advanced to the playoffs with their 7-3 record in the 2A class. This may be the inaugural meeting of the 2 teams, but for Coach Emory Latta and Coach Jimmy Addison it will be all too familiar. They have met at Rip Hewes on quite a few occasions when coaching Northview and Dothan High Schools. Neither school has lost a season opener in 3 years, so tonight will be full of energy and intensity. Go out and support football from all our Dothan teams this weekend! Go Team!!!

Michelle
P. S.-While I try to keep my blog fact based and not preference based, I can't write this and not show support for my daughter's school, so here goes--GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Facebook Fun!

Facebook? Are you on the newest trend of staying in touch? It is FUN!!!!!! I am still learning all about this new adventure on my computer. Facebook is the newest way to network with old friends, folks of today, and new friends to come. You control what everyone knows about you, so don't share anything you don't want the world to know. If there is someone who wants to be your friend, you have the option to accept or decline. It's up to you. Oh, don't worry, they won't know you ignored their invitation. Some people just want to see how many friends they can get, but I'm not into that. This is the beauty of the ignore button. You can also carry on real live conversations over the computer. It's real cool! People post pictures of their families and friends and it makes it so easy to keep up with the kiddies to watch them grow.

If you don't think you are savvy enough for this networking tool, don't worry it's easy. I have been able to master Facebook enough to network and I have 78 friends as of the time of this writing. Go ahead! Try it! Go to www.facebook.com and sign up.

Have fun networking! Facebook is the bomb!!

Michelle

New Gateway to Downtown Dothan

Dothan is getting a new gateway to historic downtown Dothan. A new green area will sit where the former Sunnyland Packing Company operated. I remember trailers of hogs and cows unloading their livestock at this very packing company. The childhood tale of "this little piggy went to market..." was true to life. These 2 buildings have been vacant for many years and are now being donated to the city. Being on this busy road it can't be classified as a park, but it will be a green space with benches. You could call it a quiet place. It will serve as a gateway to Dothan's historical downtown. They will erect a sign to say such. This is a great way to utilize properties that would otherwise be left in total disrepair and continue being an eyesore. Beauty will welcome visitors and home folk to downtown Dothan.

Michelle

Freshmen Class of Dothan High School--You Are Invited!

The Freshmen class of Dothan High School is invited to enjoy a free meal at Southside Baptist Church on Monday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. This is just a service that the church wants to do for the Freshmen class. It is open to all Freshmen at DHS. You will get to enjoy a wonderful meal, DOOR PRIZES, sundae bar, and fun! It's all FREE! Please spread the word. Questions: call 794-6794 or email me at mgbeasley@aol.com or michelle@c21keyrealty.com. I will be checking my computer until about 4:00 p.m. You can also call me on my cell: 333-1609.

Hope to see you there!

Michelle

Pajama Day!

Pajama Day! I love to have a pajama day every once in a while. Some may be asking what a pajama day is, so here goes. You stay at home all day, inside, in your pajamas! Don't laugh. It's wonderful! Have you every tried it? Since tropical storm Fay has blown in and dumped lots of rain on the Wiregrass area, it is a perfect day to stay inside, read a book, watch television, or my personal favorite, a nap. Of course, it has to be in your pj's. It's nice to not have to rush around doing stuff. This kind of weather prompts me to stay at home. Today, I have read a little, looked over my Sunday School lesson, and did busy work for a wedding I'm going to direct in October. Since I'm just forced to stay inside (lol), I couldn't pass up the chance to clean some on the house. I have also carried on a couple of conversations on Facebook. It's just so cool that you can actually do that over the computer.

You would never believe just how much good it would do you to take a pajama day. Try it! You might like it!

PJ's all day!

Michelle

Sherman Rose-Tuskegee Airmen Flight Instructor

Legacy? History? Courage? Sherman Rose encompasses all these in the man he truly was. Sherman Rose was one of the first black men to receive pilot training. This privilege was part of the U.S. government's Civilian Pilot Training Program. This program lead to the creation of the Tuskegee Airmen. Rose also worked as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker for 20 years. Throughout his life he was continuously breaking down racial barriers. Sherman Rose worked with city leaders in Dothan in the 70's and early 80's to secure federal grants for various programs and projects. He was always supporting Dothan. In 2001, a mural honoring Sherman Rose and the Tuskegee Airmen was completed on St. Andrews Street, across from the Civic Center parking lot. On Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Sherman Rose took his last flight, when he breathed his last breathe at the wonderful age of 88.

Legacy? He left a wonderful legacy behind for us to reap from and enjoy. History? Sherman Rose was truly part of history. Courage? He showed great courage throughout his life. Sherman rose did encompass all these things and throughout his life he was a perfect gentleman. Sherman Rose will be missed.

Michelle

Dothan Neighborhood-Odom Woods

What are you looking for in a neighborhood? Do you look at the curb appeal of the homes, convenience, trees, sidwalks, seclusion, or price? Everyone has different expectations. That's where the saying, "that's why God made chocolate and vanilla" comes from. I want to tell you about Odom Woods. Odom Woods is a quiet neighborhood of about 50 homes on the northwest side of Dothan. Odom Woods has beautiful homes in the price range of usually $250,000 and up. This is one of the few neighborhoods where yards boast natural areas and mature trees. Access to main arteries of travel such as Highway 231 North and Highway 84 West are easy to access. Odom Woods is off of John D. Odom Road between Murphy Mill and Highway 231, which makes shopping, schools, and medical care practically at you fingertips. Odom Woods is 5 minutes from Walmart, Flowers Hospital, Dothan Pavilion (Target), Troy University, Adventure Land, Westgate Recreation Park, banks, churches, schools, and garden centers. Odom Woods is a great place to live if you work in Ft. Rucker. You have easy access from Odom Woods to either gate. Odom Woods is also convenient to the Dothan Airport if you travel. Take a drive and check out Odom Woods. All in all Odom Woods is a great place to live!

Michelle

Yard Party for Art-Dothan

August 23 is the day for the Yard Party for Art at the Wiregrass Museum of Art. It is destined to be a great party! This party will be rockin' with 2 great bands, Dear Abby starting at 7:30 p.m. and The Circle City Rollers start at 10:00 p.m. The attire sounds mighty "comfy" including flip-flops and lawn chairs. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. Yes, it is in the side "yard" of the Wiregrass Museum of Art. Go and enjoy yourself. If you have any questionw email www.wiregrassmuseum.org.

Spread your horizons and check it out.

Michelle

Turning 40

40?!!!! Is it really old? Not today. I turned 40 today and I am very proud of it. In my 20's I did think 40 was old, but that was before I made it to be this age. I've got lots of living to do yet. I truly thought the Lord would have come by now. Some complain of falling apart when they turned 40, but I did that in my 30's. A freshman in high school asked the other day, "wouldn't you like to be my age again?" I mustered up all the sweetness I could and answered with an infatic, "Abosulutely not!" My life has just gotten better and better. My mother has always said, "you're only as old as you feel". Today, I'm feeling mighty fine!

Have a fine day!

Michelle

Downtown Dothan-Penney Building

The front page of the Dothan Eagle headlines a new venture for our downtown. The Downtown Redevelopment Authority will partner with private investors to renovate the Penney Building. This is the first time the city and private investors have teamed up together to accomplish a common goal. What excitement this will bring to downtown. The plans include residential space, office, retail, dining, and event area. This is a great venture for downtown.

I remember shopping downtown at Blumbergs, Ted's, B.C. Moore's, Deal's Dress Shop, Saad's, Kress, and Baxter's Shoes. How neat would be to be able once again to walk the streets of downtown Dothan and shop and dine. Looking forward to it.

Michelle

Favorite Dothan Real Estate Website

How do you look for a house? One of my favorite past times when I started dreaming about a new house was surfing the internet. Back then my favorite website was www.realtor.com. It gave you just enough info to wet your appetite. One of the perks of being a realtor is knowledge of a wealth of info and all sorts of websites. Now that I'm so knowledgable, I want to let you in on the best website in Dothan for real estate. (My professional opinion, of course.) Here it is, www.dothanhomesearch.com. This website not only gives you access to the multiple listing service (MLS), but offers info on our area, statistics about real estate, events in our area, and so much more. This website is the "baby" of Century 21 Key Realty. Our agents add to the articles all along, but the it's truly the "brain child" of our managing broker, Charles Woodall. One service you may not know about is our service to For Sale By Owner (FSBO) section on our website. If you chose to try to sell your home yourself give me a call and I would be glad to supply you with a FREE sign to put your contact number and it also gives our website address. I will take a picture of your home and a few tidbits of info and put it on our website, FREE of charge. I would be glad to assist you with this service.

While you are dreaming, surf on over to www.dothanhomesearch.com and check it all out. Remember, new info is appearing every day or two, so add www.dothanhomesearch.com to your favorites and don't forget www.dothandotsofinfo.blogspot.com.

If you have any questions give me a call at 334-333-1609 or email: michelle@c21keyrealty.com.

Happy surfing! Check us out!

Michelle

NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour-Dothan Classic

Pro Golf is in Dothan this weekend! It's the NGA Hooters Pro Golf Tour. We call it the Dothan Classic. The place is Highland Oaks and the admission is FREE! That always sounds good. What interest me is the Former Alabama golfer who is on the rise to the top. It's been an outstanding year for Michal Thompson. He was named All-American, the SEC top golfer, and the No. 1 ranked amateur golfer in the world according to the World Amateur Ranking System! Wow! Now he is stepping out into the big world of pro golf. The field is 168 players and it will be cut to 60 after today's round. There are people from all over the world gathered in Dothan, Alabama this weekend to participate in the tour. One of Dothan's own, Heath West, is playing also. Michael Thompson is near the top and doing great! Go enjoy a little golf this weekend!

Good luck to all!

Michelle

Friday Night Entertainment in Dothan

ARTrageous Art Show at the Cultural Arts Center is TONIGHT! What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy viewing various artists work from our area and support a wonderful program for children. The money raised goes to support the Cultural Arts Center's after-school and summer programs. The Cultural Arts Center is a wonderful place Dothan has to experience art, drama, dance, and many different offerings for the community. Tonight is a focus on the children. My daughter went to SEACT camp a few years ago and loved it. She had the best time and learned so much about drama and performing. Please go and support the arts tonight. The gallery will be open for a VIP reception at 7:00 p.m. and to the general public at 8:00 p.m. General admission is $25. Casual summer attire is recommended. For more info call 334-699-2787 or email: culturalarts2@graceba.net.

Enjoy the ART!!

Michelle

Real Estate Crisis or not?

Do you ever wonder if we really have a housing crisis? In Dothan, it doesn't seem that way. I'm sure in other parts of the country people would beg to differ, but so far Dothan, Alabama seems to be in a pretty good bubble. My broker, Charles Woodall, shared a very eye opening video, that showed the market is truly correcting itself after housing prices soared for years. There are 4 states who have soaring foreclosure rates: California, Florida, Arizonia, and Nevada. Out of the 120 million homes in America only about 2% are in foreclosure. Don't worry here's the figure-4 million homes in foreclosure. Remember we are talking huge numbers, so 4% really isn't that bad. Check out this video with Dennid Kneale.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=780461999

This truly is eye opening.

Michelle

Starting 7th Grade in Dothan

My daughter Shelby started school this week. Oh, how I don't know if I'm ready for these teenage years! I can't believe she is already in 7th grade. It just seems like she was born just yesterday. Of course, I have to be the parent and cut those apron strings a little more this year, but what a challenge that is. As a parent you always want to make it all better and beat up the one who says the wrong thing, and hover. I sometimes wish I could just hover as a "fly on the wall". I know she would like that better. But I am trying!!

Yesterday, I dropped her off for her first full day of school. No I didn't walk her to class, but I secretly wanted to (you know just help her get to her class). All the feelings came rushing in and tear filled my eyes as I drove off. I worked hard all day and left my office right at 3 o'clock so I would be there when she got out at 3:10. Of course, being the first day car line was running just a few minutes behind. I anticipated her jumping into the car feeling excited and overwhelmed all at the same time, but I was pleasantly surprised when she jumped in and was excited! Hooray! She loved her teachers and was excited about school. All my fears melted away as she told me about her day. I pray the whole year will be like the first day! I know that sounds like too much to ask, but I watched "Facing the Giants" last night and I believe "All things are possible with God".

I believe I'm up to the challenge of cutting the apron strings and giving her more responsibility. I think!

Michelle

Realtors Caravan Dothan Real Estate

What is a caravan? I used to wonder the same thing before I got into the business. My first thoughts are a group of people traveling on camels through the desert. I get this from a movie I watched as a child and they were doing just that-traveling through the desert on camels. Well, there are no camels in Dothan, so our cars will have to do. We load up in our cars and take off to see the new listings in our office. Century 21 Key Realty caravans every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Let me tell you about our new listings. First, we have a total of 3 houses listed with our company on Denton Road. 1475 Denton Road is a huge house. This is one of those my husband would say "needs some TLC". It needs updating, but it's a bargain for the amount of square footage you get for the money. 1468 Denton Road is a cute, well taken care of home. It has that "cute cottage" feel with wonderful colors. The backyard is a private sanctuary. Those 2 are brand new on the market. We also have 1832 Denton. This is a very nice home. The square footage is between the other 2 homes on Denton. This home is also move in ready. It has a large garage and nice size rooms. In the same area, we have 1402 Hiawatha. This is a very unique home with 2 master suites. The kitchen is large and roomy and it is on a shaded lot. Large rooms are also a plus for this home. Convenience is a plus for all of these homes.

We caravaned 1495 Sonata today also. This is an investors dream. It is a duplex on the east side of town. One side has a 2 bedroom and the other side has 3 bedrooms. I can picture an investor coming in and fixing them up and having a double income from a single investment. Give me a call if you are an investor, I would love to "hook you up".

The last one we toured today was 2318 Iris Road. This is a "diamond" in the country. This has way too many amenities to list but here are a few. It sits on 7.4 acres and much is fenced. It is a 4 bedroom/3 bath home with a computer room, separate dining, pantry and much more. It has a barn and security system. 3 car attached garage with plenty of extra parking is included. Horses would be perfect among the 43 mature pecan trees. What a place?

Please give me a call if you would like to see any of these homes I have talked about or anything else you see. I would love to assist you in finding your dream home! Call me at 334-333-1609.

Michelle

Open Houses in Dothan, Alabama

Today is the biggest paper of the week. My favorite section has always been the real estate section. You can find anything you need-rentals, apartments, mortgage companies, and most important Dothan real estate. The fun part is checking out the open houses. Open Houses usually happen between 2 and 4 on Sunday afternoon. Every once in a while someone will start at 1:00, but it's always in the afternoon after church.

Open house is a great time to view homes own your own. You don't have to make an appointment or take off work to look at a house. Look and see which homes peak your interest and plan your route. Remember, gas has come down a little, but efficiency with time is always a good thing. Go to each house, sign in, look at it, eat goodies if they are available, and get a flyer. When you get back in the car write down your likes and dislikes. Put the date on the flyer and put it in a file. You might not see much at first, but later on it might come back to your mind and you will have the info at your fingertips.

One very important fact to remember is the host agent wants your business. There are 2 ways they want your business. Number one-they want to sell you the house themselves or number two-they want to sell it to you through another agent. The most important thing is that the house sells. If you are working with another agent, please inform the host. Do not falsely lead them to think you will work with them. Don't worry they will answer all your questions. The main point is to be faithful to your real estate agent.

Our day will not be so hot, so plan to get out and shop for a house. House hunting is so much fun!

Commercial Time: If you don't have a real estate agent, I would love the opportunity to work with you in finding your perfect home. Call me at 334-333-1609

Happy Hunting!
Michelle Beasley

2008 Summer Olympics

Have you ever dreamed about being in the Olympics? Standing on the podium with a gold medal around your neck would be an awesome feeling! As a child, I would dream, but my path would take me to other places to dream other dreams. I still get excited about the Olympics! My favorite summer event is gymnastics. Those guys and gals can just bend, jump, flip, and tumble like I have never seen before. Only in my dreams am I a gymnast. Their strength is amazing! I still get chill bumps seeing the women's team win and the cute little girl who sacrificed her body being carried to the podium. Ooooo, did you just get a chill? I can't wait to see what this year brings.

There has been much talk about the Olympics being in Beijing, so amid the controversy I am sure we are in for a great couple of weeks. The opening ceremonies are always interesting to watch because I'm thinking, how did they get those thousands of people organized to put on such an over the top show. It amazes me!

Sit back and enjoy the games!

Michelle

Networking Fun

Networking? My little "tekkie" mind was doing good in thinking networking had something to do with computers, but oh how advanced we are in our society. People "network"! The Dothan Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Networking Event tonight at the Cultural Arts Center. This was a time for people from different professions to come together meet, talk, and what's an event without a little food. It was a great time to meet others and "network". Plenty of business talk and card swapping occurred.

I'm sure you are wondering what this has to do with me being in the real estate business? I wondered the same thing, but I got to thinking about it. Somebody there might need a house. Another idea I had was in meeting others in different jobs opens my horizons to equip myself to answer questions a client might have about a particular business in our area. It's always good when someone ask a question and you have the correct answer and can even tell them who to call for help. You know it's all about who you know! I've heard this statement all my life and the older I get the more true that statement becomes. The more cards I give out and people I meet the more people will know who I am and guess who they will call? Me!!!!! Yippee!!! I just love to help people and I have chosen real estate to do that very job.

Networking-who would have thought it was with people!!! lol

Michelle

Dothan's National Night Out-TONIGHT

Take a stroll down to the Dothan Civic Center for the National Night Out! It is going to be a blast! The best thing is it is FREE!!!! There will be something for all members of the family young and old to do. This night is to bring the community and the law enforcement community together. The Dothan Police along with many other agencies will be on hand for demonstrations, questions, and I'm sure a few freebies for the kids. My dad use to love giving the children coloring books and deputy badges when he was sheriff. Paintball, rock climbing wall, and a flight simulator will be on had for the kids to enjoy. Don't worry there is something for the "big kids" too, aka adults. Demonstrations entice the big kids just as much and live performances from Craig Hand and Shane Owens and many more artist are on tap tonight. Oh, we can't forget fellow Realtor Travis Perry, will bring the bluegrass music downtown tonight. Way to go Travis! Visits from Aqua Duck, Captain America, and McGruff are in the line-up of events. You can't have an event without the food and all proceeds from food purchases will go to the Child Advocacy Center. What an organization to support! They do a great job of helping children in our area, so go and eat lots of food! I hope you will take your family and friends for a "NIGHT OUT"!

Dothan Civic Center
Tuesday, August 5
4-8 p.m.
Admission:FREE!!!! Yippee!!!!

Have Fun!
Michelle

Weekend Fun!

I gave you a break from all my writings for the weekend, but I'm back again! I hope you all took advantage of the TAX-FREE weekend in Dothan and other areas. I did! Friday night the "soon to be teenager" and I did a Walmart run. Of course, it was all a guess of what she would need for school because 7th graders don't get a list, like they did in elementary school. It's almost enough to make you cry! Anyway, we decided we would take a guess at what we might need and then go back on Monday and get anything we missed. Like I said in an earlier post, patience is the key to all this tax-free stuff, and needless to say, in the isles of Walmart in the school supplies patience was definitely tried and tested and graded! Everyone was very nice, just moving slowly down the isles trying to retrieve every item on the list, on that isle, so you didn't have to make another pass. It got to the point, while you were waiting you would try to help others find what they needed to pass the time. Great service for others since the shelves were so messy. In that kind of frenzy "messy" is bound to be. My hat is off to those Walmart employees who had the job of correcting the "mess". I was so disappointed that I found no 5 cent 1-subject,70 page spiral notebooks that they had advertised. I just love those things for around the house stuff. I use that type of notebook to write my notes for my Sunday school lesson. Shelby uses them in school and when she needs a little entertainment, they are great to grab for her to write in and doodle. I ask an associate if they had more and he went off to check. He came back with the answer that they were gone and people had come in and they were buying them by the CASE. My favorite little notebooks gone! I couldn't be leave it. I'm sure they will get more in, but I wanted to take advantage of the tax-free days. Anyway, on Saturday I got out and did a little clothes shopping for Lance and I. Got some great deals! I try to buy late in the season anyway, but with sales, extra % off and no tax--it just can't be beat!

I hope you did well on all your TAX-FREE shopping. It just makes you think you got a deal and everyone loves a deal!

Michelle

First Step in Home Buying Process

Do I buy? New house? Pre-loved home? Can I afford it? Do dreams really come true? Is my credit good enough? All these are questions to ask before stepping off into the process of buying a new home. The problem comes when we let our imagination and desires decide if we can buy a new home. Buying a new home requires being educated in the process and plenty of common sense thinking. This is where I come in to assist. A realtor's job is not only to show you houses, but to educate buyers and walk you through the process.

Contacting mortgage company or bank is the FIRST STEP in the home buying process. There are a couple of reasons why this step is so important. First, a mortgage company will gather information, run your credit, and get you pre-approved for a mortgage. Second, if you get pre-approval they will give you an amount that you qualify to receive. This amount is how much house you can afford. Usually it is given in a range, for example $100,000-$125,000. This range is invaluable. It will save time, money, and now a days gas.

Once you have your range, decide what exactly you need in a home. Note I said need! Make a list of your needs and then your desires. Needs are basic and different for each person. These needs include location, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and yard size are some to name a few. Desires are extra rooms, sometimes garages, crown molding, updated fixtures, etc. Remember this is unique to everyone. Answering these few questions can help me, as your realtor, tremendously in finding your new home. All of these items can be researched through the MLS and with a few strokes on the keyboard, a variety of homes is listed and ready for you to view.

If your like me, my eyes are much bigger compared to my pocketbook, so getting pre-approval keeps our heads out of the clouds and our feet planted on solid ground. This is why pre-approval is so great. You know what you can afford and exactly what you can spend.

As a realtor, I can suggest many mortgage companies or banks for you to start the process. Please give me a call if you are planning on buying a home and/or need help answering any questions about the home buying process. I enjoy making this whole process smooth, easy, and FUN!!!

Don't forget to call! 334-333-1609

Michelle

Dothan Area Real Estate-Homes on the Market

Just wanted to let you know a break down of the price and number of homes on the market.

$50,000-100,000--135 homes
$101,000-200,000--421 homes
$201,000-300,000--211 homes
$301,000-and up--157 homes

Total homes--973

There are plenty of choices out there!

Happy House Hunting!

Michelle

Dothan Real Estate Choices

How many single-family homes do you think are on the market at the time of this post? I better hurry and tell you because the number changes by the minute, it is 973! Wow!!! This is the number on the Dothan area Multiple Listing Service. The business term is "mls". Here's how it works. Every real estate office and realtor in the Dothan Association of Realtors (DAR) has access to this service. The MLS allows me to look at information on ANY houses, duplexes, townhouses, land, commercial, modular homes, etc. It's my favorite website! Don't get excited about me sharing the address because it's just for Realtors. Sorry! But don't be "down in the mouth" (frown) is what my granny use to say, because this is a great service I can give you. You won't have to fret on the computer or Google anything if you don't want too, you can CALL ME! (My cell is 334-333-1609. You know I have to advertise! lol) We can look find you a home based on the square footage, price, number of bedrooms or baths, street, subdivision, school zone, city, county, amount of acreage, and then you can even get into the specifics in the home. It's real easy!

I cannot lie--I love the MLS and I love house hunting! All aspects of the business are great, but those are my favorites! It's fun to walk into "THE" house and my clients faces light up because they know they are in "THEIR" new home! I've been on that side of the fence and I know what it feels like. It's a great feeling! This side of the fence is fun because I have a chance to help people with one of the biggest decisions they will ever make in their lifetime. Oh, what a responsibility. It is one I take very serious!

If you or anyone you know is getting ready to purchase a home please give them my number. I would love to assist anyone in this great house hunting process! If they aren't ready to talk in person or over the phone, I would be glad to work through email. If you like email, I can send you homes to look over directly from the MLS. I am telling you-it's the best thing since sliced bread. lol Buying real estate can be hair raising and it can be fun. I want to make the process FUN!

Michelle
Call me @ 334-333-1609

Dothan Are You Ready To Be TAX-FREE?

Just think, it's just a few more hours until much in Dothan stores will be TAX-FREE!!! I hope everyone will be very careful driving and don't forget to be nice. We all know these days are coming so there is no reason to get in a hurry or mad because you do have an option-stay home. Only happy, money spending people need to be out! lol Just kidding, as my 12 year old says. It will be lots of fun going to get those school supplies and school clothes. Make sure you check the paper for sales and map out your route before you leave home. Gas has gone down a little bit, but conservation is always smart and a well planned day of shopping beams efficiency. You can save money and gas! That's being a bargain shopper! Don't you just love a good deal?

You can start at midnight!

Happy shopping!

Michelle

Dothan Cultural Offerings

Sunday's Dothan Eagle is always jam packed full of stuff. This week it had the Fall edition of Wiregrass Arts & Entertainment magazine. The Cultural Arts Center publishes this magazine. If you didn't receive one you should try to get a hold of one to read about all the exciting events coming up this 2008-2009 season. Dothan is so rich in the arts and I never really knew it until I got older. You know in my 30's! lol In this Fall season it talks about the 29th season of Music South, ballroom dance competitions, SEACT schedule, and the Wiregrass Youth Symphony Orchestra Program. This little mag has tons of advertisements from churches, doctors, dance studios, stores, and Realtors. Wow! Never really thought about advertising there, but I'll grant you I will now.

Dothan has such a rich heritage in the arts and its growing by leaps and bounds. For more info check out their website at www.theculturalartscenter.com.

I encourage you to spread your wings and enjoy the arts.

Michelle

Realtor Open Houses

Today was a great day to go and look at houses. You see Tuesday is the day most Realtors have "Open House" for all Realtors or each office goes on "caravan". Caravan is when all the Realtors at the office go and look at listings within their office. These 2 events happen each week. Century 21 Key Realty goes on caravan our own listings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. It's a great time to get our office excited about our house inventory. Usually after we caravan we go to other Realtors open houses. The more we can see, the more knowledgeable we can talk about the home of your dreams. Real estate is so much fun!

It was really good today because we went out to Setter's Point and a home on Fuller Road. The host realtor had Olive Garden lunch for everyone who came by to view the home. Let me tell you it was really gooooooood! We then went a view a couple in Setter's Point. The last viewing had wonderful desserts and good southern sweet tea.

Needless to say, those were some gorgeous homes. One was "pre-loved" and the other 2 were new construction. They were beautiful! If you are looking for a home on the southeast side of town with the Rehobeth school zone please give me a call. I'd love to show you any of the homes I viewed or another homes out that way.

I also saw 3 homes in Chapelwood very nice and 1 home on Agutha which was immaculate. Please let me know if I can assist you with any real estate needs.

See I finally got around to some a true real state blog! I just love Dothan and I love real estate!

Michelle

Yes We Can Dothan!

Yes We Can! Dothan

Better Schools.

Better Dothan.

Tonight I went to a "Community Conversation" meeting at Beverlye Middle School. This is a new initiative designed to engage Dothan citizns in creating a unified voice and vision for Dothan City Schools. My interest was peaked because I want to be able to tell my clients, who move from other cities and states, about our school system. Knowledge is invaluable in the real estate business.

They will be conducting about 40 of these meetings all over the Dothan. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to attend. Tonight we had parents, grandparents, administration, teachers, elected officials, and business professionals attended the conversation. Many people talked and gave their opinions and suggestions about ways to make our school system what it should be. Questions were asked and our answers were all written down and they will be taken and compiled to form the community agreement. These will be our thoughts and dreams for what we as a community want for our children.

A couple of the main points I took away from this "community conversation" consisted of a hindrance being the perception people have about our schools. Another point that continued to surface was the fact that for a school to be successful hinged on parental involvement. Many times we assume when we hear something unpleasant about a school, we think it stays that way forever. What a wrong and warped thought! Investigate our school system for yourself and go and observe with your own eyes. Don't depend on someone elses opinion. All children are unique and what works better for one doesn't for another. Check it out for yourself.

I urge you to go to a "community conversation". Input is vital for the success of this initiative. Mobile participated in this initiative and went from one of the lowest schools in the state to be in the top 3 school systems. Don't be fooled, this is not a quick fix, but a total mind change and unifying program.

The following is the info needed about this initiative:

Yes We Can! Dothan

www.yeswecandothan.com

Virginia Christian, Operations Manager

545 West Main Street, Suite 109

Dothan, Alabama 36301

334-836-0217 ext. 109

fax: 866-596-8618

virginia.christian@yeswecan.org

Check it out!

Michelle