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