BATHTUB SCREENS, TANGERINE TANGO-NEW HOUSING TRENDS FOR 2012

New and Exciting Things are coming up in 2012. I thought I'd pass along a few things that will be making their way into our homes during the new year.

• "Tango Tangerine" this bright and cheery color is going to be showing up in a variety of home decor accessories and paint stores in 2012. Read More about Pantones 2012 Color of the Year (also be on the lookout for numerous shades of gray)
• Hidden Kitchen Appliances-Kitchens are starting to trend towards appliances that are virtually invisible until needed. It may take a while to implement this fully but looking ahead clutter free and streamlined appears to be the next wave of kitchen technology. Take a look at this futuristic kitchen from Hettich.
• Bathtub Screens-I recently stayed in New York with some family members who had just re-done one of their bathrooms. The first thing that I noticed was this very unique looking shower door. It's actually a bathtub screen and they are becoming increasingly popular. Less glass to clean and it gives you a much clearer view of any beautiful tile or stone around your bath. Here is a site that shows one of the companies that produces them. Ark Showers

So will you be rushing out and buying up all the Tangerine Tango accessories you can find? Are you ready to make your kitchen super streamlined? What about trying out a new bathtub screen? Let us know if you love it or hate it and why! Please feel free to leave your comments below.

For all of your real estate needs-call or email me today!

Email Me! mfullington@realtysouth.com

Call me! 334-332-7698
Visit My web site! http://megfullington.realtysouth.com

Follow me on Twitter: @meg4yourhome

Don't forget to visit our "Team Blog" with dynamic agent Meredith Singer

Auburn-Lake Martin Homes

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll visit often.

**The opinions in this blog are those of the writer only. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 

SELL YOUR HOME BY PRICING IT RIGHT

It's apparent that sellers are struggling to get their homes sold in the current real estate market. These days it's a buyers market and there are a multitude of housing choices available.

REALTOR® Meg Fullington offers some advice about pricing your home competitively so that it won't  grow stale in the current real estate market. Check out the video"Vlog" below!

For more information on buying, selling or investing in a property in the Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin    areas of Alabama don't hesitate to call, text or email.
Meg Fullington 334-332-7698
mfullington@realtysouth.com
Follow Me on Twitter! @meg4yourhome
I also frequently co-list properties with a dynamic agent, Meredith Singer.
Follow my Team M2 listings on Twitter! @auburnm2

**The opinions in this blog are solely those of the writer. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Making Home Improvements Could Mean You Pay Less Taxes!

I'm always looking for helpful hints to pass along to homeowners. It's nice when I can pass along some good news to you!

As I stated in my last blog post, fall/winter doesn't have to mean a flatline for sellers. Getting your home in the best shape possible can get it sold this time of year. But what if you could make some improvements and pay less taxes for your efforts?

It's a win-win situation for homeowners. Here is some information I found in an article from Klipinger.com that explains how it works.

"Upgrade Your Home

This is your last chance to claim a tax credit for making energy-efficient improvements to your principal residence. The home-energy tax credit expires at the end of this year.

It is worth 10% of the cost of new windows, doors, skylights, insulation, and heating and air conditioning systems, up to a maximum $500 credit (but no more than $200 can be allocated to new windows).

You must install the upgrades by December 31 in order to claim the credit, but you can't claim it for 2011 if you already took advantage of $500 or more of energy tax credits in previous years.

An even bigger credit is available to homeowners who install renewable-energy equipment, such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and small wind turbines, in their primary residence or vacation home by the end of the year. You can claim a credit for 30% of the cost, including installation, with no limit. This credit is good through 2016."

The article also pointed out another way to save on your taxes and by doing so help out a family member. There are many people out there who have an excellent credit score but when it comes to purchasing a home they don't have the money needed to come up with a down payment. You can actually gift funds that can help ease this financial dilemma.

"Make Your Family Happy

The clock is ticking on the very generous estate and gift tax exclusions that allow you to give up to $13,000 this year to any number of recipients -- and a total of $5 million over your lifetime -- without owing any federal gift tax. The $5 million lifetime exclusion expires at the end of 2012, and Congress may decide to reset it at a lower level.


While the $5 million lifetime exclusion is irrelevant for all but the wealthiest Americans, your annual $13,000 gift exclusion disappears forever if you fail to use it by the end of each year. A husband and wife can jointly give away up to $26,000 per recipient this year tax-free (but you will have to file gift tax Form 709 to make a record of your joint gift, even though no gift tax is due.)


Say you want to help your newly married son and his wife buy a house. You and your husband could give the newlyweds up to $52,000 this year tax-free -- $26,000 each to your son and your daughter-in-law. And if you're feeling really generous, you could do it all over again on January 1, 2012."

If possible don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to save some money while improving your home. Also see if you can't help a son or daughter become a homeowner. What a wonderful holiday gift that would make!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Please feel free to comment and if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate please give me a call or send me an email. I will respond promptly.

Don't forget I also have a dynamic co-listing partner, Meredith Singer and we have a fantastic array of media for you to check out as well.

Team M2 aka the Fullington/Singer listing team!
Follow us on Twitter @auburnm2
Visit our brand new team blog: Auburn - Lake Martin Homes
Subscribe to our You Tube Channel! auburnm2

Email Me! mfullington@realtysouth.com
Call me! 334-332-7698
Visit My web site! http://megfullington.realtysouth.com

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Team M2-Meg Fullington and Meredith Singer

**The opinions in this blog are those of the writer only. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

FALL DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN SLOW SALES FOR SELLERS

Fall/Winter weather is finally upon us. There seems to be a largely held opinion that this is the "slow time" for real estate. However, it has been my experience that this doesn't have to be the case.

Are there fewer houses on the market? Absolutely! However, if you have a home to sell you might want to see this drop in competition as an opportunity and not a time to "hibernate" your home.

With less inventory on the market that gives your home better odds and if you price it to be the best choice at its price within the market then you can get it sold! Let me emphasize strongly that the key is getting it priced correctly for the current market conditions. Let's face it; there are plenty of buyers out there right now. With interest rates extremely low they are looking for homes to buy. As the cliche goes, "there has never been a better timefor buyers to purchase a home ."

Find yourself a REALTOR® that you are comfortable working with who has shown you a very specific and dynamic plan for marketing your home. Make sure that they will take advantage of all of the social media marketing platforms so that the maximum number of potential buyers as well as other agents will be aware of your listing.

Do your part to help your agent by making sure that your house is tidy and as clutter free as possible. If you've got it on the market during the holidays, taper back the lawn light show and try to keep things as streamlined as possible.

If you do the above mentioned things you'll have a wonderful opportunity to get your home sold during the supposed "slow period".

If you have any questions about this or if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in a property-please give me a call. Both myself and my co-listing partner, Meredith Singer would love to assist you in any way possible.

Together we have formed a dynamic listing team. The Fullington-Singer team which we like to call Team M2 brings together two unique personalities with two unique perspectives. We provide twice the availability and a variety of print and social media to market your property. We also have a vast network of people that we work with so your property will get maximum exposure.

For more information on Team M2 please take a moment to visit our company web page:
http://teamm2.realtysouth.com

Also please subscribe to our video channel on YouTube!
Team M2
You can also follow us on Twitter @auburnm2

We are excited to announce that we've just launched a new team blog that we'd love for you to follow: Auburn - Lake Martin Homes

Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

MEG FULLINGTON (334)332-7698
mfullington@realtysouth.com
MEREDITH SINGER (518)669-5065
msinger@realtysouth.com

Meg Fullington and Meredith Singer of Team M2

**The opinions in this blog are those of the writer only. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

GREAT GAMEDAY HOME/INVESTMENT PROPERTY IN AUBURN!

PRICE JUST REDUCED! NOW JUST $139,900
 1471 SAUGAHATCHEE ROAD AUBURN AL 36830

If you are looking for something close to everything you could want to do and see in Auburn then don't miss this wonderful property! No cookie cutter listing, this rustic home has charm to spare and is a quick bike ride away from Auburn University, Golf Courses, Shopping, Schools and Toomer's Corner!

3BR/1.5 BA with original oak hardwood floors throughout almost every room. This house is a hidden oasis with craftsman's quality throughout. Relax and enjoy the year round glorious weather on the front porch. This home is perfect for golf lover's who want a getaway close to numerous award winning golf courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Perhaps you'd like to invite some guest over to grill out on your private back yard deck. Enjoy total seclusion from the neighboors with the privacy fence and the roomy yard with room for a garden.

Back Deck

View from yard towards back deck.

The kitchen is a throwback to the style of the 1950's with all of the modern conveniences of today. It's spacious with a newer vinyl floor, gorgeous heart of pine walls and ceiling. There is an abundance of cabinets so you'll have plenty of storage space. Plenty of room for a breakfast nook in this inviting space. Numerous windows provide lots of natural light.

Lots of windows and space for a breakfast nook

Spacious kitchen with ample storage

The 3 bedrooms all have gorgeous hardwood floors, ceiling fans and windows. The master has a closet that runs the length of the wall. Bedroom 2 has a spacious walk in closet.

Ceiling Fan, Hardwoods and Wall of Closet Space

Spacious BR with room for seating

Each bedroom so unique and charming

 The main bathroom is quite spacious with a gorgeous double vanity and shower/tub combination. Plenty of storage in this space. Every single room of this house is meticulously tidy and has been lovingly maintained by its owner.

Spacious main bathroom

Lg Vanity with Double sinks

There is a room directly off of the kitchen which houses the half bath as well as room for a full sized washer and dryer.

The Living Room is perhaps the most inviting room in the home. Perfect for curling up with a good book or watching the big game. Features include an arched entryway leading into the kitchen, hardwood floors, heart of pine walls and ceiling. This room also has a ceiling fan and windows which provide more wonderful natural light.

Arched entryway and hardwoods in living room

If you have pets they'll be so happy in the covered back area that is fenced seperately for your canine family members where they can be shaded from the rain and heat. A great feature for vet students or just pet lovers in general!

A private courtyard leads to the garage/carport area.

Is there a handyman in the family or perhaps someone who just likes to tinker with projects? The garage has a seperate workshop area suited to any number of hobbies plus room to park a car. Great for extra storage!  There is also a carport attached for a second vehicle to be sheltered from the elements.

This home is located on a quiet street right off of East University Drive. Whether you are looking for a game day house, a golfer's retreat or perhaps a place to purchase for your children attending Auburn University, this house has too many unique details to mention and all right in the heart of Auburn itself!

For more information about this listing or to view any properties in the Auburn/Opelika/Lake Martin area give me or my co-listing agent Meredith Singer a call. This is a Fullington/Singer Team listing.

Meg Fullington and Meredith Singer

Call us today to view this fantastic property!

Meg Fullington (334) 332-7698  Meredith Singer (518) 669-5065 or drop either of us an email if you'd prefer: mfullington@realtysouth.com   msinger@realtysouth.com 

I hope you'll visit my blog often for lots of wonderful new listings, news about the housing market and events going on in our area! Please take a moment and LIKE my Facebook Page by clicking the link to the right of this post at the top of the blog.
For twitter users follow me @meg4yourhome and follow Team M2 on Twitter @auburm2

Thanks for stopping by!

 

**The opinions in this blog are those of the writer only. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

WORKING HARD FOR YOU AND GETTING RESULTS!

 Welcome!

Gorgeous Lake Martin
(photo courtesy Alexander City Chamber of Commerce)

At RealtySouth we have an "A" list team of agents working together to exceed your expectations! Whether you are looking to get your property sold in today's tough market, searching for your perfect home or wanting to purchase a fantastic investment property at a bargain price; I am here to assist you!
I love what I do and I believe it shows in the way that I do business. I make it my personal goal to provide the type of above and beyond service that clients are looking for.

Hard Work is indeed rewarded!

I feel so honored and am immensely grateful to have been acknowledged by the Lee County Association of Realtors for my efforts. Recently I finished as a top 3 finalist for "Rookie of the Year" in Lee County. I am so proud to have been recognized by my peers who actually do the voting. Congratulations to Will Faulkner who was also a finalist and winner Viki Yaron who took home the award.

Will Faulkner, Viki Yaron, and Me at the LCAR Awards luncheon.

There are so many great things going on in the Auburn/Opelika/Lake Martin Area!

If you enjoy sports you can take in a wide variety of athletic activities including heading over to Jordan Hare Stadium to watch the defending National Champion Auburn Tigers football team play.

If you enjoy hitting the links then our area is consistently voted as one of the top destinations in the USA for golfing. There are numerous golf courses to choose from and a variety of houses available for purchase alongside or near these courses in a wide variety of price ranges and styles. Golfers won't want to miss out on playing one of the gorgeous courses on the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail .

If you enjoy boating, fishing or just soaking up some sun then Lake Martin has it all. (and fabulous golfing too!) 

Here is a list of popular neighboorhoods with homes along golf courses: 

• Moore's Mill Club
• National Village
• Saugahatchee Golf Club
• White Oaks (located directly across the road from Saugahatchhee Country Club Golf Course



Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
So your intrigued? Want more information? I use a variety of helpful social media tools that make it easy for you to stay in touch with me! 

• Follow Me on Twitter @meg4yourhome
• "Like" my page on Facebook  Meg Fullington, Realtor
• Visit my RealtySouth Web Site  megfullington.realtysouth.com
•  Send me an email  mfullington@realtysouth.com

STAY TUNED**Lots of interesting information about our area, real estate news and tips coming your way in future blog posts. I'll also be adding in lots of wonderful videos so be sure to check back often for updates.
Call me today to assist with any of your real estate needs! Also feel free to ask questions below. I'll be sure to answer your real estate questions in a timely manner.

Meg Fullington
RealtySouth Auburn-Lake Martin Office
1725 E. University Drive, Suite D
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Cell: 334-332-7698
Office:334-466-2980
mfullington@realtysouth.com

 

The material in this blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

I'VE JOINED THE REALTYSOUTH AUBURN-LAKE MARTIN TEAM!

Welcome to my blog! I'm so excited to announce that I've joined an exciting group of dynamic real estate agents at the Number One Real Estate Company in Alabama-RealtySouth!

I've been working in the Auburn / Opelika Area but will now be expanding my coverage to include the gorgeous properties of Lake Martin. This means more exposure for my clients and I'm thrilled to be a part of the top real estate company in our state.

Our office may be new but our agents bring a wealth of experience and success directly to the heart of the Auburn area! Many of you already know the name RealtySouth but for those who aren't familiar with us you soon will be. Expect to see a lot of RealtySouth signs around town!

If you have been following my blog for a while get ready for lots of new videos and a wealth of helpful information and tips to assist both buyers and sellers in finding/selling fantastic properties.

I hope you'll visit often and please click the link to "like" my Facebook Page.(You'll see it on the right side of my Blog page.) I post frequent updates there as well. Most importantly, check out my RealtySouth Web Page where you can search the MLS, (multiple listing service), for available homes/lots that I'll be delighted to personally show you. My site provides the latest updated information which you often don't find on general real estate sites.

Listening to my clients, closely following the local market conditions, advertising in newspapers/magazines, staying on top of the latest technologies and utilizing social media are things I strive to do to give my clients exceptional service.

It gives me great pride to be an agent who is available whenever needed. Feel free to call me and I'll likely answer immediately. If I'm not immediately available I will personally respond quickly to your real estate inquiries!

When I take on a listing I am not an agent who sticks a sign in the yard and then forgets about my client. Each and every listing is important to me and I handle all of my listings with professionalism. Once I close a transaction I continue to follow up with my clients and I greatly appreciate their referrals. I am a full time REALTOR® and love what I do!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll visit often.

Meg Fullington
REALTOR®
RealtySouth Auburn-Lake Martin
1725 E. University Drive, Suite D
Auburn, Alabama 36830

Information is deemed reliable and is not guaranteed.

LOTS OF GREAT CHANGES COMING TO MY BLOG!

Stay tuned-lots of great videos and an exciting announcement coming your way!