01.27.12

Save Energy and Increase Comfort in Your Ridgeland MS Home this Winter

Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged save energy in Ridgeland MS homes at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Love it or hate it, winter is here. If you’re having a hard time appreciating that fact, there are some things you can do to make your Ridgeland MS home more comfortable this winter, without running up your heat bill. Here are some to try:

• Check and lock windows. Even if you think your windows are shut, go around and check each one to make sure it’s snug – and lock it.
• Use ceiling fans. Consider adding ceiling fans to every room; they truly make a difference. Set them spinning in the correct direction to pull air up this winter so they displace warm air at the ceiling and send it down the walls. Set on the lowest speed, a ceiling fan evens out indoor temperature without creating drafts.
• Invest in insulated window treatments. Stop the costly escape of household heat and absorb solar heat during the day.  Thermal window shades can stop up to 80% of heat loss.
• Close drapes/shades at night. This keeps the cold out and the warmth in.
• Bake! Remember when it was too hot last summer to even think about cooking? Now is the time to indulge in home-baked goodies.
• Drink warm tea.  There is a tea for every constitution. If you haven’t discovered the soothing comforts of tea drinking, start exploring!
• Dress for winter. Don’t be in denial and run around in a T-shirt. It’s winter! Wear layers, wear wool, wear corduroy, wear flannel—then you can turn down the thermostat.
• Humidify. If you heat with wood, don’t forget to place a decorative ceramic container of water on the stove to increase indoor humidity. You can place a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the water for nice ambience.
• Sleep in flannel sheets. There is nothing cozier or more inviting. Flannel bedclothes mean instant warmth.
• Get a programmable thermostat. You can set it to drop the temperature a few degrees while you sleep, and bring it back up before you rise.
• Get off the couch! If you hibernate too much, you may get the blues. Be sure to dress warm and get outside—walk, ice-skate, sled, ski—whatever you enjoy, just get some fresh air and exercise. Then you can scurry back into your comfy Ridgeland MS home, feeling refreshed and grateful to have shelter from the cold winds.

If you’re looking for a snug Ridgeland MS home for sale to purchase, I can help. Contact me at 601-942-3392 or Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.25.12

How to Install a Programmable Thermostat in Your Madison MS Home

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged energy-efficient madison ms homes at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Here is a painless way to reduce your energy use and your heating bill: Set your thermostat to go down 5 to 10 degrees while you’re gone all day and while you sleep at night. This could reduce your heating bill by 15% without compromising comfort.

Programmable thermostats cost anywhere from $30 to $150, so they quickly pay for themselves. By programming your thermostat to return to  your comfort level before you arrive home or get up in the morning, your Madison MS home will be just as comfortable as what you’re used to, and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint.

Here is how easy it is to install a programmable thermostat:

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the thermostat. Since you will be handling wiring, you must cut off the electricity going to the thermostat first of all. If your Madison MS home has electric baseboard heat, don’t do this update yourself–the wiring carries higher voltages and should only be worked on by a qualified electrician.

• Remove the old thermostat. Older thermostats contain mercury, so handle it carefully and do not throw it into the trash. Check with local recycling centers or waste handlers to learn how to safely dispose of mercury.

• Tape wires to the wall. You don’t want the wires to fall inside the wall. Note where they were attached to the old thermostat and label them accordingly.

• Mount new wall plate. Follow the instructions that came with the new unit to mount the plate over the area of the old base.

• Connect new thermostat to wiring. Again, follow the instructions included with your new unit.

• Mount the new thermostat onto the new base.

• Turn the circuit breaker back on.

• Program the thermostat following manufacturer’s instructions. Digital devices can be hard to program, so hang onto those instructions and keep them where you can find them.

Now your Madison MS home can be greener, more economical and more comfortable.

Want to buy a home that’s green, energy-efficient and comfortable? I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.23.12

Safety Tips for Using the Fireplace in Your Madison MS Home

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS home safety tips at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Is there anything cozier than enjoying a warm fire inside during the winter months? There is something primal about watching the flames of a contained fire that reaches back into our ancient human past.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or woodstove in your Madison MS home, please follow these precautions:

• Call in a chimney sweep. Every year, you should have your chimney cleaned to remove creosote buildup. This keeps air flow unobstructed and prevents a chimney fire, which would be devastating to your Madison MS home. A professional chimney sweep should also check for cracks in the flue liner and proper functioning of the damper.

• Inspect your chimney cap. The chimney cap keeps the rain and snow out of your flue. It also prevents birds or other animals from entering the flue. The sides of the chimney cap are wire mesh, which also needs to be kept clear of creosote. Otherwise air flow will be hampered and smoke will enter your home instead of being properly drawn up the chimney.

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Wood that has not been aged long enough will sputter, smolder and smoke, causing excess build up of creosote.

• Burn only untreated wood. Do not burn treated wood, plastic or other debris in your fireplace or woodstove. These give off toxic fumes you do not want inside your home.

• Wait until ashes are cool before removing them. If you try to clean out the fireplace or stove while there are live coals or embers in the ashes, they will give off smoke into your home while in the ash bucket. They could also result in burns, if dropped on the floor.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas produced during incomplete combustion. The only way to know if it is in your home is by using a detector.

• Keep the damper closed when not burning a fire. This will prevent the warm air from going up the chimney.

If you’re looking for a Madison MS home with a fireplace, I can help you buy one. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.20.12

How to Sell Your Ridgeland MS Real Estate this Winter

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged ridgeland ms real estate selling tips at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

If you need (or want) to sell your Ridgeland MS real estate this winter, you’ll have to step up your game a bit. People tend to be less likely to buy in the winter because the weather keeps them indoors rather than house hunting. And, let’s face it, most homes just don’t look as good in the brown, drab winter as they do in the spicy spring and summer.

If you’re one of the lucky owners who has a home for sale in an area that stays beautiful all year long, you can still find a few tips here to help get your home ready to sell.

Six tips to help you sell your home this winter:

1. Keep it cozy. You want your home to be warm so people can comfortably take their time viewing your Ridgeland MS real estate. Saving money on heating costs isn’t worth it if it means freezing out your potential buyers.
2. Turn up the light. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day. Turn on your lights, both inside and out, at night. Put your lights on timers if you won’t be home until after dark. Use motion detectors to light up in the evening when a potential buyer approaches your doorstep.
3. Point out cold-weather benefits. Have mass transit within walking distance? That’s a big benefit in bad weather because you don’t have to de-ice or dig your car out of the snow in order to get to work.
4. Take advantage of good winter locations. If your home is in a location that people flock to in the winter, such as an area with great outdoor winter sports such as skiing or a warm-weather area like Florida, now is the time prime time to promote your house! Put all you’ve got into marketing the benefits of living where it’s always sunny or where winter living is fun.
5. Set the mood. Play soft, classical music. Toss afghans or throws across the back of your sofa. Hang plush robes in your bedroom or bathroom.
6. Clear away snow and ice. Shovel a path through the snow so potential buyers don’t have to get out their snowshoes. De-ice your driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch to prevent slips and falls.

If you’re ready to sell your Ridgeland MS real estate this winter, I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.18.12

Winter Bargains: Brandon MS Homes for Sale

Posted in Brandon MS homes for sale tagged tips for brandon ms real estate buyers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

If you want to get great bargains on Brandon MS homes for sale, buy this winter. Who cares that it’s cold and wet outside if you can save thousands of dollars on a home?

There are an abundance of beautiful, well-maintained Brandon MS homes for sale right now. But there are very few buyers looking at them because it’s cold and dreary. They’d rather wait until spring. That means great prices for you right now!

Here are a few tips to help you catch a winter bargain:

• Ask to see summer photos: Want to know what the yard is like in the summer? Look at photos from last summer.

• Try light therapy: This makes everything look better. It’ll boost your mood and help you make a rational (not emotional) decision on which home is right for you.

• Use your imagination: If there’s something you don’t like about the house, imagine what it will look and feel like in warmer weather. The natural light will be brighter, the air will be fresher and the grass will be greener.

• Offer less: If the homeowners want to get the home sold this winter, they’re going to be more open to considering your offer, even if it’s several thousand dollars less than the asking price. If they’re unwilling to go as low as you’d like on the price, ask for other concessions. You might get the seller to pay for part of your closing costs, buy a home warranty plan or to leave the pool table that fits so perfectly in the family room.

If you’re willing to brave the cold and ignore the winter blues, you could save a bundle when buying one of the Brandon MS homes for sale. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com and tell me what you want in a home. I’ll put together a list of great buys for you.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.16.12

Stop Renting and Buy a Ridgeland MS Home in 2012

Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged buying Ridgeland MS homes has advantages over renting at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

While we all know that the economy has taken a hit on the real estate market, that doesn’t mean that purchasing a Ridgeland MS home and putting down roots has turned into an out-of reach dream. In fact, you can grasp it quite easily, and there are many benefits to doing so.

Start 2012 off right by setting new life and financial goals for yourself. If you’ve been renting and are planning to remain in Ridgeland, then it’s definitely time for you to consider buying a house.  Here are some benefits you should take into account:

• You’ll build equity. If you take out a loan, you’ll be using someone else’s money to turn your property into a piggy bank and eventually make money as your Ridgeland MS home appreciates. Plus, when you sell down the road, you don’t have to share the proceeds — what’s not to like about making money with your bank’s money!

• You’ll receive tax breaks. The government supports purchasing houses by giving you significant tax breaks on your federal taxes. And when it comes time to sell, you don’t have to pay capital gains taxes either, until you hit a certain ceiling.

• You’ll be able to count on consistent payments year to year. If you can get a fixed-rate mortgage, you won’t need to worry about an annual increase in your payments. When you’re renting, you never know what your payments could be from lease to lease, which makes it hard to determine if your current residence will always be within your budget.

While the appreciation on a house you purchase might not shoot up as fast as it did a decade ago, buying a home is still a wise long-term investment. Paying rent is no investment at all.

If you’re on the fence about the benefits of purchasing one of the Ridgeland MS homes for sale in the New Year or would like to see what’s available, please call 601-942-3392 today or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.13.12

Price Shop Closing Fees on Your New Ridgeland MS Real Estate

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged financing Ridgeland MS real estate at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

One way lenders increase their profits on your Ridgeland MS real estate mortgage is by charging settlement fees. While many fees are standard and required, others may be negotiated.

Shop Around For Better Closing Fees

The Good Faith Estimate (GFE), as required by RESPA, is presented to you after you apply for a loan to purchase your Ridgeland MS real estate. It gives you a heads up as to what fees you should expect at closing.

If you don’t like the numbers you’re seeing on the GFE, shop around with other lenders. If you were approved for one loan, you can likely be approved for another.  Collect comparable GFEs and see how the interest rate, monthly payments, points, and closing fees stack up. Your best bet is to tell your lenders that you’re comparison shopping, so they give you the best numbers possible.

Common closing fees you can expect to see on your Good Faith Estimate include:

• Appraisal Fee – Fee for an independent appraisal of the value of the property. This fee often ranges from $350 to $500. Note that payment for this fee is sometimes required prior to closing.
• Credit Report Fee – This is the cost of acquiring a credit report.
• Title Insurance Fee – This is the fee paid to a title company for research and insurance related to the title of the property.
• Processing Fee – The processing fee covers the cost of the person who handles collecting the paperwork, such as credit reports and employment history, for underwriting. Sometimes, the processor is the loan officer.
• Loan Origination Fee – Also called underwriting fee, administrative fee or processing fee, the loan origination fee is charged by the lender for evaluating and preparing your mortgage loan. This fee can cover the lender’s attorney’s fees, document preparation costs, notary fees, and similar charges.
• Application Fee – This fee covers the processing of an application for mortgage insurance.

All loans have fees; there’s no escaping them.  If there aren’t any fees, the cost of making the loan has been wrapped up in other areas such as the interest rate or points.  So as you comparison shop, remember to look to the long-term cost of the loan, not just settlement fees.

That said, with some comparison shopping and negotiation, you may be able to decrease your fee amounts without the price being woven elsewhere into the loan for your Ridgeland MS real estate.

Whether you’re ready to buy or need more information before taking the plunge, I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.11.12

Remove Clutter for Good from Your Madison MS Home

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged selling tips for madison ms homes at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

There are hundreds of real estate blogs and property-selling advice articles that tell you to stage and clear clutter before putting your Madison MS home on the market. However, you can’t just throw everything into the closet like you might be tempted to do, because buyers will open those doors.

If you’re about to put your house on the market, take advantage of this opportunity to not only clean up the clutter — but get it out of your house for good! Then you’ll have less mess to move to your new house. You might even make a little money on the side.

• Give sentimental items to family and friends.  Set aside valuable goods, still-useful furniture or family heirlooms to give to dear friends, family members and children. These are the items that others can still get joy from but that you don’t use anymore or need to purge because of downsizing.

• Have a yard sale. It’s always satisfying to get some cash for goods that you no longer need. Try to hold your yard sale on the first weekend of the month, as a lot of bargain hunters receive paychecks at the end or beginning of each month. Advertise it in your local newspaper. While having a yard sale takes quite a bit of work, you might bring in enough money to make minor improvements to your property before putting it on the market.

• Donate to a local charity. After the yard sale, pack up whatever is left and donate it to a local charity or resale store. You’ll ensure your discarded belongings get to people who could actually use them, and you’ll save money by getting a tax write-off.

Whether your Madison MS home is just a little cluttered or it looks like something off of “Hoarders,” take the time to clean up the clutter and actually get rid of it once and for all.

If you’d like to put your home on the market, I can help you get it ready to sell. If you list your Madison MS home for sale with KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks, you’ll receive a FREE verbal home staging consultation to help your home sell for Top Dollar. Please call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.09.12

2012 New Year’s Resolution: Sell Your Madison MS Home for Sale

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged selling tips for madison ms homes at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

With a new year beginning, it’s time for you to get rid of last year’s baggage and concentrate on making 2012 the best it can be. So if you had one of the Madison MS homes for sale in 2011 and it’s still on the market, then you only need to have one New Year’s resolution: do whatever it takes to sell that house!

This economy has made it challenging to get acceptable offers from prospective buyers. While this is extremely discouraging, the lack of offers might mean it’s time to bite the bullet and lower the price on your Madison MS home for sale. Then you might be able to sell quickly and start a new lease on life.

Below are reasons you should lower your price now to sell fast and start anew:

• It costs time and money to keep a house on the market. Maintaining a house and waiting for the right offer is a full-time job. There is constant cleaning, upkeep and improvements that can cost you time and money — which you could be investing into your new house.
• Your home may be overpriced. If you aren’t receiving any offers, have your real estate agent pull information on comparable properties in your neighborhood that have recently sold. This will give you get a better idea of where you should be priced.
• Your real estate agent recommends it. He or she knows your market and can tell if your property has been for sale longer than expected. If a property sits on the market too long, potential buyers might suspect that something is wrong. If your house has more days on market than your agent expected it to have, then it’s probably time to reduce the price.

Consider dropping your price so you can accomplish your New Year’s resolution early in 2012. Reducing your price might also draw attention to your property, increase activity and bring more people through the doors.

If your Madison MS home for sale isn’t currently listed with an agent, and you’re ready to get it sold, please call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com. I’ll implement my proven marketing plan to get your home sold as quickly as possible.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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01.06.12

Space-Saving Tips for Your Madison MS Home

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS home renovation, Tips for Madison MS home owners at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

If you feel like you need more space in your Madison MS home, consider reconfiguring the space you already have, rather than building on an addition. Not only does working inside your existing footprint save money up front, but smaller homes are cheaper to heat, cool, furnish and maintain. You’ll also save on taxes and insurance. Here are some ideas.

• Evaluate your space. How do you really live in your Madison MS home? Walk through it and make notes on high-use zones that should be reconfigured and underperforming areas that could be put to use.
• Open it up. Simply opening up a wall may help your flow. A minor remodel that makes your home function better will pay you back if you sell in the future. Opening up a small kitchen by combining it with adjoining rooms is among the most common remodels today, and the trend is likely to continue. An open floor plan means reduced material use, better space utilization and better light penetration, as well as more accessible space.
• Go vertical. To make a small bedroom more efficient, consider a loft bed. This will free up floor space and keep sleepers warmer at night. Space-saving bunk beds in the kids’ room or a trundle bed can accommodate overnight guests.
• Store it away. To keep clutter at bay, invest in storage systems such as built-in shelving, wall units or under-bed bins.
• Fold it away. Remember the old-fashioned ironing boards that used to attach to the wall? Now you can get a fold-out desk area that disappears when not in use.

If you need more space than these tips can provide, you may want to move to a larger Madison MS home. I can help you find one and purchase it at a great price. Contact me today at 601-942-3392 or Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com

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