06.30.11
Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged ridgeland ms real estate selling tips at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Have you ever considered that preparing your Ridgeland MS home for an appraisal could increase its appraised value?
While many owners consider a home appraisal as simply another step in the process of selling or refinancing their homes, homeowners who prep their homes for the appraisal often fair better than those who do nothing.
Here are seven ways to prepare your Ridgeland MS home for the best appraisal possible:
- Give the appraiser a list of recent sales. Ask your real estate agent to make a list of properties similar to yours that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Be sure to include the sales price. This is one less thing the appraiser has to do.
- Supply a copy of your home’s blueprint. This will help to verify room measurements and lot size. Also, provide the date your home was built.
- Provide a list of improvements. Make a list of improvements you’ve made to your property since you bought it. Include the dates the improvements were made. Be sure to list all improvements such as adding a room, updating your kitchen or bathroom, pouring a patio or replacing a roof.
- Make it easy for your appraiser to see the entire property. Do you have an attic or crawl space that’s hard to access? Do whatever is necessary to make it easy for the appraiser to get to those hard to reach spaces.
- Spruce it up. A clean home makes a good impression. Trip the lawn, clean the garage, and make minor repairs both inside and out.
- Point out amenities. Do you have a sprinkler or security system, built-in vacuum, or other special features that aren’t obvious? Give a list of these amenities to your appraiser.
- Provide a copy of your most recent property tax assessment. The assessed value of your home is what your taxing authority (your county, city or town) uses to determine how much property tax is due. The period between assessments varies by jurisdiction. Some taxing authorities might conduct full assessments every six years, for instance, but update their records annually to account for new homes or building improvements. Contact your county, city or town to get the most recent tax assessment for your property.
Thinking of selling your Ridgeland MS home? Let me help you sell it faster with less stress and for as much as possible. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me now at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
ridgeland ms real estate selling tips
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06.27.11
Posted in Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale tagged ridgeland ms home trends at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been jealously eyeing those beautiful outdoor kitchens on the home and garden type TV channels. They’re becoming hot items, but are they worth the price? Will you really use it as much as you think you will?
Here are some questions to ponder before deciding to splurge on this gourmet treat:
- Do you like to entertain? The outdoor kitchen is no longer just a grill and a sink; it’s a whole entertainment system. With an outdoor kitchen, you can effortlessly move the party outside. In addition to a grill, you can incorporate all the features of an indoor kitchen including appliances, a counter for food prep, cabinets for storage, comfortable seating, a pizza oven and a fireplace or fire pit.
- Do you need more space? Without the expense of adding on another room to your Ridgeland MS home, you can expand your living space with an outdoor kitchen. Some experts say the return on your investment is comparable to an indoor-kitchen update.
- Do you want to upgrade your Ridgeland MS home rather than move? With today’s real estate market, upgrading your home with a fun option like an outdoor kitchen might make more sense than selling.
- Do you want to enjoy nature while being pampered? Yes, you’re outside communing with nature, but at the same time, you can have a comfortable, covered space in which to relax, visit and entertain.
I think I’ve talked myself into it. How about you?
If you’d like help deciding whether it’s time to sell or upgrade your Ridgeland MS home, give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com. At no cost, I’ll give you a complete analysis to help you make a well-informed decision.
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
ridgeland ms home trends
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06.24.11
Posted in Jackson MS real estate tagged Jackson MS real estate buyers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
The process of buying a new home is daunting enough without having to track down all the various paperwork necessary at the last minute. Don’t endure extra stress! Get your paperwork together early, so that you can feel piece of mind when purchasing metro Jackson MS real estate.
You should have the list of documents below in hand before you make an offer on a home. This will ensure the purchase process is as quick as possible. Every mortgage lender’s requirements can be different, so double-check with yours for a comprehensive list.
- ID – This might seem like a no-brainer to most people, but just make sure you have official identification.
- Pay stubs – Your lender will want proof that you’re still earning an income, so inquire about how many months worth they’ll want you to provide.
- Gift letter – If someone else is helping you with your down payment, the mortgage lender will want to know if you’re receiving a gift or a loan. If someone else is loaning you money, your lender will want to take that debt into account before approving your mortgage.
- Tax returns – Your lender is going to want almost any financial document you can think of. Bring at least the last two years of tax records to be on the safe side.
- Bank account statements – Bring at least the statements from the most recent two months, especially if the bank where your accounts are is not your mortgage provider. Also bring any other financially-related paperwork — that includes proof of child-support or alimony payments.
- Divorce decree – Especially if it’s recent, you’ll want to be able to prove that you’re no longer responsible for your ex’s debts.
In short, if you receive anything at all in the mail regarding your personal finances, make copies and bring them with you when you’re seeking mortgage approval. You never know what the bank will ask for, so try to have everything.
If you want to learn more about how to negotiate the best deal and how to prepare metro Jackson MS real estate purchasing paperwork, I can help. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Jackson MS real estate buyers
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06.22.11
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate buyers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Buying a home is a business transaction, but it’s hard to keep emotions completely out of the process. Most sellers in today’s market already know that they need to avoid unnecessarily angering their buyers. And buyers shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that just because the Madison MS real estate market is down they can get away with annoying sellers. Keep your cool this summer and avoid upsetting sellers so that your home purchase goes smoothly and for a fair price.
- Don’t put down their home. By pointing out everything that is wrong with a house, you could force the sellers to take less money, but this strategy hardly ever works. You’re more likely to anger the seller to the point that they won’t continue negotiations. That doesn’t mean you can’t fight for the best deal possible, but be careful not to shoot yourself in the foot.
- Don’t present an absurdly low offer. In today’s market, there’s often room to negotiate on Madison MS real estate, but offering something WAY to low will often insult the seller. You’re better off coming in with what you think is a fair or a slightly low offer — and negotiating from there.
- Don’t put off getting a pre-approved loan. There’s nothing that will frustrate a seller more than getting almost all the way through the purchasing process only to find out you can’t get financing. With your pre-approval, you’ll know exactly what you can afford so you won’t waste your or the seller’s time.
- Don’t renegotiate at the end. Never offer over what you want to pay and then attempt to ask for a massive price reduction to fix every minor repair. Of course, if a major repair needs to be completed, you can certainly expect that to be reflected in the price. Just don’t attempt to lure the seller in with a price you know you’re unwilling to pay.
If you’d like to work with a real estate agent who can help you find the best buys and stay cool while purchasing Madison MS real estate this summer, call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS real estate buyers
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06.20.11
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS Home Trends, Madison MS real estate at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
With the struggling economy and the move toward living greener, small houses are trending toward becoming more popular. You may have heard about the Small House Movement and wondered if living in a small Madison MS home is right for you.
To help you decide, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about small houses:
How tiny is a small house?
What is typically referred to as a small house varies widely in size from about 650 square feet down to the extremely miniscule house of about 120 square feet. However, any home with fewer square feet than you’re living in now can be considered a small house. If you’re currently living in 3,000 square feet and you move to a Madison MS home with 1,500 square feet, you’ve downsized by half. It all depends on your perspective.
Does smaller equate to less expensive?
Most smaller Madison MS homes are less expensive simply because of the reduced square footage. For the same reason, smaller houses cost less to heat, cool and maintain. Of course, if you add on luxury features like marble counters and hand-carved built-ins, a small home can quickly go from economical to expensive.
Do I have to have it built from scratch?
Although the Small House Movement is fairly new, there have been small houses around for centuries. Depending on the area in which you live they may be called cottages, bungalows, row houses, town houses or even shotgun houses.
Whether you want a micromini house, a mcmansion or any size in between, I can help you find and negotiate a good price for it. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to get started.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS Home Trends,
Madison MS real estate
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06.16.11
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged renting Madison MS homes at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
You’ve decided to hire a property management company to handle your Madison MS real estate rental property. Choosing a well-respected and well-run company is crucial to your success. Here are seven tips to help you make a wise selection:
1. Phone then visit in person. Make a list of all the companies you’re considering. Phone them to ask a series of elimination questions such as how long they’ve been in business and if they are knowledgeable about the Madison MS real estate rental market. If you’re still interested, make an appointment to visit in person. A personal visit gives you a better idea of how they conduct their business, and you can meet the people who will represent your interests.
2. Determine whether the company offers a comprehensive property management service or if the service is just a sideline for a Madison MS real estate office. Find out exactly who will manage your property and how long that person has been a property manager in this area. Ask how many people are on the staff and what happens when someone is out sick. Determine what services they offer and exactly how your property will be managed.
3. Clarify the tenant screening process. You want a company that does thorough research to determine the applicant’s credit and rental history as well as his or her criminal background and past and present employment situations. You also want a company that sends you a written report that backs up their reasons for recommending a prospective renter so you can make a well-informed final decision.
4. Pick a company that uses current technology. From maintenance requests to online rent payment services, there are many online tools available for property management companies. Hiring a company that offers services through their website is important in attracting and retaining the best tenants.
5. Ask for three client references. Get names and contact information of current or recently past clients, preferably clients who had property similar to yours. Talk with them to find out what they liked and disliked about working with the property management company.
6. Hire a company that has good relationships with tenants. It’s important that the company managing your property gets along well with renters. If renters like the company, it means they’re getting good service and are being treated well. This reduces problems and renter turnover.
7. Select a company that gets your money into your account quickly. Your rental money should be in your account as quickly as possible, and typically no later than the ninth day of each month. That’s your money and should be in your bank account earning interest not in the property manager’s bank account.
Thinking of investing in Madison MS real estate for rental income? I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me today at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
renting Madison MS homes
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06.13.11
Posted in Brandon MS Real Estate tagged renting brandon ms real estate at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Maybe you have a home on the market that isn’t selling, or maybe you own a vacation home in Brandon that you don’t use often enough. Whatever the reason, you’re thinking about renting your Brandon MS real estate.
Being a landlord isn’t easy. There are pitfalls that can prevent you from turning a profit and problems that can keep you awake at night.
Here are six tips to help reduce your stress and make a profit from your rental property:
1. Study the Brandon MS real estate market and rental situation. Take landlords who are successful in your area to lunch and learn from them. Find out who they use for legal work, paint jobs and pest control.
2. Research. Find out vacancy rates and how much properties are renting for in your area. Rental property owners associations and sites like mrlandlord.com can be great resources.
3. Do thorough expense calculations and analyze your cash flow before putting out your “for rent” sign. Overestimate when in doubt. Make sure you’ve added in big expenses like real estate taxes, rental insurance and property management fees, if you’re going to get help managing your Brandon MS real estate.
4. Have a well-funded savings account labeled “maintenance reserve.” Landlords often fail to budget enough for seasonal tasks like snow removal. And, you never know when Mother Nature will throw a tornado or hail storm your way.
5. Understand local rental and eviction control laws. Keep extremely good records and be proactive; it can save you aggravation and money. For example, if someone isn’t paying you rent, and you let them go too long without paying, it becomes difficult to recover the money or evict them.
6. Thoroughly screen all potential tenants before renting to them. Review the applicant’s credit history, eviction history, criminal history and rental history. Also, personally interview the applicant or have your property management company interview the applicant and send you the information for your final approval.
There is good news! Rents are rising. According to the National Association of REALTORS® the average apartment rent is projected to grow 3.4 percent this year and another 4.2 percent in 2012. Additionally, in today’s economy, more and more people are interested in Brandon MS real estate for rent.
Would you like more tips about renting or selling your home? Call me now at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
renting brandon ms real estate
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06.10.11
Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged ridgeland ms homeowner tips at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Putting a fence in your yard can dramatically change the look and feel of your Ridgeland MS real estate. If you’re thinking about adding a fence, whether for a functional or ornamental purpose, there are several things to take into consideration:
- Check local codes. Does your homeowner’s association, county or city forbid fencing or forbid a particular size or type of fencing? Find this out first.
- Prepare for placement. A wrongly placed fence can add significantly to the cost of an already pricey project. Call utilities to have them determine where you can safely place your fence. If you hit an underground line, you could be injured and be charged as much as several thousand dollars by the utility for repairs. Hire a surveyor to verify your property line, and then place the fence well within that line. You may think all this sounds time consuming and expensive. But, it’s much less than the high cost of litigation.
- Pick a purpose. Do you want the fence to keep your dog in the yard (or to keep other dogs out of your yard)? Perhaps you want it for privacy. Or, maybe you want it simply to add beauty to your yard. Think through the purpose of the fence before proceeding.
- Consider the cost. Get several estimates before signing a contract. Most people underestimate the cost of fencing by about one-third, determine your budget and then multiple that by three. It’ll give you the wiggle room you need. Be sure to consider not only the cost of buying the fence, but also the cost of installation and long-term maintenance. If you have to replace a fence twice as soon because you chose inexpensive materials, you will greatly increase your costs.
- Think about the style and age of your Ridgeland MS real estate. Is it old or new? Contemporary or rustic? Choose a fence style that complements your property.
- Mull over the material. After taking into considering the purpose and cost of the fence, and the style and age of your Ridgeland MS real estate, you’re still left with a wide variety of fence materials from which to choose. Here are the most popular options:
a. Metal: Aluminum and steel fencing are hot sellers because they complement historical homes as well as new construction. Steel is a particularly popular alternative for keeping pets in the yard, while having the look of wrought-iron. Maintenance is minimal if you choose a well-made product. Poorer quality fences tend to have paint and rust problems.
b. Chain-link: Forget the old, ugly chain-link fencing. Today it’s available in green, black and brown and is powder-coated for rust protection. This is one of the least expensive fencing options.
c. Wood: Avoid cedar posts unless you want to replace them frequently; they rot quickly. Expect a wood fence to last about 10 to 15 years and require a lot of maintenance throughout its lifetime. Pre-fabricated wood fencing is one of the less expensive and lower maintenance options, if you really want wood. Bamboo is a popular “green” wood fencing option that is made from some of the most environmentally sustainable wood on earth.
d. Vinyl and composite: Believe it or not this is usually more expensive than pre-fabricated wood and most ornamental-iron fences. However, vinyl and composite are some of the lowest maintenance and longest lasting fences, which often makes it well worth the price. Evaluate warranties carefully because some vinyl fencing can crack in freezing weather or warp in heat.
Looking for a home with a fenced in yard or with a great space for a fence? I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
ridgeland ms homeowner tips
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06.08.11
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS home renovation at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Today’s buyers generally want modernized, updated properties. In a lot of markets, features like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops are almost expected, especially in higher price ranges. As your Father’s Day gift this June, help your dad add value to his Madison MS home.
Five renovation tips that are great gifts and will increase value:
- Windows and doors – Almost any upgrade to windows, exterior doors or the garage door will add value to a property and increase its security. However, if you want to make a big impact, splurge for energy-saving windows. These will be especially appealing to buyers looking to lower their carbon footprints and those looking to lower their utility bills — which is everyone!
- Curb appeal – The outside of a house is the first thing buyers see, so it makes sense to spend money to keep it looking its best. With a few new plants, a hedge trimmer, a paintbrush and a shovel, even the most inexperienced DIYer can make a significant impact on a property’s curb appeal.
- Kitchens and baths – Everyone uses them daily and would like them to be as nice as possible. Any money spent updating the kitchen and bathrooms will see a positive return when your Dad decides to sell his Madison MS home.
- Don’t overdo it – Almost everyone wants granite counters, but maybe you live in a laminate neighborhood. Don’t spend so much on updates that your house is far and away the most expensive per square foot in the neighborhood. As a general rule, it’s always hard to sell the most expensive property on the block.
- Sweat the small stuff – A few bucks spent on new light switches, faucets and doorknobs can go a long way to improving the look of a house, without any major investment.
Would you like more renovation ideas that would make great Father’s Day gifts for your Dad’s Madison MS home? Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS home renovation
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06.06.11
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS home buyers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
The real estate market is flooded with homes for sale. Interest rates are at an all time low on fixed rate mortgages. And, terms for acquiring a home loan are still fairly open. This is expected to change and possibly soon, which means now is prime time to buy Madison MS homes for sale.
To help you with this process, here are answers to four of the most popular questions I’ve recently received from home buyers:
Q: Where can I find the best deal on Madison MS homes for sale?
A: The answer is almost anywhere. Because homes are sitting on the market for a long time, most homeowners are more willing than ever to negotiate.
Q: What about buying new construction?
A: The option for new construction is open to more people than ever before. Builders are offering extended home warranties and many upgrades to help move their inventory. Some builders now offer financial assistance to reach an even larger number of buyers.
Here’s the number one tip to get the best deal in new construction: Before starting your search for new construction, hire a real estate agent. Your real estate agent can negotiate the best deal for you, even in new construction. Be sure to visit new construction with your agent so the builder knows you’re represented. This representation costs you nothing and can save you a lot of money.
Q: Should I look at short sales and foreclosures for my best deal?
A: Not really. Although there are good deals to be found, the time and effort involved in purchasing short sales and foreclosures can be a huge negative. Negotiating with a homeowner can be much easier than trying to negotiate with a lender for the short sale or foreclosure.
Q: Should I wait for home prices to go even lower?
A: Definitely not. Prices of Madison MS homes for sale have come down from a few years ago and are much more stable and accurate. The days of inflated home prices are long gone. This does not mean that homes will not increase in value. It only means that they will do so at a rate that should prevent the upside-down mortgages that some people are facing today.
This is a prime time to purchase a home. With the large number of homes on the market, you are certain to find one to call home. Let me help you in your search. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me today at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
Paula Ricks Broker/Owner, REALTOR®
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS home buyers
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