Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest solution is right under your nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked. But common sense says buyers make their first judgment of homes for sale based on the homes’ exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Ridgeland MS Real Estate Market

Today’s real estate market is challenging for sellers, all the more reason why every little detail matters. Buyers know they are in a strong buyer’s market and literally won’t put up with any rubbish, when window shopping for homes.

Before a potential buyer even considers stepping a foot inside your home, they want to see curb appeal— and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.”

Here’s what buyers are looking for:

• Precision lawn care:  That means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect lawn features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially the sidewalk.
• No junk lying around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage.  Don’t have an RV blocking your driveway or bikes and toys strewn everywhere.
• Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris.  Plant beautiful flowers.  You can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant.
• Splash o’ Color: Paint the house, garage, doors and shutters in neutral, updated colors.
• Fix and Re-Finish: Wooden decks and porch railings should be in tip-top shape.

Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for best looking home in the area. Think model-home quality.

You’ve got a Friend!

To help you get the most out of your precious Ridgeland MS real estate, I’m here for you.  Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Buying a home will probably be the most expensive purchase you ever make.  Therefore, you undoubtedly should consider enlisting the help of a REALTOR® who has experience, extensive knowledge of the area and integrity.

Benefits of using a professional Ridgeland MS real estate agent 

Having your own buyer’s agent to walk you through the entire home buying process saves you a lot of time and stress, as well as money. 

You decide:

• Size of home desired
• Style preferred
• Location
• Price range

That’s easy!  With this basic information, your agent begins the hard part: searching for the perfect home for you and successfully guiding you through the purchase process.

Your agent helps with:

• Generating a small defined list of good choices
• Forming a realistic budget
• Financing
• Determining what a home is really worth
• Making offers for you
• Negotiating with the seller
• Alleviating stress that’s a part of any transaction of this magnitude
• Overseeing your home inspection
• Renegotiating any problems found in the home inspection
• Explaining and demystifying taxes, interest, and other particulars
• Finalizing all the paperwork and details with the lender, seller and title company
• Closing on the sale

All the hours your agent invests assisting you and making sure your best interests are looked after financially, legally and emotionally are well worth the real estate commission he or she receives after you finalize your purchase.  And typically, as the buyer, you don’t pay the commission.  The seller pays it!

Where to find a professional Ridgeland MS real estate agent   

I specialize in helping people just like you buy homes.  Let’s get started!  Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

How do you find out if your Ridgeland MS home is making you sick? Look for individual sources of pollution:

• Tobacco smoke – If you’re a smoker, smoke outside. Sitting in a cloud can cause dizziness, nausea and other side effects. These problems are especially harsh if you’re a non-smoker in a home full of smoke. As well, the smoke settles into fabrics and on walls and ceilings for the carcinogens to be released into the air on a regular basis.

• Radon – Because radon is odorless and invisible, the best way to find out if you have a problem is to have a radon test done on your home.  The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend that all homes be tested. 

• Asbestos – Pretty much everyone knows that asbestos is a health hazard, but you may not think it’s in your house. If it was built between 1920 and 1978, however, there’s a high possibility. If there’s asbestos in your house, hire a specially trained, licensed contractor to remove it.

• Pesticides – If you have a problem with bugs and use pesticides, you may have a problem with pesticides as well. Many chemical pesticide manufacturers are producing natural pesticide solutions and putting them on the shelves. Symptoms from pesticides include feeling light-headed, dizzy or nauseous.  If you have those, switch to a natural pesticide.

• Mold/mildew – Mold and mildew is a common cause for asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. A long-term cough, difficulty breathing and excessive morning phlegm may point to mold spores in the air. Have a professional scan your house for mold. It may be expensive to take care of, depending on the size of the problem, but you’ll have a lot less doctor visits and feel better.

Other issues may be damaging the indoor air quality of your Ridgeland MS home. If you want to make your house healthier, visit the EPA website for more information.

If you’re looking for a healthy home to buy, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Buying habits are changing rapidly. More than 70 percent of today’s buyers find the house they want to buy through online resources. Why aren’t they just getting into their cars and coming by for a visit? Because a large part of your potential buyers are looking at your Ridgeland MS home for sale from states away…

The Invaluable Relocation Buyer
You want the relocation buyer. In fact, every seller, every agent and every community wants the relocation buyer. Why? Relocation buyers are those who have to move. They’re incredibly motivated to buy, and the chance of them buying a home in the community is high.

Your Buyer’s Profile
Your relocation buyer is probably an educated professional in his or her field. Relocation buyers usually know exactly what they’re looking for, and aren’t willing to budge much. They’ve commonly moved before and are knowledgeable home buyers.

If you’ve never sold a home, they’ll most likely understand the buying/selling process better than you do. They also know that real estate activity and values are different in every area.  As well, they know how their companies’ relocation assistance programs work, which affects their moving budgets.

Reaching buyers is a competitive process. If you want highly motivated buyers like these knocking on your door, you need a well-organized marketing strategy.

Talk to your real estate agent about your online presentation. Perhaps a video tour would be the best strategy to attract buyers to your Ridgeland MS home for sale. Whatever you decide to do, if your marketing strategy doesn’t include a well-put-together online presentation, you’ve already lost the relocation buyer.

Are you missing a large buying market for your home? As an experienced and award winning Ridgeland MS real estate agent, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Interview Ridgeland MS Real Estate Agents
Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Ridgeland MS real estate agents and interview them. Ask:

• About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by
• What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable 
• How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up
While interviewing, Ridgeland MS real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price
These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate. 

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely

While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.

Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your Ridgeland MS real estate is most likely to experience is of great benefit.  For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.

Gather Supplies

Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every Ridgeland MS real estate homeowner’s “must have” list.

• Extra blankets
• Water
• Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)
• Candles or other forms of emergency lighting
• Battery operated radio
• Dust mask
• Can opener
• Moist towels
• Emergency escape plans
• Shelter listings
• Pet food (if you have pets)
• Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)
• Infant supplies (if applicable)

Plan for Fast Action

Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:

• In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.
• If your Ridgeland MS real estate is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment’s notice.
• For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter. 

Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst.  By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.

If you need more information on preparing your home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Ridgeland MS real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes smoothly.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:  

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don’t. Don’t fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Ridgeland MS real estate agent isn’t going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Ridgeland MS real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don’t be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Here’s the basic 4-step process to staining kitchen cabinets for your Ridgeland MS real estate.

1. Gather supplies:  120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper, wood conditioner, paintbrushes, tack cloths, rags, stain and polyurethane.  Some experts recommend water-based stain and sealer because they’re easier to work with, while others insist on oil-based products because of their durability.  Do some research to make the right choice for you.

2. Prepare the wood:  Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the wood in the direction of the grain.  This prevents scratches.  Remove all of the loose dust with a tack cloth.  Then sand the cabinets again, this time using 220-grit sandpaper.  This creates a smooth finish.  Remove all the loose dust with a tack cloth and apply a coat of wood conditioner to the cabinets.  Let it dry completely.

3. Stain the wood:  Brush on a coat of stain with a paintbrush following the grain of the wood.  Then take a rag and rub the stain into the wood using a circular motion. Finish the staining by wiping along the grain of the wood one final time to ensure an even finish.  Let the stain dry completely.

4. Seal the wood:  Apply two coats of polyurethane following the manufacturer’s directions.  Once you’ve sealed the cabinets, make sure you give them ample time to cure.

Staining the cabinets for your Ridgeland MS real estate kitchen remodel can save you a lot of money.  Just be sure you take the time to do a quality job.  You’ll be living with the results for a long time, so make sure it looks good.

Want more homeowner tips like this automatically emailed to you?  Subscribe to this blog now.  It’s free and easy.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

First Things First
Get a copy of your credit report from all three of the credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free report every year from each of the three credit reporting companies.  Whether you’re considering getting a loan or not, you should always take advantage of that opportunity to make sure your credit reports are accurate.

Range
FICO® scores range from 365 to 840. While the standards for what lenders consider a “good” FICO® score changes constantly and varies by lender, here’s a general breakdown of today’s standards:

• Over 750 is excellent and should get you the best terms and rates.
• Under 600 might get you a Ridgeland MS real estate loan, but you’ll want to shop for the lender who’ll give you the best rates and terms.
• Under 500, you need to brace yourself for waiting until you get your credit in better condition.

What Determines Your Score
There are many things that can affect your score.  Magically (or not), each of the three companies tend to view things just a little differently, which means your score will not be the exact same for all three. That’s why it’s so important to get copies of your report from all of them. However, the two main things that all companies consider in rating your credit score are delinquencies and debt-to-income ratio.

What You Can Do To Immediately Improve Your Score

• Check the entries: Make sure any debts or delinquencies listed are true. Report any errors. 
• Pay off debts: But do not close accounts. Having available credit is good as long as it doesn’t look like you’re over-extended by having your credit maxed out. The lender may worry that you’re living off your credit and can’t afford your bills.

If you would like more tips on how to improve your chances of getting a Ridgeland MS real estate loan, I can help. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392

Many potential homebuyers and renters choose to go it alone and find the home of their dreams without professional help. While this method of house hunting works for some it definitely doesn’t work for all, and the consequences often far outweigh the benefits. Yes, the same can apply for home sellers as well!

Real Estate Scams
Here are a few real estate scams to watch out for:

• Down Payment Assistance Programs are wonderful gifts for potential buyers of Ridgeland MS homes for sale. However, there are certain rules that have to be followed for this down payment gift to be legal. For instance, as a gift, the homebuyer doesn’t have to pay it back. Some unscrupulous companies offer Down Payment Assistance Programs but expect the money back. This isn’t a gift; it’s a loan, and illegal if the program is listed as “down payment assistance.”
• Property flipping scams happen when a con artist buys a home and sells it as an investment opportunity with zero down payment, no closing costs, low interest rate, etc. Although it sounds like a great deal, it becomes a scam when the house is severely overpriced and the buyer pays way more than the house is worth.
• Craigslist is an excellent resource for those wanting to buy or sell something. However, it is also a great source for con artists, who have turned their eyes to the real estate market. The scammers take information from legitimate listings on other websites (such as REALTOR® websites) and post it as their own on Craigslist. They often mention that they had to move for some reason, but can still rent/sell the home. All the buyers or renters have to do is send them their personal information and the first month’s rent or down payment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to protect yourself. Be cautious when looking for Ridgeland MS homes for sale or selling them. Always check references and backgrounds. As well, if the home seller is in another country or another state, ask them if they’d be willing to use a local real estate agent.  Then be sure to verify the agent’s credentials.

If you want to buy or sell a house and need a professional, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com 
Call direct:  601-942-3392