Real estate agents can represent your best interests when purchasing FSBOs, just like they do when purchasing homes listed with a real estate agency. You get the same service from your agent whether he or she is helping you buy a traditional Brandon MS home for sale or a FSBO.

Here are three benefits to working with a real estate agent when buying a FSBO:

1. It could save you thousands of dollars.

Most people consider buying a FSBO because they fall in love with the house, not because it’s a great price. In fact, the majority of FSBOs are priced at or above the actual market value of the home. Why is this? Home owners are novices at pricing homes, their information is typically out of date, they don’t have access to the sales prices of all homes in the area, and they don’t have the technology needed to accurately process the data.

When you hire an agent, you gain a considerable advantage over the seller when negotiating the price. Agents are experienced negotiators, and they have the sales statistics to support their requests.

Some proponents of selling your Brandon MS home for sale by owner argue that you’ll pay more because you have to pay the agent’s commission. In this buyer’s market, all homes including FSBOs take longer to sell. If a homeowner is serious about selling, and the home has been on the market for a while, the seller more often than not agrees to pay all of part of the real estate agent’s commission.

2. It’ll save your sanity.

Sellers have an emotional and personal attachment to their homes. They frequently take it personally when buyers want to negotiate. Without an agent, it’s you and the seller pitted against each other. Emotions often flare, which could prevent you from getting the best deal possible or could cause you to lose the opportunity to buy the house altogether.

3. All legal issues and paperwork will be handled by the agent.

The process of buying a house is complex. Your agent will guide you through the entire process including the negotiation, inspection, re-negotiation (based on findings during the inspection) and closing.  He or she also will make sure all legal issues are considered and handled appropriately, and all paperwork required to buy the home is properly completed.

If you’re interested in buying a home, whether or not it’s a FSBO, I’d like to help you.  Call me 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

A long, long time ago…
William, Duke of Normandy, felt he had a claim to the throne of England. King Harold Godwinson, crowned king in January 1066, didn’t much agree. While it took until October, William and Harold met on the battlefield at Hastings; Harold was killed, William moved on to storm London.

Upon his coronation, William became King William I of England. He then made a proclamation that went something like, “I came. I conquered. Give it.” William I claimed the complete ownership of all land in England based on right of conquest. He won the battle, so it only made good sense to claim the spoils, and possession equaled ownership.

English aristocracy and the feudal system began. Lords could bargain with the King, who then might make them tenants-in-chief through tenure, or estate. The most extensive and complete estate was called the Fee Simple Estate (also known as an estate of inheritance, fee simple absolute or fee ownership), the basis of our real estate laws now, in America.

When our British ancestors spread across the pond to American soil, they brought Fee Simple Estate with them. And, they claimed America by King William’s idea of “right of conquest.” However, they also developed the concept of an informal association of agents in the 1880s.

Inception of National Association of Realtors®
In 1908, they formed the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). At that time, the NAR had a whole 19 Real Estate Boards and one state association!

While the history of real estate associations probably isn’t that exciting, unless you’re trying to pass a test, modern real estate laws are based off that history.

Although things have changed in terms of law, they really haven’t changed that much in terms of conquest. Okay, so maybe now the army is real estate agents and the weapons are contracts, but you still have to fight for the land you want.

If you’re looking for Brandon MS real estate to buy and you’re feeling tentative, it’s time to buck up a little. Buying and selling is still a matter of conquest, and it can still get rough. Negotiations, for instance, aren’t usually quiet discussions over Earl Grey tea. Before you go house hunting, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re armed… with a good Brandon MS real estate agent.

If you’re looking for a great piece of land to call your own, 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.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Office:  601-956-8533
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com

1. Remind yourself that this is temporary. This will pass. You will eventually find a buyer. You will have a contract. You will close the deal. Everything else is just part of the process and will eventually be a memory.

2. Use lists. Lists help you keep track of what you need to do and what you’ve already accomplished. You can’t forget something if you write it down.

3. Hire an experienced Brandon MS real estate agent. Sometimes you just need professional help. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Find a real estate agent you trust and let him or her guide you through selling your home.

4. Know your limits. When you’re tired or stressed, you don’t have the energy or mental capacity to do too many extra things. Learn to say no. Shorten your to-do list. You may want to pack two boxes each day, but accept that you may only have time to pack one.

5. Practice a stress reduction. Find something that works for you to reduce your anxiety. Try exercise, yoga, meditation, or even light gardening. Remember to breathe.

6. Take care of yourself and your family. You still need to eat healthy and spend time together doing something everyone loves. Don’t neglect your life while your house is on the market.

Selling your Brandon MS real estate doesn’t have to be an extraordinarily stressful experience. Know that you will survive it. Let me help you through the process of selling your home. Call me 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

There’s one thing you might not have thought to take into account when hiring a buyer’s agent:  the communities in which they specialize.  Here are six benefits of hiring a neighborhood specialist:

1. Get insider’s knowledge of the Brandon MS real estate market:  Your neighborhood specialist knows the history of neighborhood homes including who owned them and when.  He knows which streets are considered the most desirable and why.  He’s up to date on neighborhood nuisances and their influence on Metro Jackson Mississippi home values. He’s aware of pending legislation and neighborhood regulations.

2. Work with locals who know their businesses:  A neighborhood agent develops a professional network of local contacts who will be very useful to you when buying a home.  A neighborhood real estate agent personally knows the local home inspector, mortgage broker, title company and contractor and will introduce you to them.

3. Receive personal recommendations:  In addition to understanding the local real estate market inside and out, a real estate agent who specializes in a particular area knows the businesses in the neighborhood.  She can recommend the best dry cleaner, dog walker and doctor from his own personal experience.  She can also tell you which businesses to avoid.

4. Save time:  When you tell the neighborhood specialist the type of home you want to buy, she knows where to find that home.  She knows about new homes that are not yet on the market but are coming soon.  She knows which properties you should stay away from and which you should snap up quickly, if you like them.  In other words, she saves you precious time you’d otherwise spend trying to find that elusive, perfect piece of Brandon MS real estate.

5. Discover the real scoop:  Want to know what’s really going on in a community?  Ask the real estate agent who specializes in that community.  She can tell you what’s really going on.  She knows the quality of the schools, the condition of the roads and the amount of crime in the neighborhood.

Save money:  The neighborhood specialist knows what makes some homes on a particular street worth more (or less) than others.  He knows the supply and demand of the houses in that area. He knows how long the property has been on the market, and if it was previously on the market.   Bottom-line, he knows what you should pay for a neighborhood home and the terms you should ask for.

If you’re looking for an agent who specializes in Brandon MS real estate, 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

Called Million Dollar Listing, the show is a “docu-series” with three young stars:

• Josh Flagg graduated high school in 2004, stepped into high-end residential real estate, made several record sales and became one of Los Angeles’ best agents.
• Madison Hildebrand graduated from Pepperdine University, sold his first home to a celebrity and now sells homes as high as $20 million.
• Chad Rogers got his real estate license at 18, rose through the ranks and is currently working for a prestigious real estate brokerage.

What does all of this have to do with being one of the Brandon MS real estate agents? Nothing – and everything. Watching the show, I can’t help but think, “If these young bloods can sell a $20 million dollar house in Beverly Hills, in this economy, we can certainly sell $262,148 in Brandon, Mississippi.” 

Okay, so they’re selling to a lot of celebrities. And, yes, people in Beverly Hills and the surrounding counties are famous for their big wallets. I also have to admit that it might be easier to sell a house with fifty natural selling points (huge pool with pool man, beautiful grounds cared for by landscapers, two-ton chandeliers, stables) than it is to sell an average house that has five selling points.

Having said all that, however, when times get tough remember that we have a beautiful city. We have beautiful homes for sale, nice neighborhoods and great communities. We have a lot of selling points to show off, at more affordable prices.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home in Brandon or the Metro Jackson area, even if you’re not a celebrity, 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

Here are a few tips to help you get your Brandon MS real estate decorated in eco-friendly style!

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday:

Instead of buying wrapping paper, buy decorative wooden boxes, tin boxes, cloth bags or other eco-friendly packaging to hold your presents. You can get any of these with Holiday themes, most won’t get thrown away for years and, when they finally do fall apart, they’re biodegradable.

1. If you do use wrapping paper, save the paper and reuse it next year: recycling at its best!

2. Buy a real tree instead of a fake one and find an organization to plant one in its place. Once Christmas is over, you can have the Christmas tree recycled into wood chips, mulch and other wood products.

3. Try buying your gifts from an eco-friendly store. Online or offline, these businesses offer gifts made from recycled, reused or all natural materials.

4. Create fantastic holiday decorations with reusable materials from around the house. There are tons of decoration ideas around the Net, so you’ll be able to find some ideas that use things you already have lying around.

5. Send an e-card instead of a regular Holiday card, or buy Holiday cards made from recycled materials.

6. If you want lights, use LEDs (low-energy lights). Not only do they use less power, but also if one light goes out, the rest stay lit.

If you own Brandon MS real estate, with a little bit of thought and ingenuity, you can be as bright and cheerful as you’ve always wanted without worrying about the impact on the environment. Have a Happy (and eco-friendly) Holiday!

If you’re looking for a green home to hang your eco-friendly wreaths in, 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

As I stopped at a light, grouching because the light would make me late, I happened to look over and see a woman with her daughter. The little girl had holes in her coat, a ragged hat, torn up shoes and a teddy bear missing an eye that she clutched as she smiled up at her worried mother – who had a “Please help” sign in her hands. As I drove on to show the Brandon MS real estate, and further throughout the day, that little girl’s smile stuck with me.

Last night, I came across a news broadcast about a family of five living in a one-room apartment after losing their house and I remembered that little girl. All of this comes down to one thing…

It’s coming up on Thanksgiving, people are searching turkey recipes, decorations are being pulled out… and the current problems in the world make it hard to find something to be grateful for. However, they’re there if you only look.

If you have a home and you’re trying to sell it, it’s understandable that you might be upset if it’s not moving. As hard as it may be, however, remember that at least you have a home to sell.

If you’re looking for a home to buy and you can’t afford the fancy one you wanted but you can afford a slightly smaller one, remember – at least you can afford something.

If you’re upset that your job isn’t paying enough, you’re working long hours or not enough, remember the millions that no longer have a job.

Whatever your problem that may be weighing you down when Thanksgiving rolls around, remember that it truly could be worse. It is worse, for so many people.

I’ll even start the list: I’m grateful for all of my clients. I’m grateful that I have Brandon MS real estate condos and homes to show and potential buyers that want to see them. For my readers, my friends, my family and my own home… Happy Thanksgiving, and may you always have something to be grateful for!

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

Smaller homes – Mansions are out and, believe it or not, matchbox houses are in.  Some buyers want downright tiny homes, and are even willing to build their own to get it.  If you own one of the Brandon MS homes for sale with a lot of square footage, you might want to start counting.  How many of those rooms do you really need?  Can you knock out a wall to create larger, more open spaces?

More storage – Flat walls are out, closets are in.  Homebuyers are demanding storage spaces, from walking closets to built-in storage systems.  If you’re looking to sell and have issues, it might be due to the lack of storage space.  Look around; see if you have areas that can be maximized for storage.  Consider turning that small fourth or fifth bedroom into a walk-in closet.

Living outdoors – Over the years, the rise in individuals that want an extended outdoor space has gone up.  If you have a porch or patio but it’s exposed to the elements, look into screening it in.  Outdoor spaces that can be used year-round (or close to it) are big sellers.

Home office space – The need for a home office is rising as well.  Windows and space are essential for working in a relaxed environment.  If you have a room that can be converted into a comfortable office space with ease, don’t forget to add it to your sales pitch.

Green and healthy – Green homes are no longer a trend; they’re more the norm now.  Buyers want efficient homes and features that reduce utility costs.  Better insulation, recycled materials, carpets with no/low gas emissions and paints with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are all the rage.  This is one trend that doesn’t seem likely to go away.

If you own one of the Brandon homes, pay attention to the building trends.  They aren’t just what buyers say they want; these trends are what they’re buying.

Thinking about adding your home to the list of Brandon MS homes for sale?  If you’re thinking of selling but aren’t sure whether you need to update your home first, 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

1.  How much rent can you charge?  Your rent will need to cover the costs, including mortgage, taxes and insurance.  In addition, you’ll need liability insurance, as well as an additional 5 to 10 percent for unexpected maintenance.  If your area’s typical rent amounts won’t cover your costs, you probably don’t want to rent.

2.  Do you have other ways to cover a down payment?  If you’re moving to another piece of property, but relying on the equity in your current Brandon MS real estate for the down payment, you don’t want to rent.

3.  Do you have the time?  Being a landlord means extra responsibility.  Although it may not take a lot of time, that time can be inconvenient, especially if you have a full time job.  If you can’t picture yourself getting up at odd hours of the night to meet a plumber, you probably don’t want to rent.

4.  Can you afford to give up a tax break?  The capital-gains tax exemption is one of the benefits of owning a home.  If you keep the property for five years and live in it for two, you won’t have to pay taxes on the first $250,000.  However, if you rent for more than three years before selling, you’ll owe capital-gains taxes on all of the profit.  If you can’t afford to give up the tax break, you probably don’t want to rent.

5.  Can you handle wear and tear?  Not every renter will be careful with your beautiful French windows and teardrop chandeliers.  In addition, if your property has a lot of rooms it will probably attract families with kids.  If you can’t handle the wear and tear from different renters, you probably don’t want to rent.

Renting out Brandon MS real estate isn’t for everyone.  However, if you’re trying to sell your property and having problems finding a buyer, it is something to consider.

If you’re trying to decide if you want to sell your home or rent it, I can help.  Call me today at 601-942-3392 or contact me at Paula@PaulaRick.com for more information.

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

Clean Up the Grill

One of the most popular pieces of outdoor party equipment is the barbeque grill. Over winter, it can accumulate a lot of dust.  Propane tanks may need recharging and even the tires might need filling. If the grill wasn’t cleaned and stored properly, last summer’s leftovers may be hanging on for dear life, and be really hard to get rid of. A good oven spray can help a lot. Spray on a generous amount and let your grill sit in the sun for a few hours before attempting to scrub the food surface clean.

Clean Up the Yard

Clutter is not only unsightly it can also be hazardous. Along with making sure toys are picked up and put away, check for branches that could have been knocked down by storms.  Also check for holes or uneven areas in the grass where a guest could twist an ankle.

Decorate Appropriately

Different holidays have themes that can be used to make your Brandon MS home’s yard and patio look its best. For everyday fun in the yard, situate tiki lamps in strategic spots to keep away flies and mosquitoes.  Use brightly colored serving dishes, plates and napkins.  You’ll find an amazing array of them at your local discount store.

Invite Friends and Family to Share the Fun

Parties are only as good as the people around you. When you own Brandon MS real estate you can invite friends and family to make a fun home party even better.  One final tip:  Have plenty of games on hand for all age groups.

If you would like more tips like this, subscribe to my blog.  It’ll only take about 30 seconds, and you’ll automatically receive tips like this in your email about twice a week.

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