07.15.11

5 Tips to Pick a Powerful Listing Agent to Sell Your Metro Jackson MS Real Estate

Posted in Jackson MS real estate tagged Jackson MS real estate agents, Jackson MS real estate sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Here are five tips to help you identify the best Metro Jackson MS real estate agent to get your home sold as fast as possible and for the most money.

1. Hire a full-time Metro Jackson MS real estate agent.  Part-time agents typically have less experience and fewer sold properties under their belts than full-time agents.  Because part-time agents usually have another job, they don’t have as much time to take care of your needs and market and show your home to potential buyers.  Full-time agents have bigger networks they can enlist to help find a buyer for your home.
2. Find a skilled negotiator.  A seasoned Metro Jackson MS real estate agent understands the psychological nature of selling a home.  They advise you during the contract negotiations to ensure you get the best deal while alleviating your stress.
3. Pick an aggressive marketer.  Without a well-implemented, far-reaching marketing program, your house will sit on the market these days.  You want an agent who promotes your home both online and offline, in order to reach the greatest number of potential buyers.  Simply having your home listed on Realtor.com is no longer enough of an online presence.  You want your home showcased on multiple websites with a lot of professional photos and, ideally, a video tour.
4. Choose an agent who knows your neighborhood.  Each neighborhood has different pros and cons which must be promoted or overcome by the agent.  An effective agent knows how to price your property because they know the local competition, which homes that have closed recently are similar to yours and how much they’ve sold for.
5. Ask for home staging services.  Home staging is no longer a “nice to have;” it’s now a “must have,” if you want to sell your home for the most money in the least amount of time.  Many agents are now professional stagers or have a home stager on their teams.

Choosing a powerful listing agent is your first step toward a successful home sale.

If you’d like to work with an agent who is a skilled negotiator, an aggressive marketer, a professional home stager who provides home staging services and works full time, 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

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06.02.11

Five Mistakes Sellers Make When Choosing a Metro Jackson MS Real Estate Agent

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

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when either buying or selling a home is selecting a metro Jackson MS real estate agent. Picking the right agent for you can save you time, effort, aggravation and money.

Here are five mistakes to avoid when choosing your metro Jackson MS real estate agent:

1. Going about it backwards. Many people start by finding a home for sale they want to visit and then calling about that home. Instead, select your real estate agent first. Your agent will help you identify what you want in a home, and will then find homes that meet those criteria. You’ll save time and frustration by visiting only those homes that fit your needs.

2. Using an agent who represents both you and the other buyer or seller. This is called dual agency. A listing agent who also represents the buyer is a dual agent. Dual agents must treat both the seller and the buyers equally. Which would you prefer, an agent who works exclusively for your best interests or one who has to consider both the seller’s and the buyer’s best interests?

3. Hiring the first agent you meet. Yes, it takes time to interview at least three real estate agents, but it’s worth it. You’ll save that time and more in the long run when you find a knowledgeable agent you enjoy working with. Making an impulsive decision by saying yes to an agent as soon as he’s finished his presentation is never a good idea. Take the time to visit with multiple agents, compare their credentials and styles and only then make your selection.

4. Choosing an agent because he’s the only one who agrees with your selling price. That lone agent who agrees with you may not have done the research needed to set the best price or he may just be telling you what you want to hear. If multiple agents state that your selling price is wrong, listen to them. You’re looking for the best advice, not a yes man (or woman).

5. Skipping the reference check. Even if you’re a great judge of character, take the time and effort to check agents’ references before hiring them. Ask for at least three references from recent real estate transactions the agent has completed, then follow-up by calling those references. Ask the clients how they felt about their experience with the agent, if they’d use the agent again, what the best thing was about their experience and what the worst thing was about their experience.

If you’re looking for an experienced metro Jackson MS real estate agent, I’d be honored to have an opportunity to interview for the job. Please give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to schedule an interview.

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

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01.03.11

How to Interview Metro Jackson MS Real Estate Agents

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

Choosing a professional real estate agent can be a very imposing task.  This person is responsible for finding your new home or selling your home, guiding you through the home inspection process and negotiating a good price and terms.  These are important tasks that should be taken seriously.  That’s why finding a skilled real estate agent is key to a successful real estate transaction. 

Here are several tips for interviewing metro Jackson MS real estate agents: 

• Interview at least three agents.  Even if you love the first or second agent you interview, promise yourself you’ll interview all three.  You learn more from each interview, and you never know when that third agent is going to be the perfect match for you.
• Ask all three agents the same questions so you can compare their answers and ability to communicate.  Write out your questions so you don’t forget any, and take notes during the interviews.  You think you’ll remember what they say, but the specifics will begin to blur as you interview the second and third agent.
• Ask the metro Jackson MS real estate agents how long they’ve been in business and how many homes they’ve helped people buy and sell during the last year.  An agent with experience is a very valuable asset, but with the current fluctuations in real estate, an agent with recent experience is even more valuable.   Also ask how long they’ve been helping people buy and sell homes in the area in which you want to live.  You want a real estate agent who is an expert on that neighborhood.

Get at least three references of past clients from each of the metro Jackson MS real estate agents.  Then follow up with those references.  Ask a variety of questions such as:

• What was it like to work with the agent?
• Would you work with him or her again? 
• What was your least favorite thing about working with the agent?
• What was the best thing about working with the agent?

If you’re looking for a professional, award winning real estate agent, I’d be honored to be interviewed for the job.  Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to schedule an interview.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Office:  601-956-8533
www.PaulaRicks.com  
Paula@PaulaRicks.com

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11.22.10

Myths About Metro Jackson MS Real Estate Agents

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

Ask anyone about their experiences with metro Jackson MS real estate agents, and you will no doubt hear a variety of responses. This is why there are so many myths about agents circulating. A good real estate agent is worth every penny you spend for their expertise. Let’s examine some popular myths about metro Jackson MS real estate agents.

1. They make too much money. The truth is that the median salary for real estate agents  in 2009 was approximately $54,000. Agents have to pay business expenses such as broker’s fees, professional organization memberships and MLS listing fees.  One of their biggest expenses is marketing homes for sale for buyers and sellers like you. These expenses quickly add up and take away a large percentage of their commission.

2. They won’t get you a good deal because they make a commission on the sale price. Yes, real estate commissions are based on a percentage of the sale price. However, the commission on a $185,000 home is $5,550, while the commission on a $200,000 home is $6,000. That’s a difference of $450, which is hardly worth creating a negative impression by getting you a bad deal.

3. They say anything to make a sale. Professional metro Jackson MS real estate agents work for you, and they want you to have a positive experience with them. After all, most of their business comes from referrals. They want you to be happy so you will tell your friends and family about their excellent service.

4. They don’t do anything you can’t do on your own. The truth is that buying and selling real estate can be a complicated and time consuming process. Sure, you can order home inspections and surveys on your own. You can even negotiate for your terms. However, professional metro Jackson MS real estate agents are trained to do this and have experience at it. As a result, they’ll save you money, time and make your life less complicated throughout process.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional real estate agent.

Let me help you save time and money when buying or selling your home. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
443-A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Office:  601-956-8533
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com

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09.27.10

New Demands for Metro Jackson MS Homes for Sale

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

A trend is slowly spreading through the nation, starting in cities such as Rockville, Maryland and Sacramento, California. This trend may bring hope for metro Jackson MS  homes for sale.  These cities are reviving, after seeing years of decline. Why? Because of a shift toward urban-style living.

The trend, if it persists (and many expect it will), is moving towards compact, walkable neighborhoods. In fact, walkability, as it’s called, is one of the fastest growing demands in real estate. Buyers want the ability to travel around a neighborhood without ever getting in their cars. Bike paths, walking paths and beautiful, tree-lined sidewalks are some of today’s high selling points.

Take Rockville, for example. A town square was built in Rockville.  As a result, the dying town of Rockville is now a bustling place lined with shops, apartments, restaurants and vibrant street life. The same has happened in Sacramento, where neighbors feel comfortable going over to one another’s house to sit on the porch and chat.

What’s driving this trend? Among other things, it’s green living. Many homebuyers, including buyers of metro Jackson MS homes for sale, don’t seem to mind paying a little extra for a home that’s close to work with shops within walking distance.

So what’s the lesson in all this? As real estate agents have been warning for a few years now, green is in. Location, comfort and economical savings are also in. While money was good and spending was easy, we wanted to be far away from the city and the rat race.

Now that money’s tight, however, the metro Jackson MS homes for sale with convenient, walkable locations, green appliances and economical utilities seem to have the handle on the market. If you have any of these selling points, make sure you’re marketing them!

If you’re looking for a green home or a home in a convenient neighborhood, I can help. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

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 

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03.25.10

National and Metro Jackson MS Homes for Sale – Economists Predict Housing Shortage

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

As a real estate agent for Metro Jackson MS homes for sale, part of my job is keeping up with current real estate news. Most of the time, I’m largely unsurprised by the news that comes across my desk, but this little tidbit blew me away.

For two years now, we’ve seen mass foreclosures, people walking away from their underwater mortgages and warnings that there’s more to come. Foreclosure numbers reached all time highs, housing prices have reached all time lows and half the country is unemployed. It’s enough to make a homeowner with one of the Metro Jackson MS homes for sale have a mental breakdown.

However, in February, the news went out, flooring most in the real estate industry: severe shortage of property predicted by the middle of 2011. This may sound unbelievable.  (It was a hard one for me to swallow.)  But, the construction industry has also been hard hit by the economic downturn, which means that fewer homes are being built. Combine fewer homes being built with population expansion and suddenly there’s a housing shortage.

Good News for Homeowners
In a recession, people have a tendency to live together because it’s cheaper. College students continue to live with their parents, divorce rates go down and more people share homes. However, we currently have over 300 million people living in the U.S. and we’re down to less than seven months’ inventory.

This is great news for homeowners trying to sell their homes – or even homeowners who just need more equity – although the repercussions may take awhile to spread.

In several high population areas and college towns, the demand for housing is on the rise. As we’ve talked about before, this brings in the age-old laws of supply and demand. The lower the supply and the higher the demand, the higher prices rise. The more value a home has in price, the higher the equity.

So, for those who have Metro Jackson MS homes for sale, take heart! A housing shortage may be hard to believe right now, but, if what the economists say is true, it’s on its way. Stay on your toes, make sure all your ducks are in a row and prepare for the rush on home sales.

If you’re trying to sell your home, or are looking for a great 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

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03.19.10

Metro Jackson MS Homes for Sale – Are You Obsessing?

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

The national real estate market, state markets and city markets all seemed to be wrapped up in a nifty bundle that effect whether your Metro Jackson MS home for sale will have a buyer. With the news reports over the last two years about the pop of the housing bubble, homeowners everywhere essentially lost their minds.

Here are a few examples:

• Some homeowners panicked and immediately put their houses up for sale
• Some homeowners chose to walk away from it all, leaving their homes vacant and mortgages in default
• Some homeowners went into a flurry of home renovations, with the idea of selling
• National and Metro Jackson MS home for sale listings shot through the roof

The amazing thing isn’t that the real estate market seems to be stabilizing – that’s not the miracle. The miracle is that we still even have a real estate market at all.

Obsessing Over the Sale
This year opened up with a lot of homes on the market, but it also opened with a lot of sellers digging into real estate news. They’ve started obsessing; they’ve started pouring over online real estate digests, articles and blogs. In fact, the traffic for this site alone has jumped tremendously.

While it’s understandable that you, as the seller, want to know what your chances are for selling your home, obsessing is bad for business. Especially if you’re dealing with potential buyers in person, your eagerness to sell can show in very bad ways. You might end up selling the home for way less than you could have – or you might not sell your home at all if they sense desperation.

If you’re obsessing over whether your home will sell or not, stop. Take a deep breath. Relax. Even if you’re in a hurry, taking a short break from worry can help clear your mind and leave it open for better ideas.

It may be hard to remember sometimes, and giving trust is always difficult, but that’s what we’re here for. You hired your real estate agent to take care of your Metro Jackson MS home for sale and get it off the market. We do the research on the market and we have the experience.  In other words, we do the worrying for you!

If you’d like 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

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07.02.09

4 Reasons Why It’s a Good Time for Real Estate Investors to Buy Metro Jackson Mississippi Foreclosures

Posted in Mississippi Foreclosures tagged Jackson MS real estate agents, Jackson MS real estate buyers at 5:49 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

These days, homes are going into foreclosure like never before. Many factors have contributed to this trend, and as a result, banks have numerous Metro Jackson Mississippi foreclosures that need to be sold as quickly as possible. Explore a few reasons why buying foreclosures now could be a great opportunity.

1. Price – Since there’s an over abundance of foreclosed homes that need to be sold, many are priced way below market value, which creates a good opportunity for real estate investors to buy.

2. Quick sales – Sellers want to get Metro Jackson Mississippi foreclosures off their hands as soon as possible and they tend to be extremely motivated sellers. Therefore, you could be the owner of a new home in record time.  Also, most bank owned deals, which were taking anywhere from 3 to 18 months, can now often be closed in less than 45 days.

3. Easier to obtain loans – With the help of the stimulus plan, buyers of foreclosures are now finding it easier to get loans.

4. Less competition – Many times, foreclosures aren’t advertised like regular homes. Also, because of the sheer amount of Mississippi foreclosures, many bank owned homes go unnoticed by most people.  This means you probably won’t have to compete heavily with other buyers for foreclosed properties.

Although times are still tough for some, if you’re a real estate investor, right now could be the ideal time to purchase Metro Jackson MS real estate foreclosures. It may be a while before deals like these come around again, so take advantage of the rock-bottom home prices now before they’re gone.

Want to work with a real estate agent who can expertly guide you through the process of purchasing foreclosures?  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

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06.22.09

6 Steps to Prevent Metro Jackson Mississippi Foreclosures

Posted in Mississippi Foreclosures tagged Jackson MS real estate agents at 9:41 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

The thought of losing your home due to foreclosure can be a devastating experience. If you’ve been late on payments or missed them altogether, foreclosure could be in your future. However, it doesn’t have to be. There are varieties of steps you can take to prevent Metro Jackson Mississippi foreclosures.

1. Contact your lender
In order to sort out the situation, you need to involve your lender as soon as possible so you can figure out the next plan of action and keep your home.

2. Set up a repayment plan
Usually, repaying your missed payments is the start of fixing the problem; that’s why contacting the lender is so important. Depending on what you work out, your repayment costs may only be a little bit more than the cost of your current mortgage.

3. Try to get forbearance
Depending on your specific situation, you may be able to put your loan in forbearance. This means, you could be allowed to make smaller payments or you could be free from payments altogether for about a year.

4. Modify your loan
This is also known as a loan modification. The plan involves reducing your interest rate, resulting in cheaper payments. This can help you get back on track and avoid Metro Jackson Mississippi foreclosures.

5. Refinance
Refinancing your loan could also result in a lower interest rate, therefore, helping you keep your home. For example, if you have an adjustable rate mortgage that keeps going up each year, refinancing to a fixed-rate loan would be tremendously helpful.

6. Sell your home
Although this option is not ideal, it is better than foreclosure. When you sell your home, you have the chance to keep your credit score intact.

There are never any perfect choices when facing foreclosure. But before you think all is lost, examine your options.

If you need to sell your home as quickly as possible, give me a call at 601-942-3392.  Get the Home Selling Advantage. I would love to share with you my all encompassing Marketing Plan that helps sell homes faster and for top dollar.

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

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06.18.09

5 Characteristics You Want Your Metro Jackson MS Real Estate Agents to Possess

Posted in Jackson MS real estate tagged Jackson MS real estate agents at 9:28 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

When buying a home, of course everyone wants to work with a dynamic real estate agent. But sometimes, it’s hard to know not only what talents you want in a real estate agent but also what you really need. While Metro Jackson MS real estate agents differ, there are five traits you definitely want the agent you choose to work with to embody.

1. Marketing skills – You need to work with an agent who knows the ins and outs of real estate marketing. If you have a house to sell, your agent should know how to market your home both online and offline. If you’re buying a home, your agent should be aware of the latest and greatest homes on the market.

2. Negotiating flair – Once you decide on a property, you don’t want to overspend. A good agent will have the skills to get you the best deal around. With a good negotiator, you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t be taken advantage of.

3. Experience – This is understood. If you’re working with Metro Jackson MS real estate agents, you want them to be experienced. While there are some good people who are just getting started, nothing beats years of on-the-job training.  Learn why Paula Ricks has years of experience and is a Top Producer in real estate Sales.

4. Good listening skills – If an agent doesn’t listen to exactly what you want, then there’s no way he or she can give you the service you deserve. An agent with excellent listening skills is necessary if you want your goals met.

5. Dedication – No matter how much experience or skills an agent has, it’s essential that you choose someone who is ready to put in the time and commitment needed to get your deal done.

There are many Metro Jackson MS real estate agents from which to choose.  And you’ll want to interview several agents to figure out the one who’s right for you.  I’d be honored if you’d allow me to interview for the job of representing you as a buyer or seller.   To schedule an interview, 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

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