05.13.11
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
The availability of Madison MS real estate and real estate throughout the U.S. is tremendous. Whether you’re looking for investment real estate or a vacation home, you can get great deals when buying U.S. real estate.
Here are 5 reasons why now is a good time to invest in U.S. and Madison MS real estate:
REASON #1: More for your money.
With the decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, foreign investors get a lot more for their money when purchasing U.S. real estate. For example, on April 21, 2011, if you had $250,000 Canadian dollars to invest in real estate it would purchase an American home worth $262,109 U.S. dollars.
REASON #2: The average American home price has dropped.
With the days of inflated prices for American real estate gone, so is the worry of huge losses when the market falls. The American real estate market has reached an equilibrium allowing it to once again be a safe long term investment.
REASON #3: America is diverse.
From ski slopes to desert dunes to ocean waves, America has it all. Whether you love warm sandy beaches or rolling hills lined with grapevines, the choices are numerous. Not your style? Try Brooklyn’s delicious diners or California’s Rodeo Drive.
REASON #4: Earn income from your U.S. real estate.
Purchasing American real estate opens up the opportunity to gain rental income. There are many property management companies that can oversee the day-to-day operations of your property in your absence.
REASON #5: Sun and fun all year long.
If you live in Canada or other cold-weather areas, you can escape the long winters when you purchase real estate in warm-weather areas like Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, Texas or California, to name a few. Year-round golf and warm beaches can make any winter worth looking forward to.
If you’d like more information on purchasing Madison MS real estate in the metro Jackson area, give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
REALTOR® and Broker Associate
443A Northpark Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-942-3392
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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07.01.10
Posted in Florence MS Real Estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
When most of us think of Fourth of July festivities, we think of fireworks and food, especially barbeque. In fact, the Fourth of July is one of the most popular days of the year for barbequing. Many invite family and friends to their Madison MS home and throw burgers, hot dogs or ribs on the grill.
Unfortunately, some barbequers unknowingly give their family and friends a healthy dose of bacteria along with the food. To keep your family and friends healthy over the holiday, while still enjoying this summer activity, follow these meat safety tips at your Madison MS home:
Avoid cross contamination
When you go to the grocery store to buy meat and other foods, keep the raw meat separated from the rest of the food to lessen the chance of cross contamination. Make sure the raw meat is wrapped in plastic bags, again, separated from other meat and foods. Even packaged raw meat can leak, and you want to keep the juices from seeping onto other food.
Head Home
The summer is hot for most areas of the country. Even if you have air conditioning in your car, you want to go straight home from the grocery store. The longer food is exposed to heat, the more chance it has of gaining a nice bacterial growth. Make sure the grocery store is your only, or last, stop before heading home.
Refrigerate
When it’s hotter than 90 degrees, food needs to be refrigerated within the first hour of leaving the store. If it’s less than 90 degrees, you have two hours. Freeze any meat or poultry you won’t be using in a day or two, but make sure everything is refrigerated as quickly as possible.
Thaw Carefully
If you’re going immediately from thawing to the grill, you can use a microwave to defrost. However, for the safest methods, either slowly thaw in the refrigerator over a period of a day or two, or use cold water and sealed packages.
Transport Cold
If you aren’t barbequing at your home and need to transport the meat, transfer the meat immediately to an insulated cooler (40 degrees or below) right before leaving home. As well, make sure you keep the cooler out of direct sun, which can reduce its efficiency at keeping food cold.
Serve Hot
Keep the food hot (140 degrees or warmer) until it’s served. You can set the meat at the side of the grill rack or on a warming tray. Use a clean serving platter rather than the same plate that held the raw meat.
By following the above tips, you’ll help your family and friends have a happy, healthy Fourth of July.
Looking for a Madison MS home for sale to celebrate next year’s Fourth of July? 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
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
www.PaulaRicks.com
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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04.16.10
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 5:23 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Madison has been named “the most affordable suburb in Mississippi” by Bloomberg BusinessWeek. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing Madison MS real estate, now is a great time to buy.
Madison is just a short drive north of Jackson where you’ll find big city amenities without losing the friendly, home-town atmosphere. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living that allows them to live well for less in a safe environment. Madison is known for having excellent schools both public and private. In fact, Madison schools are the best in the state of Mississippi.
Affordable Neighborhoods
Carl Crawford, President of the Madison Organization of Neighborhood Associations said, “What you see in Madison is good value for your housing dollar.” Whether you’re looking for an upscale community such as Ashton Park; a gated community with beautiful homes in Adderley Gardens; a waterview home in Northbay; a golf course home in desirable Reunion; or an affordable home in awesome Ashbrooke, Madison has what you’re looking for.
Tulane University is Coming Soon
Have you wondered what all the excitement was about at the corner of Main Street and Highway 51? Tulane University is opening their Madison School of Continuing Studies May 2010. The University has been serving students since 1834 in New Orleans and its disciplines in Madison will include degrees in: business, liberal and media arts, computer science, local and regional history.
There is a lot happening in Madison! If you’re ready to look at Madison MS real estate, I can help. Call Paula Ricks at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com today.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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03.08.10
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
If you’re thinking of buying Madison MS real estate, now is the time to take advantage of this buyer’s market.
Back in the “good old days,” (a few years ago) it was easier to qualify for a loan, with one-page loan applications, stated incomes and “no doc” (no documentation, meaning nothing had to be proven) loans. There were amazing loan programs, like 125% loan on the purchase price with no down payment.
Now, buying Madison MS real estate is more burdensome. No more “no doc” loans; lenders want every piece of documentation you can come up with. So then, why is it the best time to buy? And what does this have to do with your real estate team?
Although the current loan situation isn’t ideal, it’s worth the effort to find a home you can afford. Here are two reasons:
- First time homebuyers tax credit – this is a big one. If you can get into escrow by April 30 and close by the end of June, you can qualify for the $8,000 ($6,500 for existing homeowners) federal incentive.
- Mortgage rates – It might be hard to get a loan, but it isn’t hard to get a loan with low interest rates. Unbelievably, many are still waiting, hoping the mortgage rates will go down further. Stop waiting for that to happen. It’s not going to be long before they’ll be going back up – not down.
This doesn’t include the incredibly low prices for many homes, as well as the huge housing supply. “Slim pickings” doesn’t apply to our current housing market.
With all these incredible opportunities, it makes sense that your team – the people who represent you – knows what they’re doing. In this day and age, your dream team doesn’t just need knowledge; they need experience.
At a minimum, your dream team should consist of:
- Your real estate agent who needs to be able to guide you to the best housing opportunity available for your area.
- Your lender (who is actually supposed to be helping you) who should be able to build a loan package that fits your specific needs and budget. As well, that loan package must stay within the lender’s guidelines to make sure your loan application is successful.
The more you know – and the more your team knows – the better the chance you have of buying the home of your dreams, at a price you can afford, with a low interest rate, before the April 30 deadline. By July, you could be sitting pretty with your own piece of Madison MS real estate and a cool $8,000 in your bank account!
Putting together your dream team? I’d be honored to have the chance to interview for the position of your knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com today.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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01.25.10
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
2009 was a rough stretch for many Madison MS real estate sellers and buyers, but new reports hint at possible stabilization in the housing market that may prove beneficial for everyone. As 2009 rolled to a close and 2010 opened into a new year, economic and real estate reports poured out good news, but bad news wasn’t far behind. For each positive note, there is always that unavoidable “but”:
- Mortgage rates are holding steady below 5%, thanks to government intervention. Thanks to the low rates, more people are buying and refinancing. However, the downside is that banks are more reluctant to refinance or loan. This leaves many looking at Madison MS real estate, who want to buy a home, with the inability to do so. Ironic that, in a buyer’s market, it’s the banks with all the selling power.
- The other “but” is that the Federal Reserve program providing the low mortgage rates is set to expire in March. Rates could very well double shortly after, which is highly likely to drop the number of interested buyers. A drop in buyer numbers will only further shift the supply/demand ratio.
- As of December 10, 2009, the number of foreclosures in a month had dropped 16%, nationwide. The home buyer tax credit expansion, foreclosure prevention programs and loan modification programs have helped, as well as state mandated financing programs. As great as that is, there were still over 300,000 foreclosures in November, 2009, which is 18% higher than November, 2008.
- Home prices are “firming,” showing improvement over five consecutive months. Although the rise is considered mild, fewer homeowners are underwater, where they owe more mortgage than their house is worth. Because housing prices are improving, home sellers are more confident in the listing prices they’ve set.
However, many – who are currently unemployed – have ARM mortgages that will be resetting shortly. While they can afford their current mortgages, many won’t be able to afford a higher one. This could bring another round of foreclosures and another drop in housing prices.
What does all this mean for Madison MS real estate buyers and sellers? As Ben Franklin put it, “nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes.” However, there is also the famous “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” 2010 could be rocky, but, if you’re careful and do your research, you’ll find smooth sailing ahead.
If you’re trying to buy or sell a 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
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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11.12.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 11:13 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Good news for Madison MS real estate home owners. Third quarter reports show the home foreclosure rate is decreasing in Madison County. We’re beginning to turn the corner and the past three quarters of 2009 show a 10.7 percent reduction in Madison County home foreclosures.
The 6.3 percent unemployment rate in Madison County has had an impact on Madison MS real estate foreclosures. However, the unemployment rate in Madison County is going down and is lower than the state average of 8.8 percent.
The Stimulus Plan has helped the local Madison MS real estate market and home builders. With the extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit and the new $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners wishing to purchase a new home, we should continue to see an increase of home sales and building permits.
Don’t wait! If you’re considering purchasing Madison MS real estate and want to take advantage of the home buyer tax credits, you’ll need to sign a contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010. Interest rates are still at record lows, and now is the time to buy the home you’ve been dreaming of.
If you’re interested in seeing Madison MS homes for sale, I can help. If you need more information on the home buyer tax credits, give me a call today at 601-942-3392.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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10.12.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS Homes for Sale at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
It’s October, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Are you still struggling to come up with great decorating ideas for your Madison MS real estate? Have no fear; your real estate agent is here to help. Here are a few ideas that will take away your holiday Halloween jitters:
1. Nothing says “Halloween” like twitching fingers, growling werewolves and hovering demon skeletons. Thanks to today’s technology, you can turn your decorations into a hellish wonderland with animated Halloween props. Build a graveyard and have a rocking tombstone or a creeping skeleton to snatch up visitors.
2. Everybody has the standard jack-o-lantern on the front porch. As Halloween nears, they crop up everywhere. This year, try something a little different to dress up your Madison MS real estate. There are plenty of pumpkin-carving patterns available for purchase or for free on the Internet. Grab some bloodcurdling patterns and get to work.
3. Are you throwing a party this year? Add a little fog to your Halloween decorations! Fog machines aren’t near as expensive as they used to be. You can grab one big enough for fantastic, spine-tingling effects for less than $50. Sometimes the extra touches make all the difference, and fog is a great addition
4. Spruce up your doorbell with sinister sound effects and chilling Halloween music. Record-A-Chime™ by Dimango® Carlon® is perfect for just such a thing. Although it’s somewhat expensive at $59.98, you can record whatever sound effect or music you want for any holiday.
Each Halloween, Madison MS real estate homeowners struggle to come up with something different for their home. I hope these ideas help you find your own “something different” and get your creative juices flowing. Have fun, stay safe and happy holidays!
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS Homes for Sale
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