10.19.11

Find a Madison MS Real Estate Agent with Social Media Experience

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

Flyers, open houses and stagnant real estate web sites don’t cut it anymore. Property buyers and sellers are more technologically savvy than they’ve ever been, and they rely on social media’s instant communication forums for information, advice, suggestions, and reviews to guide their decision-making processes.

Real estate agents’ roles within the industry have evolved — they’re no longer just gatekeepers.  Now, they need to be interpreters between their clients and the constant stream of social media information.

To determine if a Madison MS real estate agent is socially savvy online, ask the following questions:

• Strategy – Before signing a listing agreement with an agent, find out what marketing strategies he or she usually implements. Is he or she using any social media platforms to promote their properties or gather feedback from buyers?
• Following – Ask about how many people and organizations he or she reaches on a regular basis. The number of Facebook “Likes” or Twitter followers is a direct correlation to how many people could be exposed to your home for sale.
• Activity – Ask how often he or she updates and posts on social media sites. Having 2,000 followers does nothing if the agent isn’t active on the social media site. A constant flow of information and communication is essential to effectively promote a property. If he or she just has a stagnant Facebook page with a biography on it, that doesn’t benefit you in any way.

From sending out tweets about houses for sale to posting new listings on Facebook walls, social media platforms are one of the quickest and most targeted ways to reach potential buyers. To achieve your real estate goals, seek out a Madison MS real estate agent who uses social media as a tool to build loyal followers and promote properties.

If you’re looking for a Madison MS real estate agent who successfully uses social media as a marketing tool, call me 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

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10.12.11

Term Time for Buying or Selling Madison MS Real Estate

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

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Madison MS real estate, you’re going to need help from a certified professional. So which do you choose — a REALTOR®, real estate agent or broker? Most people don’t even know that there’s a difference between the three and use them interchangeably.

While these three titles are similar, they are not identical. Depending on your knowledge of the real estate industry and the complexity of your transaction, you’ll want a professional with correlating education, expertise and experience. Below are title descriptions to help you get your terms straight and pick the right professional when it comes to buying or selling Madison MS real estate.

Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is someone who is licensed to sell real estate. They must be employed by a broker and cannot work independently. They are a good choice if you know how the real estate process works and have a straightforward sale or purchase.

Broker
A real estate broker has completed more education than an agent, which entitles them to open their own brokerage firm and employ real estate agents. They have a better knowledge of real estate laws and might be the right choice if you are dealing with a property that calls for complicated paperwork and legal red tape.

REALTOR®
REALTORS® are real estate agents and brokers that belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and adhere to a 17-article code of ethics. They must also keep up to date with industry changes by completing continuing education requirements every four years.

Now that you have your potential real estate professional’s title terms straight, you’ll be able to do your research, understand their credentials and interview them accordingly. This is key in helping you determine which professional suits your buying or selling needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Madison MS real estate market, give me a call at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperaties.com.

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

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02.28.11

Madison MS Real Estate: Buyers are Happier with Local Agents

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

According to a recent study, buyers prefer to work with Madison MS real estate agents who live in the neighborhood in which they want to buy a home.  Buyers are happier when they work with local agents because they believe the agents are:

1. Familiar with the neighborhood.  They know the schools, zoning laws and crime rates.  They can tell you the best places to shop and give you referrals to the best mechanics and home contractors.  

2. Knowledgeable about the Madison MS real estate market.  Local agents know the history of houses; they know the streets on which properties sell faster and for more money; and they can steer you towards the better deals.

3. Involved in the community.  Agents who are involved in community improvement projects are doing much more than just selling houses.  They’re contributing to higher real estate values, better schools and less crime.  Wouldn’t you prefer to work with an agent like that?

4. More attentive.  When an agent knows they’re going to bump into you in the supermarket or hardware store, he’s going to give you the very best service possible.  He wants to ensure that you have no complaints and will give neighbors a glowing review about his real estate services.

If you’d like to work with a professional agent who lives in Madison and specializes in Madison MS real estate, give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

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

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06.21.10

Education: The Key to Closing Madison MS Homes for Sale

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

In bygone days, the key to closing many of the deals on Madison MS homes for sale often relied on an agent’s networking skills. Those of us with a successful real estate history knew where to go to bring Madison MS homes for sale, financers and buyers together.

In fact, the real estate community became so used to “the way things were done,” the standards for home purchasing and financing became a little lax. Today, regulators have taken aim at any less-than-transparent practices by, quite simply, changing the rules.

Were the “good ole’ days” competitive? Most definitely. Were they as competitive as they are today? Not even close.

Now, in order to complete contracts on Madison MS homes for sale, you have more transparency and a stricter set of industry standards, particularly when it comes to working with lenders. The good news is the changes in transparency and industry standards are designed to protect you as the seller and your buyer.

With Change Comes Education
With all the changes to the real estate industry, we, as real estate agents, have to stay informed in order to serve your best interests. After all, would you really want an agent following outdated rules from 10 years ago? Probably not, especially if you knew that outdated rules might make your sales contract useless.

How do we stay informed? One way is through the NAR. The National Association of Realtors®, the nation’s largest trade organization, has started several programs to keep agents updated on exciting developments and market trends. Some of the most beneficial programs include:

• Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR)
• Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)
• Green Principles  
• Graduate Realtor® Institute
• Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)
• Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification (SFR)

Without continuing educational courses like these, staying updated on the real estate industry would be a lot harder. Most of us already have the experience, but ongoing training is also important. Why? So we know all the ways to attract buyers to your home, no matter what they’re looking for. In other words, learning what they’re looking for helps us to better understand what selling points your home has, and how best to market them.

Now, real estate deals are upfront and hidden agendas are (mostly) a thing of the past. Your goal, as owner/seller of one of the Madison MS homes for sale, is to make sure the agent you hire is up-to-date on any changes that may affect the sale.

Don’t be afraid to ask about their education and training. The best agent is the one who doesn’t hesitate to answer with a list of certifications and current courses.

If you’d like to sell your home and want an informed real estate agent, look no further. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for a complete list of all my certifications and education.

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

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04.05.10

April 5th – An Important Date for Madison MS Homes for Sale

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

April has a lot of important and semi-important dates in it. The tax deadline, Good Friday and Easter are just a few. What is April 5th, though, and what does it have to do with Madison MS homes for sale? Well, the biggest news is that the government has stepped into real estate and short sales.

Home sales are down nation-wide, despite the Obama administration’s efforts with the first-time buyer’s tax credit. Many homebuyers are waiting for a better interest rate or to see if home prices will drop more. Meanwhile, owners with Madison MS homes for sale are preparing for the spring selling season, without any idea whether they’ll actually be able to sell or not.

Part of the reason for this situation is because of the depreciated housing values. For instance, many potential buyers want to take advantage of the repeat buyer’s tax credit, but can’t. They currently own a home that’s facing foreclosure, are trying to sell that home, but can’t because it’s underwater. This puts a wrench in the whole market.

The government’s solution is short sale. There’s always been the option for those facing foreclosure to opt for short sale, but (thanks, in part, to the many scams out there) few choose this option. The Obama administration has decided that, if they can’t help with foreclosure, they’ll pay people to accept short sale.

Starting April 5, 2010, the government is encouraging delinquent borrowers who can’t be helped through loan modification programs to go through a streamlined short sale process. Many potential short sellers have gotten offers the lenders won’t agree to, which this program called HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives), is geared towards fixing. Here’s how:

• The servicing bank that allows the short sale gets $1,000.
• The homeowner gets $1,000 to go towards a second loan.
• The homeowner gets $1,500 in relocation assistance.

Even with this program, lenders are wary of short sales. Depending on the price of the short sale, there’s a possibility that lenders could lose a large amount of money. However, under the new program, real estate agents will be working with the lender to determine the value of the home and what the minimum price should be. If the short sale offer meets or exceeds that minimum, the lender has to accept it.

The hope is that this program will slow the tide of foreclosures, free homeowners up to become repeat buyers, sell more homes and, ultimately, improve the flow of the real estate market. The good news about all this is if the program does even a quarter of what the administration plans, there may not be enough Madison MS homes for sale to go around!

Have questions about the new HAFA program or any other real estate incentive programs?  I’m happy to answer your questions.  Give me a call 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

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12.14.09

Madison MS Real Estate Owners – Should You Buy A Real Christmas Tree for Your Home?

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

Few questions are more important this time of year for a Madison MS real estate owner, than which Christmas tree to buy for your home.  There are some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect Christmas tree, here are just a few:

Real Or Artificial Tree?
Real Christmas trees require some care; if you’re planning to travel this holiday season, you may not want a live tree.  You must water the tree to make sure that it doesn’t lose its needles before Christmas day.  The live trees are not fire resistant, the dried out pine needles can get too hot from the lights and may burst into flame.

On the other hand, there isn’t any up-keep with an artificial Christmas tree,  and many look quite realistic.  The plastic Christmas trees have an added bonus of being flame retardant.  Then, there’s the convenience of not having to go out in the cold weather to pick the tree out.

For those of you who can’t imagine Christmas without the pine needle smell, you can buy air fresheners that mimic the smell of fresh cut pine.  For some, an artificial tree is the best of both worlds.

How Big Is Too Much Tree?
Now that you’ve decided what kind of Christmas tree to buy, you have to find out how big a tree you can fit in your Madison MS real estate home or condo.  It could be that the only thing limiting the size of your Christmas tree is your budget; in that case, your decision is easy. 

However, if you’re limited on space, you’ll need to decide the best place to put your tree first.  Try to think of how the area will “frame” your Christmas tree.  Consider how much traffic goes by the area and whether there will be enough room for the presents to stay safe. 

Break out the measuring tape so you don’t have to guess when you’re on the Christmas tree lot; trees look deceptively small on the lot.  Or, if you opted for the fake Christmas tree, you’ll know exactly which box to pick out; just look for the right size.

Are you considering buying Madison MS real estate?  Looking for a home or condo that will have space for a bigger tree?  I can help.  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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09.03.09

FSBO vs. Hiring One of the Madison MS Real Estate Agents – 7 Points to Ponder

Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 12:40 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Selling a home isn’t easy, especially now.  Yet some homeowners believe they can stick a “for sale” sign in the ground and have the house off the market within a few days.

While FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sales do occur, four out of five homeowners still use one of the Madison MS real estate agents.  Why?  Because selling your home on your own is hard work, and even more importantly, statistics prove that real estate agents get homes sold faster and for more money than FSBOs.

If you’re not sure what you should do, here are a few things to think about:

FSBO
Sometimes, for sale by owner purchases are a good deal for the homeowner.  That doesn’t mean you should just jump in, however.  FSBO might be a good thing for you if:

1. It’s a seller’s market.
2. You don’t care how long it takes.
3. You are unwilling to pay the typical Madison MS real estate agent commission.
4. You have a good attorney who can keep you protected for the legal aspects.
5. You have the time to learn how to do it, answer the phone and provide open houses.
6. You’re comfortable negotiating.
7. You’re confident you can price your home correctly.

Madison MS Real Estate Agent
Although you will have to pay your agent a commission, there are some definite benefits to hiring one:

1. A good agent can help you price your home correctly.
2. They have an abundance of resources to help find buyers, get the best price and get your home sold.
3. They make sure the potential buyer can actually afford it.
4. They’re good at negotiating and aren’t emotionally invested in the sale.
5. If for no other reason, they’re interested in getting the highest price possible because of their commission.
6. They put in several hours a day, that you may not have available, to get your home sold.
7. They have advertising resources, such as real estate magazines, that you may not be able to touch (or afford).

A Madison MS real estate agent may not be the best way to go for you.  On the other hand, you may not have the necessary information and time required for FSBO.  Before going one way or the other, take the time to really look at both sides and decide which works well with what you expect from the sale of your home.

Click to:  Learn what makes Paula Ricks one of the top REALTORS® in the Metro Jackson Mississippi area.

Need help with staging your home so that it sells faster and for top dollar?  Contact me at 601-942-3392 today.

If you’ve tried to go the FSBO route, and it didn’t work out, or if you know FSBO isn’t for you, 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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07.16.09

Madison MS Real Estate Agents and You

Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 9:12 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

As one of the Madison MS real estate agents, I get to meet people from all ends of the spectrum: buyers, sellers, renters, etc.  I also come across other agents, and it constantly amazes me at the different outlooks surrounding the real estate profession.  Many buyers think sellers and real estate agents are out to stiff them.  On the opposite side, many sellers think buyers and agents are out to stiff them.  Unfortunately, even some agents think both are out to stiff them.

I know they say “it’s a dog eat dog world”, but if everybody was truly out to stiff everybody else (rather than just get a fair deal), nothing would ever get done.  There’s a big difference between a good agent and a crummy agent.  So, maybe we all need to be reminded of what a good Madison MS real estate agent really is:

Your agent is your business associate.  They are in the business of finding what you need, whether it’s a house to buy or a buyer for your house.  As a business associate, they look for the best deal for you, because the best deal for you is the best for them.

Your agent is your negotiator.  This goes along with the first, but is more in depth.  For instance, if you’re looking at new construction and the builder has a “buyer’s agent”, do you really think that agent is there to help you get the best deal?  No, they’re there to help the builder get the best deal.  That’s why you have your own agent there – you know they’re on your side.

Click to: Learn why Paula Ricks is one of the top Metro Jackson, Mississippi, real estate agents.

Your agent is your friend.  Especially when you’re having problems selling your house, you’ll have a lot of worries.  A good real estate agent will be there to listen to them and either a) relieve your worries or b) be understanding of them.

As Madison MS real estate agents, we understand that selling a house isn’t easy.  We understand that buying a house can be stressful.  We even understand that you may be stuck in a situation you’d rather not be in, such as during a foreclosure.  Good agents aren’t just agents; we’re good friends.

If you need to sell your home or are looking to buy one, I’d love to help you.  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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06.30.09

5 Fourth of July Safety Tips for Madison MS Real Estate Homeowners

Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 5:45 pm by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

The Fourth of July is an exciting – and delicious – time of year for owners of Madison MS real estate.  There’s swimming, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, and, of course, fireworks.  While the lights are pretty and it’s a blast to set them off, a moment of carelessness can ruin a good time.  Following this list of common – and not so common – safety tips will help ensure that you have a safe and happy July 4th.

1.  Get rid of the weeds around your house.  Although most Madison MS real estate homes and condos are well taken care of, a lot of them have a little bit of weed growth here and there.  Making sure the weeks are cut short (less than 3 inches) or destroyed will lower the risk of stray sparks setting them on fire.

2.  Water your roof and the ground around your house.  Stray bottle rockets and roman candles are the culprits of many a house fire.  If you hose down your roof and the ground around your house in a strip about three feet deep before the fireworks start going off, these mindless arsons won’t have a chance.

3.  Keep a bucket of water handy.  As a safety measure, a bucket of water close by can’t be beat.  Many a ground firework has had a stray spark left in it even after the light display is over.  Sprinkling a little water on them when they’re done can stop fires before they start, and lower the chance of little hands getting burned.

4.  No pointing.  Is there anyone who hasn’t enjoyed a Roman candle war?  Fun as it may be, pointing fireworks at each other is highly dangerous.  Point them toward the sky where they belong!

5.  Only light them once.  If you get a dud, consider it a spent firework and throw a little water on it.  Several people have lost fingers due to trying to relight a firework that didn’t explode the first time.

Practicing fireworks safety and a little bit of common sense can go a long way toward Madison MS real estate condos and homes surviving one of the most fire-filled days of the year.  Be safe, and have a happy Fourth of July!

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

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06.29.09

Safety and Comfort: What to Consider Besides Bedrooms When Looking for Madison MS Homes for Sale

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents, Madison MS real estate buyers at 6:05 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

When you’re looking at Madison MS homes for sale you probably know how many bedrooms you want, what kind of kitchen is important to you, how many bathrooms are necessary, but there’s much more to consider before you fall in love.

More to Surroundings than Just Landscaping

When you walk into a prospective Madison, Mississippi, home and fall in love, it’s often easy to lose the big picture. Take a look around outside too. The Madison MS home for sale that you’re looking at might be close to factories, railroads, airports, power plants or other disturbing or potentially dangerous installations. A beautiful home on a lake, river or other body of water might seem like Nirvana but is it properly situated in case that water rises?

Older Homes Have Classic Beauty and Classic Hazards

Older homes were often built with materials we now know are hazardous such as asbestos and lead (pipe solder, paint). These materials may be costly to cover up or dangerous to remove without professional help.

Older homes may also have oil tanks, propane tanks and cisterns that can be hazardous if they are not in good condition. Areas with a high water table may also be unstable and could cause sink holes, especially on sandy soil types. If you have small children who will be playing in your yard, it’s a good idea to check those items before you fall in love with a piece of property.

Routine Checks

If the home has a septic system, test it to ensure the efficiency of the system. You should also ask the current owner when the tank was most recently pumped. A clean system may throw a good test and back up on you the day after you move in—a very unpleasant surprise.

When it comes to a purchase as important as buying one of the new Madison MS homes for sale, be sure you know exactly what you are getting before you jump.

If you would like any more information on what to look for when considering a new home, 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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