06.11.09
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents, Madison MS real estate buyers at 8:05 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Although the housing market has had its fair share of ups and down, many home buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, are reaping the benefits. If you’re thinking about purchasing one of the Madison MS homes for sale, there are many good reasons to make your move today. Here are six of them:
1. Low interest rates – Right now, interest rates are lower than ever before. This means you can get an extremely affordable loan and save big on interest payments.
2. Cheaper home prices – Not only are interest rates low, but homes all around are cheaper. Since the market is packed with homes for sale, selling has become harder. As a result, prices have fallen significantly, allowing you to get a more expensive home for less money.
3. Potential tax credits – As a first-time buyer, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax credits. Best of all, you do not have to pay it back, as opposed to previous years.
4. Less competition – Many people no longer have the money to purchase homes, so fewer people are visiting model homes and open houses. This is great news for you. If you’re ready to buy Madison MS homes for sale, you don’t have to worry about floods of people bidding up the price on the property.
5. Huge inventory – With new homes constantly being built, not to mention an array of existing homes, you can take your pick from a wide variety of available properties.
6. Big bargaining power – Because so many people are trying to sell their homes, they’re more willing to be flexible. As a buyer, you could greatly benefit and may be able to save on closing costs, upgrades, repairs and more. Work with a skilled real estate agent who can negotiate a great contract for you.
If you have the funds to step out and purchase one of the many Madison MS homes for sale, now is the best time to take advantage of all the possibilities. I’m ready, willing and able to negotiate the best price and terms for 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
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents,
Madison MS real estate buyers
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06.04.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 10:56 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
In spite of problems in the housing market, experts agree this is a great time to buy real estate in Metro Jackson, Mississippi, including Madison MS real estate. First-time home buyers can take advantage of the many tax breaks allowed by the stimulus plan, and everyone can benefit from the fact that the stimulus package includes help for banks so that they can provide mortgages. There are other reasons the current market is good for new home buyers, too.
Mortgage Rates
Because so few mortgages were being issued, the rates are very low. This gives home buyers, especially those with good credit, a big advantage. Just a two point difference in mortgage rates can mean saving several hundred dollars a month on payments.
Low Prices
If you’re considering buying Madison MS real estate or homes and condos in the Metro Jackson area, act now so you can take advantage of the amazingly low prices. When you buy a home at today’s exceptional prices, you’re very likely to quickly add equity to your home when prices bounce back. Search for Metro Jackson and Madison MS homes for sale now!
Less Construction
Having less construction happening may not seem like a great thing, and for many areas of the economy it is not, but a lack of new construction is a real plus for new home owners. The fact that there are fewer new homes on the market will help real estate prices bounce back over the next few years by creating more of a supply and demand situation for existing homes. Rising home values will provide that equity bump back to more modern levels.
If you’re thinking about buying Madison MS real estate and want more advice on the pros and cons, please 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
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents
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05.25.09
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 7:20 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
If you’re like many people today, you not only want to live comfortably you want to live responsibly. That means buying one of the Madison MS homes for sale that is as eco-friendly as possible.
If you don’t buy a home that’s already eco-friendly, you’ll have to do your own improvements. Why not look for Madison MS homes for sale that have had eco-friendly features originally built in or recently installed. Here are a few things you can look for to see if your prospective new home is “green” no matter what color it’s painted.
- Double-paned windows are one very important eco-friendly feature. They keep the cold out in the winter and hold heat in, and vice versa in the summer months.
- Eco-friendly appliances already in the kitchen and utility rooms mean you won’t have to go running out to buy brand new ones. Look for Energy Star symbols and ratings on all major appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washer/dryers, heating and cooling systems.
- Low water flow fixtures keep your costs down while saving the planet’s water supply.
- Even something as simple as awnings over the windows adds a great energy saving resource to a home. Retractable awnings are even better because they will keep the heat out in the summer, and in the winter, you can put them up to let the sunlight help heat your home.
- Color counts: The color of your home’s exterior should be light to reflect heat, rather than a dark color that will attract and hold heat.
- An on-demand hot water system saves energy because it only heats water when it’s needed.
Looking for Madison MS homes for sale that are eco-friendly? I can help. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to get started.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents
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05.18.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents, Madison MS real estate buyers at 10:09 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
If you are thinking about buying Madison MS real estate in the near future, there are three activities you should avoid. These are normal things we all do from time to time, but are unwise when contemplating a new mortgage application.
1. Change careers: This is different than just changing jobs. If you have recently gotten a new job in the same field, at the same or better pay, and your past history shows long, solid employment, all should be fine. Changing careers entirely is more of an issue. You have no history of steady employment and income in the new field. Since you’re new to the field, you may be bringing in less income than in your previous career. That’s why a recent career change makes your mortgage application less appealing to a loan officer.
2. Open new bank accounts: When you apply for a home loan for Madison MS real estate you need to provide bank statements for several months. Although your money is still in your possession, moving it to new bank accounts generates a series of big withdrawals and deposits which gives an image of instability. If you have withdrawn large amounts of money and not redeposited them, that looks even worse. Even if you invested the money in something solid, you no longer have the cash and thus appear less solvent.
3. Buy Big Ticket Items: The reason for this is simple. When reviewing a loan application for Madison MS real estate one of the biggest things a lender takes into consideration is your debt-to-income ratio. Purchasing expensive items on credit can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio. Wait until after you’ve closed on your home to buy new furniture or appliances.
Thinking of buying a home? I can help you get financing and buy the home of your dreams. 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
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents,
Madison MS real estate buyers
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05.10.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 10:08 pm by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
The housing plan included in President Obama’s stimulus package has many good qualities that will help those seeking Madison MS real estate.
There are two main points to the housing plan:
- To help people once again obtain reasonable mortgages to afford the home of their dreams.
- To keep people in the homes they already have. If it works the way it is planned, it is reason for a collective sigh of relief for millions of homeowners feeling threatened by foreclosures.
That’s really it in a nutshell. There are many incentives wrapped up in each of those two areas to help both homeowners and prospective home buyers, but the very impetus behind the stimulus housing package is simple.
For Current Homeowners
If you have a current mortgage that you can’t handle, now is the time to talk to your mortgage company. Don’t wait too long because some of the detailed elements of Obama’s housing plan are meant to be short-term in their offer so as not to over-tax the budget. While you have the chance, see if your mortgage can be reduced to reflect current home values. That can provide you with the equity you would have already built up but lost due to a drop in housing values. It will also lower your monthly mortgage to a manageable level.
For New Home Buyers
This is your market now. The Madison MS real estate prices are much lower which gives you a chance to buy a home you might not have been able to afford before. President Obama’s housing plan provides tax incentives for you. However, just like with current homeowners, the time to do this is now. Because of the stimulus to the Madison MS real estate market, housing values are not going to stay as low as they currently are. Also, many of the incentives like the tax credits are valid for a very limited time.
If you’re ready to take advantage of the stimulus package benefits by buying a home, 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
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents
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04.30.09
Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 9:10 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Are you thinking of adding your home to the list of Madison MS homes for sale? If you know your home needs a little sprucing up first, here are a few tips on the smartest home improvements you can make to help sell your Madison MS real estate faster and for more money.
- Kitchen remodeling stands at the top of any list of most attractive projects for re-sale value. Crisp clean new cabinets, fresh tile and countertops all make for buyer approval and is money well spent.
- Bathroom remodeling is a good bet but not nearly as good as adding additional bathrooms, unless your home already has a lot of them.
- Adding central heat and air to replace floorboard or radiator heat is a huge selling point for any of the Madison MS homes for sale.
- Installing a deck or patio. This one hovers close to the middle of the do/don’t numbers but it is still a nice investment that can make your home feel more comfortable and give it more ‘space.’
Items that are less likely to be worth the money include:
- Installing a backyard pool. Some people think a pool is attractive. To many buyers, it’s nothing but additional work and expense. Unless you live in a climate where the majority of people want a pool, steer clear of this investment.
- Converting your basement into a finished living space. Many buyers like a finished basement, but it’s the main living space that counts most to them. Your money would be better spent above ground.
It is important to fix up your home to get it ready for buyers. But with money tighter than we’ve seen it in a long time, you need to focus on those improvements that will give you a good return on your money.
If you’d like more tips on what works and what doesn’t when fixing up Madison MS homes for sale, I would love to help. Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com now.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents
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04.20.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents, Madison MS real estate sellers at 7:48 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. There are several reasons to change your plan and list your home with one of the best Madison MS real estate agents in order to facilitate a sale.
Speed
If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn’t sold. An experienced real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.
Knowledge
Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Madison MS real estate agents can help you see the problems you didn’t even know existed.
National Exposure
As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
An Earthly Advantage
Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons. First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are. Second, they don’t have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do current home price comparisons. You ‘might’ know what your neighbor’s house sold for 10 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now? And even more important, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? If you hire me to list your home, you bet I will!
Selling Advantage
Get the best selling advantage by listing your Metro Jackson MS real estate in Madison, Mississippi with a top real estate agent. Learn more about my “All Encompassing Marketing Plan” for Sellers that will help sell your home for Top Dollar.
Are you ready to work with one of the Top Madison MS real estate agents? Please give me a call 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
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents,
Madison MS real estate sellers
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04.13.09
Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate agents at 9:04 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent
Is this a good time for first time home buyers to consider purchasing Madison MS real estate? It’s a familiar question with the economy in the state it is in. Here are a few reasons why a home is still a great investment for first time home buyers.
Pride of Ownership
This will never go away no matter what the economy is like. Owning your own home is the American dream for a reason. It just feels good to take care of a home that’s yours and yours alone.
Tax Incentives
Owning your own home is one of the best tax deductions. The new stimulus plan makes that tax incentive better than ever before. Not only can you deduct your interest payments on your tax forms this year and for every year during the life of your mortgage, the stimulus plan allows a huge homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 for homes purchased in 2009 by first time home buyers.
Your property taxes are deductible too. Many first time home buyers understand that they can deduct the mortgage payment interest but don’t realize they can declare their property tax as well for an even bigger yearly deduction.
Equity
Yes, even now, you will begin to build equity with each year you’re in your new home. Equity improves your credit worthiness and gives you options for loans in the future if you need them.
Take the first step toward buying a new home and contact me. I’ll help you find the perfect place for you and your family in the Metro Jackson Mississippi area. And, I’ll help you get it at a great price. Call me at 601-942-3392 or email Paula@PaulaRicks.com now.
Paula Ricks
Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt, Inc.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
www.PaulaRicks.com
Paula@PaulaRicks.com
Call direct: 601-942-3392
Tags:
Madison MS real estate agents
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