12.30.11

Changes in the National and Madison MS Real Estate Market You Need to Know Before Selling

Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate market, Tips for Madison MS Home Sellers at 7:00 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

The data from the 2011 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers is now available. Here are the significant changes you need to know that will help you market your Madison MS real estate and get it sold:

  1. Most buyers are married: 64 percent of all buyers are married couples (up five percent from 2010), 18 percent are single women, 10 percent single men and 7 percent unmarried couples.
  2. Your property is competing against 12 other homes: Buyers searched a median of 12 weeks and visited 12 homes, both unchanged from 2010.
  3. Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms are preferred: The typical home had 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
  4. Most buyers want single-family homes: 77 percent of respondents purchased a detached single-family home, 9 percent a condo and 8 percent a townhouse or rowhouse.
  5. You need to promote your home to buyer’s agents: 60 percent of buyers working with real estate professionals were represented by a buyer’s agent.
  6. Hire a Madison MS real estate agent to sell your home: 87 percent of home buyers use real estate agents to find their home. 91 percent of buyers who used the Internet to search for a home purchased through a real estate agent.
  7. Market your home online, with yard signs and at open houses: When buyers were asked where they first learned about the home they purchased, 40 percent said the Internet; 11 percent said a yard sign or open house.

Want to work with a Madison MS real estate agent who knows how to get the selling advantage and market your home to get it sold? Let me show you my proven marketing plan. Schedule an appointment with me today by calling me at 601-942-3392 or emailing 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

Tags: Madison MS real estate market, Tips for Madison MS Home Sellers

09.28.11

Your Madison MS Home Can Be a Good Retirement Nest Egg With Some Strategic Planning

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

In the recent downturn of the economy, many homes nationwide as well as Madison MS homes have taken a dive in value. As a result, they may not be the nest eggs that potential retirees were hoping for. Now, retirees need to know their options and what to do with their Madison MS homes.

If you find yourself in this predicament and aren’t sure what to do, speak with your financial expert and review the following options for your financial future so that you can retire on time — and enjoy it!

  • Wait it out. Most retirees want to try this tactic and are hoping that the housing market will rebound. However, if your property’s upkeep costs, such as taxes, insurance and utilities, continue to rise, you might need to consider other options.
  • Pay down the mortgage.  If you have the extra dough, start investing in your property by paying off your mortgage faster. You’ll build more equity and soon see that extra money each month going straight into savings. To come up with some extra money to pay down your mortgage, you could refinance to take advantage of lower interest rates, or cut back on consumer spending. Whatever your plan, just know that most financial experts agree that you should not stop contributing to your retirement fund or take money out of your retirement investment accounts to be mortgage free.
  • Sell and downsize.  If you’re still living in the home in which you raised your children, chances are it’s probably too large for your retirement life. Consider selling and downsizing, especially if you have a good amount of equity built up in your current property. You could have your newer, smaller and cheaper home paid off quickly, and could start contributing more to your retirement fund.

Whatever your current financial situation as you approach retirement, consider all of the options. Retirement is for relaxation — which is hard to do when you’re stressed about monthly finances.

If you’re weighing your retirement options and want to see at what price point Madison MS homes are currently selling, 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

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

08.22.11

Madison County Mississippi Job Growth Makes it a Great Place to Buy Madison MS Real Estate

Posted in Madison MS real estate tagged Madison MS real estate market at 12:28 pm by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Are you one of the home buyers looking for Madison MS real estate?  There are many things to consider besides the types and prices of homes for sale, neighborhoods and schools.  You’ll also want to know what kind of job potential is available in the general area.

According to a recent CNN Money Magazine article, Madison County Mississippi ranked #23 in job growth from 2000 – 2010 with a whopping 29.4% increase in jobs.  One of the reasons for the job growth is the large Nissan plant that currently employs 5,000, will be moving their Xterra, SUVs and Frontier pickups to the Madison plant.  This move is expected to add approximately 300 more jobs to Madison County.

If you’re thinking about buying real estate in Madison County, Mississippi, there are some wonderful buys right now for Flora, Gluckstadt, Ridgeland and Madison MS real estate.  Interest rates are at the lowest we have seen in decades and NOW is a great time to buy.

If you need help finding the perfect home or piece of Madison MS real estate, give me a call now at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com.

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

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

04.08.11

How to Find the Perfect Madison MS Real Estate Agent

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

The Internet has made researching real estate easy for anyone who knows how to surf online. Whether researching real estate to sell homes or to find for their next big investment, many property owners and home buyers think they’ll save a lot of money by doing all the work themselves.

However, statistics show that you’re more likely to sell your property quicker or find your dream house faster when you work with a professional Madison MS real estate agent.  Working with an agent provides you with an expanded housing database, years of property-purchasing knowledge and valuable contacts for everything from inspections to loans

The trick is to find the right Madison MS real estate agent to fit your needs.  Here are 5 tips to help you find your perfect fit:

  1. Knowledgeable – You’ll want to find an agent who is experienced and doesn’t always agree with you. If they’re constantly telling you yes, then they may not be working in your best interest.
  2. Hard working – Agents who’ve been in the real estate business for decades could be burned out and new recruits might not be as skilled. Look for an agent who has experience in your neighborhood, loves the work and has the energy to get the job done.
  3. Responsive – Communication is key, so you want to find an agent who gives you constant updates.
  4. Objective – When it comes to your home, making decisions can become extremely personal. You want an agent who will keep a level head and help you ensure you’re not making emotional or irrational decisions.
  5. Innovative – A resourceful real estate agent who is always looking for new ways to market your property or looking in new places to find you a house will help you achieve your goals quicker.

Don’t endure the frustration of marching through the real estate maze alone. With the right agent by your side, you’ll experience less stress, get what you want faster and save money in the long run.

If you’re looking for an experienced, energetic, resourceful Madison MS real estate agent or just have a few questions, give me a call 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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results" Call Paula Ricks 601-942-3392 Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt 443 Northpark Dr Ridgeland MS 39157 Office 601-956-8533      

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

03.07.11

Madison MS Homes: New Construction is Looking Up in 2011

Posted in Madison MS Homes for Sale tagged Madison MS real estate market at 8:48 am by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Good news for the housing industry!  Nationwide new home starts increased 14.6% in January, reaching its highest rate in four months and increasing more than analysts expected.

During the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, David Crowe, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders, projected single-family housing starts to rise 21% in 2011.

New Construction of National and Madison MS Homes is Looking up in 2011

To what can we attribute these actual and projected increases?  The four key elements driving new construction in 2011 are:

  • Sustained job growth.   Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, projects about 2 million jobs to be added in 2011.  Unemployment is expected to drop to 9.2 percent.
  • Increasing U.S. population.  Over the past 10 years, the U.S. population has increased by 27 million. Continued population growth will also stimulate construction and sales of Madison MS homes. “All the indicator trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery,” Yun says.
  • Low interest rates.  The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for Madison MS homes is forecast to rise gradually to 5.3 percent around the end of 2011.
  • An increase in the multi-family category.  The majority of the new construction projects were for apartment buildings and other multi-family units.  The rate of starts for single-family homes was the lowest in almost two years.  Independent economist Joel Naroff said, “What is nice to see is that developers seem to be picking up the slack by putting up rental and condo units instead, a trend that is likely to continue.”

Another boost to the housing market will come as lending opens up with safe underwriting standards for creditworthy buyers.

If you have any questions about buying or selling Madison MS homes or about our local Madison MS real estate market, please 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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results" Call Paula Ricks 601-942-3392 Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt 443 Northpark Dr Ridgeland MS 39157 Office 601-956-8533      

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

01.06.11

2011 Design Trends for National and Madison MS Homes for Sale

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

Trends for national and Madison MS homes for sale come and go depending on many factors including the needs and desires of buyers, changes in technology and economic issues.

Here are some 2011 design trends predicted for national and Madison MS homes.

Kitchens Continue to be the Heart of the Home
People still love kitchens that are open and airy.  Popular kitchen countertops will embrace the green movement switching from granite to crushed recyclable glass under a solid, smooth surface.

Energy Efficiency Remains Important
According to The Joint Center for Housing Studies, homeowners and builders alike continue to make homes more energy efficient.  This is led by regional certification programs as well as national green building standards.

Vintage is Hot
Reproductions from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s will be a hot design trend in home furnishings.  Think of the furniture in the hit TV show “Mad Men.”

Bold Lighting Touches are Added
In addition to functional lighting, bathrooms will boast chandeliers.  Ooh, la la!

Ceilings Become a Focal Point
Ceilings will no longer fade into the background with the addition of architectural enhancements such as domes and bold paint options including metallic colors.

Whether you’re looking for trendy or traditional Madison MS homes for sale, I can help you find your perfect fit.  Call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com to get started.

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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results" Call Paula Ricks 601-942-3392 Coldwell Banker Nell Wyatt 443 Northpark Dr Ridgeland MS 39157 Office 601-956-8533      

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

10.18.10

4 Reasons You Should Buy Madison MS Real Estate in a Down Market

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

The national and Madison MS real estate markets are constantly fluctuating, falling somewhere between more inventory and lower prices and less inventory and higher prices. People are often frightened when the home inventory rises, but a declining real estate market may just be the perfect time to find your next home.

Here are 4 reasons why you should consider buying Madison MS real estate in a down market

1. Inventory. When the market is down, more homes are for sale. This means you have more homes to choose from, which makes it easier to find a home in your dream neighborhood or closer to work or school.

2. Negotiation. There’s a reason down markets are called “buyers’ markets.” Sellers want to sell their homes, and they are often willing to do whatever it takes. This means you have the advantage and can buy a home for a great price. You can also ask the seller for other incentives like paying all or a portion of your closing costs.

3. Mortgage Rates. When the real estate market begins falling, interest rates get cut. This can mean considerable savings for you over the course of your mortgage. You can even buy a larger home within your price range than you can when the market is booming.

4. Investment. Even though doom and gloom is forecasted in a down market, your home will still most likely go up in value or at least retain its value. Keep in mind that your home is your most personal investment. It is a place where you will create memories and maybe even raise a family.

If you’re considering buying a home, let me help you find a wonderful home at a great price. 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
Office:  601-956-8533
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results" Call Paula Ricks 601-942-3392       

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

03.17.10

Madison MS Homes for Sale – Home Equity Is On the Rise!

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

The news is everywhere – and it’s good! Those who own one of the Madison MS homes for sale or want to buy a new home can take a deep breath.  Home equity is on the rise, according to a recent study by Zillow.com, an online real estate valuation researcher.  And, Federal Reserve economists agree. Although home equity isn’t what it was three years ago, it’s on the rise.

The Fed’s most recent “flow of funds” survey indicates that the net equity of national homeowners grew by almost $1 trillion over the first three quarters of 2009, and rose further by $418 billion between June and September of last year. Compared to before the bubble popped, that’s really not that impressive. However, after three straight years of steadily dropping equities, it could signify the long awaited end of the housing crash.

In the housing markets of several cities, negative home equity is dropping; Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Seattle are just a few examples. Good news for those with Madison MS homes for sale, but even better news for some of the hardest hit cities, such as Phoenix, AZ, and Fort Myers, FL.

This is the best news yet for those with Madison MS homes for sale, especially with most residential real estate markets’ busiest season coming up. Rising home equity means the high possibility of more interested buyers. As well, a few things have been happening over the past couple of months that just might be the beginning of a run on housing sales:

  • Median home prices are rising slowly but surely; potential homebuyers are getting a little more serious. Rather than wait for a cheaper house, they’re starting to realize that it might not get any cheaper.
  • The housing supply is shrinking. At the peak, we had 11 months worth of back supply. By the end of 2009, we were down to 7.2.
  • 30 year fixed mortgages dropped to the lowest point of 4.95% (median), and are now slowly on the rise. Buyers waiting for lower mortgage rates – just like those waiting for lower housing prices – are getting serious about buying now.

Last and most importantly, consumer confidence is growing – something we badly need to get the economy on track.

What’s the moral of the story? If your house is one of the Madison MS homes for sale and you’ve been sick with worry that it might not get taken off the block, take a deep breath. Things are getting better and, if you hang in there, may end up better than you hoped.

If you’re trying 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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results"

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

03.10.10

Madison MS Real Estate Economic Boom is in Progress!

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

Even though the economy hasn’t fully recovered yet, there is some great news for business owners looking for commercial Madison MS real estate.  Retailers are looking forward and see a continuing increase in Madison’s population and with the highest per-capita income in the state, an economic construction boom is in progress.    

A brand new retail construction development is being built at the intersections of I-55 and Highway 463.  Some of the anchor stores will be Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Stein Mart and a Corner Bakery. 

Madison was selected as a new satellite campus site for Tulane University’s School of Continuing Studies. Madison will become the second campus site for Tulane University in the state of Mississippi.  The new Madison campus is scheduled to open this spring and thousands of new jobs will be created.  

Commercial construction along with new jobs in the retail industry will increase the need for more housing in Madison.  Whether you’re looking for new or existing homes, I can help!  If you’re looking for Madison 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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results"      

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

02.09.10

Madison MS Real Estate Market is Improving!

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

The past several years have shown dismal real estate sales for much of the nation.  Even though home prices and interest rates were lower, inventory continued to grow as more homes went into foreclosure around the country.  You may ask, is now a good time to buy Madison MS real estate?  Most definitely yes!

Madison County, Mississippi, has seen a continued increase of real estate sales since last summer with 970 homes sold in 2009, ranging in price from $100,000 and up.  First-time buyers flocked to take advantage of the $8,000 homebuyer federal stimulus tax credit.  Just when buyers thought the tax credit would expire, Congress extended it in November 2009, and the new extension expanded the tax credit to include existing homeowners.  If you’re an existing homeowner and would like to upgrade your home, you may be eligible for the new $6,500 federal tax credit.

The Madison County real estate market is not only turning around because of the tax credits – Madison is a wonderful place to live.  In 2007, Family Circle named Madison, Mississippi, one of the Top Ten Towns for Families in America.  Its residents are usually more affluent and they enjoy a good quality of life with friendly neighborhoods that offer affordable homes and stable property values. 

The 2010 Madison County real estate market is off to a good start with over 100 homes under contract.  If you’re considering a new home, now could be the right time to buy; interest rates are still low and the homebuyer tax credits don’t expire until April 30, 2010. 

Click to search for:  Canton, Ridgeland, Flora, Gluckstadt, Jackson or Madison MS real estate

If you’re ready to buy a home or upgrade your existing home, you need to hurry to qualify for the tax credit.  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

Paula Ricks Sells Metro Jackson MS real estate and provides "Superior Service, Remarkable Results"     

Tags: Madison MS real estate market

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