10.25.11

Downtown Ridgeland MS Come Fall in Love With Us!

Posted in Ridgeland MS Real Estate tagged Ridgeland MS real estate buyers, Ridgeland MS Sunset Stroll at 8:44 pm by Mississippi Real Estate Agent

Don’t Miss Out…

On October 27th from 5pm-7pm Downtown Ridgeland will be hosting the Sunset Stroll. Come join us for complimentary food and beverages from participating businesses, as well as some great giveaways. Come be a part of the Downtown Ridgeland community and shop local. Click here for more information.

KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks sells Metro Jackson MS and Ridgeland MS real estate.

Hope to see you there!

Paula Ricks Broker/Owner
KeyTrust Properties Paula Ricks
220 W Jackson St, Suite 200, Ridgeland MS 39157
601-942-3392

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08.19.11

Ridgeland MS Real Estate: Buying Remains More Popular Than Renting

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

In today’s environment, do you think buying Ridgeland MS real estate has become less popular than renting?  Then, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that 81% of American adults still think that buying a home is the best investment a person can make.

In comparison, two decades ago, a CBS News/New York Times survey found that 84% of American adults thought buying a home was the best investment a person could make.  That’s only a 3% decline in 20 years.

The new information is based on two nationwide studies performed this year by the Pew Research Center and Trulia, a real estate website.  The Pew Research Center’s survey sample included 2,142 adults.  Fifty-seven percent of the people who answered the survey own a home, 30% rent and the remainder has other arrangements, such as living with family members.

Here are some other findings provided by the studies:

• Buying is more affordable than renting in 78% of America’s major cities.
• 81% of renters would prefer to own a home than continue to rent.
• 47% of homeowners say their home is worth less now than before the recession started.  31% say its value is the same.  17% say their home is worth more than before the recession.

The bottom-line?   In most areas of the country, even though home prices have declined in the past four or five years, homeownership is still preferred and is also a practical financial decision.

If you’re ready to buy Ridgeland MS real estate, I can help you find a home that you’ll love in a price range that fits your budget.  To find the Ridgeland MS real estate of your dreams, give me a call today 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

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04.28.11

Homeowner’s Insurance and Your New Ridgeland MS Home

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

You know you need homeowner’s insurance but what kind and how much?  To help you figure this out, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about homeowner’s insurance.

How much homeowner’s insurance do you need? 

Lenders require you to carry enough coverage to protect their investment, which means the amount of your loan.  But the amount of your loan most likely isn’t enough to rebuild your home, if it was damaged.  To be able to replace your home and its contents in case of a disaster, you probably want a policy that insures the replacement value of your Ridgeland MS home. 

It’s a good idea to sit down periodically with your insurance agent to review your homeowner’s policy.  You want to determine if your coverage matches current construction costs and the replacement value of your Ridgeland MS home’s content.

What about coverage for earthquakes and floods?

Many homeowners assume coverage for all natural disasters is included in their insurance policy.  Not true.  In fact, the most important thing for you to know about flood and earthquake insurance is that it is not included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy.  Both require separate policies in order to get reimbursed for damage.

Let’s face it; most of the United States has the possibility of being affected by an earthquake.  Unless you specifically purchase earthquake coverage, damage to your Ridgeland MS home caused by a quake is not covered.  The same is true with flooding.  You don’t have to live next to a large body of water to sustain water damage from flooding.  A small creek next to your home can cause just as much damage during a flash flood.

Do you need to shop around for insurance?

Fortunately, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) sets the standards for homeowner’s policies so coverage doesn’t change much from company to company, however, rates can vary greatly.  That means it is worth your time and effort to shop around for the best prices before you buy your homeowner’s policy.

If you’d like a referral to a professional homeowner’s insurance agent, 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

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03.31.11

Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale: 5 Reasons to Participate in Your Home Inspection

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

You’ve found the right Ridgeland MS home for sale you want to buy, and you’ve hired a professional home inspector.  But, wait!  You’re job isn’t done.  You still need to personally participate in the inspection on your home.

Here are 5 reasons why you should attend your home inspection: 

1. See for yourself.  There’s a big difference between reading a report and seeing first-hand what’s right and wrong with the home.  Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to determine if a problem is serious enough to walk away from the home if the seller of the Ridgeland MS home for sale is unwilling to fix it.
2. Learn practical information about your home.  You’ll discover where things such as the water valve and electrical box are located.
3. Experience your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.  This is a valuable educational opportunity.
4. Ask the inspector questions.   If there’s anything that looks suspicious or anything you don’t understand, ask your home inspector about it.  You’re paying the inspector for his expertise, so take full advantage of his time and experience to learn all you can about the house and its features.
5. Comprehend the home inspection report.  While it’s your home inspector’s job to discover and disclose the condition of the home in the home inspection report, being present for the inspection helps you visualize and understand all the items in the report.  This information makes negotiating a financial solution to any potential problems much easier and much more straightforward.

What should you do during the home inspection? Your primary tasks are to watch, listen, learn and ask questions.  A professional home inspector will welcome your participation in the process.

Are you ready to buy a Ridgeland MS home for sale?  Need a referral to a professional home inspector?  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

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03.11.11

Ridgeland MS Homes: 8 Tips for Staying Green while Moving

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

Staying green while moving isn’t easy.  In fact, moving expends a lot of energy.  Think about the massive amount of gas those big trucks go through, the toxic cleaning products people use on both their old and new Ridgeland MS homes and all those cardboard boxes that are overflowing our landfills.

You might be thinking, “Hey, moving is stressful enough without having to worry about going green while moving.”  I understand.  But, if you’re conscientious about the earth, and want to go as green as you can while you move, here are a few suggestions for you:

1. Have a yard sale.  Make money and reduce the amount of items you have to pack.
2. Invest in bins.  Buy recycled plastic bins.  They’re sturdy, stack together well and can be reused for years in a multitude of ways.
3. Reuse or recycle cardboard containers.  Get cardboard boxes that someone else has used.  Most moving companies have used boxes they’ll sell to you.  Recycle your cardboard boxes by selling them back to places like U-Haul or giving them to a friend who is getting ready to move.
4. Use green packing materials.  Use things you have to pack anyway like clothing, linens and towels to cushion objects or fill gaps in boxes.  You can also purchase compostable packing materials, such as compostable packing peanuts.  Or, use paper towels made from recycled paper, and after you unpack, reuse them to clean up messes.  When you have to use non-green packing materials, don’t throw them away; save them for future use or give them away to people who are getting ready to move.
5. Secure with ZIP ties.  Choose ZIP ties that are made from recycled plastic.  Use them instead of tape to secure hoses, lids and doors and drawers on furniture.
6. Donate.  Instead of throwing things away that you no longer want, donate them.  Some thrift stores will even pick up donations at your house.
7. Dispose properly.  Call the recycling centers in your city to find out how to properly dispose of anything you need to throw away.  These days you can recycle paper, appliances, copiers, computers and phones.
8. Use green cleaning products.  Green cleaning products can be found at most big retail stores these days.  Use environmentally-friendly products to clean both Ridgeland MS homes (the one you’re moving out of and the one you’re moving into).

When it comes to the environment, every little change can make a big difference. With a little bit of knowledge, we can all help save the earth one small change at a time in our Ridgeland MS homes.

If you’re moving and need to buy or sell a home in the metro Jackson MS area, I can help.  Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or 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

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02.21.11

Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale: 9 Tips for First-time Home Buyers

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

Are you a first-time home buyer?  There are a lot of things you’ll want to learn before making that first purchase.  Here are 9 tips to help you purchase one of the Ridgeland MS homes for sale you’ll love, and be prepared for additional costs you may not have considered:

1. Ask yourself if you’re ready. Are you financially ready to buy one of the Ridgeland MS homes for sale?  Do you have a steady job and income?  Do you have money for the down payment?

2. Get pre-approved.  When you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, your lender checks your credit and lets you know the amount of mortgage for which you qualify.  Having a pre-approved loan will put you at the top of the list when presenting an offer.

3. Identify closing costs. The cost of closing on the Ridgeland MS home for sale shouldn’t be overlooked. Closing costs include origination fees, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items such as homeowner’s insurance or homeowner’s association fees.

4. Calculate your total monthly housing cost.  Include taxes and homeowners insurance.  In some areas, what you’ll pay for your taxes and insurance escrow almost doubles your mortgage payment.

5. Include home maintenance expenses in your budget.  Maintaining your investment can be labor-intensive and expensive. Unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems can drain your bank account.

6. Find Ridgeland MS homes for sale.  Identify the neighborhood, you want to live in.  Hire a full-time REALTOR® who specializes in that neighborhood to help you find and negotiate the purchase of the home.

7. Get a home inspection.  Make sure your agent includes a home inspection contingency in your offer to buy a home. If you’re unsatisfied with anything found in the home inspection, have your agent negotiate with the seller to make repairs, pay for repairs or lower the price.

8. Make it to closing.  You have your financing, your offer has been accepted, and you’re anxiously awaiting the day you close on your home.  Now, you just have to make sure you don’t do anything to jeopardize your credit.  Do not change jobs, buy a new car or apply for credit cards.

9. Celebrate.  Congratulations!  You’re now the proud owner of your first home.

Buying your first home can be exciting, especially if you’re knowledgeable about the process and prepared.

If your goal for this year is to be a first-time homeowner, let me guide you through the process of finding and buying a home.  Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information.

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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02.16.11

Loving Your Ridgeland MS Home Equals Loving Your Community

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

While some people are hesitant to buy into a real estate market that seems to still be bottoming out, many studies have shown that owning a house is an investment in your future and that of your community. From tax breaks to property taxes, being a Ridgeland MS home owner can put money in the bank.  It also gives you a sense of pride in contributing to community institutions such as the police force, local government offices, fire stations and free medical services.

Did you know that statistically you and your neighbors are more likely to properly maintain and update your Ridgeland MS homes when you own them rather than rent them?  Maintaining and updating your home boosts the real estate market around you, giving you the chance to increase the value of your property, your neighbors’ property and eventually your entire community.

4 more reasons why you should buy instead of rent:

1. Building financial security – While it might take many years for you to actually make a profit on your house, you’ll still have your money secured in a tangible investment that you can pass down for generations to come.
2. Investing in your community – If you pay property taxes, you’ll be investing in your community. You could play a part in contributing to more parks, cleaner streets and better schools for you, your children and your neighbors.
3. Buying while the housing market is slow – With the high rate of foreclosures and slow real estate market, you can scoop up amazing homes at great prices. Purchase while the market is slow and your investment could grow exponentially within the next 10 years.
4. Taking advantage of tax benefits – You’ll receive a federal income tax break, and you’ll get to deduct the interest paid on your mortgage and property taxes — which means more money in the bank!

Use an online mortgage calculator to determine what you can afford to buy instead of paying rent. While renting can be appealing, you won’t be doing your financial security, your children’s schools or your community any long-term favors.

Want to discover more benefits of buying instead of renting a Ridgeland MS home? Call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@PaulaRicks.com for more information. 

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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01.13.11

Do You Consider Ridgeland MS Real Estate a House or Your Home?

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

Times change but not always for the best.  Consider the change we’ve seen in attitudes toward Ridgeland MS real estate over the last few decades. 

Owners used to love their homes because they were their safe havens.  Many now only worry about whether or not their houses will appreciate enough in value to allow them to refinance to buy luxury vacations in Hawaii or a new car.

What’s your stance on the Ridgeland MS real estate you own or wish to own some day?   Is it a house or a home to you?  There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, simply a varying point of view.

It’s a house if you:

• Bought it because you want to build equity 
• Value it most because of its monetary value
• Worry primarily about it because it might lose some of its value in today’s market
• Appreciate it if it gives you short term profit
• Like the neighborhood because it increases the market value of your property
• Plan to sell when you can make the biggest profit

It’s a home if you:

• Bought it because you want to build a happy life there
• Value it most because of its emotional value
• Worry primarily about it because without it you wouldn’t have a roof over your head
• Appreciate it if it gives you long term profit
• Like the neighborhood because of the people who live there
• Plan to sell when your lifestyle needs change

Personally, I’m nostalgic for the days when a house was called a home because of the love that was inside.

Whether you’re interested in buying Ridgeland MS real estate as an investment or a home, I can help you achieve your goals.  Give me a call 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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11.03.10

Ridgeland MS Homes for Sale Become More Affordable

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

Don’t you just love it when the evening news finally shares some good news?  I do too!  So, I want to do my part and share some good news with you today:  Ridgeland MS homes for sale and homes nationwide are becoming more affordable.   In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, housing affordability is close to reaching an all-time high. 

Big Benefit to Buyers

Exactly how does this benefit the buyers of Ridgeland MS homes for sale?  A typical buyer can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without increasing their monthly payment.

Reasons for Improvement

There are several reasons housing affordability is improving:

1. Lower mortgage rates.  The primary reason Ridgeland MS homes for sale are now more affordable is that we have the lowest mortgage rates in history. 

2. Declining house prices.  As with all things real estate, local markets dictate housing prices, but, overall, prices of homes have dropped across the nation.  Some markets encountered only minimal price declines while others experienced major declines.

3. Higher wages.  You probably don’t feel like there’s been an increase in wages, but there has been a small one.  In 2009, the average wage rate rose 3 percent and is up an additional 1.2 percent so far this year.

The Bottom Line

If you’d like to buy a home, have good credit and a steady job, the real estate market has never looked more favorable.

Ready to buy a home?  Let me help you find the home of your dreams and get it 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
Call Direct:  601-942-3392
Office:  601-956-8533
www.PaulaRicks.com 
Paula@PaulaRicks.com

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11.01.10

Buying a Ridgeland MS Home: Death, Taxes and Closing Costs Guaranteed

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

You know you’re going to pay a mortgage for however many years once you sign the paper on a Ridgeland MS home. You know your agent is going to get paid for the absolutely wonderful, fantabulous, outstanding job he or she did to help you find the home of your dreams. What you may not be expecting, however, are the closing costs. 

The saying goes “nothing’s guaranteed except death and taxes,” but you can add “closing costs” in there. Now, I’m sure the mortgage was expected, and you don’t mind your agent earning a bit, but what the heck is this “closing cost” business? While the government forms explain them, they might as well have been written in chicken scratches; government lingo has never been exactly easy to understand.

Be Prepared to Pay
“Closing costs” is a catch all term for all the expenses that wouldn’t fit under a convenient title like “mortgage.” Be prepared, because they can range anywhere from 3% to 8% of your total loan. For example, if you have a $150,000 loan, your closing costs could be anywhere from an additional $4,500 to $12,000.

What are you paying for?
Aren’t you already paying for the Ridgeland MS home? What’s with these closing costs? It probably feels like hidden fees, but they aren’t. Here are just a few of the fees you might end up paying, depending on the lender and the circumstances:

• Prorations – The allocation of property taxes, interest, Home Owner Association dues, insurance premiums or rental income between buyer and seller proportionate to time of use.  For example, if the property tax is paid up to a period after you close on the house, the seller might be entitled to reimbursement.

• Appraisal Fee – The fee charged for a written appraisal by a qualified person setting forth an opinion of a property’s fair market value.

• Fire Insurance – Just in case you burn the house down after you buy it, lenders might require you to have a fire insurance policy.

• Purchase Points – These are known as “discount points,” or just “points,” but it’s more like “pay the lender less now or pay the lender more later.” Each point costs 1% of your loan amount and reduces your interest rate for the life of your loan (usually by fractions of percentages). Since it can take a few years for the lower payment difference to offset the initial closing cost, paying for points is probably only a good idea if you plan to live in the house for five years or longer.  With interest rates as low as they are now, it may not be a good use of your hard earned income.

The good news is you won’t have to guess what the closing costs are for your new Ridgeland MS home. The lender is required to give you a list of the closing costs and the potential cost of each, so you won’t be completely surprised.

If you have questions closing costs or any other Ridgeland MS real estate related questions, I’m happy to help. 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

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