Mary & Bill Watkins' Jackson Real Estate Blog

Tulane University boosts the Madison, MS Community

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:13:02 -0700

Tulane University is opening its second satellite campus in Madison, Mississippi with the first classes beginning this summer. The expansion came after discussions with city officials who wanted to attract a university to the growing community of Madison, which has nearly 30,000 people. Within a half hour drive, classes will bring in 600,000 students from the surrounding population. The Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation approved Tulane's plan all too happily. And the City of Madison has been renovating wings of a former elementary school building to house the university offices and classrooms ever since. The city actually sought out Tulane because of its wonderful reputation. Not just any college would do, but one that would help with economic development and high standards is what Madison, Mississippi needs. Madison is now happy to embrace the wonderful university. Together, the city and the university can make great stridesin this new partnership. The city is also proud to have an accomplished mayor with a demonstrated commitment to community building and education. Many people of Madison are looking forward to Tulane's presence and what it will bring. Tulane University of Madison will be offering courses in business, journalism and liberal arts. F or more information about Tulane, visit www.tulane.edu.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Jazz Festival Coming to Ridgeland, Mississippi

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:25:02 -0700

The third annual Township Jazz Festival is coming to Ridgeland, Mississippi on April 10, 2010 and will take place rain or shine. Not many communities can say they have a true musical legend right in their backyard. There are a few inspiring youngsters from Ridgeland who may be legends one day, too. The Jazz Festival will be held from 12:00pm until 7:00pm in Colony Park in Ridgeland, Mississippi, and will be hosted by Fusion Coffeehouse and Kerioth Corporation. Look for headliner Mose Allison, a native of Mississippi Delta village of Tippo. This 82 year-old has had his songs covered by Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Who, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and several other mainstays. And now he's promoting his new recording "The Way of the World." The Township Jazz Festival began in Ridgeland when musicians who began playing at the Fusion quickly started turning out large crowds and overwhelming the small venue. They had no other choice but to look for a larger site. And they got plenty of support from local sponsors. This is a great opportunity to get out and mingle with your neighbors and other community members. If you'll be in town looking at local Ridgeland, MS real estate or in the surrounding area, drop by the festival with your lawn chair and blanket. It will give you a good sense of how welcome you'll feel when you move to town.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Find Affordable Suburban Living for Less in Madison, Mississippi

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:32:18 -0700

A new survey by Bloomberg Business Week shows that you can find affordable suburban living for less in Madison, Mississippi. Suburbanites who want to live better for less can find several neighborhoods such as Hunter's Pointe, Reunion, Adderley Gardens and Bradford Place. The recent survey named Madison the most affordable suburb in the state of Mississippi. The report also recognized other top communities in all 50 states. Many people in Mississippi have already discovered that they can live in Madison for a small town price and still have big city advantages. You simply get more value for your money. Madison, Mississippi was once a small farming and railroad town, but it has blossomed into the popular suburb it is over the years. There are a couple of key factors that make Madison even better than its affordable living. It has one of the best school districts and the state's lowest crime rates. Many neighborhoods in Madison are upscale communities, such as Reunion and Adderley Gardens, and offer amenities like an 18-hole golf course, a lake with a beautiful sand beach, a tennis club, a swim club, walking trails and an equestrian center. Madison also has lower-priced homes in subdivisions such as Hunter's Pointe and Bradford Place. You can even find a range of modest homes, older homes and high end mansions. The large selection of homes, wonderful neighborhoods, amenities and price ranges is what makes Madison, Mississippi a great and affordable place to live. Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Keeping Your Madison, Mississippi Kids Happy During Spring Break

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:14:32 -0700

No one wants their kids to be unhappy during Spring Break. And not everyone can afford or has time to take the family to the beach for Spring Break. But, you still have great alternatives around Madison, Mississippi during Spring Break to keep their boredom at bay. Here are some ideas for keeping your kids busy and happy: * Mosart Craft Studio - They will be having a two week Spring Break camp for kids ages 5 to 15. Morning camp is from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Afternoon camp is from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Mosart Craft Studio is located in the Madison Market Shopping Center on US 51. All skill levels are encouraged to come. Groups will be sectioned out by ages. They will be working on glass, wood and ceramics. * Different Strokes Art Studio - If you can't commit to a week long program, this may be perfect for you. Classes will be held from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm during the week at the studio in the Trace shopping Center in Ridgeland, MS. Children should bring a drink and snack and be ready to have a ton of fun working with pottery projects. Very young children will need supervision from an adult. * Champions Baseball Spring Break Camp - If you're looking for something athletic, this is a great place to start. Bring your child to Millsaps College bright and early on Monday morning for the four-day camp. Camp will end at 12:00 pm each day. For more information, call Jim Page at (601) 974-1196. * YMCA of Flowood - Soccer lovers will like this camp a lot. Bring your soccer players to Liberty Road just off Lakeland Drive for a half-day camp. YMCA members get reduced rates. For more details, call (601) 664-1995. * Mississippi Museum of Natural Science - If you want educational programs for your young ones, bring them to Riverside Drive in Jackson, MS. There is an ongoing educational and interactive exhibit for kids featuring Smokey the Bear and Woodsy Owl. You can visit their website at museum.mdwfp.com. * Jackson Zoo - Your kids, no matter how old they are, will absolutely love the Jackson Zoo. Just head on over toward the state's capital and you'll soon be there. If, after all this, your kids are still bored, it's time to break out the heavy artillery and make them study.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Steps for Selling Your Jackson, Mississippi Home

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:25:55 -0800

Selling your home is a huge decision. It will be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Therefore, to maximize your gain, you need to be sure your Jackson, MS home is in great condition when it comes time to place it on the market. If it's not in the best possible condition, you most likely won't get the best value out of it. There are several things you should do to your home prior to placing it on the market. And although no two home sales are exactly the same, many of the selling steps are similar. Here is a basic outline that will help you understand what to expect during the sales process: * The decision to sell - Once you decide to sell your home, it will become a financial asset you will be moving away from. At this point, you have determined it's time to sell your property so you can maximize your gain. Homeowners sell their homes for several reasons and, in each sale, the homeowner is entitled to their fair share of equity on the sale of the property. * Clearing up the clutter - As you prepare your home for the sale, clear up and clean up any clutter you may have. This will help you get rid of junk so you will have less things to move and it will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Don't forget the outside of your home, too. Trim the bushes and mow the lawn, touch up paint and fix anything that is broken. Curb appeal is a necessity. * Finding a real estate professional - Using a real estate agent is a good idea to help you market your home and get it sold faster. A Realtor® will prepare you a competitive market analyses, show you some of their accomplishments and experience in the business, and market your home professionally. You should expect to pay around 5% - 7% commission rate for a real estate professional. That may sound high, but when you consider everything that a real estate professional does to market your home, it really is worth the price. * Setting a price - Setting a price for your home will require a good bit of thought because this is the most critical part. Setting your price too high will usually reduce the number of interested buyers. This is when a real estate professional can be extremely helpful. An agent will help you price your home just right based on recent home sales in your area. * Marketing your home - If you wish not to use a real estate professional and want to market your home yourself, you can put a "For Sale" sign out front, advertise in the newspaper or list online to places like Craigslist.org. However, you will only get so much exposure. * Moving - Once you have accepted a satisfactory price on your home, it is time to move. Planning your move and coordinating it is also important. Therefore, during the selling phase, you should pack up all non-essential living items. Be sure to clearly label your boxes and get them ready for transport. Moving is a huge effort in itself, so making up a checklist of things you need to accomplish can be very helpful. As you complete things on your checklist, check them off. The more prepared you are, the better off you will be when moving day comes.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Jackson, Mississippi’s St. Paddy’s Parade

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:02:45 -0800

It's finally time for the biggest party in Jackson, Mississippi. The Mal's St. Paddy's Parade is just weeks away, set for March 20th. The parade will begin its roll through downtown Jackson at 1:00 pm. And, this year's theme is "It Ain't Easy Being Green." The parade will begin its route from State Street to Capitol Street, from Capitol Street to Lamar Street, from Lamar Street to Court Street, and from Court Street back to State Street. This is the second year the parade will take this route. There will also be lots of events to participate in throughout the day. Here is a complete line-up the day's events: * 8:00 am - St. Paddy's Day Run begins at Bancorp South Building at Capitol and State Streets. All runs including the 5k Run, 5k walk and 1 mile fun run will be included. * 9:00 am - Turstmark Children's Festival will begin at the Mississippi Museum of Art. * 10:00 am - Pet Parade benefiting Mississippi Animal Rescue League begins at the Mississippi Museum of Art. * 11:00 am - Trustmark Children's Parade will begin at the Mississippi Museum of Art. * 1:00 pm - Mal's St. Paddy's Parade will begin at State Street. There will be a Street Party at Hal & Mal's after the parade for anyone who is 21 and over. There will also be a $6.00 entrance fee. The Pinstripe Brass Band, the Bluz Boys and more bands will be featured at the street party. The first St. Paddy's Parade was held back in 1982 and has been Jacskon's most popular party since. It's a great, all-day, community event for the whole family to enjoy.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Clinton High of Mississippi May Soon Go Green

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:42:14 -0800

Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi could soon become the state's very first "green" certified school. The school board just needs to decide whether to partake in the $1.5 million environmental project or not. The school board is currently considering a contract with Siemens Business Technologies to improve functions at several of the district's schools, including climate control, water and lighting conservation. Northside Elementary will be the only exception because a new school is being built to replace it. Once Clinton High School is designated as a "green" school through Siemens' Green Globes program, it will be a huge step toward energy performance. "Going green" means the district will have added energy savings while continuing to look out for the environment. A lengthy checklist is involved that looks at the entire building from the rooftop all the way down to the sewage to help ensure that every possibility for efficient energy use was taken. If Clinton High School is successful, the district may then look to do the same to Clinton Park Elementary and other schools in the future. However, the older schools will not be on the list. It is just too costly to pursue the Green Globes standards and upgrades to older schools. "Going green" and being aware of the environment is such a huge deal right now that the district is interest in doing all it can for its part to help save money. While several districts in the state are partaking in the Siemens energy program, none have yet to qualify for the Green Globes status. Clinton High School is hoping to be the first. The savings from "going green" will pay for the project. Everything is still in the finalization state, which calls for a 15 year lease/purchase agreement. Annual savings of around $127,000 in energy costs and $5,000 in operating costs will cover the payments. Not only will this be a great achievement for Clinton High School, but it will be great for the community of Clinton, Mississippi as well. Even in today's hectic economy, "going green" is still very important.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Squeeze a Little Extra Tax Savings Into Your Yearly Tax Planning

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:42:01 -0800

Tax deductions are always a good way to squeeze a little extra tax savings into your yearly tax planning and budgeting efforts. With the economy being on a rollercoaster for some time now, the government has had to get creative and come up with tax credits and incentives to help homeowners reduce their 2009 taxes. Therefore, we have some tax tips and help. Some may apply to you to help you get the most of your taxes this tax season. Planning Your Retirement Contributions The tax deadline is April 15 or you can file an extension to make IRA contributions for 2009. 401(k): For 2009 tax year, the contribution limit on a traditional 401(k) plan was $16,500 and $11,500 for a SIMPLE 401(k) plan. Anyone who was 50 or older in 2009 can make an additional $5,500 contribution for the traditional plan and $2,500 for a SIMPLE plan. Traditional and Roth IRAs For the 2009 tax year, the contributions were limited to $5,000 for anyone under 50 years of age. For anyone over 50 years of age, the limit was $6,000. SEP IRAs were limited to a maximum of $49,000. And, starting in 2010, everyone who owns a traditional IRA will be able to convert it into a Roth without income limitations. Unemployed in 2009 If you were unemployed in 2009, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits you received in 2009 is tax free, according to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This only applies to benefits received in 2009. Green Tax Incentives Anyone who upgraded their home with energy-efficient home improvements is eligible for 30% of the cost of all qualifying improvements up to $1,500. The credit applies to home improvements such as insulation, energy-efficient windows or energy-efficient heating and air systems. Homebuyer Tax Credits First-time homebuyers who purchased a home in 2009 are eligible for a tax credit up to $8,000 with no payback required. The credit was also extended back in November of 2009 with a new deadline of April 30, 2010. For more tax deduction information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Bookmark & Share Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Fixer-Uppers Ripe on the Housing Market

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:22:24 -0800

Trends among many home buyers these days appear to be with fixer-uppers. Instead of looking for the traditional perfect home, some buyers are actually choosing homes that need a little work. Buying a fixer-upper allows you to purchase it well below market value and add your own personal stamp to it. However, in some markets, fixer-uppers can be hard to find. With huge price declines, house flippers quickly grab these homes up, renovate them and turn them around for a profitable sale. With thorough research or the help of a professional real estate agent, you can find fixer-uppers priced several thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars below market value. Your goal is to find a $300,000 property and only pay $150,000 for it or buy a $150,000 property and only pay $75,000 for it. You get the picture here. You will then be able to renovate the home to your liking, adding your personal touch, which can save you thousands of dollars. And saving money on real estate is great these days.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Growing Trends for Aging Mississippi Home Buyers

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:00:09 -0800

As the first month of 2010 has already come and gone, it seems that a growing trend with aging Mississippi home buyers has already begun. The most current trend shows that aging Mississippi buyers want comfortable, easy maintenance homes with the master bedroom on the first-floor. It's looking as though the baby boomer generation is now hitting their 50+ years. And these baby boomers make up around 28% of the population with very interesting statistics. BabyBoomerMagazine.com says this group is wealthier than any other in the nation, accounts for 40% of consumer demand and controls almost 70% of the total net worth of American households. When MetLife Mature Market Institute did a survey on people between ages 55 - 64, they found some interesting data and strong similarities. According to the survey, the primary interest of aging home buyers is in finding single-story floor plans or a home with a master bedroom on the main floor. They are also interested in finding communities that offer on-site health care or transportation to nearby heath care centers and reasonable cost housekeeping services. It looks as though easy living is a big attraction for aging home buyers in Mississippi. Another common interest all those surveyed had was the need for low maintenance inside and outside the home. Other survey findings include the importance of top-rated features in the home such as easy-to-use climate controls, washers and dryers, easy to open windows and storage space. As far as location goes, 28% prefer to live in rural communities, while 9% prefer to live in a central city like Jackson, Mississippi.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Five Secrets for Buying the Best House for Your Money

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:45:55 -0800

Everyone wants to know how to buy the best house for their money. And, there are several ways to go about doing just that. Therefore, we would like to share five secrets for buying the best house for your money. 1. Get Pre-Approved - Don't just get pre-qualified if you want to get the best property for the least amount of money. If you get pre-approved for a home loan, you have a better chance of being in a stronger negotiating position. Just remember that price is not always the most important element in negotiations. When you are pre-approved for a loan, you are able to make the strongest offer since you already know exactly what you are approved for. It is a powerful tool to have in your corner when buying a home. 2. Sell Your Property First, Then Buy a Home - If you are currently living in a home, sell it before buying a new home. Contingency sales are not as strong as ones that come in with a ready and able buyer. 3. Rating Each Home - Before you begin your house-hunting, make a list of things you want in your new home and make a list of things you don't want. This is a good way to rate each property you see along the way. It will also help you avoid confusion when you're comparing several houses. 4. Don't Be Pushed into Any Home - Your real estate agent should only show you what's available that meets your requirements. Therefore, don't make any hasty decisions until you feel that you have seen enough properties to choose the best one. 5. Stop Calling Ads - Ads are only created to make the phone ring. Many homes in an ad will have drawbacks that are not mentioned, such as a bad community, power lines on property, traffic noise or litigation. Therefore, it is best to have your own agent search homes for you. Your agent will critique the property with a trained eye towards how well it meets your needs. We hope this advice helps you and your family buy the best home for your money.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

How to Choose from the Top Siding Options

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:51:45 -0800

Are you ready to make a dramatic change to your home's outward appearance? Well, that can easily be done by changing your home's siding. Now, there's a siding style to fit everyone's lifestyle; from the low-maintenance dependability of vinyl siding to the rustic appeal of cedar shakes. We have some tips and advice for choosing the top siding options for your home. Vinyl Siding - Vinyl siding is less expensive to purchase and have installed than most other siding materials, as it is made from a PVC plastic. Unlike cedar or wood, it won't flake or rot. However, even the best vinyl siding can split, crack or even begin to look dull over the years. And when burned, vinyl releases toxic chemicals into the air. Cedar Shingle Siding - Cedar shingles add a classic look to any home. It blends beautifully with wooded landscapes and waterfronts. They are made of natural cedar that have usually been stained brown, gray or other earthen colors. Cedar shingles offer a beautiful, natural look of real wood, but require less maintenance than wood clapboard siding. Wood Clapboard Siding - Even though we now have access to several synthetic wood products, solid wood siding continues to remain a top choice for fine homes. Solid woods such as cedar, pine, spruce, redwood and cypress are easily stained or painted and can outlast vinyl and other pretenders. Homes that were built centuries ago with wood clapboard siding still look beautiful today. Seamless Steel Siding - Seamless steel siding is super strong, resists shrinking and resists bulging with changing temperatures. It can also recreate a wood-like texture. Some homeowners are using the industrial look of corrugated steel for a more modern design. Fiber Cement Home Siding - Fiber cement can have several appearances such as wood, masonry or stucco. It is a durable, natural material that is a lower-cost alternative to wood siding. Fiber cement house siding is also very strong, termite-proof and fireproof. It also usually comes with a warranty up to 50 years. We hope this information helps you choose the perfect siding for your home.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Home Maintenance Rules You Should Know

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:06:00 -0800

Buying a home can be a huge financial expense and the expense doesn't stop there. However, ongoing home maintenance doesn't have to be a huge expense when you do it on a regular basis. We have some home maintenance rules for homeowners to follow regularly that will help them keep the cost of home maintenance down. A good rule to follow for normal home maintenance is the 1% rule. The 1% normal home maintenance rule suggests that you should spend around 1% of the value of the home per year. For example, a $150,000 home would need $1,500 per year in maintenance. There is also the 3% rule, which experts use for home buyers. This rule suggests that home buyers should plan on spending around 3% of the value of their home within the first year of homeownership. This rule covers household items such as blinds, drapes, stove, refrigerator, etc. And, many new homeowners like to customize their new home to their taste. So that goes in the 3% rule, too. However, be sure to budget for repairs and other maintenance. In addition to annual home maintenance and repairs, homeowners must remember that some home components have a limited life cycle. Although furnaces and water heaters last several years, they will eventually have to be replaced. Always have a home inspected before buying. A home inspector will be able to tell you whether the components are still in good condition or if they will need to be replaced soon. Sticking to a good home maintenance plan will help you be prepared for large repairs and other big home maintenance items that can be costly.Subscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

New Resolutions to Manage Your Mortgage Better

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:31:46 -0800

As we come into the New Year, everyone is making new resolutions. Most of these resolutions are about losing weight. But what many homeowners should do is make a new resolution to manage their mortgage better. What many homeowners don't realize is that poorly managing your mortgage can affect your credit. Your credit score should be at least 760 or above in order to get great interest rates. Therefore, mortgage lenders and other creditors look at this score when you want to refinance your home, borrow against your home or buy a new home. As a financially struggling homeowner, you may be considering other ways to make your mortgage more affordable. However, beware. You have to look beyond the savings and carefully consider how they will affect your credit score. Here are some examples of what to expect when you modify your loan: * When getting a mortgage modification or short sale, you must expect some negative impact on your credit. Several things can happen here, such as how the lender reports the deal, what's already on your credit and more. However, a short sale or loan modification is less harmful to your credit than bankruptcy. Before seeking a mortgage modification or short sale, be sure to ask the lender how they will report it to the credit bureaus so you can weigh your options. And remember, negatives on your credit file are removed after seven years. * If you're turned down for a loan several times or, better yet, have too many inquiries in a short period of time, it can harm your credit. Too many rejections may indicate risky behavior. If you are shopping for a loan, do so within a 14 to 30 day period. All mortgage inquiries are counted by FICO within that period as one inquiry. Another great way to keep inquiries off your credit is to apply for credit in person. You can ask the lender their requirements and what your chances for approval are. This way, if the lender's underwriting standards are too high, you can seek a more lenient lender. * When you have an adjustable or subprime mortgage on your credit report, you can expect a zero impact. You just have to keep making your payments on time to keep your score or boost it over time. * When getting debt relief from a credit counselor, you should definitely expect a ding. This is because you are not living up to the terms of your original credit agreement. Only get the help if you absolutely need it. We hope when you set your New Year's resolutions that managing your mortgage and credit will definitely be a big part of it. Your Jackson Mississippi Real Estate Proffessionals Mary & Bill WatkinsSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Welcome Your New Year in Jackson, Mississippi

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:58:43 -0800

With so many New Year's Eve events going on around Jackson, Mississippi, where will you welcome your New Year's in? We have compiled a list of venues that are having New Year's Eve events, so you don't miss out on all the fun. The First Baptist Church Jackson is having a ballroom dancing event from 8:00pm to midnight. The Raphael Semmes Band will be the big entertainment of the night in the church's Christian Life Center. Tickets are $75 for couples or $40 for individuals in advance and $85 for couples and $45 for individuals at the door. This event also includes dinner. Formal to semi-formal attire is required. And they are asking that no one wear spike or stiletto heels. For more information, call (601) 949-1949. The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson is having a swanky black tie event complete with dinner and a cocktail party. They will be having a sit-down dinner at 7:00pm and a cocktail party at 9:00pm. There will be a classical guitarist playing at both events. The dinner is $150.00 for museum members, $100 for general admission and $125 for VIP admission. For more information, visit the museum website at www.msmuseumart.org. Tickets cannot be bought at the door. Welcome in your 2010 and even meet your soul-mate at the Jackson Area Christian Single New Year's Dance at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Brandon, MS from 7:30pm to 12:30am. All singles are invited to come out and mingle with other singles and dance the night away as they celebrate the New Year. We hope you welcome in your New Year in style whether it's at one of these great events or anywhere in Jackson, Mississippi. Just be safe and have a great time. Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins - Jackson, Mississippi Real EstateSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Jackson MS Ranks High on Most Affordable Cities and Happiest Places to Live

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:49:09 -0800

When it comes to finding affordability and happiness, you can now look to Jackson, Mississippi for both. Now that Americans are looking for affordable housing, solid real estate, stable employment, easy commutes and a place they can be happy, they aren't flocking to the Sun Belt or coastal cities to find it anymore. Forbes Magazine recently released its list of America's most affordable cities to live and Jackson, Mississippi is third on that list. Live Science released its list of the happiest states to live as well, with Mississippi ranking sixth on the list. Forbes Magazine compiled their list of cities from a mixture of statistics such as unemployment rates, foreclosures, vacancies, median commute time, a three year home-price forecast and median real estate taxes. Live Science compiled their list from two sets of data in each state across the nation. One set of data was from participants that self-reported well-being. The other set of data was from participants with an objective measure who took into account the state's home prices, weather and other factor that are known reasons to make a person happy. The two sets of data actually ended up matching and producing a clear and valid survey after three years. Forbes Magazine list of most affordable cities to live: * Omaha, NE * Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR * Jackson, MS * Des Moines- West Des Moines, IA * August, GA * Wichita, KS * McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX * Chattanooga, TN * Colorado Springs, CO * Ogden-Clearfield, UT Here is the full list of all 100 cities. Science Lives list of happiest states to live: * Louisiana * Hawaii * Florida * Tennessee * Arizona * Mississippi * Montana * South Carolina * Alabama * Maine So, when you're looking for a place to call home that has both affordability and happiness, look no further than Jackson, Mississippi. It has it all when it comes to real estate needs. Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins ~ Your Jackson, Mississippi Real Estate Professionals Search Jackson, MS Homes for SaleSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Loving Jackson , Mississippi

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:16:31 -0800

As the year comes to an end, we are suddenly feeling the need to express just how much we are loving Jackson, Mississippi in our blog. There are many people around who like to focus on the negative things that happen in the city and are all too ready to take potshots when positive things happen. However, there are many positive things happening around the City of Jackson that no one can deny as positive changes. There is no denying that Jackson has its own issues of population, crime and infrastructure. However, those are the same issues that all big cities across the country face. Jackson, Mississippi will soon be coming into new administration and power soon. And many believe with a renewed focus to tackle these issues, bigger and better things are coming to the city. Things that will help the city run the way it should. There are still many good things to say about Jackson, Mississippi, too many to name. And from time to time, Jackson may stumble just like any other big city. We just have to stand behind the city we love and nurse it back to the healthy, vibrant city that it was meant to be. Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins ~ Jackson , Mississippi Real Estate Search Homes for Sale in Jackson , MississippiSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

The City with Soul’s New Hospitality Certified Program

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:25:14 -0800

Many people know Jackson, Mississippi as the City with Soul. And to help ensure that visitors are happy while in town, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau is launching a new program called the Hospitality Certified Program that is directed to ensure that all visitors have exceptional lodging while staying in the City with Soul. Mississippi is actually the first state in the entire nation to adopt a program like this statewide. The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau has now partnered with the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association to execute this new program in all lodging locations throughout the Jackson area. The program is anticipated to be in full swing by January 2010. Since Jackson is now bursting at the seams with developments that will only enhance the city, the initiative will help reassure guests from all around that the lodging they choose are perfect for their expectations. With so many positive changes going on around the city, a visitor's comfort is becoming top priority. Many Jackson hotels have already welcomed the new program and see it as an incentive for hotels to maintain greater standards so that they, too, may become certified. Interested lodging properties can contact the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association to begin the process. The lodging facilities are then inspected and, once certified, the lodging facility will receive a Hospitality Certified Seal. There are perks that visitors can expect from staying at these certified lodging facilities like being able to have any complaints resolved within 48-hours. Proactive measures like this are being put in place to ensure repeat business to the City with Soul. Once again, it looks like Jackson, Mississippi is going above and beyond to keep their residents and visitors a top priority. Our Clients Stay Our Clients Forever ~ Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins Jackson, Mississippi Real EstateSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

HOA Fees – How to Understand Them

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:44:36 -0800

High Home Owners Association fees are the most common objections that most homebuyers have when purchasing real estate in a community that requires regular Association dues and fees. Depending on the neighborhood community, those Association fees can range from less than $100 per month on up to thousands of dollars per month for luxury living. However, average HOA fees usually range between $200 and 800 per month. When these fees are taken out of context, the amount can really seem extreme for many homebuyers. But when you consider the value of services that the HOA fees cover, you can sit back, relax and be certain that you are getting a great bargain. When determining how the Association came up with the HOA fees, there are a few things you should keep in mind. What do the fees cover? How was the number determined? Can anything be done for less? The following are some examples of how the HOA fees work. What do the HOA fees cover? When determining what the fees are going toward, it is important to consider everything. Amenities are a big responsibility and vary widely from property to property. High-rise building amenities will cost more to maintain and operate than low-rise buildings. Another large responsibility associated with real estate ownership is maintenance and improvements. Therefore, a large part of HOA fees will go toward these projects. Some developments may also require landscaping maintenance, which means expensive labor. Common areas, such as pools, gyms, club houses, etc., also need to be maintained. Your HOA fees will have to help cover these costs. Some HOAs include your utilities, but not all. It is up to the homeowner to check with the management or President of the Association to see if utilities are included in the fees. How was the number determined? Developers are well aware of the expense of HOA dues and try to keep them low through positive scenarios. They do not want to discourage prospective buyers and know that a $400 or $500 per month Association fee will equate to an extra $100,000 that the buyer could be spending on the home. So the higher the HOA fees, the less the buyer will be able to spend on the home. At the same time, the State also wants to establish a realistic budget that will allow for proper funding well into the future. Also, keep in mind that the develop will be paying Association fees on all the unsold properties in the community. Therefore, the developer is not benefiting from high HOA dues and fees. Can anything be done for less? When you add it all up, you will see that the economies of scale allow for the high level of service that you will be receiving at a true cost of value for much less than what you could do yourself. You also want to protect your investment and have great amenities that allow profitable reselling in the future. If you feel that your HOA fees can be lowered, serve on the board and economize to get them lowered. However, never lose sight of the fact that you are paying for quality services at a volume discount. Most of the time, you just can't beat the price you pay for the great services your HOA dues and fees cover. Our Clients Stay Our Clients Forever - Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins Search Homes for Sale in Jackson, Mississippi Real EstateSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Finding Your Dream in an REO - What You Should Know When Buying a Foreclosure

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:29:01 -0800

Many homebuyers can find their dream home in an REO. However, there are some things you should know when buying a foreclosure to help you be a better prepared buyer. Purchasing an REO can help stretch your dollars, but finding a good foreclosure can be a challenge. For those who are considering purchasing a foreclosed property, it is important to know exactly how much work will be needed to be done to the property and how much it is going to cost you before you even consider making an offer on it. Many foreclosures need extensive repairs, but some only need cosmetic fixes. And a great way to find foreclosures is by going straight to the bank. You can also find a list of bank-owned properties by searching the Internet for REO properties and name of the lender, such as "REO + Bank of America". Each listing will usually provide all the information about the property. You can also enlist the expertise of a real estate agent. When buying a foreclosure, it is crucial to have an inspection done. One lesson that buyers have definitely learned over the past few years is "buyer beware". You will want to make sure all the copper pipes and wiring are still there if there were any. Copper theft has been on the rise and these are the most stolen items in foreclosed homes that have set on the market for a while. Other issues can arise from the property being vacant over time. However, larger banks will usually hire a service to maintain the property until it is sold to help keep issues to a minimum. To find out if the home is an REO due to it being a drug lab, you can get a neighborhood environmental report. Above all, follow your instincts when buying a foreclosure. It can be the home of your dreams and save you a lot of money. On the other hand, it can go the opposite direction and end up costing you more money than it's worth. Therefore, it would be smart to get that inspection so you will know exactly what you are getting into. Our Clients Stay Our Clients Forever ~ Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins Search the Jackson, Mississippi MLSSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

The Popular Tax Credit Extension

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:53:59 -0800

Good news comes just in time for many consumers who thought they had missed out on the popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Last week, senators agreed to extend the tax credit and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers. While the first-time home buyers tax credit provides up to $8,000 to homebuyers who have not owned a primary residence for three years or more, the reduced tax credit gives up to $6,500 to repeat homebuyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years. Both tax credits will be available to all homebuyers who sign sales agreements by the end of April 2010. Each buyer will have until the end of June 2010 to close on their new home. This is awesome news for many more homebuyers. Now, many more consumers can take advantage of the tax credit since it's being extended to repeat buyers too. However, April will be here and gone before you know it. So, don't delay! Start your home search today. Our Clients Stay Our Clients Forever - Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins Search Homes for Sale in Jackson, MississippiSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Relocating and Your Moving Budget

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:42:43 -0700

Relocating and moving to a new city can involve a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. Many of those expenses are planned. However, others can completely catch you by surprise. A large part of your money will be spent on your move. Therefore, you will want to create and plan your moving budget well ahead of time. So, in this week's blog, we are including some of the things you should consider most when creating your moving budget. To begin with, you must first consider the expenses of leaving your old residence, such as your closing expenses like final utility bills, lease termination and other similar expenses that have to be paid. Also, add in the same expenses for the new location to have utilities to be turned on and similar expenses. The next step is to look at the costs to move your goods and the available funds you will have. If you will be paying for the move yourself, it is very important to look at all your options to help you stay within your budget. Options could include packing and moving yourself with a moving truck, hire a professional moving company or work with a self-service moving company. When choosing a professional mover, there are many things you must consider. Depending on your moving budget, you may want them to pack and unpack or you may want to do this yourself. A professional moving company can give you several options for their services, such as full packing, partial packing, provide packing materials or just the move. When getting your estimates, go over all your options carefully with the mover. Communications from at least 3-4 professional moving companies would be ideal before making a final decision of who you will use. This will help you get a feel for actual moving costs, service types, compare quotes and have more bargaining power on your side. If your employer is going to be paying for your move, be sure you completely understand what will and will not be acceptable charges that your employer will allow. Many companies have certain restrictions that may apply. Sometimes there will be a fixed amount of money and you will be responsible for the remainder of the bill. Other restrictions may include not paying for certain items to be shipped, such as motorcycles, boats and other recreational items. You would be responsible for the extra costs. If your employer wants receipts and other documentation for proof of moving expenses to be reimbursed, you will want to make sure you get these items from the movers and keep up with them. Those who are diligent in creating, planning and sticking to a moving budget shouldn't have any surprises. Be sure to communicate your moving needs accurately with the moving company you choose so that you get an accurate estimate. Relocating can be expensive, but sticking to your budget will help keep you in control of things. Our Clients Stay Our Clients Forever ~ Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins Search Homes for Sale in Madison, Mississippi Real EstateSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Making a Victorious Home Buying Decision

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:01:59 -0700

Since the rules of buying a home have once again changed forever, the process of home buying can be a little fearful for many. Therefore, we would like to share some advice on how to make a decisive, long-lasting, victorious home buying decision without fear. When buying a home, preparation is key for any and everyone. And, there are some things you need to do to keep your roof over your head and remain a homeowner forever. * Start a wish list - Begin writing down what you want and need in a home. Be sure to include the physical characteristics you may need and want. Include the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and basic amenities that you must have. Include the style, layout and size of the home that you want. You may also want to consider the home's proximity to schools, services and transportation. * Searching for a home - There are many ways to search for homes. Online searching is the most popular way to find a home today. Websites give you the tools to search for homes, look for neighborhood data, local markets and much more. You can use these features to compare nearby listings, actual sales prices, the homes features, characteristics of the neighborhood and more. * Work with a professional - Make your home search even easier by finding a real estate professional who can represent you with your best interests in mind. You just tell them what you want in a dream home and they will find it for you. A good real estate professional will have a website with their listings on it and will include a detailed description along with photos or a video of the property. * Know the details before you visit - Make sure you know everything about the property, community, schools, crimes statistics and proximity before you make a trip to visit the property. Being informed as much as possible will help you make a decisive, long-lasting, victorious home buying decision without fear. And one you can be confident in. Our Clients Stay Clients Forever ~ Realtors® Mary & Bill WatkinsSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Keeping Your Home in the Event That You’re Laid Off

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:42:28 -0700

Keeping your home in the event that you're laid off is almost impossible to believe. However, it may be possible with the right strategy. When one finds out that they are being laid off, few words can hurt as much - especially today, when work is so hard to come by. The loss of a job for a homeowner can be even worse. When the homeowner is the primary wage earner, this can severely hamper one's budget. In a household where there is only one breadwinner, a zero income will completely devastate a family. In the event of a job loss, a rainy day fund can help you keep your home. However, crafting a plan early on about how to get through rough patches like this is even more important. More and more homeowners are facing this very nightmare today. It was once recommended to have three to six months of income in your rainy day fund. Now it is recommended to have at least eight to twelve months of income standing by. There are also government programs that are available to help today's homeowners before they foreclose on their homes. All they have to do is ask for help. One of the best options in the most extreme cases is to cut your losses early and sell your home by pursuing a short sale to sell it faster. Whatever you choose to do, it is very important to contact your mortgage lender as soon as possible and let them know of your dilemma before you get in over your head and behind on your payments. Early and honest communication is the most beneficial way to get the help and funding you need to keep your home in the event you lose your job. If your information is found to be false during the verification process, this will only slow down the process and everything will have to be started over again. The Home Affordable Modification Program has received the most press this year. This program lowers your monthly payments based on your debt-to-income ratio. All borrowers will have to complete a three-month trial period, successfully, before the modification can be finalized. Many are still confused about who is eligible, but this can be easily explained by a real estate or mortgage professional. During the process of getting the help you need, be wary of others that say they can help you for a fee. These programs that are set up to help homeowners in trouble are completely free. Therefore, don't let someone try to take your money. Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins ~ Jackson, Mississippi Real Estate Search Homes for Sale in Jackson, MississippiSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.

Rankin County’s 29th Annual Muscadine Jubilee

Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:55:30 -0700

Rankin County's 29th Annual Muscadine Jubilee is set to kick off this Saturday with good times, good food, good tunes and, of course, the Grape Stomp. The all day even, held in Pelahatchie's Muscadine Park promises a full day of fun in the perfect backdrop of small-town Mississippi charm. Therefore, we thought it important to share this information in our blog for locals and visitors so no one will miss this great event. The Muscadine Jubilee kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with a traditional opening ceremony. Other events begin at 10:30 a.m. Musician lineup is said to include Kali Russell, Dave's Highway, Jeff Maddox, Crossin' Dixon and Neil McCoy. Along with good music, there will also be arts and crafts booths and many games for children. Other fun activities will include a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, train rides and games. Rankin County, Mississippi politicians will go toe-to-toe at noon in the traditional Grape Stomp competition. The one who makes the most grape juice by stomping a bucket of grapes barefoot will win an engraved wine cooler. The Grape Stomp lineup will include Congressman Gregg Harper, Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall, Tax Assessor John Sullivan and State Representative Mark Baker, which sounds like an interesting combination of politicians. This just might turn out to be the most popular event of the day to attend. The best part about the event is that it's affordable for the entire family. Children 6 and younger get in for free and everyone else gets in for only $2. The expected turnout for the event is between 3,000 and 4,000 people, making it a great opportunity to get out and meet new people. Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins ~ Jackson, Mississippi Real Estate Search Homes for Sales in Rankin County, MississippiSubscribe in a reader Mary & Bill Watkins - Realtor/Broker Real Estate One Residential Restate, Commercial Real Estate, Land for Development and sources for Commercial Real Estate Loans.