As a seller, you must disclose anything that might impact the value of your Madison MS home. That includes something as small as a toilet that doesn’t flush properly to something as big as an unstable foundation.  Anyone selling a Madison MS home, even in “as-is” condition, must obey disclosure laws.

Here are six things you, as the seller, must reveal:

1. Termites.  If your Madison MS home has or had a problem with termites, it must be disclosed to the buyer.
2. Lead.  If your home was built before 1978, you must comply with the federal law requiring disclosure of all known lead-based paint and hazards in or around the house.  Buyers must receive a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency’s pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, and they must be allowed a ten-day window to test the house for lead.  If this process is not followed, the buyer can sue for triple the amount of damages suffered.
3. Water damage or mold.  If there was mold caused by a leaky roof, flooded basement or dampness, these water issues must be disclosed.  Water damage is one of the biggest causes of disclosure-related lawsuits.
4. Repairs.  Any repairs made to the property must be disclosed on the seller’s disclosure statement, even if the problem has been resolved.  This includes repairs disclosed by previous owners. In many cases, potential home buyers are relieved to know that things have been repaired and are no longer a problem.
5. Infamous history.  A home’s notorious or criminal past must be disclosed.
6. Natural hazards.  Some states require sellers to disclose any risk of natural disasters such as flood plain or earthquake zone, in addition to susceptibility to wildfires.

Historical or special zoning should also be disclosed as it limits what the buyer may be able to do with or to the property.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you should disclose something, disclose it. If you have even the faintest question about whether or not to disclose something to potential buyers, avoid the potential for liability and tell all.

If you’re considering selling your Madison MS home, I can help you determine what needs to be disclosed. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 if you’d like a more detailed description of any of this information, or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com to request additional information.

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

Here are your ten must-do repairs before putting your Madison MS home up for sale:

1. Repair the roof.  Maintaining a sound roof literally tops the list of crucial home repairs. Replace missing shingles and fix damaged shingles.
2. Clean, clear and caulk gutters.  When the weather is dry, get on a ladder and clean out all the leaves and debris from the gutters.  Check their condition, repair any loose sections and caulk around the end caps.
3. Fix sagging screen doors and other front-of-the-home problems.  This is what a buyer sees first, therefore, these are must-do repairs.  Approach your home as a potential buyer and see it from his or her eyes. Fix everything that looks shabby.
4. Patch nail holes.  Walk through all the rooms, and fill in all nail holes with lightweight putty.  Wait for it to dry, and then paint the walls.
5. Eliminate odors.  The last things buyers want to smell are mold, a cat box and smoke in the house.  Using scented candles and plug-in room fresheners just smells of cover-up.  Deep clean bathrooms with bleach.  Wash walls with ammonia-type cleaners.  Paint with a Kilz primer to seal cigarette smoke in and on walls.  Then cover with a fresh coat of paint.
6. Repair or replace damaged flooring.  If you have vinyl flooring, check for holes, tears and discoloring.  Get a professional to replace flooring, if necessary.
7. Reseal the toilet.  If the toilet rocks when you sit down on it, the seal needs to be replaced.  You do not have to call in a professional to do this; just make sure you have a friend handy who can help you lift it.
8. Stop faucet drips.  Dripping faucets are easy to repair.  Turn off the water under the sink. (While under there, look for any moisture problems.)  Dismantle the hot and cold handles, take them to the hardware store and buy new parts.  Reassemble at home and turn the water back on.
9. Renew dinged baseboards.  Clean them to remove scrapes and smudges from pets and children’s toys.  Fill in dents, sand smooth and repaint.
10. Fill in cabinet scratches.  Old English scratch cover or a scratch stick work wonders here.

If you’re ready to put your Madison MS home up for sale, I can help. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

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

1. Get an appraisal.  Knowing what a professional appraiser thinks your home is worth gives owners a reality check. It also helps you determine the best price for your home.
2. Get a home inspection before listing your home.  Find out the hidden problems with your Madison MS home and correct them in advance. If you get your home inspected and find problems but elect not to repair them, be sure to include the problems on the property condition disclosure form.
3. Consider offering a home warranty.  Everyone likes a security blanket and a home warranty gives buyers an assurance that if something goes wrong with major appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, they will not have to spend a lot of money to get it fixed.
4. Pay for lawn care through the summer.  This lets the buyer know you’ve thought of everything, and it’s one less worry for them when moving.  Taking care of the pool cleaning tab is another incentive you may want to consider including.
5. Pay the HOA dues. If you’re in a homeowner’s association (HOA), pay the new buyer’s fees for the first year.
6. Pay all or part of the buyer’s closing costs. This can be deducted at closing from the proceeds of the sale.
7. Pay the buyer’s property taxes for a year. You may already have paid a portion or all of it anyway.
8. Offer to leave furnishings. If you have couch that perfectly fits an unusually shaped living space, offer to include it with the sale of the home.
9. Have some flexibility on the price.  Being willing to negotiate on the price shows a buyer you are willing to work with them.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent who can get your Madison MS home sold at a good price, give me a call today 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
www.PaulaRicks.com

• The National Association of REALTORS® – Founded in 1908, this organization still strives today to uphold the ethical integrity of the real estate industry and profession.
• Condos – In 1960, the first condominiums were built, which opened up an entirely new niche for real estate agents to dive into.
• The Fair Housing Act – Passed in 1968, this Act outlawed discriminating against race, sex, religion or national origin when selling your property.
• Tax Reform Act – This Act was passed in1986 to encourage people to become property owners by giving them a tax deduction on mortgage interest.
• The World Wide Web – We all started to be connected in1990. Now this revolutionary technology provides buyers and sellers with more information at their fingertips than was ever thought possible. Promoting your Ridgeland MS real estate for sale on the Internet is now a crucial part of every marketing plan.
• The Man Cave – In 2004, Urban Dictionary uses this phrase and suddenly everyone is classifying space within their houses for men to relax and do “manly things.”
• Facebook – While this social media site launched in 2004 was originally intended to connect college students, it quickly expanded across demographics. It is now an effective marketing tool for real estate agents to reach out to their clients and potential buyers and sellers.

If you’re ready to sell your Ridgeland MS real estate, I can help.  Please call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

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

Choosing the right Ridgeland MS real estate agent can be tricky. To help you make a wise choice, below are five simple questions you should ask agents before making your decision:

1. How many other homeowners are you currently working with? An agent with too many properties on their plate might not give your home the individual attention it needs to attract potential buyers. However, if the agent has no listings, that might also be a bad sign.
2. Are you going to be readily available? There is nothing more frustrating than working with an agent who seems too busy to show your home, take your phone calls or answer your emails.
3. How does your real estate agency compare to the others in town? Any brokerage with great statistics will be happy to share them with you. However, you may get more personal attention working with a lower-volume agency.
4. Are you a member of the National Association of REALTORS®? Members are held accountable for their professional ethics. They continually participate in training and educational courses to keep up their certification.
5. What’s your plan for marketing my home? A good agent should be able to give you a detailed and well-thought-out plan for marketing your home. It’s also a good idea to make sure your expectations are clear before entering into any agreement.

Selling your home can be stressful. When selecting a Ridgeland MS real estate agent to represent your interests, it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable that he or she will meet your expectations.

If you’re getting ready to sell and have questions about comparables, marketing strategies or the process in general, please call me at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information.

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

Here are tips that’ll have you shopping like a real estate pro at the next open house you attend:

1. Preview the Madison MS real estate online: Don’t waste your time attending open houses for properties that don’t meet your minimum requirements.
2. Remove the emotion: Professional real estate investors and agents don’t allow emotions or gut feelings to determine which property they should buy. Instead, focus on the facts and figures.
3. Dig deep: Don’t fall for the fresh coat of paint and new carpeting. Peel back those layers to see what condition the home is in. Open under-sink cabinets and flush toilets.  You’ll discover any obvious plumbing problems or water damage, and get some insight into how well the sellers have cared for the home.
4. Rely on your senses: Do you smell cigarette smoke or pet odors? Can you hear traffic noise inside the home with all the windows and doors shut? Does the wood and wall around the window feel damp?
5. Talk with the neighbors: Take a walk around the neighborhood and ask the neighbors what they like and dislike about living in the area. Look to see how well the neighbors keep up their homes and yards.
6. Observe the amenities: If there’s a pool, park or other play areas, check them out. Maintenance of these spaces can give you clues to how well the homeowner’s association  functions.
7. Keep an eye on what you see before entering: Are there any missing, curling or buckling roof shingles?  Is the exterior paint peeling? Is there an extensive garden you’d have to maintain?

If you’re ready to buy Madison MS real estate, let me help you find a home that fits your needs and get it at a great price. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com to get started.

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

1. Plan to stay in the property more than 5 years.  Typically home values appreciate 7% per year; that number has been 2% to 5% recently, so it will take longer to break even and begin making a profit or building equity in your home.
2. Do the math.  First, figure out what price range you can afford.  Then, calculate how much income is left after paying the mortgage, taxes and insurance.  Use an online affordability calculator to make this easier.
3. Explore the neighborhood.  At various times of the day and night, visit the neighborhood of a Madison MS home you are interested in.  Find out if it’s an area in which you’ll enjoy living.  How are the schools, the traffic, the noise and the neighbors?
4. Find the right agent.  Interview at least three agents.  Make sure they’re experienced, knowledgeable and professional and that your communication styles mesh.  They will be overseeing the most expensive decision of your life, so take the time to find the best person for the job.
5. Shop for your mortgage.  Shaving even a half a percentage point off your mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars.
6. Get pre-approved. Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. You’ll save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can’t afford. Being pre-approved will also improve your chances of getting the sellers to say yes to your offer. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.
7. Hire a home inspector. Have the property checked out by a professional home inspector. Even if you and your agent carefully look over the home, there can be hidden problems only a home inspector can find.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you buy one of the Madison MS homes for sale, I’d be honored to be considered for the job. Give me a call today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com to schedule a time to interview me.

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

Whether they’re helping you buy or sell property, Madison MS real estate agents have extensive experience and training that makes it easier to find the buyer or house that meets your standards. Using the multitude of tools at their fingertips, real estate professionals reach out to more potential buyers, have access to listing databases and can easily determine a good offer from a bad.

Without an agent, you could be missing out on many of the following tools, resources and expertise he or she has to offer:

• Valuable Experience – From staging a home to evaluating its list price, agents have ridden the economic tides. They know what buyers are looking for and how much they’re willing to spend.
• Knowledge of Contracts – Seasoned professionals can walk you through every part of the paperwork process and answer questions you have along the way. They’re there to ensure your contracts are completely correct, negotiate offers as they come in and catch any questionable clauses that might be slipped into the proposal. Without a trained eye, you could miss something minor that turns out to be a major deal breaker.
• Advice and Referrals – Having been through this process often and worked with many professionals in the industry, local agents can provide you with advice and references for the best home inspectors and contractors in the area. It’s good to get the inside scoop to ensure you put your home in the hands of professionals.
• MLS – Real estate agents can list homes on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is a national database that is used to promote a home for sale. Having your home listed in this database connects you to agents all over the country and widens your net to help catch the right buyer.

Don’t struggle through the home-selling or buying process without an experienced Madison MS real estate agent. Please call me today at 601-942-3392 or email me at Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com for more information on how I can help you achieve your real estate goals.

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

To give you some ideas, here are six fast and inexpensive improvements that will have your loved-one’s Madison MS home for sale looking better and selling faster:

1. Neutralize the rooms. Your father might take pride in his fly-fishing-inspired man cave, but potential buyers may not love it. Pack away as much of the fishing memorabilia as dad will allow, and brighten the room by painting it a neutral color.
2. Add lighting. Modern track lighting can help brighten a space and is relatively cheap and easy to install. Even a few inexpensive floor lamps can dramatically improve the look of an otherwise dull or dreary room.
3. Hang art. If your mother’s house has nothing but blank walls, consider buying some cheery and inexpensive art. A few pieces can help a space feel homier and make buyers feel more comfortable.
4. Give the kitchen a facelift. You don’t have to completely renovate to get buyers to see a kitchen as an attractive feature instead of a potential project. Instead, replace the most worn-out appliances, paint the cabinets or invest in better countertops.
5. Improve curb appeal. Hard work and a little bit of money can really improve a property’s curb appeal. Plant bright flowers, trim the hedges and add new mulch. A weekend of work can make a huge difference — and your mother will love you for it.
6. Pay attention to bathrooms. Even one really appealing bathroom can help sell a house. Add flowers, paint the walls, or if you can afford it, re-tile. Bathrooms are small, but important spaces!

Give the best gift this Mother’s Day — time, labor and motivation — to get her Madison MS home for sale sold quickly!

If you would like additional suggestions for home improvement projects that help a home sell faster or for more money, please 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
www.PaulaRicks.com

1. Make sure the inspector has access to all areas of your Brandon MS home for sale. Here are some of the most important places:

a) Attic. If your attic is accessed through a closet, take time to clear away clutter so the inspector can get up there quickly and easily. Have a ladder at the ready if needed.
b) Basement. Clear everything away from the exterior walls of the basement so they can be seen.
c) Utilities. Clear around the furnace, air conditioner, water heater and circuit breaker boxes.
d) Foundation. Clear brush away from the foundation.

2. Keep electricity on. If your Brandon MS home for sale is vacant, be sure to have the electricity turned on when the inspector comes. Otherwise many aspects of the inspection can’t be done, causing delay.

3. Keep pilot lights lit. Again, if the home is vacant, make sure to have any gas appliances on to avoid delays in the inspection process.

4. Print and copy documents of any mechanical upgrades and maintenance.

5. Replace furnace filters.

6. Replace burned out light bulbs.

7. Check all receptacles. If any aren’t working, it could be a simple fix for a few dollars.

 You don’t want any question marks on your home inspection report. This could be a perceived as a black mark against your Brandon MS home for sale. Most sellers get nervous about the home inspection, but with these tips in mind, you can pave the way to a smooth, one-time process that is just another step in moving on.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent to sell your home, I’d love to be interviewed for the job. Contact me at today at 601-942-3392 or email me at mailto: Paula@KeyTrustProperties.com.

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