DECEMBER 2018
PONTOTOC HOMES Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area A Supplement of the Pontotoc Progress
CHERIE MATTHEWS REAL ESTATE PAGE 15
FEATURING
First Choice Insurance page 10
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 6 7 7 7 8 10 15 15
Patty Turk Properties, LLC Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. How to save up for your first home First Choice Insurance Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker First Choice Insurance feature Cherie Matthews Real Estate
16 17
Improve entertaining spaces
18 20 21
Mossy Oak Properties
23 25
Dennis Cox
28
First Choice Bank
Protect your home (and more) from winter’s freeze Hamilton Mortgage Get the best mortgage financing deal Tips for finding a home service provider
Benefits to open floor plans For Advertising Information:
Contact Angie Quarles at 662-489-3511 Published by Pontotoc Progress 13 Jefferson Street • P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863
Designed by Chelsea Williams of the Pontotoc Progress
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How to save up for your first home
Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners. But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true. According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada
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has been weaker than in the United States. Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”
for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account.
Determine where your money is going
Become a more savvy grocery shopper
If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay
Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money. Shopping
sales at competing grocery stores also can save money.
Dine in more often
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home. Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies.
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Years of experience is what you can rely on at
First Choice Insurance Regina Butler
I
Pontotoc Progress
n this day when time is a premium it is comforting to know that when you need a bank loan and insurance at the same time, those services are dove tailed for you at First Choice Insurance. First Choice Bank has been in Pontotoc for more than 100 years, and just this past year, June of 2017 they branched out into the insurance field. “It was established after an acquisition of two local independent agencies,” said Chris Gulledge-Executive Director. With the purchase and combination of “Mechanics and North Bridge Insurance, our agents have over 70 years combined experience,” he noted. And those employees that make up that 70 year experience include: Lynne Gregory- Office Manager/Agent, Paula Matkins-Agent, Stephanie Paul-Agent and Jonathan Duncan-Agent/Accounting.
First Choice Insurance specializes in the following:
• Home, Renter’s, and Auto Insurance • Business Insurance and Commercial Auto Insurance • Personal, Commercial and Umbrella Liability • Worker’s Compensation • Life and Health Insurance • Medicare Supplements
Chris Gulledge, Executive Director
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Paula Matkins, Agent
Stephanie Paul, Agent
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“...We take pride in having a variety of policies and companies that help us find the best value for our clients...” Chris Gulledge Executive Director “Our agency was created to give our clients an opportunity to have all of their insurance needs met in one place,“ Gulledge said. “Also, we want to give our clients multiple options across the insurance industry for their particular policy. We know when we finish with a client’s policy, they have gotten the best value for their money.” But even with all the experience and the desire to give clients their very best the insurance industry still has challenges. “Products and coverages are constantly changing,” he said. “Also, insurance carriers are always working to make their products more competitive in coverage and price. That’s why we have made it our priority to keep as many options open for our clients as possible.” And those open options are what make the business unique as compared to other insurance agencies. “Everyone that walks in our door or calls our office has a different need,” Gulledge noted. “Not every person needs the same cookie cutter
Lynne Gregory, Office Manager/Agent
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insurance policy. We take pride in having a variety of policies and companies that help us find the best value for our clients. Also, there are several ways to do business with us here at First Choice Insurance, Inc. We can complete a policy process and service in person, by phone, by email, or by text message. In today’s fast pace, convenience for the client is our goal.” And they don’t take their affiliation with First Choice Bank lightly. “We have the opportunity to give our clients the best possible service for their financial needs,” he said. “This company is deeply rooted in our community and we take the growth and success of its people very seriously. As our area continues to grow and prosper, we plan to continue to provide the innovative services needed for our citizens to grow as well. “The success of our business makes the day worthwhile. When we look back on a job well done, and we take measure of our success, it makes any challenges faced that day worthwhile. We measure our success based on accomplishment rather than activity.”
“The success of our business makes the day worthwhile. When we look back on a job well done, and we take measure of our success, it makes any challenges faced that day worthwhile...” Chris Gulledge
Jonathan Duncan, Agent/Accounting
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Executive Director
Benefits to open concept floor plans
The way a home is designed can say a lot of things about it. In fact, many real estate professionals and contractors can determine when a home was built based on the design of its interior. For example, homes with sunken living rooms were likely built sometime in the 1960s and 1970s. Open concept living rooms are one trend that might one day make people nostalgic for the early 21st century. Many of today’s home buyers want homes with open concept floor plans, which can give homes a more spacious feel, perhaps even creating the illusion that a home is bigger than it really is. Home buyers who have never before enjoyed open concept floor plans can consider these benefits to these wildly popular layouts. Many people who live in
homes with open concept floor plans cite their convenience when entertaining as one of their biggest assets. In an open concept home, guests don’t have to be corralled into a single room in the home. Instead, hosts and their guests can roam freely from room to room because there are no walls dividing common areas. This can make gatherings feel less cramped than in homes with more traditional floor plans. The safety of open concept floor plans may be most applicable to parents of young children. Open concept floor plans allow parents to keep an eye on their children while cooking dinner, working from home or tending to other chores around the house. Since there are no walls to divide rooms in open concept homes, parents don’t have to wonder what their curi-
ous kids are up to because they can see them at all times. Open concept floor plans give homeowners more flexibility. For example, homes with more traditional floor plans may have designated spaces for dining areas. These spaces don’t leave much room to work with and may not be valued by homeowners who
don’t often host dinners at home. As a result, such rooms may just be wasted square footage. With an open concept floor plan, homeowners have the flexibility to make dining areas as big or small as they see fit and can even adjust the rooms on the fly on those occasions when people are coming over.
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Improve entertaining spaces
Some homes are seemingly built for entertaining, while others may need a little help to make them more fit for hosting dinner, holiday gatherings or an evening with friends. Overall, one-quarter of people entertain guests in their home either daily or weekly across the globe. One-third entertain monthly, according to findings from GFK Insights. People who open their homes to loved ones may want to make some modifications to their spaces to improve the experience for all involved.
Tame the clutter
Look for ways to reduce clutter in rooms where entertaining takes place. Built-ins with bookshelves and cabinets can hide electronics and wayward toys or collectibles.
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Focus attention on the entryway, hanging hooks for collecting coats, keys and shoes, so they do not overrun the foyer. Remove any knickknacks or other breakable items from shelves or on coffee tables to free up more space.
Improve conversation seating
Arrange tables and chairs to create conversation nooks for guests who want to talk and get to know one another better. Consider moving out big and bulky sofas in favor of love seats or comfortable chairs that will take up less room and improve flow in entertaining areas.
Find the pieces you like
Think about how you tend
to entertain and then cater your space to those preferences. For example, a large dining table with fold-out extensions or leaves is ideal for someone who regularly hosts formal dinner parties. Renovate a room to include a small bar and club chairs for a lounge feel if cocktail parties are typical.
Improve lighting
Work with an electrician and/or designer who can offer ideas for lighting that can set the mood for entertaining. Rooms that are dull and dim can benefit from overhead lighting fixtures if there are none already available. Task lighting in the kitchen under cabinets can make it easy to prepare food for guests. Wall sconces or focused lighting on
artwork can establish a dramatic effect.
Do major construction
Consider working with a builder to make some changes if you simply don’t have the space to entertain. Taking down a wall can open kitchens to living spaces, while adding a deck or three-season room off the kitchen or dining room can provide more space for guests to congregate.
Install a guest bath
Update or add a bathroom near the main entertaining areas. This allows guests to discretely use the bathroom and keeps them from roaming in areas of the house you would prefer they avoid.
Protect your home (and more) from winter’s freeze Freezing temperatures may be good for ice skating or building snowmen, but sub-freezing temperatures can be dangerous for the average person and his or her home. Cold weather often leaves people scurrying to do whatever is necessary to safeguard themselves from the big chill. But it’s important homeowners also protect their homes in cold weather.
Plumbing
Plumbing and pipes may be vulnerable to cold weather. Frozen pipes may burst and cause substantial damage to a home, potentially causing flooding and structural damage. Homeowners should disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter arrives. Water to outdoor hose bibs
should be turned off, though the valves on these outdoor faucets should be left open to drain. Also, outdoor faucets can be covered with insulating foam covers. The Red Cross says pipes that freeze most frequently include pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Close vents to the outside in areas like attics and basements to limit the amount of cold air that gets indoors. Think about insulating unheated areas, as well as using pipe sleeves, heat tape or wraps on exposed pipes. By opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, homeowners can allow warm air from a home to reach pipes under the sink. During extreme freezes, keep cold water dripping from a sink to prevent pipes from freezing.
Service HVAC systems
It’s important to ensure that heating systems are working properly prior to the cold-weather season. It may only take hours for the interior of a home to reach dangerously low temperatures without adequate heat. Homeowners should schedule annual checkups of furnaces and hot water heaters. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter and make sure all thermostats are working properly.
Have fuel ready
Homeowners who heat their homes with oil, wood or coal should make sure they have plenty of fuel on hand in advance of winter. Shortages can occur, and it may take some time for new fuel to arrive in the midst of a cold snap.
As a precaution, homeowners can rely on portable space heaters to fill in the heating gaps during freezing temperatures. Exercise extreme caution with these devices, turning them off when leaving the room and remembering to avoid overloading outlets.
Protect outside
Drain birdbaths, clean out downspouts and remove water from other items where water can freeze and cause damage. Inspect roofing prior to the snowy season, but stay off roofs during freezing weather. Remove snow shovels and other winter gear from storage and make sure the items are easily accessible during snowstorms. Winter’s bite can be severe. Homeowners can protect themselves and their properties when the freeze sets in.
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Get the best mortgage financing deal Few people are able to walk into a home, like what they see and then pay for a house in cash. In the vast majority of home purchases, mortgages make the dream of home ownership a reality. Getting a mortgage requires research and some preparation on the part of borrowers if they hope to get the friendliest terms possible. Homes are substantial, decades-long investments, so it’s smart to shop around to find the best rates and lenders available. These tips can make the process of applying and getting a mortgage go smoothly, and may even help borrowers save some money.
Learn your credit score
Your credit score will be a factor in determining just how
much bargaining power you have for lower interest rates on mortgage loans, according to the financial resource NerdWallet. The higher the credit score, the better. Well before shopping for a mortgage, manage your debt, paying it off if possible, and fix any black marks or mistakes on your credit report.
Investigate various lenders
The Federal Trade Commission says to get information from various sources, whether they are commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, or thrift institutions. Each is likely to quote different rates and prices, and the amount they’re willing to lend you may vary as well. Investigating various lenders can help you rest easy knowing
you got the best rate for you. Lenders may charge additional fees that can drive up the overall costs associated with getting a mortgage. Compare these fees as well so you can be sure you get the best deal.
Consider a mortgage broker
Mortgage brokers will serve as the middle person in the transaction. A broker’s access to several different lenders can translate into a greater array of loan products and terms from which to choose.
Learn about rates
Become informed of the rate trends in your area. Lower rates translate into significant savings amounts per month and over the life of the loan. Rate may be fixed, though some are adjustable-rate mort-
gages (also called a variable or floating rate). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial consultant can discuss what might be in your best interest.
Discuss points with your financial advisor and lender
Some lenders allow you to pay points in advance, which will lower the interest rate. Get points quoted in dollar amounts so they’ll be easier to compare. If you’re unfamiliar with points, discuss the concept with your financial advisor. The vast majority of homeowners secured a mortgage to purchase their homes. Learning about the mortgage process can help new buyers navigate these sometimes tricky financial waters.
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Tips for finding a home services provider Homeowners who are good with their hands can tackle many minor home improvements on their own. However, more complicated projects often require the services of professional contractors to ensure the renovations are done right, completed on time and within budget. Choosing a home services provider requires careful consideration on the part of homeowners. The wrong contractor can cost homeowners time and money, so homeowners must exercise due diligence when vetting contractors before going forward with a home improvement project.
Types of contractors
The Federal Trade Commission notes that the scope of a project may necessitate hiring various types of contractors. The more complex a project is, the more likely it is that homeowners will need to hire contractors who specialize in certain areas. Understanding the differences between contractors can help homeowners make informed decisions. • General contractor: General contractors manage home improvement projects. This includes hiring subcontractors and supervising their work. General contractors also secure building permits and schedule inspections. • Specialty contractors: Specialty contractors focus on specific areas of a project. For example, homeowners who are remodeling their kitchens may need new cabinets installed by a contractor who specializes in cabinets and cabinet installation. That contractor is a specialty contractor. • Designer or design/build contractor: The FTC notes that these contractors both design and build projects.
• Architects: Architects design homes as well as any additions or major renovations to homes. Architects are often necessary when projects involve structural changes to existing homes.
Hiring a home services provider
Once homeowners determine which type of contractor they need, they can they begin researching local professionals. • Speak with neighbors, family and friends. Neighbors,
family members and friends who have worked with contractors in the past are great resources. Seek recommendations from people you trust, even asking to see completed projects if possible. • Utilize the internet. Websites such as HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List are free of charge and can be great resources when homeowners are looking for contractors. Each site includes reviews of contractors from past customers and contact information for local contractors.
• Confirm qualifications. The FTC advises homeowners to confirm contractors’ licensing and qualifications before hiring anyone. Some areas may not require licensing, but many do. Homeowners can contact their local building department or consumer protection agency to determine the licensing requirements for their area. Hiring a home services provider is a complicated process that can be made easier by homeowners who do their research and take the decision seriously.
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