Pontotoc Homes February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

PONTOTOC HOMES Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area A Supplement of the Pontotoc Progress

Beth Walker - Crye-Leike Realtors PAGE 8

FEATURING

Hamilton Mortgage page 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 5 5 6 7 8 10 15

For Sale By Owner

Cherie Matthews Real Estate

15 16 18 19

Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel

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Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc.

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Renovating an historic home

Patty Turk Properties, LLC First Choice Insurance Pickens Pest Control

6 options for funding your next home improvement project Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker Hamilton Mortgage feature Distinctive Design

Mossy Oak Properties Hamilton Mortgage Outdoor improvements that boost home value

Dennis Cox Time to replace old wiring?

First Choice Bank

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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Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel Kitchen remodels are among the most popular home renovation projects, whether they consist of swapping out cabinet hardware or doing major demolition.

Due to the sheer amount of time families spend in the kitchen, not to mention the number of tasks performed in this space, it is easy to see why Remodeling magazine consistently ranks kitchen renovations as projects that will enable homeowners to recoup a high percentage of their investments. In the magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, midrange major kitchen remodels costing an average of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of that investment.

When investing in a kitchen project, it is important to incorporate items that are coveted.

Deep, double sinks

Having a double sink enables you to soak dishes in one side and then wash on the other. It also makes it easy to wash and prep produce for meals.

Kitchen island and bar stools

Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some wellplaced bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Smart kitchen storage

Work with a contractor to include storage solutions built into cabinetry and the pantry.

Slide-out shelving, nooks for a paper towel roll and custom-designed areas to store stand mixers and other necessities can make kitchens more functional.

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Outdoor access

If possible, design a kitchen so it is easy to access the backyard via sliding doors. This can make outdoor entertaining or even coffee on the deck much easier.

Under-cabinet lighting

Fixtures installed under cabinets provide both ambient lighting and task lighting.

Such lighting makes it easier to see what you’re working on

as well, as even well-placed overhead lighting can fail to illuminate dark corners and spots on the counters.

Convenient warming drawer

This appliance provides backup to the oven. It’s a slide-out drawer that can keep prepared foods out of the way and warm until they are ready to be served. This is particularly handy for holidays and

other entertaining.

Beverage station

Designate one area of the kitchen to beverages, such as coffee and tea. Or make the area an informal bar. This can limit traffic in the kitchen to a single area.

Kitchen remodels are exciting to envision, and several choices can make these high-traffic spaces even more coveted.

6 options for funding your next home improvement project Before starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved.

According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project.

HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively.

Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those

who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

1. Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

2. Home equity line of credit: The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit. The interest rate may or may not be fixed. However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

3. Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan.

Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

4. Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

5. Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate

that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

6. Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

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Get personalized service for your home loan from

Hamilton Mortgage D

Regina Butler

Pontotoc Progress

o you need a home loan that will fit your budget?

Make sure you call Hamilton Mortgage on Marion Street in Pontotoc.

Owned and operated by Jeff and Lori Williams, with the capable assistance of Kelly Jones, the business has been on Marion Street in Pontotoc since March of 2018.

Williams’ business is family owned and operated and originally opened in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1989.

“I opened an office in Ecru, then moved it to Tupelo for 17 years,” Jeff said, “before moving it back to Pontotoc.”

Lori explained why the move back home took place, “Jeff was diagnosed with cancer, and one day we were out looking at the cows and I said we should move back home with our business.”

One thing led to another, the office space that was on Marion Street opened up and now they are in busi-

ness in their own home town.

“It was the best move we ever made,” Jeff noted. “We get a lot more foot traffic here than we did in Tupelo. This has been a great location for us.”

That location is an office that looks somewhat small at first glance, but looks are deceiving. There are spacious rooms in the back for the loan officer and the attorneys to sit comfortably around a table while they are closing the loan.

Jeff and Lori WIlliams, owners of Hamilton Mortgage

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Kelly Jones

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And the first person to greet you with a smile as you walk in is usually Kelly Jones. “She has been with Jeff processing loans for almost 10 years,” Lori noted. “Her years of experience are invaluable and she is such an asset.”

Hamilton Mortgage offers most mortgage loan products including the 100% USDA financing option. “We also offer FHA and conventional fixed rate mortgages,” Williams said.

It was the desire to give that one-onone customer satisfaction that made Williams decision to go into business for himself.

“After working with another big box lender, I saw a need in our community for home loans with personalized service,” he said.

Jeff said that most people believe that they can’t buy a new home.

“Reaching and educating the most people possible is the greatest challenge. Most people today decide they are not capable of buying a home before even trying. Or they are overwhelmed and fearful of the process.”

The couple actually has two locations to help those who are needing a loan.

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“Jeff operates a quick stop there on the Hurricane Road in Ecru just before Ashley Furniture, and he has a small office there. We can meet with customers there that come from Ecru or from New Albany,” said Lori.

Hamilton Mortgage is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. “However, we offer after business hours, flexible closing hours, and one on one customer care. I be-

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lieve we are the only specialty focused mortgage banker in Pontotoc.

“It is a nice community here.

If someone calls me I can be right here, or if I can’t, Kelly can.”

Lori also said she appreciates the closeness of the people who work at other places around town, “we are like a family.”

The couple also expressed gratitude to the folks at the

First Choice Bank. “Shane Clayton has been good for us,” Lori said. “We offer different things than they do in this industry and they have been great to bounce ideas off of and to help us with our business.”

Jeff chuckled. “Larry Russell and Donna Simmons should get man and woman of the year,” he said.

And there is nothing quite like seeing that person get the

keys to a new home that makes him smile.

“What makes my day worthwhile is being able to help individuals achieve the American dream of homeownership with little or no down payment.

There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone own a home,” Jeff said.

Hamilton Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Restrictions may apply. Call them at 662-586-5155.

Did you know?

Many homeowners have lofty goals for their homes. Such plans may include extensive renovations or even additions. While many of these projects create beautiful changes in a home, it’s important to consider the impact that renovations can have on property value before beginning a project. Many home improvement projects do not add as much value as homeowners may think they do. In fact, some homeowners “overbuild” for their neighborhoods. This means the amount of money invested in improvements can likely never be recuperated because the house value simply exceeds those around by too much money. To avoid overbuilding, homeowners can ask themselves several questions before beginning a renovation project.

• Will my house be the largest house in the neighborhood? Larger homes tend to have a lower price per square foot, so you may not want to improve to this extent.

• Will the house blend with others in the area? If your house will stick out like a sore thumb, it will detract from its own value and could impact the value of other homes in the area.

• Have I examined the cost vs. value of the project? Many home improvement resources analyze the cost of a project versus the overall value of that project with regard to property value. For example, a $100,000 basement remodel may not add $100,000 to the value of the home in the event you choose to sell down the line. It’s important to know which projects provide the best return on investment.

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Outdoor improvements that boost home value

Whether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run.

The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor proj-

ects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

Fire pit

A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI.

Outdoor kitchen

Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas.

Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

Patio

Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI.

Deck

Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping

around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

Door update

Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new.

These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

New landscaping

The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes wellthought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

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Renovating an historic home

Living in an historic home can be a labor of love. The history and the distinct architecture of historic homes draw buyers to such properties, but what historic homes have in regard to history they often lack in the conveniences of modern life, forcing many historic-home owners to make renovations to bring their homes into the 21st century.

Historic-home renovations differ from other types of modifications. According to the Victorian Preservation Association, renovation is getting a home back to where it may have been when originally built, but making concessions for today’s lifestyle. Preservation is the act of maintaining a structure in its current historic state, and restoration is returning a home to its original state. Unless a homeowner plans to use an outhouse or live without electricity, the majority of work done on historic properties is likely to fall into the category of a renovation.

Renovating an aging structure can be fulfilling and help to make a home more functional.

But make no mistake, such a renovation is a major undertaking. Before beginning, it pays to hire a professional consultant with expertise in renovating historic properties. He or she can inspect the property to determine which areas of the home are safe and which will need to be upgraded. A professional inspection also can determine if any deficiencies lie hidden in the structure. Potential concerns can be toxic paints and other substances, building code issues, rotting, and structural settling. Professionals will know what to look for and guide homeowners accordingly.

Homeowners also may want to consult with a preservation association, community restoration group or general owner-builder group. These people can refer homeowners to the craftspeople and materials that will be needed for a job. Homeowners can request to see other

historic properties in the area and learn what those owners did to maintain the integrity of a home when using newer materials.

Before any work is started, homeowners should find out if their home is listed with the National Register of Historic Places. According to the United States National Parks Service, property owners can do whatever they want with their property so long as there are no federal monies attached to the property. However, the property owner should also contact his or her state’s historic preservation office, or SHPO. The SHPO is the state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in each state, and there may be state or local preservation laws that the owner should be aware of before renovating a historic property.

Craftspeople should have experience with historic homes and a sensitivity and appreciation of renovating older properties. Homeowners al-

ways should see examples of a craftsperson’s work and verify references from each contractor before hiring anyone to work on the property.

Homeowners who want to include traditional hardware and other period details in their homes may be able to find quality replicas of historic milling materials, while others may want to scour antique shops or salvage yards for era-appropriate materials.

Historic renovations can be costly and have a tendency to go over budget because of unforseen damage and hazards that have to be repaired so the building is up to code. Going into the project with this in mind can help soften the blow of extra costs down the road.

Historic homes can be beautiful and appeal to buyers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind nature of older properties. Renovating historic homes may take time and money, but the results may be well worth the effort.

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Time to replace old wiring?

Old homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features.

While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes — and sometimes even in houses built 40 or 50 years ago — is archaic wiring. Wiring provides power to every room of the home. In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life.

Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce.

Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices used in homes — overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall.

Wiring often falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multiplug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe.

Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed elec-

trician to go over the home’s wiring. He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk and/or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code.

Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations, or difficulty selling a home later on.

The electrician can also go over improvements that can improve safety and function.

Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or underinsulated wiring

also may need to be replaced.

Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention. Plus, considering electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date.

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