Pontotoc Homes January 2019

JANUARY 2019

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

Mossy Oak Properties, Pontotoc Ridge Realty, Ltd. PAGE 8

FEATURING

Rhonda Rodgers page 10

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 6 7 7 7 8 10 12

Patty Turk Properties, LLC Dennis Cox Comfortable winter entertaining ideas First Choice Insurance Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design Mossy Oak Properties Rhonda Rodgers feature Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop

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Cherie Matthews Real Estate

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Emerging deck trends

25 28

The choice for staying put or moving on Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker Hamilton Mortgage Time to replace old wiring?

Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. Benefits of freestanding tubs 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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Comfortable winter entertaining ideas

Winter entertaining need not end once Christmas and New Year’s Day have come and gone. Getting together with friends and family is still possible even if the weather outside is frightful. When Mother Nature takes a chilly turn, those who don’t want the party can consider the following entertaining ideas.

Indulge in sweet treats

Comfort foods can make even the most blustery winds easier to tolerate. Invite people over for a dessert party. At a dessert pot luck party, everyone brings along a favorite decadent dessert, from molten lava chocolate cake to warm bread pudding.

Serve alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Adults can enjoy the added punch of spiked beverages, which can warm everyone up instantly.

Host a “snowed in” party

Spending a day cooped up inside when the roads are covered in snow might not be your idea of fun, but invite a mix of friends and neighbors who live nearby over, and this impromptu party can make the cabin fever disappear. Ask guests to bring one food item or beverage. Light a fire in the fireplace and set out some cozy throw blankets. If possible, invite everyone outdoors to build a snowman.

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Get physical

Get physically active with friends or family members by staging mock Olympic events in the yard. These can be fun “sports” created by participants or variations on fun winter activities.

Sledding races, snowball dodging contests, ice skating obstacle courses, and much more can make for an entertaining afternoon.

Get cooking

Cooking can certainly pass the time, and it can be even more enjoyable when done in the company of others. Send out an invitation for friends to stop by for a meal or plan a meal prep party.

Host a movie marathon

Handpick some favorite films and invite everyone over for a movie marathon. Fill the family room, home theater room or living room to capacity and host a group for a film fest. If space permits, set up one room with a children’s movie for youngsters, while the adults retire to another room for movies that are more their speed. A buffet table set up with assorted snacks will help keep bellies full while guests watch some favorite flicks.

Winter days and nights are ripe for entertaining possibilities.

These events help squash the cabin fever that can sometimes develop during the colder times of year.

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She finds the perfect home for their future while strengthening a friendship of the past 10| PONTOTOC HOMES

W

Regina Butler

Pontotoc Progress

hat started out as a childhood friendship has lasted long into their adult lives. Realtor Rhonda Rodgers, who is with Cherie Matthews Real Estate, said she got her insurance license in 2001 and “I have been in the business since that time.”

Rhonda has lived in Pontotoc since 1952. Her connections remain near and dear to her heart. “My parents moved here for my dad, Endy Martin, to begin a job with Southern Bell Telephone Company.

Cherie’s dad, the late Howard Stafford, was mayor for years and my dad was on the board of alderman at that time.”

Although she didn’t begin

her career path as a realtor, she soon found out it was one she could easily enjoy.

“I was encouraged to get into this business because I love to meet people and was I was working in Pontotoc county school district as a school counselor/educator.

“A local recruiter for the military who was also a real estate appraiser told me I should really consider getting into real estate because I knew so many people through being in the school system,” she noted.

“I did know so many people and families. I felt should some of those folks needed or wanted to buy or sell a house.

I knew I could help them with

that goal,” she said.

She constantly strives to help her clients get just the house or land thy want.

“My biggest challenge is finding just the right property to meet the needs of each family and to stay within their budget or borrowing power,” said Rhonda.

And she reminds her future customers that there is a process that you have to go through when seeking a home.

“I try to encourage my clients to talk to lenders first and to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. We can provide a list of lenders who make those types of loans and the client

can choose who they want to contact about possible financing,” she said.

“If you have clients who don’t plan to borrow to purchase, then that simplifies the process a little! However, most younger couples or families do have to get financing because they’ve not worked long enough to have much saved for closing costs or a down payment,” she noted.

And it gives her great pleasure to know that she has met the needs of the people who come to her for either buying or selling their home.

“My greatest joy is simply finding the perfect home for

each client. We always want our clients to be happy with whatever they purchase.”

She believes she is in a unique position to help “because of my years of work experience in the public and because I grew up in Pontotoc and have lived here virtually all my life, I know Pontotoc and the surrounding areas of Oxford, Tupelo and even all the small communities nearby, that gives me an advantage.”

And she wakes every morning knowing she is blessed beyond measure.

“I get up each day and during my quiet time, I pray for God’s guidance and wis-

dom in whatever I do that day.

Sometimes my day is planned with appointments for myself or others. Sometimes God gives me new direction as to what He intends for me that day and His plans might be different from what I thought I was to do that day.

“I feel very blessed to live and work in Pontotoc! I truly feel that our community is a wonderful place to rear a family. Although Pontotoc is becoming more progressive and growing, there’s still that small hometown feeling about our community! I can’t imagine living and being happy anywhere else! I’m truly blessed!”

“My greatest joy is simply finding the perfect home for each client. We always want our clients to be happy with whatever they purchase.”

Rhonda Rodgers Real Estate Broker

165 North Brooks Street, Pontotoc, MS

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Quick and simple ways to make a front door pop

Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway. Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

Bold front door color

Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

Custom walkway

Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

Contain plants

Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

Highlight the address

Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers.

Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

Utilize high-end materials

The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to

splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

Add architectural details

Find out which architectural elements

will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

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Did you know?

Investing in a home renovation project not only requires money, but also time and patience. While contractors, architects and designers can estimate how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate all of the scenarios that can affect that estimated timeline. Information from the real estate firm Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen remodel involving installation of new countertops, cabinets, appliances, and floors can take three to six months. But if ductwork, plumbing or wiring must be addressed, the job may take longer. A midline bathroom remodel may take two to three months. Adding a room to a house can take a month or two.

The home improvement resource Renovation Junkies offers similar estimates, with the average home renovation taking between four and eight months. Homeowners need to consider time when planning their home projects

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The choice for staying put or moving on

Many home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.

The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors.

Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new.

According to information collected

by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul.

The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling.

Since 2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years.

Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.

Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out. Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces. Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.

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EMERGING DECK TRENDS

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Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas.

Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season.

For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point.

Established perimeters

“Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish. Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look.

Roof-top decking

Urban areas also can benefit from decking to create usable outdoor spaces. In

fact, many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight.

Distressed hardwood

Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside.

Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring.

This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood.

Wooden walkways

Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying pa-

tio to accentuate the yard.

Mixed materials

Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices.

Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort.

Personal touches

Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact. And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.

Fire pit conversation area

Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal. Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

Decks are reimagined in many different ways with continually evolving trends.

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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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Benefits of freestanding tubs

Few home design elements provide the instant wow factor of freestanding tubs. Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury that can help current homeowners relax, and impress buyers when homes go on the market.

Freestanding tubs are typically made of cast iron or porcelain. The home improvement website HomeAdvisor notes that cast iron is durable and solid and retains heat well, which is great for those who want to spend more than a little time relaxing in a freestanding tub. However, because cast iron is so heavy, installing a cast iron tub may require structural reinforcement of the flooring, which will add to the overall cost of the project.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a tub varies widely depending on the type of tub, the materials its made of and other factors, including plumbing and piping. For example, the cost to install a freestanding tub will rise considerably if new plumbing and piping are necessary.

Before purchasing a freestanding tub, homeowners should seek estimates regarding installation, making sure to get them in writing. Contractors will determine if structural reinforcement is necessary and include such costs in their estimates. In addition, make sure to ask contractors to investigate piping and plumbing so no surprises pop up after the tub has been purchased and work has begun.

If estimates from contractors aren’t budget busting, homeowners can consider these benefits of freestanding tubs before making their final decisions.

Cleaning

Because they’re detached from other bathroom fixtures and not flush against the wall, freestanding tubs tend to be easier to clean than built-in bathtubs.

Freestanding tubs are accessible from all sides, making it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where grime can build up.

Return on investment

In its 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, Remodeling magazine noted that upscale bathroom remodels recouped 56.2 percent of their cost at resale. That was a better return on investment than an upscale kitchen remodel (53.5 percent) and an upscale master suite addition (48.3 percent). The thought of a sizable return on investment can make relaxing in a freestanding tub that much more enjoyable.

Warmth

Even freestanding tubs made of materials other than cast iron offer great heat retention. Stone resin bathtubs, for example, provide excellent insulation on cold nights. That’s ideal for people who want to unwind in the tub without having to exit early because the water has become cold.

Freestanding tubs can transform regular bathrooms into luxurious oases.

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