JULY 2018
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 18
FEATURING
Southern Hills Realty page 10
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Patty Turk Properties, LLC The Red Door Washington Holcomb Tractor Company Distinctive Design Crye-Leike Realtors Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal Cherie Matthews Real Estate First Choice Insurance Service Supply - NAPA
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5 ways to get acquainted with a new neighborhood
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Mossy Oak Properties
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How to choose the right window treatments for your home
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Landscaping needs vary by season
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The benefits of water features in garden landscapes
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Bring in more natural light
Southern Hills Feature Make moving much easier Dennis Cox
Pickens Pest Control Which renovations are worth an investment?
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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Southern Hills are Brandie Thomas’ specialty
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H
er endearing smile has brightened the day of many a person who has darkened the door of Southern Hills Realty on Highway 15 North in Pontotoc. For some 18 years Brandie Thomas has been selling real estate with her dad, Roger Brown, and this year, her daddy retired and Thomas is carrying on the legacy her dad started. “I got my brokers license in 1999 and became a realtor in 2000,” she said. Thomas went to work with her dad and began the exciting adventure into selling homes. “I have a background as an appraiser,” she said. “Even though I’m not active now, that knowledge I gained when
Regina Butler
The Pontotoc Progress I was an appraiser gives me the expertise to help clients come up with a price for their home or land.” Thomas went on to explain the difference between an appraiser and a broker. “The appraiser comes up with the value of the property. They are hired by a lender to determine what the property is worth. A broker or an agent represents you whether you are the buyer or the seller of the property.” Thomas said her greatest challenge is helping the client find just the right home. “When they come in and don’t know what they want or exactly where they want to live it is hard to find the property that will fit them. We spend a
lot of time looking at different places.” But the time and effort is worth it. “It is rewarding when you help someone find that home that they love or when you help someone sell their home and move on to the new chapter in their lives.” And because of the time that she spends with her customers, “before it is all said and done we are like family.” She smiled broadly. “I get to meet a lot of people through my job.” She doesn’t take what she does lightly, “I am helping people with one of the major purchases of their life.” She paused thoughtfully. “It’s quite significant to be a part of that.”
Although she has had her dad at her side all these years, today Thomas faces making all those decisions by herself. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I had dad to turn to for 18 years, and now all that is on me.” But he didn’t throw it at her all at one time. “Last year he began to give me more control over the business. He let me tiptoe into it, so to speak, by showing me the bill paying and other decisions that had to be made.” She wouldn’t trade where she is and what she is doing for nothing in the world. “There is a lot of competition in this business, but I love being a small realtor and keeping my company a local company. I was born and raised in
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Pontotoc and I want my business to be here.” For her the other plus to being in business for herself is the flexibility she has “to volunteer. My children attend North Pontotoc so I try to be up there helping to do what I can when I can.” Thomas gave some advice for folks who are interested in either buying or selling their home. There are some things that you should do first, even before you darken the door of the real estate agent. “If you are wanting to buy a house, have a lender picked
out and get pre-approval for your loan so we will know a price range that we can work with in finding you a home.” When it comes to selling your home, Thomas recommends you come to the real estate office with a recent appraisal. “It is important to have that appraisal. If you don’t have one, we can do a comparable price to get a list price, but it is much easier if we have a number to work with right away.” She also advised that whichever side of the real estate market you find yourself
on, go with the company that you know and trust. “It is important that you can trust your agent.” Thomas said she truly appreciates the way the folks in Pontotoc have supported her, “Ninety-nine percent of our business is on referral or repeat business.” She chuckled. “I have sold one client five houses, she has moved all over Pontotoc county.” She smiled thoughtfully, “there is nothing else I’d rather do. I love my job.” On any given day, Thomas might be as far north as Ash-
land or Corinth and as far south as Houston. She is licensed to list houses all over the state, “but trying to sell a house, on the gulf coast for instance, would be like trying to sell a car I know nothing about. But I do list all over North Mississippi, because I know these hills.” And selling a house doesn’t mean she is in the office all the time waiting on customers to walk in the door, “I have to get out there and put up signs.” She laughed. “In fact, today the ground was so hard we had to chip away at it to get
“There is a lot of competition in this business, but I love being a small realtor and keeping my company a local company. I was born and raised in Pontotoc and I want my business to be here.”
Brandie Thomas
131 North Main Street
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the sign up.” She has been in the business long enough to see some forward and sweeping changes. “The biggest change is the internet advertising. When I list something it goes on the internet and hits Zillow which is the top company for getting houses noticed, and someone somewhere far far away will get a notice that I just listed a house.” The importance of that far reach according to Thomas is because she never knows “who out there is wanting to make Pontotoc their home, and I obviously can’t travel to California and talk to them about it; so the internet makes it easier than ever to get the information out there.” However, on the flip side, she still values the print market because, “there is a whole group of people out there who gets their information from the newspaper. If you don’t put your information there, they would never see it. So there is value and importance in both markets.” She is grateful to the people in this area who are continuing to rely on her expertise even though her dad has retired. “We’ve had a tremendous support from Pontotoc over the years and I appreciate the trust they put in our business. I will continue to build on the integrity and trust that my dad started.”
233 County Road 373
1525 Reed Street
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Make moving much easier
t should come as no surprise that spring kicks off one of the busiest times of year in the housing market. Warm weather makes it more comfortable to see and display homes, leading to more listings and open houses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average person in the United States changes residences more than 11 times in his or her lifetime. With each move, the process of moving may become more familiar. But even the most practiced nomad can find moving to be an overwhelming experience. Those on the cusp of moving and nervous about packing up and leaving can employ a few tricks to make moving much easier.
Research areas carefully
Buyers are advised to do their research when seeking new towns or cities to call home. There are many factors to consider, including school district ratings, proximity to shopping, distance from work/commute times, availability of transportation, climate, and crime ratings. Before falling in love with a particular home, potential buyers can visit the area
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in which the home is located during a typical weekday to get a feel for the atmosphere. Check out shopping centers, observe the residents and drive by the schools and businesses. This can help paint an accurate picture that may or may not differ from that depicted in the real estate listing.
Stack the deck
Working with qualified professionals who have gone through the moving process before can make for easier work for buyers and sellers. Ask for recommendations regarding real estate companies, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, insurance agents, and all of the other people who will assist with buying, selling and moving. Carefully vet these professionals, relying on third-party reviews as well as any information provided by the Better Business Bureau.
Secure temporary storage
It can help to put some belongings into a storage center prior to moving, and then gradually take items from the storage unit to your new home. This will free up space to make repairs to your new home and give you time to figure out decorating
schemes while ensuring clutter won’t get in the way of renovation projects. New homeowners also can take their time sorting through boxes and getting rid of items they may not need in their new homes.
Get estimates and verify licensing
The BBB advises consumers to verify all licensing for movers. Solicit at least three in-home estimates and get those figures in writing. Confirm insurance coverage for the company chosen, and be sure to have all agreed upon information spelled out explicitly in a written contract. Red flags to consider include movers who don’t make on-site inspections for estimates and those who demand payment in advance before the move.
Have a first-week survival kit
New homeowners can pick up takeout restaurant menus and premade grocery store meals. In addition, stock up on staples such as paper plates, toilet tissue, light bulbs, and cleaning supplies in advance of the move so you won’t have to unpack everything at mealtime or when you want to clean after arriving at your new home.
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5 ways to get acquainted with a new neighborhood
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cross the country, people are packing boxes, hiring trucks and moving short and long distances. The U.S. Census Bureau says that around 12 percent of the population moves each year. According to a survey by DuProprio, a Quebec-based real estate advice site, 28 percent of Canadians feel the need to move every five years. Surprisingly, DuProprio also found that 14 percent of owners wish they could move every year. The main reasons people move are expansion of the family, a career change, retirement, empty nest situations, or when moving is more practical than large-scale home renovations. While some people stick close to previous home locations, a 2015 American Community Survey found
approximately 16.9 million people moved to a different county in 2015. Whether a move is across county lines or overseas, it can take some time to acclimate to a new neighborhood. These tips can help anyone get acquainted with their new surroundings and make friends in the process.
Host a housewarming party
Get to know immediate neighbors by hosting a party. After some unpacking is done, host a simple get-together for people who live nearby. Ask if neighbors can help out by bringing chairs. Offer light refreshments and some type of activities for children. The event doesn’t have to be extensive, just long enough to engage in some conversation and introduce yourself.
Walk and drive around
Scout out the area by driving around and making note of shopping centers, parks and places of interest. Schedule times when you will get out of the car and walk around on foot, which makes it easier to take everything in. Use a website like Walkscore.com to find places within walking distance of your new home. Bring the dog along. Dogs can be great ice breakers with new neighbors.
Check out community blotters
Community events may be posted in print and distributed through a local newspaper and also on municipal websites. Find out where the locals go on weekends or during the week. Communities may take pride in certain activities. It’s
easier to get a feel for the neighborhood by spending time with the locals.
Become active in the community
Find a volunteer organization or join a local house of worship. Check with the local chamber of commerce for ways to get involved or clubs to join. Like-minded people can make living in a new locale more enjoyable.
Dine out once a week
If budget allows, try a new neighborhood eating establishment each week to get a lay of the land. You’ll identify hot spots and hidden gems and will also be able to mingle with the community. An app such as Open Table can help you find places to eat nearby.
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Which renovations are worth an investment?
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he cost of remodeling a home is easier to stomach when homeowners can expect to recoup a sizable percentage of the costs of the renovation. While basing renovations on their potential impact on resale value may be unwise, return on investment is something homeowners must consider when mulling renovation projects. Many homeowners wonder which renovations will resonate most strongly with potential buyers when a home is put up for sale. According to Remodeling magazine, homeowners are less likely to recoup their investment in a major kitchen or bathroom remodel than they would with basic home maintenance, such as new siding. That’s because buyers are most interested in
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how the bones of the house — or those elements that keep the house protected and can be costly to fix — were maintained. Each year Remodeling magazine issues its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which highlights the
projects that offer the most return on investment. In 2016, the No. 1 project was the installation of fiberglass attic insulation, which could produce 116.9 percent recouped cost and a resale value of $1,482. Rounding out the top five were manufactured stone veneer for the exterior, a standard new garage door, a steel entry door, and an upscale garage door. Projects with the least return on investment tended to be more expensive undertakings that offered returns of roughly 57 percent. Such projects included bathroom additions, upscale bathroom additions, upscale master suite additions, upscale bathroom remodels, and deck additions. For those considering more expensive renovations, keep these figures in mind, courtesy of Forbes. • A major remodel of a 200-square-foot kitchen can cost around $113,000, with homeowners recouping 60 percent. • Replacing 1,250-square feet of siding with new fiber siding can cost $13,000, but homeowners can expect to recoup 80 percent of that cost at resale. • Replacing 10 existing dou-
ble-hung windows with vinyl low-e glass windows is valued at $14,000, and the return can be between 68 and 73 percent. There are even renovations that seem like good ideas but can actually hurt the resale value of a home. MSN Money lists these projects as money-wasters for those who want to sell soon. • Lavish lighting fixtures can look dated in a few years when trends change. • Wallpaper or textured walls can be notoriously hard to change, and buyers know that. • Kitschy renovations, such as 1950s diner tiles, may appeal to only a select number of people. Neutral renovations are better if resale is the goal. • Many real estate experts warn against converting a bedroom into anything other than a bedroom — even for the purposes of a home office. Such conversions can immediately devalue the property. The same can be said about combining two small bedrooms into one larger space. Homeowners should investigate potential renovations before committing the time and money to something that may offer little value at resale.
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How to choose the right window treatments for your home
lantation shutters? Mini-blinds? Cafe curtains? Formal draperies? Homeowners’ options in regard to window treatments for their homes are extensive, which can make outfitting home interiors challenging for novice decorators. Some people do not pay a lot of attention to window treatments, failing to realize just how great an impact the right window treatments can have on a space. According to the design experts at Hunter Douglas, window treatments are often an afterthought because residents may not consider them necessities. As a result, homeowners may install whatever is on hand or accept window treatments that came with a house or apartment. But ignoring window treatments, especially when they can fulfill certain needs, is a missed design opportunity. One of the first steps to choosing window treatments is determining your end goal. Is privacy your main goal? Are you seeking more natural light in a room? Is there too much light and you need to darken the room? Window treatments can serve multiple functions, and some treatments may make better fits depending on homeowners’ ultimate goals.
Semi-sheer window treatments
Semi-sheer window treatments are often fabric and can help brighten rooms with natural light but offer little privacy. They’re usually appropriate for spaces where people gather, such as living rooms, dens or dining rooms. Semi-
also dictate the amount of privacy the panels create. Tiers are hung on a short rod-pocket panel and usually cover the lower one-third of a window. They’re popular choices to let light in from the top, but obscure views from the bottom portion of the window. Cellular shades are another option that provide privacy but still let light in. Cellular shades come in hard and fabric varieties and their use depends on the room. Many cellular shades are constructed with a honeycomb design, offers the design resource Houzz, so they can insulate as well as decorate windows.
Blackout shades/shutters
sheer curtains may be paired with another complementary window treatment so privacy can be customized as needed. For example, sheer curtains let light into a bedroom, but shades can be drawn at night.
Maximum privacy
Bedrooms, work spaces or
bathrooms can benefit from extra privacy. While some people may think that privacy comes at the cost of light, that’s not always the case. Functional curtain panels can be drawn closed when privacy is desired and then opened to let in light. The thickness of the fabric will
Perfect for rooms where babies nap, shift workers rest during daylight hours or external lights, such as that from a street lamp, need to be blocked out, blackout shades do just what their name implies. A dense fabric lining helps keep light out entirely. Shutters also can block out light but add to the character of the room. They can be painted a bright color to make a statement or match wall colors to blend in seamlessly. When selecting window treatments, shoppers can choose retail options or custom treatments. Many designers recommend custom window treatments because they are measured, manufacturered and installed specifically for homeowners’ windows. However, there are many DIY options available at budget-friendly retailers.
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Landscaping needs vary by season
udging a home by its appearance is often par for the home-buying course. In fact, according to the National Association of RealtorsŽ, 49 percent of buying decisions are made from the street. An appealing home exterior suggests the homeowner takes pride in his or her home and wants to make every effort to maintain that home. Curb appeal involves various components a home’s exterior, but beautiful landscaping can make a home stand out. While maintaining a lawn is something many homeowners may think is exclusive to spring and summer, lawn maintenance is really a yearround endeavor. The following steps can help anyone maintain curb appeal no matter the season.
Spring
Spring is a season of renewal when plants and trees will begin to look fresh and green once more. Spring maintenance includes applying fertilizer to lawns, replenishing mulch in planting beds, creating more pronounced edges around the lawn and garden beds, and testing soil. Some homeowners like to apply a weed-prevention product in the spring as
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well. Spring is a good time to plant annuals that will add a pop of color to the landscape. For those concerned about permanent planting, container gardening allows homeowners to move around planters in a configuration that works best for them.
Summer
Summer landscaping is all about maintaining what was established in the spring. Regular mowing, weeding and trimming can keep a landscape manicured. Other than drought, weeds are perhaps the biggest lawn and garden nuisance to a landscape in the summertime. Black medic, carpetweed, knotweed, mallow and prostate spurge are some of the weeds that will crop up during the summer. Seeds begin to germinate as soil warms up. According to the University of Maryland Extension, control with a broadleaf postemergent herbicide applied when the weed is actively growing will help prevent weeds from suffocating lawns.
Autumn
Autumn is often a forgotten season when it comes to maintaining a landscape. However, fall is a key time to keep landscapes in order. According to
the landscaping resource LoveYourLandscape.com, fall is the ideal time to tend to a lawn that just endured summer heat. Seeding and fertilizing can ensure a stronger lawn come next spring. Perennials should be pruned and cut back. Raking leaves will help keep the property looking presentable.
Winter
One of the ways to maintain an attractive landscape throughout winter is to install plants that can survive the colder temperatures. Winterberry is a cousin of holly, but loses its leaves in the fall. The bright red berries can be a stark contrast to the white of winter snowfall. Camellia is an evergreen that blooms from fall to early spring and looks like pink roses. Heather is a popular plant in the United Kingdom, but is growing in popularity on this side of the Atlantic as well. The Home Depot says this plant blooms all year and offers beautiful flowers in summer and fall. In winter, the thick foliage makes for an appealing contrast to the more delicate blooms of other winter plants. Maintaining a landscape through the seasons makes a home attractive all year long.
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The benefits of water features in garden landscapes
any homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeowners’ to-do lists, and landscaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects. When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal.
ping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance.
Aesthetic appeal
Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples. Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects.
Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape.
Soothing sound
Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lap-
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Brings texture
homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings.
Foster a passion
Water has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines.
Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium. Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal.
Enhance the natural ecosystem
Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighbors’ homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties. Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape. Water features can take landscapes to the next level with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty.
Remedy problem areas
Rather than fighting with the landscape,
Add a personal touch
Bring more natural light into a home
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aximizing natural light in a home is a smart and sometimes low-cost renovation. Homes that are dark and drab can drain energy levels and reduce productivity. In addition, dark rooms may not be inviting places to gather as a family or when entertaining. Certain factors contribute to a dark home. Houses that face north or east may not get the same level of sunlight as those that primarily face south and west. Geographic location also plays a role in the amount of natural sunlight. Mountains, buildings and even latitude can affect the amount of natural light that enters a home. The style of a home and its attributes also may create dark conditions. Deep house eaves as well as small windows or too few windows also can contribute to a deficit of light
indoors. A major remodel certainly can remedy the situation. However, there also are other less-extensive strategies to improve natural light. • Assess the situation before renovating. Walk around the house and determine which rooms get the most light and which conditions may be contributing to the problem in other areas. Dark floors and walls may be absorbing natural light and compounding the situation. You may find that only one or two rooms need attention, saving you the cost and effort associated with a major home overhaul. • Lighten up window treatments. Heavy drapes or thick blinds can be replaced with translucent alternatives. Translucent shades will allow light into the room without compromising privacy, say the experts at HGTV. • Use mirrors strategically. A mirror placed opposite a
window will reflect light all around the room. This can make a small room seem larger and a dark space instantly brighter. • Install new windows and doors. If the budget allows, installing larger windows in a home will allow more natural light in. French doors or sliding doors also may make a home’s interior more bright. Think about adding windows to a side of the house that has none, or increase the size of the windows on the side of the house that gets the most light. • Maximize sunlight from above. Skylights will bring light into a home as the sun passes overhead. Tubular skylights can bring natural sunlight into spaces where you may not expect skylights to be practical. According to Houzz, a design and architectural resource, tubular daylighting devices, or TDDs, can make a big difference. TDDs are
reflective pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome. • Use reflective decor. Reflective surfaces, including glass and metal, can brighten up a room and diffuse light around a room. Glossy backsplashes, pendant lighting and shiny metal that reflect light can increase the natural light, balancing out dark spaces. • Prune trees regularly. Cut back branches and keep trees tidy to maximize sunlight. Avoid planting tall shrubbery in front of windows. • Routinely clean windows and glass doors. Dirt and other grime can prevent light from getting through. Regularly give windows a thorough washing. Natural light is an important commodity in a home. Sunlight can improve mood and go a long way toward keeping home occupants healthy and happy.
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