NOVEMBER 2018
PONTOTOC HOMES Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area A Supplement of the Pontotoc Progress
PATTY TURK PROPERTIES, LLC PAGE 3
FEATURING
Dennis Cox page 10
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 6 6 6 7 8 10 15 16
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Gray is here to stay in home designs
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Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker
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Add a pop of purple around the house Cherie Matthews Real Estate
Dennis Cox Feature
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Crye-Leike Realtors, Mona Weeden & Jodi Forsyth
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Reduce cold-weather fire risk
Small kitchen improvements that maximize functionality
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First Choice Bank
Patty Turk Properties, LLC Dennis Cox First Choice Insurance Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design 7 uses for fallen leaves Mossy Oak Properties
How agents and sellers can work together
Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc.
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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7 uses for fallen leaves
By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. 1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter. 2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil. 3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed. According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them. 4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can
be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow. 5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn
healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight. 6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost.
7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect. Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.
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Dennis Cox “Let me do the work for you” 10| PONTOTOC HOMES
2455 Brassfield Road, Pontotoc
A
home is the biggest investment you make not only of money but of time, energy and talent. It’s where you come to get away from the world. And letting go of the one you have now can sometimes be an emotional thing. Dennis Cox with Tommy Morgan Realty understands that. And he also understands the excitement of moving into a new house and the joy it can bring a family, because before he was a realtor he was in the construction business. “I’ve been selling real estate for five years, but I think my 20 year background in construction has given me the knowledge to assist people in their search for a home,” Cox
Regina Butler
Pontotoc Progress pointed out. The expertise he has allows him to “help people see construction problems or potential issues that gives my clients confident that I want to find them a good home, not just sell them a house.” And his knowledge also works well for those who are selling their home. “I’m able to point out things that might make their home desirable to a buyer,” he said. His venture into real estate came at the encouragement of another agent who saw his potential. “I had contemplated selling real estate for several years before that, but never taken the step to do it. I was looking for a house for my daughter and the agent encour-
aged me to go for it,” Cox said. “Not just my construction background; but having the desire to help people and a personality that loves talking and meeting new people, I decided it was time to take that step and I have never regretted it.” He appreciates the fact that the people in this area are willing to put their trust in him when it comes to buying or selling their home. “I thoroughly enjoy the real estate business, and getting to meet new people everyday makes it even more enjoyable.” What should you do if you are ready to sell your home? “All you need to know is that you are ready to sell and
I will do my very best to help you meet that goal,” he said. “I will walk you through the process step by step. Advertising is the key,” he said. “I’m a part of two Multiple Listing Services that gives me an edge over most realtors who are only in one.” Cox said that being in the two services gives his clients increased exposure of their property to much larger area and a much larger group of buyers. “I also keep a list of potential buyers who are looking for a home. I’m often able to match someone from that list up with a new listing to increase the odds of selling your property quickly.” That background, “enables
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31 Below Street, Ecru
7540 Hwy 342, Pontotoc
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91 Weeks Street, Algoma
me to know more about the homes I list and sell,” he said. And as far as selling or buying a home is concerned, Cox said that the market is wide open. “Every home is desirable to someone. The more updated and cleaner your homes, the easier it is to sell.” However, he was quick to point out that some “are looking for a fixer upper. Some are looking for a home with land. Everyone is looking for something different. It’s just a matter of matching the right property with the right buyer. I enjoy getting to know my clients and what they are looking for in a home and going to work or them to find it. At the
end of the day, though, it’s not about me making a sale, it’s about finding the right home for my client and their family.” He had some sage advice for those who want to buy a home, with some practical first steps. “The first step is to get pre-approved for a loan and know what homes fit your budget. Find a lender to work with, get a home inspector, find a closing attorney, these are all part of the process that I will walk you through step by step,” he said. Cox said his venture has allowed him to meet many people. “I love what I do. A happy client is the most rewarding
part of my job. Their referrals give me the assurance that they were a satisfied client. I’ve made many new friends from this that I wouldn’t trade the world for.” Cox is the son of Larry and Dianne Cox. He is married to Melanie Cox and they have two grown daughters. His second daughter, Karis, attends Itawamba Community College and his older daughter, Kaitlyn, is married to Forest Williams and they are about to bless him with a grandchild. He smiled broadly at the prospect, “Yes, I’m about to be a granddaddy,” he said happily. He was born and raised in
Pontotoc and graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1982. It is that continuity of life that gives him the desire to help families find their home that they will be comfortable to own and enjoy. “Whether you are buying your first home or your forever home, It’s one of the biggest decisions in person’s life and I appreciate your trust to allow me to help with that.” So if you are getting ready to close the door on your old house and open it on a new one, make sure you call Dennis Cox with Tommy Morgan Realty. “Let me do the work for you,” he concluded.
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626 Rockhill Road, Pontotoc
107 North Montgomery Street, Pontotoc
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Reduce cold-weather fire risk
Plenty of things heat up when the temperature drops, including the risk for fire hazards. Fireplaces, stoves, heating systems, candles, and even electric lights are used more often during the winter than any other time of year, so it makes sense that the risk of home fires increases when the mercury drops. The U.S. Fire Administration says 905 people die in winter home fires each year. Cooking is the leading cause of all home fires and contributes to around $2 billion in property loss each year. Understanding potential risks and exercising caution can help homeowners protect themselves, their families and their homes from fire.
Cooking
Home heating fires peak be-
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tween the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when many people are home preparing dinner. The following steps, courtesy of the American Red Cross, can improve safety in the kitchen and reduce the likelihood of a home fire. • Never leave cooking food unattended, as it can take just seconds for fires to ignite. • Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove or other appliances that generate heat. • Clean regularly to prevent grease buildup. • Make sure appliances are turned off before leaving the room or going to bed.
in the United States. The NFPA offers these safety guidelines. • Install heating appliances according to manufacturers’ instructions or have a professional do the installation. • Fuel-burning equipment needs to vent to the outside. • Never use an oven to heat a home. • Keep anything that can burn away from heating equipment, including portable space heaters. • Clean and inspect heating appliances regularly. • Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Heating
The National Safety Council estimates that between 600 and 1,000 people die each year from electrocution. Electricity also can contribute to home
The National Fire Protection Association warns that heating is the second leading cause of home fires, deaths and injuries
Electric
fires. The Energy Education Council offers these safety suggestions. • Never force plugs into outlets. • Check that cords are not frayed or cracked. Do not run cords under carpets or place them in high-traffic areas. • Use extension cords only on a temporary basis. • Make sure light bulbs are the proper wattage for fixtures. • Install ground fault circuit interrupters in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and elsewhere, making sure to test them regularly. • Check periodically for loose wall receptacles and loose wires. Listen for popping or sizzling sounds behind walls. Home fires are no joke and can be prevented with simple safety checks.
Gray is here to stay in home designs
Decorating a home in neutral tones has long been recommended as a way to sell a home quickly. But the color gray also provides a blank canvas for homeowners who have no intention of putting their homes on the market anytime soon. Beige and white have long been go-to colors for neutral living spaces. But many interior decorators now look to gray as the neutral color of choice. Design experts advise that gray has a broad range. Gray
can include everything from silver to charcoal to a dusty cloud. According to the trendsetters at Glidden Paints, gray coordinates well with other colors. Plus, the neutral appeal of gray boasts a timeless quality. Gray is not a clear-cut color that’s simply a 50-50 blend of white and black. Gray has subtle nuances that can lean toward blues, greens, taupes, and more depending on the lighting and surrounding furnishings. That means that homeowners who are ready to
replace their furniture or accessories need not necessarily repaint if they’ve previously decorated in shades of gray. Individuals need only replace small items to produce a big effect in rooms where gray is dominant. Because gray is so neutral, it works with soft, calming colors in various pastels, but equally as well with bright reds, yellow and oranges, according to Scott Bodenner, a Brooklyn-based textile designer. Gray also is a predominant color in natural stones
used throughout homes in entryways, bathrooms and kitchens. It can make design sense to maintain continuity throughout by dabbling in gray elsewhere. Designers have shown how gray does not have to be cold, industrial or gloomy. It can be sophisticated in just about any room of the house. More designers are now leaning toward warmer variations of gray, such as taupes and blends dubbed “greige,” that are beautiful but not as stark as pure gray.
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How agents and sellers can work together Selling a home can be stressful. Despite this, 5.51 million existing U.S. homes were sold in 2017, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. In many cases, homeowners choose to work with real estate agents to facilitate the process of listing, showing and selling their homes. Real estate agents are valuable assets. Agents have neighborhood knowledge, are educated in pricing trends, can filter phone calls or emails from buyers who aren’t serious, and can organize all of the people necessary for a closing. Real estate agents provide many services that the average person may not have the time nor the experience to handle. When selecting an agent to sell a home, homeowners may not understand that the terms
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real estate agent and REALTOR® are not interchangeable. Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is the latter is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR ensures that members subscribe to a certain code of ethics. There are many qualified agents, but an agent cannot do his or her job well without some help on the part of the homeowner. These tips can make the process of selling a home go smoothly.
for more than it’s worth may cause it to sit unnecessarily for several weeks or months, which could raise red flags among potential buyers.
suggest a lock box so the home can be shown when homeowners are not on the property.
Market the home
Agents know which features can make or break a sale. Homeowners should be amenable to certain suggestions, such as neutral paint colors, removing personal effects and clearing clutter.
Price the home correctly
Limiting the time an agent can show the house to potential buyers is in no one’s best interest. Sellers should be ready and willing to open their homes, which is the best way to make a sale. An agent may
Homeowners should trust the agent’s ability to price a home for the market. Everyone wants to get the most money possible, but listing the home
A real estate agent will list the home via a multiple listing service (MLS) on a private website, in newspapers, and wherever else he or she feels is pertinent. Homeowners can share the listing via social media and word of mouth to help increase the chances of selling the home.
Be available
Make suggested renovations
Give recommendations Real estate is a commission-based industry. Agents often tirelessly put in hours and only reap rewards if the house is sold. A homeowner who was satisfied with an agent can then recommend that person to friends or family. By working with real estate professionals, homeowners can sell their homes quickly.
Add a pop of purple around the house
Pantone named “Ultra Violet” its color of the year in 2018, helping to create a resurgence in popularity of all things purple. As a result, homeowners who pride themselves on staying on top of the latest trends have increasingly turned to purple when designing their home interiors. Purple influences can range from the dramatic to the subtle. Here are some ways to embrace purple in your home.
Transition bedroom color
Purple has long been a favorite shade for adolescents who are growing up and
moving away from pinks and peaches into more mature room colors. Purple looks well when accented by white, magenta and yellow. Even though it is embraced by young girls, purple also can be used by adults who want to create soothing retreats in their bedrooms.
Create an accent wall
A purple room may intimidate people who prefer mild, more neutral design schemes. But a purple accent wall can add a pop of color, suggest the home experts at Realtor.com. When it comes time to list a home, it’s easier for the next
homeowner to embrace a purple accent wall than an entire room decorated in this jeweled tone.
Use accent items
It’s easy to add a splash of plum or other variations of purple without making a permanent commitment. Dress up neutral decor with throw pillows, rugs, table linens, or draperies in all shades of purple. As trends change, it’s easy to exchange accent items.
Modern kitchen
Homeowners can offset efficient, modern design in kitchens characterized by white
cabinetry and stainless appliances with some well-placed grape focal points. A purple backsplash, purple-clad island or lavender bar stools can lend vibrancy to a space.
Purple powder room
A purple guest bathroom is the ideal place to help overnight guests feel regal. Violet and deeper shades of purple can feel warm and luxurious. Beige or cream bathrooms can be enhanced with a deep purple bath mat, shower curtain and hand towels. Purple is hot right now and turning up in unexpected places in many homes.
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Small kitchen improvements that maximize functionality
Many homeowners wish for expansive kitchens. Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home. As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don’t have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walk-in pantry. However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces.
Reconfigure and revamp cabinetry
Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Rede-
signing the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues. The experts at Merit Kitchens suggest utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy susans and other gadgets to make access to these areas easier. Going vertical with wall cabinets that extend to the ceiling also can add more storage, as can rollin work carts.
Work with the walls
Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical space. Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, and more can move items out of drawers and off of counters. Consider an under-the-cabinet toaster oven and microwave to create more
counter space.
Use scaled-down appliances
Shop with size in mind when looking at new appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact versions won’t take up as much space as larger alternatives. Homeowners should consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well. Homeowners with small kitchens may not need a large stand mixer or an oversized commercial stove.
Add some glass
The DIY Network recommends incorporating glass to improve the perception of
space in small kitchens. Glass lets you see through the objects, thereby enhancing the feeling of spaciousness or what designers call “negative space.” Glass also can be reflective, visually expanding the space.
Embrace high-end materials
It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen. Flooring, counter materials and quality fixtures can really set small kitchens apart. Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space.
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