SEPTEMBER 2019
Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
FEATURING (Page 8)
Rhonda Rodgers Matthews Real Estate
We work here, Live here, Play here.
We are your neighbors!
PROPERTIES Selecting the right real estate professional to work for you is the most important step in the process.
PONTOTOC RIDGE REALTY, INC. EACH MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.
BROKER: SUSIE CHAPMAN 419-3265
BROKER: PATTI STARK 296-5301
BROKER: MARILYN SAPPINGTON 488-5477
ASSOC.: ALISHA GALLOWAY 509-2677
BROKER: DAVID ANDERSON 419-5318
BROKER: CAYCE CONTI 396-1967
ASSOC.: LENA CHEWE 297-4079
49 S. Main St., Pontotoc, MS • 662-489-2848 • www.pontotocridgerealty.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 5 5 6 8 11 11 11 12 15 16 17 18 20 22 24
Patty Turk Properties, LLC Napa -Service Supply Pickens Pest Control Distinctive Design Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc. Rhonda Rodgers feature First Choice Insurance Washington Holcomb Tractor Company Matthews Real Estate Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker How to make bedrooms more conductive to sleep Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. Hamilton Mortgage Defining hardscape and how to use it Mossy Oak Properties Tips on shopping for new appliances First Choice Bank
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Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles • Designer: Chelsea Williams Pontotoc Progress • 13 Jefferson Street • P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863 • 662-489-3511
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Rhonda Rodgers
A knack for matching families and homes Story & Photos by GALEN HOLLEY
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ifelong Pontotoc resident and now realtor, Rhonda Rodgers, has a knack for matching families with the perfect home to suit their lifestyle. “I listen closely to people’s needs, and try to think along with them, envisioning what best suits their lives,” said Rodgers, an agent with Matthews Real Estate.
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On a Thursday evening, Rodgers walked through a house that she recently sold, at 302 S. Main St., in Pontotoc. The 3,400-square-foot, two-story, log home was nestled atop a hill, overlooking nearly five acres of smooth, grassy yard. Rodgers ascended the steps, crossed the wraparound porch, and walked onto the red oak, hardwood floors, into the living room. The country-style windows, set just a couple of feet off the floor, lit in the waning, orange light of the setting sun. An insert fireplace and a high, cathedral ceiling lent the air of a hunting lodge, accented with modern amenities, including a gourmet kitchen, with glimmering stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. Rodgers worked for years as a guidance counselor and educator for the Pontotoc County School District. That job put her in touch with lots of people, which worked-out well for her, when she transitioned to real estate in 2001. “A local recruiter for the military, who was also a real estate appraiser, told me I should really consider it, because I knew so many people,” said Rodgers. Rodgers and her colleagues work under the guidance of Cherie Matthews, who started her real estate business more than 30 years ago. Matthews’s home office is in Oxford, but hometown agents, like Rodgers, match families with houses in several, northeast Mississippi communities. Matthews Real Estate is licensed through the North Central Mississippi Board of Realtors, the North Mississippi Board of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Rodgers roots run deep in Pontotoc.
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“My parents moved here in 1952, for my dad, James “Eudy” Martin, to begin a job with Southern Bell,” said Rodgers. Inside the log home, Rodgers walked across the living room, into an inviting space, at the foot of the staircase. She looked upward, toward a study, with antique, wooden cases filled with books, a comfortable reading chair, a couch, and a simple lamp, all forming a kind of intimate, coffee house conversation area. “This house has so many family-friendly amenities,” said Rodgers, as she went on to describe the guest apartment, past the study, complete with a king-sized bed, a sitting room, and full bathroom. Rodgers and her husband, Billy, have two children, and two grandchildren. She said
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her Christian faith helps guide her approach to work. “I get up each day and, during my quiet time, I pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in whatever I do,” said Rodgers. “Sometimes my day is filled with appointments, and sometimes God sends me in a new direction.” Rodgers walked back out, past the workshop, through the attached, two-car garage, and stood at the head of the long, gravel driveway, leading out to Main Street. “I feel blessed to live and work in Pontotoc,” Rodgers said. “Our town is growing, and becoming more progressive, but it still has that smalltown feel. I truly believe it’s a great place to raise a family.” Contact realtor Rhonda Rodgers, at Matthews Real Estate, at (662) 419-0948 or nanagnyc@gmail.com
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HOW TO MAKE BEDROOMS
More Conductive to Sleep
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nsufficient sleep causes more problems than many people may know. Fatigue after a poor night’s sleep might seem like an inconvenience that can be easily rectified, but the long-term effects of insufficient sleep are significant. According to the National Sleep Foundation, researchers have found a link between insufficient sleep and an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes. In one such study exploring that potential link, researchers asked healthy adults to sleep just four hours per night for six nights. At the conclusion of that period, participants’ ability to break down glucose had decreased by an average of 40 percent and reached levels that are consistent with those of older adults at risk for diabetes. Insufficient sleep may be linked to any of a host of factors, including one’s bedroom environment. An environment that promotes restful sleep can help people suffering from insomnia or restlessness improve the quality of their sleep. Making bedrooms more conducive to sleep is one way men and women can improve the quality of their nightly sleep.
Tips to improve the quality of sleep SET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
USE A WHITE NOISE MACHINE
The NSF notes that research indicates a bedroom temperature of roughly 65 F makes for the best sleep. Human beings’ body temperatures rise and fall throughout the day, reaching their lowest level around 5 a.m. each day before slowly climbing as morning begins. A room that is too warm overnight may interfere with this natural dip, leading to restlessness. If necessary, install a programmable thermostat in the bedroom so the temperature in the room remains steady and in line with your body’s natural temperature fluctuations.
Noise is another potential contributor to poor sleep. The NSF notes that some people may have their sleep interrupted by noise even if they don’t know it. White noise machines are often used to help infants sleep, but such machines can be just as effective at helping adults. The NSF notes that the constant ambient sound created by white noise machines masks activity both inside and outside the house, helping men and women enjoy more restful sleep.
ADDRESS ALLERGENS
Waking up to sunlight each day might be nice, but that morning sunlight may be interrupting your sleep. Early morning rays from the sun might be triggering your body to wake up before it’s had adequate rest, so make sure blinds, shades and curtains are drawn before going to bed at night so you are not woken up prematurely in the morning.
Some people may trace their sleeping difficulties to allergies. Dust and pollen in the bedroom can make for a disruptive night’s sleep. Wash bedding once per week in hot water if dust mites are proving problematic. If pillows cannot be washed, dry them using high heat to kill dust mites. In addition, cover the mattress in a mattress protector that guards against allergens and dust mites. If pollen is finding its way into the bedroom, always keep bedroom windows closed during allergy season.
DRAW BLINDS, SHADES OR CURTAINS
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Defining Hardscape
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urb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home. Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping. Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs. Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surrounding environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one.
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& HOW TO USE IT
Tips to make the most of hardscape features CHOOSE MATERIALS
As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.
CHOOSE A THEME
The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project wil be cohesive.
THINK ABOUT THE PURPOSE
Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come.
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TIPS ON SHOPPING FOR
New Appliances Buying tips for new appliances RESEARCH
Shoppers should begin their research at home before they even enter a store. Make a list of features you want in the appliance, which helps narrow down the playing field and better focus your purchasing decisions. Once you have a list handy, speak with friends or family members about their experiences with brands and/or retailers. Ask about which features they like the most and how often they have had to call for repairs. If they could do things differently, what would those things be?
KNOW YOUR SPACE
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s the weather turns cooler, outdoor improvements become less practical. Homeowners’ thoughts may turn to projects they can tackle inside of the home. Now may be the time to consider the purchase of new appliances that can be the finishing touches to renovated spaces. Fall is prime time to purchase new large appliances. Manufacturers typically unveil their latest models during September and October. At this point, prices on older models will be reduced to make room for new ones. By the end of the year, any older models that have not yet been cleared out will be discounted further. Even though the end-of-the year deals will be better, the selection may be limited the longer you wait. It is best never to wait until an appliance is on its last leg for repair or replacement. Then consumers do not have the luxury to price shop nor find items that include the features they desire most. Do your research and comparison shop so you won’t have any regrets later on.
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Perhaps you are familiar with the adage to measure twice and cut once. The same can be said for measuring prior to purchasing an appliance. Be sure you know the exact measurements of the space that will house the new appliance. Take into consideration the clearance needed to open doors, such as with a refrigerator or front-loading washing machine. It can be a waste of time and money to have an appliance delivered only to find it doesn’t fit at the time of installation.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Consider appliances that reduce energy usage. Energy Star® appliances are produced in adherence to international standards for energy efficiency. The program was started more than 20 years ago by the EPA and the Department of Energy. Since then, other countries have adopted the program. Appliances that feature the Energy Star® logo use 20 to 30 percent less energy than required by typical federal standards. Homeowners who purchase qualifying appliances may be eligible for tax breaks and other incentives.
CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
It is easy to be overwhelmed and awestruck by the number of appliances available. You may desire the biggest and best there is, but if you are not a superstar in the kitchen, you may not need the commercial stove. A bachelor may not require an oversized washing machine.