jackson: Squeeze a Little Extra Tax Savings Into Your Yearly Tax Planning
- 02/15/10 09:42 AM
Tax deductions are always a good way to squeeze a little extra tax savings into your yearly tax planning and budgeting efforts. With the economy being on a rollercoaster for some time now, the government has had to get creative and come up with tax credits and incentives to help homeowners reduce their 2009 taxes. Therefore, we have some tax tips and help. Some may apply to you to help you get the most of your taxes this tax season. Planning Your Retirement Contributions The tax deadline is April 15 or you can file an extension to make IRA contributions for … (0 comments)
jackson: Growing Trends for Aging Mississippi Home Buyers
- 02/01/10 03:00 AM
As the first month of 2010 has already come and gone, it seems that a growing trend with aging Mississippi home buyers has already begun. The most current trend shows that aging Mississippi buyers want comfortable, easy maintenance homes with the master bedroom on the first-floor. It's looking as though the baby boomer generation is now hitting their 50+ years. And these baby boomers make up around 28% of the population with very interesting statistics. BabyBoomerMagazine.com says this group is wealthier than any other in the nation, accounts for 40% of consumer demand and controls almost 70% of the total net … (0 comments)
jackson: Welcome Your New Year in Jackson, Mississippi
- 12/28/09 05:58 AM
With so many New Year's Eve events going on around Jackson, Mississippi, where will you welcome your New Year's in? We have compiled a list of venues that are having New Year's Eve events, so you don't miss out on all the fun. The First Baptist Church Jackson is having a ballroom dancing event from 8:00pm to midnight. The Raphael Semmes Band will be the big entertainment of the night in the church's Christian Life Center. Tickets are $75 for couples or $40 for individuals in advance and $85 for couples and $45 for individuals at the door. This event also … (0 comments)
jackson: Jackson MS Ranks High on Most Affordable Cities and Happiest Places to Live
- 12/21/09 03:49 AM
When it comes to finding affordability and happiness, you can now look to Jackson, Mississippi for both. Now that Americans are looking for affordable housing, solid real estate, stable employment, easy commutes and a place they can be happy, they aren't flocking to the Sun Belt or coastal cities to find it anymore. Forbes Magazine recently released its list of America's most affordable cities to live and Jackson, Mississippi is third on that list. Live Science released its list of the happiest states to live as well, with Mississippi ranking sixth on the list. Forbes Magazine compiled their list of cities … (0 comments)
jackson: Loving Jackson , Mississippi
- 12/14/09 10:16 AM
As the year comes to an end, we are suddenly feeling the need to express just how much we are loving Jackson, Mississippi in our blog. There are many people around who like to focus on the negative things that happen in the city and are all too ready to take potshots when positive things happen. However, there are many positive things happening around the City of Jackson that no one can deny as positive changes. There is no denying that Jackson has its own issues of population, crime and infrastructure. However, those are the same issues that all big cities … (1 comments)
jackson: The City with Soul’s New Hospitality Certified Program
- 12/07/09 10:25 AM
Many people know Jackson, Mississippi as the City with Soul. And to help ensure that visitors are happy while in town, the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau is launching a new program called the Hospitality Certified Program that is directed to ensure that all visitors have exceptional lodging while staying in the City with Soul. Mississippi is actually the first state in the entire nation to adopt a program like this statewide. The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau has now partnered with the Mississippi Hotel and Lodging Association to execute this new program in all lodging locations throughout the Jackson area. … (1 comments)
jackson: Bryam, Mississippi Resident’s Come Together at a Fun Night Out
- 08/10/09 04:12 AM
When it comes to finding the perfect community for relocating your entire family, many potential buyers are looking for a community they can feel comfortable in; one that comes together for good times and good fun. And Bryam, Mississippi residents come together for Fun Nights Out to mix-n-mingle with one another throughout the year. This helps keep Byram a great community to live. Last weekend Byram came together for another Fun Night Out with food, dancing and singing. It was the perfect time and place for families to come together in celebration of keeping Bryam a tight-knit community and crime free. … (0 comments)
jackson: Upfront Cost Help for Home Buyers
- 06/15/09 05:15 AM
There are many homebuyers who qualify for the $8,000 federal tax credit. However, they just don’t have the money that’s required for a down payment or closing fees. But now, they may be able to get help through a loan to cover the fees of the upfront costs that accompany buying a home. Recently, HUD announced that the FHA will begin allowing state housing finance agencies to give second mortgages so borrowers can use those funds toward their down payment and closing costs to purchase a home with an FHA-insured mortgage loan. This will be of great benefit to thousands of … (0 comments)
jackson: Keeping Safe from Harmful Gases Around the House
- 06/08/09 07:34 AM
Realtors® Mary & Bill Watkins ~ Jackson Mississippi Real Estate There are harmful gases that we can't see that can cause us harm each and every day that many homeowners don't think about. We would like to point out some dangers around the house and how to keep safe. The natural invisible gas radon can seep up from the ground into our homes. This is a natural gas in the environment that can pose a health risk for many. Many people don't know this, but exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation. Homeowners can … (1 comments)
jackson: Low Ball Offers and How to Handle Them
- 06/01/09 06:14 AM
Many homeowners become frustrated that their homes are still sitting on the market month after month. Many have even dropped their asking price already and they're waiting for buyers to snatch up their new low priced property. However, reality sets in when you have buyers appear that offer them 10% less than what they've already lowered the original asking price. So now what is a seller to do? Okay, this may anger or panic some, but let's not go there. And, let's not reject the offer right off either. Buyers making an offer are usually serious or they don't usually make … (0 comments)
jackson: Increasing the Value of Your Home
- 04/06/09 05:21 AM
Usually, one of the first questions we get from our sellers is, "How can I increase the value of my home?" However, we have to first explain to them the difference between price and value when selling a home. Price is what you are selling the property for and value is what the buyer perceives. This perception of value is highly influenced by several factors, including condition of the property, location, features, comparison to local purchase options and more. Therefore, by setting your attention to these details, sellers can positively increase the value of their home by attracting the right buyers … (0 comments)
jackson: The Arts Come Alive in Downtown Jackson
- 03/16/09 04:05 AM
More and more people are looking for free activities to fill their free time, especially in today's economy. And, as real estate professionals, new clients often ask us what's going on in Jackson that's fun and free? Well, this month's free event is Arts Alive. Arts Alive is a free two day festival which will be held on March 27 & 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Smith Park in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Arts Alive originally started as a church fundraiser, but was so popular, it has now turned into a two-day cultural event. The festival is … (0 comments)
jackson: Renovate Your Kitchen to Work Hard with Style
- 03/09/09 08:08 AM
If you're in the market to renovate your home's kitchen, there are some things you may want to keep in mind through the process. Up until recent years, kitchens served very few purposes. They were used to prepare food and clean the dishes. In today's world, we see a much different kitchen, though. Today's kitchens are the epicenter of the home. We not only cook in the kitchen, but we eat our meals there, we entertain there, we discuss the day's events there and we sometimes plan our weeks there. Because so much happens in the kitchen, many homeowners are looking … (0 comments)
jackson: Advice for Buying a New Home
- 03/02/09 06:33 AM
Buyers ask us for advice all the time about buying a new home in the doom and gloom of today's housing market and turbulent economy. And we tell them, if you are in the financial position to take advantage of today's falling home prices and get a loan, then we encourage you to do so. In the long run, you will strengthen your financial portfolio. However, everyone must keep in mind, the rules for getting a loan have been forever changed. Therefore, being aware of these loan changes and how they can affect you before you find the home of your … (1 comments)
jackson: Jackson State University is Going Green
- 02/23/09 03:32 AM
We love what Jackson State University is doing for the environment and want to share it with you in our blog. When you see the new addition to Jackson State University, you will see sleek, silver accents, large glass windows and modern furniture. It looks like something more fitting for an upscale office park, rather than a public college. The new $21 million addition was actually built with the environment in mind. It is Mississippi's first State-funded LEED certified project. The new addition of the 90,000-square foot building is just one of many examples of the state university's ways of "going … (0 comments)
jackson: Jackson, Mississippi February Events
- 02/09/09 05:00 AM
It seems like there is always something going on in Jackson, Mississippi. And February is no exception. There will be several events for the whole family to take advantage of. Therefore, we have compiled this list of what's going on in Jackson this month. · Dixie National Rodeo & Live Stock Show - February 5th - 11th at the Mississippi State Fairground (1207 Mississippi Street). Come see world champion cowboys ride the best rodeo stock in the largest livestock show east of the Mississippi River. For more information, call (601) 355-5252. · Grandma's Hands: Celebrating the Underground Railroad Quilt Codes - … (0 comments)
jackson: How to Find Your Diamond in the Rough in Today’s Real Estate Market
- 02/02/09 09:07 AM
It is a buyer's market and many people looking to buy a home aren't just looking for a great home, but that special home, their very own "diamond in the rough". Therefore, we have some tips to help you find exactly what you're looking for. 1. Get preapproved for a home loan. You don't want to waste your time looking at homes you can't afford. Once you know your price range, stay within it. 2. Take note of all the features you want in a new home. How many bedrooms do you want? How many bathrooms or garage spaces do you … (0 comments)
jackson: Accepting an Offer on Your Home
- 01/26/09 04:34 AM
Your home is up for sale and your Realtor® brings you an offer on your home. So what do you do? The first thing you want to do is think about it. Is the offer in your price range? Be careful about your response time. Most buyers will include a deadline for getting a response in the offer. Even if there is no deadline specified in the offer, you shouldn't wait too long to respond. Be quick with your response. The time between when the offer was made and the response is a crucial period. During this time, buyers are free … (2 comments)
jackson: Four Good Reasons to Buy a Home
- 01/19/09 06:48 AM
Many people think about buying a home but are too worried that it would be a financial gamble. And most of them haven't even considered the risk of not buying a home. Long-term home ownership can be the most reliable way to achieve financial security for most of the working class; even if you buy in today's real estate market. Long-term homeownership will give you access to the capital you will need to help support yourself in your later years. Here are four reasons why you shouldn't wait to buy a home: 1. Interest rates could go up. Interest rates are … (0 comments)
jackson: Winterize Your Home’s Garden
- 01/12/09 02:54 AM
Many homeowners love the look a beautiful garden in the spring and summer. But your home's garden can be severely damaged by winter weather, leaving it an ugly mess afterward. However, you can prevent winter damage by winterizing your garden. During the winter, many plants go dormant to protect themselves from the elements of winter weather. During the fall, plants will turn their energy from reproducing to the hardening stage. Hardening their tissues is what protects them during cold weather. In some areas of the country, warm spells pop in and disrupt the cycle by thawing and then freezing again later. … (2 comments)
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In Mary & Bill Watkins' Jackson Real Estate Blog find community information, current market conditions, real estate trends, community news, events, and real estate tips and advice for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
Tax deductions are always a good way to squeeze a little extra tax savings into your yearly tax planning and budgeting efforts. With the economy being on a rollercoaster for some time now, the government has had to get creative and come up with tax credits and incentives to help homeowners reduce their 2009 taxes. Therefore, we have some tax tips and help. Some may apply to you to help you get the most of your taxes this tax season.
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