real estate: Steps for Selling Your Jackson, Mississippi Home - 03/08/10 07:25 AM
Selling your home is a huge decision.  It will be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Therefore, to maximize your gain, you need to be sure your Jackson, MS home is in great condition when it comes time to place it on the market.  If it's not in the best possible condition, you most likely won't get the best value out of it. 
There are several things you should do to your home prior to placing it on the market.  And although no two home sales are exactly the same, many of the selling steps are similar. 
Here is … (0 comments)

real estate: Jackson, Mississippi’s St. Paddy’s Parade - 03/01/10 11:02 AM
It's finally time for the biggest party in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Mal's St. Paddy's Parade is just weeks away, set for March 20th.  The parade will begin its roll through downtown Jackson at 1:00 pm.  And, this year's theme is "It Ain't Easy Being Green."
The parade will begin its route from State Street to Capitol Street, from Capitol Street to Lamar Street, from Lamar Street to Court Street, and from Court Street back to State Street.  This is the second year the parade will take this route.
There will also be lots of events to participate in throughout the day.  … (0 comments)

real estate: Fixer-Uppers Ripe on the Housing Market - 02/08/10 05:22 AM
Trends among many home buyers these days appear to be with fixer-uppers.  Instead of looking for the traditional perfect home, some buyers are actually choosing homes that need a little work.
Buying a fixer-upper allows you to purchase it well below market value and add your own personal stamp to it.  However, in some markets, fixer-uppers can be hard to find.  With huge price declines, house flippers quickly grab these homes up, renovate them and turn them around for a profitable sale.
With thorough research or the help of a professional real estate agent, you can find fixer-uppers priced several thousands … (1 comments)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: Activities Are Never Lacking in Jackson - 05/11/09 05:38 AM
Whether you live in Jackson, Mississippi or you're just visiting the area, you will never have a lack of activities to fill your free time.  There is always something going on in Jackson.  We have listed some of the upcoming highlights so no one misses out.
Scooper Bowl Flea Market & All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival - May 16th from 7 am to 2 pm at the Good Samaritan Center.  A non-profit organization at the Good Samaritan Center will be holding this annual event, so don't miss out.
Icons From the Collection - May 30th from 10 am to … (0 comments)

real estate: Charming Ridgeland Mississippi - 04/13/09 03:56 AM
As real estate professionals serving the Ridgeland, Mississippi area, we have to boast about what a wonderful, charming community Ridgeland is.  Since 2007, Ridgeland has been one of Mississippi's fastest growing real estate communities offering southern charm and modern-day business amenities.  The community offers the perfect mixture of great neighborhoods, a developing economy, superior schools, wonderful parks and, best of all, it's within close proximity to Jackson, Mississippi.  Ridgeland also enjoys a mild climate nearly year-round with plenty of sunshine to go around too. 
Ridgeland offers the finest school system in the state of Mississippi.  The community is served by the … (0 comments)

real estate: 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)

real estate: Home Rejuvenation Tips - 03/23/09 04:37 AM
Spring is finally here, making it the perfect time to give our homes a little rejuvenation.  While the world outside may seem slightly depressing, our homes can be our haven and a real spirit booster when we have something happy to come home to.  And anyone can rejuvenate their home for very little money.  Even minor changes can make a big difference without hurting your budget.
As the weather warms in the springtime, it's the perfect opportunity to brighten your living space and help energize yourself at the end of a long day.  Believe it or not, our surroundings affect our … (0 comments)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: 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)

real estate: Jackson, Mississippi's Many Recreational Opportunities - 01/05/09 06:59 AM
Even during the winter, many people look for fun outdoor places to visit.  Therefore, Jackson, Mississippi has continued to add several outdoor locations for its residents and visitors to have fun. 
The city offers 54 wonderful parks and facilities.  That adds up to around 2,300 acres of outdoor fun.  These parks include playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, golf courses, picnic areas and walking and jogging paths.  The city also offers special facilities which include community centers, Mynelle Gardens, Smith Wills Stadium, the Jackson Zoo and the city's botanical gardens.  Community centers can be rented out for special occasions.  And, the city … (2 comments)

real estate: Second Chance Stimulus for Some Taxpayers - 12/29/08 07:01 AM
Wow, here it is again - Tax Season.  Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is just a few days away.  Taxes will soon be on everyone's mind.  Here is some good news for taxpayers who didn't qualify for this year's stimulus check or just got part of it.
That's right.  Many people's income in 2007 exceeded the threshold, so they did not get any payment or only a partial payment.  So many people have lost their jobs this past year or had a drop in their income.  These are the taxpayers that will get a second chance to … (0 comments)

 
Mary Watkins (Keller Williams Realty)

Mary Watkins

Madison, MS

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: 132 Riverview Drive, Ste A, Flowood, Ms, 39232

Office: (601) 977-9411

Mobile: (601) 955-5505

Search for Brandon, Ridgeland, Madison and Jackson Real Estate for sale and homes in the surrounding areas of Reservoir, Flowood, Canton, Pearl, Florence, Richland, Terry, Byram, Clinton, Raymond, Flora and Hinds. Receive great advice and support while finding your new home! 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.








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