User83845_3_t Pat Starnes
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Parker House Restaurant signage

Today I was treated to a superb lunch at the Parker House Restaurant in Olde Towne Ridgeland. The Parker House has an interesting history that you can read about on their website, but suffice it to say that it is fine dining in a old English style residence-turned-restaurant in the heart of Olde Towne.

Parker House Restaurant

 

The food was exquisitely prepared and served in a timely fashion. Our meal began with a serving of fried green tomatoes, some of the best I've ever had. It was difficult deciding what to order--everything looked so GOOD! Although I strongly considered the shrimp and grits, ultimately I selected the fried catfish topped with sauteed mushrooms and lump crab-meat. Delicious! And the side of garlic smashed potatoes were just as yummy.

They have a daily luncheon special at The Parker House. Fried quail with (I think) the smashed potatoes was today's choice. I'm sure it was good, but my dinner companion and I chose to order off the menu. And we were very pleased with our meal. We skipped dessert and instead munched on dinner rolls topped with sweet honey butter.

The atmosphere of The Parker House is something to experience. We sat in one of the private booths, complete with curtains that can be closed for a more intimate setting. The booth was private enough to carry on a conversation with few distractions.

Fountain at Parker House

 

There is a bar and lounge in the back of the restaurant, which overlooks their pool and three-tired fountain. There is outdoor seating, too, if you care to dine in their courtyard. At night it is lit with soft accent lighting, making it a truly enticing place to dine.

Patio at Parker House Restaurant

The Parker House has dining rooms that can accommodate groups, so keep that in mind when planning holiday parties.Pat Starnes, Metro Jackson, MS Realtor

 

The Parker House is located just off Highway 51 and West Jackson Street on SE Madison Drive in "Olde Towne" Ridgeland.

 

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

It's been in the planning stage for a month, but today I finally addressed the postcards for my Thanksgiving mailout. Years ago, I attended a seminar that suggested any mass mailout be done AFTER the 15th of the month, but before the 25th for maximum effect.

My postcards were ordered from Color For Real Estate and look a little like this:

 

Happy Thanksgiving Postcard

On the reverse, I have my photo and contact information. Most people don't send Thanksgiving cards, but I like to do it. It helps to get me in the holiday spirit. And postcards ARE a little less expensive to mail!

Let me be among the first to wish YOU a Happy Thanksgiving!Pat Starnes, Metro Jackson, MS Realtor

 

 

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

 

American Flag

Today is Veteran's Day, and I just heard a very appropriate way to "salute" or say Thank You to our military personnel.

When you come in contact with a veteran, someone you don't know personally but want to acknowledge,  place your right hand over your heart, then extend it toward them as if to say "thanks". THAT'S IT! Easy enough for us to do, but quickly and politely shows our respect and appreciation for their service and dedication to our country.

Thanks to all our military personnel for serving this nation. SALUTE!

Written by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

The following message was in my e-mail's in-box this morning. I don't know the origin, but felt it worthy to be reprinted. Hope you enjoy. There is an important message if we take heed.

(Edited 11/11/08 to change the title.)

yellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow staryellow star

      No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice.  Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

      He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport.  When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine.  Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey

      He handed my friend a laminated card and said, 'I'm Wally, your driver.. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

      Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.

      This blew Harvey away.  Especially when he noticed that the inside of  the cab matched the outside.  Spotlessly clean!

      As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee?  I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.'

      My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.'

      Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.'

      Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.'

      Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.'

      As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

      And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him.  Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day.  He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.


duck
      'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?'

 Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.



      He had just written a book called 'You'll See It When You Believe It'.  Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself.  He said, 'Stop complaining!  Differentiate yourself from your competition.  Don't be a duck.  Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain.  Eagles soar above the crowd.''

Flying bird from freefoto.com

      'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally.  'Dyer was really talking about me.  I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle.  I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers.  The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy.  So I decided to make some changes.  I put in a few at a time.  When my customers responded well, I did more.'

      'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

      'It sure has,' Wally replied.  'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it.  You were lucky to get me today.  I don't sit at cabstands anymore.  My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine.  If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

      Wally was phenomenal.  He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab.  I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it.  Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call.  The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

      Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice.  He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.Pat Starnes, Realtor

      How about us?

      Smile, and the whole world smiles with you.....The ball is in our hands!

 

Reprinted by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

Thanks to Kris Wales for the following post. Pricing your home Pat Starnes, Brandon, MS Realtorcorrectly is the most important step you can take to insure a timely sale. Although this article was written for Kris's market in Michigan, it is equally appropriate for the Jackson Metro market.

Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., Inc.

Via Kris Wales-Macomb County MI real estate -Ask me about buyers agency in Michigan:

**What a difference a year makes - or perhaps not so much of a difference.  I wrote this article a year ago and as I re-read it this morning I realized how much the words still hold true in our real estate market.  Perhaps even more so.**

 

Mr. or Ms. SellerYes, you do have to sell the asking price for your home 3 times
or you run the risk of the below scenario happening to you, especially in Macomb
County Michigan.
                                                                


home prices in macomb county michigan

1)
 You have to sell your price to attract a buyers agent.  If you overprice
     the home I can guarantee that an agent working on behalf of the buyer
     will put it to the bottom of the list of homes to show their client. 

     Buyers agents in Macomb County have more homes available to
     them and their clients to view than we've had in recent years. 
     The agents in Michigan are typically weeding through close to
     100 homes in some instances that meet their clients criteria.

     If you overprice your home from the start the agents will not consider
     your home for their clients. It is that simple.   Please don't make
     the mistake of thinking that your home will be shown if it is overpriced,
     and that buyers and their agents can read your mind about "Just
     bring me an offer - I'm negotiable."   Even if you ask your agent
     to note that in his/her remarks the likelihood of a buyers agent
     seeing that is next to nothing.   We won't even get that far because
     we won't be pulling up your full listing information if it is priced too 
     high to begin with.

2) You have to sell your price to the buyer.  Buyers are savvy and
     educated.  The typical buyer has already done their homework
     prior to engaging a real estate agent on their own behalf. 
     They know the real estate market and the general values of homes
     in the neighborhoods they are interested in.  They don't want to
     become involved with an overpriced home and lengthy negotiations
     with a seller.  Why not?  Because the home down the street is
     going to be very similar and priced well.   They don't have to
     consider your home.  One more thing to consider:  A buyer does
     not want to insult you with what you may think is a low offer.
     Most buyers I work with will ask me "Will this insult the seller?"
     Buyers aren't your enemy - They want to work with you.  They
     also don't want to be dragged into a potential "left with bad
     feelings" transaction. 


3) You have to sell your price to an appraiser.   Let's say you do
     
receive an offer on your overpriced home.  The next step in the
     purchase process is for your buyer and their mortgage representative
     to start working their way through that obtaining the loan.  An appraiser
     will be hired by the mortgage lender.  He or she will study comparable
     sales for your home, neighborhood, square footage, recently sold
     prices, etc.  When the appraiser realizes that your home is overpriced
     the purchase agreement that you thought you had on your home will
     almost certainly be "dead".  Why?  The lender of the loan will not loan
     money to a buyer on a home that is not worth the asked for amount
     by that buyer. Unless the buyer is willing to come up with the cash
     to make up the difference between the appraised amount and your
     agreed upon purchase amount you will now have your home back on
     the market.  The $30,000 you put into your basement?  It isn't worth
     $30,000 to the appraisor nor the mortgage lender no matter how much
     you wish it to be true.

When the real estate agent or broker you hire advises you on the real estate market
and the changing home values please listen.  Please ask questions.  Please understand
that agents and brokers in Macomb County are giving you the advice for a reason.
We've seen the dangers of overpricing homes first hand and on a daily basis.  We want
to work with you and for you.

Price your home to sell 3 times:  To a buyers agent, to the buyer, and to the appraiser.

If you would like advice on the market value of your home please don't hesitate to
contact me either via email or phone.  I would be happy to discuss with you your home
and needs in a non-pressured atmosphere.

Sincerely,

Kris Wales - RE/MAX Advantage 1, Inc.      Search Michigan homes for sale
Chesterfield Township - Macomb County Michigan
586-840-1876 (direct line
)

http://macombhomes.com

©2007  Kris Wales - Macomb County MI real estate

 
Pat Starnes | McIntosh and Assoc., LLC | 601-278-4513
3323 Lanell Lane, Pearl, MS
Well-maintained, affordable brick home in Pearl neighborhood.
3BR/2BA Single Family House
offered at $119,900
Year Built Unspecified
Sq Footage 1,436
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

All new kitchen including cabinets, countertops, dishwasher, smooth top stove. Ceramic tile in entry, kitchen, both baths. Hardwood (parquet) in other public areas. New carpeting in two BRs. Vaulted ceiling in den/dining area. All brick exterior. Well cared for home. Move in ready. Owner is providing one-year warranty for buyer's peace of mind.

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat High/Vaulted ceiling
Family room Living room Breakfast nook
Dishwasher Stove/Oven Laundry area - inside
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Swimming pool(s) Golf course Playground


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:
Pat Starnes
McIntosh and Assoc., LLC
601-278-4513
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Oct 22, 2008, 1:01pm PDT
 

 The Fall Parade of Homes began this past weekend in Hinds, Rankin, and Madison Counties. If you missed it, you have one more opportunity to tour approximately 100 new homes throughout the Metro Jackson area. The Parade continues Saturday & Sunday, October 25-26 from 1-5 p.m.

 

The Parade of Homes is presented by Home Builders Association of Jackson. Plaques and Certificates of Merit Awards are given for Craftsmanship, Architectural Design, Kitchens, Interior Design/Décor, and Baths. The awards are prominently displayed throughout the homes on tour.

 

One Green Home received an Award of Excellence for Innovation in Building Practices this year. The award went to David Smith Builder, Inc. for his home in Farmington Station, a neighborhood in Brandon, MS. Smith is the current President of the local home builders association.Pat Starnes, Brandon, MS Realtor

 

If you are in the market for a new home, or just want to check out the designs and features available in today's homes, be sure to put Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26 on your calendar. Grab a copy of the Clarion Ledger for the parade route.

 

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

Regardless of where you live, you've likely heard the benefits of walking. Many people walk to lose weight, but there are many advantages to walking; it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, improves your stamina, and elevates your mood. That's a good reason in and of itself. But for each hour spent walking, you add two hours to your life. Now that is an incentive!

The Let's Go Walkin' Mississippi campaign is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, and First Lady Marsha Barbour, wife of Gov. Haley Barbour, is the spokeswoman. Most Mississippians have seen the public service announcements encouraging walking to get people out from in front of their television sets and outdoors.

 There are numerous parks, lakes, and walking trails throughout our state where people can get outdoors and walk, but there are two opportunities coming up where you can walk for a cause.

The American Heart Association is hosting the Metro Jackson Heart Walk on Sunday, October 26 at the State Capitol. This is a three-mile walk beginning at the new Capitol Building at 400 High Street in downtown Jackson. Registration begins at noon and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Go to Metro Jackson Heart Walk to see more details.

 The following weekend, the American Lung Association will host the Lung Walk on Sunday, November 2. The walk will take place at Winner's Circle Park in Flowood, MS. The park is at the intersection of Flowood Drive and Old Fannin Road. Registration begins at 12:30, with the walk starting at 2:00 p.m. The American Lung Association is raising money to prevent asthma as well as all lung diseases.

Pat Starnes, Brandon, MS Realtor

 The Mississippi weather this time of year is perfect for being outdoors, so get out there and enjoy it!

If I can help you with any real estate needs, please let me know. Your referrals are always welcome!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC (Reprinted for Rankin County, MS)

 

 

 

Regardless of where you live, you've likely heard the benefits of walking. Many people walk to lose weight, but there are many advantages to walking; it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, improves your stamina, and elevates your mood. That's a good reason in and of itself. But for each hour spent walking, you add two hours to your life. Now that is an incentive!

The Let's Go Walkin' Mississippi campaign is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, and First Lady Marsha Barbour, wife of Gov. Haley Barbour, is the spokeswoman. Most Mississippians have seen the public service announcements encouraging walking to get people out from in front of their television sets and outdoors.

 There are numerous parks, lakes, and walking trails throughout our state where people can get outdoors and walk, but there are two opportunities coming up where you can walk for a cause.

The American Heart Association is hosting the Metro Jackson Heart Walk on Sunday, October 26 at the State Capitol. This is a three-mile walk beginning at the new Capitol Building at 400 High Street in downtown Jackson. Registration begins at noon and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m. Go to Metro Jackson Heart Walk to see more details.

 The following weekend, the American Lung Association will host the Lung Walk on Sunday, November 2. The walk will take place at Winner's Circle Park in Flowood, MS. The park is at the intersection of Flowood Drive and Old Fannin Road. Registration begins at 12:30, with the walk starting at 2:00 p.m. The American Lung Association is raising money to prevent asthma as well as all lung diseases.

Pat Starnes, Brandon, MS Realtor

 The Mississippi weather this time of year is perfect for being outdoors, so get out there and enjoy it!

If I can help you with any real estate needs, please let me know. Your referrals are always welcome!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

 

 

 
Pat Starnes | McIntosh and Assoc., LLC | 601-278-4513
3414 Lanell Lane, Pearl, MS
Located in McLaurin Heights and close to the city park and golf course, this property is best suited and priced as a handyman's special.
3BR/2BA Single Family House
offered at $92,000
Year Built Unspecified
Sq Footage 1,248
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 1
Lot Size Unspecified
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This home has carpeting in good condition and new vinyl flooring in the two bathrooms. The large yard is partially shaded and completely fenced. The house has some deferred maintenance and seller prefers to sell "as is".

see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C Central heat Living room
Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher
Stove/Oven Laundry area - garage Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Storage space(s) Swimming pool(s) Golf course
Playground


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:
Pat Starnes
McIntosh and Assoc., LLC
601-278-4513
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Oct 19, 2008, 9:18pm PDT
 
 
Real Estate Agent: Pat Starnes (McIntosh and Associates, LLC)
Pat Starnes
Brandon, MS
More about me…
McIntosh and Associates, LLC

Office Phone: (601) 936-2007
Cell Phone: (601) 278-4513
Email Me
Pat Starnes, Realtor and waterfront specialist in Brandon, MS, blogging about activities and news of interest surrounding the Jackson metro area.

McIntosh and Associates, LLC

Accredited Buyer Representative

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