Pat's Postings - Brandon, MS and Metro Jackson Area Realtor

The Best Furniture Placement Website Ever!

2008-11-22T14:43:04Z

I am in the process of buying yet another home. I have no idea how many homes I've owned, but suffice it to say, I move a LOT.

Just like our buyer clients, I want to be sure that my existing furniture works in the new space. However, I am compulsive about it. Despite my many moves, I've always obsessed whether everything will fit and how it will look. So this morning I looked on-line for a website that would help me arrange the furniture in a functional but attractive method without using a lot of muscle.

I hit the jackpot with this site from Bob's Discount Furniture. By going to their room planner, you can customize your room size as well as select the size of your sofa, love seat, occasional pieces, TVs, etc. You can add plants, rugs, room dividers, candles, whatever you want! You can do EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE! This is the best furniture arranging tool I've seen and is very user friendly.

Anyone who is moving can benefit from this tool. You'll know EXACTLY where the furniture is going BEFORE the movers get there, saving yourself tons of stress.

I love it. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes

November 2008 Newsletter

2008-11-21T12:02:18Z

This is my November Real Estate Update from Realty Times. If there are topics you'd like more information on, please let me know.

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Pat Starnes

November 2008

It's a jungle out there. Let me be your guide.

Smaller Homeowner Relief Already In Place

  Don't wait for home owner bailout provisions to trickle down from the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008," (H.R. 1424) recently rushed through Congress.
      When it comes to help from new federal legislation for distressed home owners, the $300 billion "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008" (H.R. 3221), signed earlier this year, can provide more immediate relief.
      The $300 billion recovery act has both a mandated mortgage modifying provision and a voluntary "Hope For Homeowners" (H4H) refinance program, for home owners who qualify.

Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of October 30, 2008:

30 yr. fixed:   6.46%
15 yr. fixed:   6.19%
1 yr. adj:        5.38%


View current rates

President Bush signed the larger $700 billion stabilization act on Oct. 3, 2008, but it is, in-part, "stay tuned" legislation. Exactly how it will be implemented to help home owners -- or the economy at large, for that matter
CONTINUED >>>

Buying or Selling?

Let me show you how.

Good News For
Qualified Buyers

     A recent survey released by Trulia, a real estate search engine, community forum center, and reporter of market trends and data, found that a "crisis of confidence" exists among key groups of U.S. homebuyers.
      Not surprisingly, much of the lack of confidence in the real estate market stems from the mortgage fallout, the instability of the real estate market, uncertainty of economic times, and the upcoming election.
      According to the survey, which included about 1,500 respondents, 70 percent of non-homeowners have no plans to purchase a home in the next 12 months and nearly half in the 18 to 34 age group say the reason is because it's too costly. While those in the 35 to 44 age group are concerned that they might not be able to qualify for a home loan. The survey also found that only 12 percent of the non-homeowner respondents said they expect to buy a home in the next 12 months.
      In a press statement, Pete Flint, CEO of Trulia said, "This combination of CONTINUED >>>

Credit Unions To The Rescue

     Been down to your friendly neighborhood credit union lately?
      You could find that elusive home loan you been unable to get anywhere else.
      Credit unions didn't need a bail out during the Great Depression, they didn't need federal intervention during the Savings & Loan debacle and they don't need government assistance now. In fact, right now, they are rolling out the red carpet for home loan borrowers.
      During the boom, credit unions avoided writing subprime home loans and other easy-money mortgages. They also shunned selling packages of mortgages to Wall Street moguls who packaged them into now low- to no-return securities. That means credit unions are relatively untainted by the credit squeeze and they have both money to burn and a sound business foundation that allows them to keep on lending.
      Instead of fearing the next Great Depression, member-owned credit unions are bracing for what could be their boom time in home loans and other financial services, now that banks and mortgage lenders are crashing and burning.
      Mortgage production among credit unions is small by comparison to banks and mortgage lenders, but their originations rose a whopping 10.1 percent during the first half of 2008, according to the industry's federal regulator, the CONTINUED >>>

View my website and search for homes at this site

Improving Indoor
Air Quality At Home

Over the past few years energy efficiency within homes has been greatly improved upon. The modern approach to home design goes another step further by also greatly improving indoor air quality. By following a few simple tips and guidelines, you can work to better your family's repertory health. Here's a room-by-room checklist for homeowners looking to achieve optimal health at home.
Let's start on the lower level. Basements are prone to water leakage. Once the walls or floors have become moistened, mold can begin to grow in the drywall or carpet making you or your family sick. According to Dan Vandervort of HomeTips.com, gutters are an easy solution to routing water runoff away from
CONTINUED >>>

Local Market Conditions

Daily News and Advice

Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.

More Articles

October Round Up: Rates On The Move

FHA Still Going Strong

Investor Report: Bailout to Aid Investors

Don't Let Pesky Insects Hurt the Sale of Your Home

Pat Starnes, ABR,CNS
E-mail: pats@mcintoshandassoc.com
Web: http://patstarnes.com/
601-278-4513

McIntosh and Assoc., LLC
601-936-2007
434 Katherine Drive., Suite A
Flowood, MS 39232

Equal Housing Opportunity

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Parker House Restaurant in Olde Towne Ridgeland

2008-11-19T18:54:51Z

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.

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.

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.

The Parker House has dining rooms that can accommodate groups, so keep that in mind when planning holiday parties.

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

Send your Thanksgiving cards out ASAP!

2008-11-17T20:22:15Z

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:

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!

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

Salute our Veterans

2008-11-11T08:55:55Z

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

Are you a Duck or an Eagle?

2008-11-04T18:15:11Z

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.)

      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.

'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.''

      '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.

      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

Justifying your sales price 3 times - yes, you read that correctly

2008-10-23T00:39:10Z

Thanks to Kris Wales for the following post. Pricing your home correctly 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. Seller: Yes, 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.


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

Revised Price: 3323 Lanell Lane, Pearl, MS

2008-10-22T15:32:41Z

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

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 22, 2008, 1:01pm PDT

Jackson Metro, MS 2008 Fall Parade of Homes

2008-10-22T08:03:10Z

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.

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

Let's go Walking, Mississippi!

2008-10-21T13:42:07Z

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.

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)

Let's go Walking, Mississippi!

2008-10-21T13:21:09Z

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 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

Pearl MS House for Sale - 3414 Lanell Lane

2008-10-19T23:35:43Z

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

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 19, 2008, 9:18pm PDT