Pat Starnes' Snippets

Landmark Hotel in Downtown Jackson Reopens After 40 Years of Neglect

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:24:59 -0400

The Historic King Edward Hotel, a landmark to many local Jacksonians, is open once again after a major rehabilitation that began in 2008 and was completed in 2009.

Now known as the Hilton Garden Inn, the hotel has 186 hotel rooms and 64 luxury apartments, in addition to a coffee shop, restaurant, and lounge.

The King Edward Hotel is rich in history. The original structure was built in 1861 but was destroyed two years later during the Civil War. A second structure, built on the same site a few years later, became a popular meeting place for social and political affairs in the late 1880s to early 1920s.

In 1923, the second structure was demolished to make room for the 12-story building that occupies the space today. Although the King Edward Hotel was a meeting place for many political events, the hotel closed in 1967, and sat vacant for over 40 years.

The Hilton Garden Inn sits at the corner of Capitol and Mill Streets, across from the Amtrak Station in Downtown Jackson. Why not take a trip downtown and tour this facility or book a weekend stay?

Photos by Pat Starnes

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

House for Sale at 203 St. Charles Place, Vicksburg MS

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:39:29 -0400

203 St. Charles Place, Vicksburg, MS

Savannah Hills Subdivision

Welcome to Savannah Hills, a distinguished Vicksburg neighborhood convenient to all this historic southern city offers. This 5 year old home, professionally landscaped, is in pristine condition.

3 large bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Master Suite Downstairs
Glamour master bath with separate shower, jetted tub, huge walk-in closet
Spacious family room with built-ins surrounding the fireplace
Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel double ovens and smooth electric cooktop
Granite countertops, Eat-in Kitchen
Formal Dining Room
No association fees
Warren County School District
Close to Historic Military Park

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

A Guide To Determine Architectural Styles

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:46 -0400

Remember the real estate commercial where the prospective buyer couldn't get his Realtor to understand he didn't want a ranch-style home? Every home the poor Realtor drove up to was a ranch. Each house looked the same as the one next door.

The commercial inferred the Realtor wasn't listening, so the buyer should choose "XYZ Realty", because they would listen and respond to the buyers needs.

But perhaps the Realtor WAS listening. Maybe there were limited choices on the MLS input program under "Architectural Style". If you've been in the business a number of years, does this look familiar?

Architectural Style (Circle ONLY One)

Ranch
Traditional
Contemporary
Saltbox
Bungalow
Cottage
Victorian

Nine out of ten listings were submitted as "Ranch"!

We've become a little more sophisticated since then, but sometimes it's difficult to get it right when selecting the architechural style of your new listing.

The Jackson MS MLS has added a chart to aid in the selection of the proper housing style, and I thought you might like to review it. The chart is courtesy of our Realtor Magazine. View Residential Styles here.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Real Estate Foreclosure Search for Jackson MS and Surrounding Area

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:47:08 -0400

Finding foreclosures in the Metro Jackson MS area isn't difficult. You just need to look in the right place. Some people erroneously think they need to buy a "list" or sign up for a FREE 7-day trial (then have your credit card billed after the seven days are up!) This is not necessary.

In the metro Jackson area, which includes Ridgeland, Madison, Brandon, Flowood, and Pearl, you only need to visit ONE website to find available foreclosures. And while you're there, you can check out important area information, learn what each city has to offer, research local schools, and search the Jackson MS MLS.

Once you locate a property that interests you, you'll want to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. What is available today may be SOLD tomorrow! Of course, if you prefer, tell me what you want and let my years of experience do the searching for you!

Search Jackson MS HUD foreclosures

Search Jackson MS Conventional (Fannie Mae) foreclosures

Search Jackson MS VA foreclosures

Search Jackson MS Freddie Mac foreclosures

Note: The MS Home Corp still has money available to assist qualified homebuyers with a one-time down payment assistance grant (up to $40,000) when buying a foreclosure. Please contact me for more information.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Twelve tips for reducing mold.

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:44:34 -0400

Enjoy these twelve tips for reducing mold. And while you're at it, remember that some of these same tips will help deter mosquitoe infestations this summer.

Via Denny McAuley (Home Check America):

Follow these suggestions to keep mold from growing in your home:

1.Check the exterior of your home regularly for accumulation of ground water. Route water away from the home (this means, routing downspouts and regrading to slope water away).

2. If you ever see bubbling or dampness in a wall, open the wall to see what's causing it.

3. If your house sits above a foundation and there's a heavy rain, put electric fans under the house to dry the ground. Dehumidifying crawlspaces and basements is recommended.

4. Fix leaky faucets, pipes and other leaks as soon as you find them.

5. Have your heating and air conditioning system serviced each year. Keep humidity low in the home during the summer. Do not block crawlspace vent.

6. Clean and dry out wet or damp areas within 48 hours.

7. Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent by venting bathrooms and dryers to the outside (not into the attic or crawlspaces), using air conditioners and dehumidifiers, using exhaust fans or opening windows when cooking, washing dishes or cleaning, and increasing ventilation.

8. If you have a leak that saturates carpet, ceiling tiles, or upholstery, remove them.

9. Use paint that has an EPA-approved mold inhibitor.

10. Clean kitchens and bathrooms with mold-killing cleaners.

11. Don't carpet bathrooms.

12. Don't put vinyl wallpaper on walls that are at risk of sustaining water damage.

Following these simple suggestions can eliminate or greatly reduce the chances of mold in the home.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Should I Dump My Agent?

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:46:34 -0400

Via Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes Realty Lic# 01147470):

After three months on the market, twenty showings and still no offers is it time to find a new selling agent? A seller posed this question on Trulia over a year ago and since my response (May 2009) was selected as a "Best Answer" I decided to share it with my readers since the answer(s) is timeless and not dependent upon current or past economic factors.

Probably not, but in order to offer an educated opinion I would like a little more information. Such as have similar homes sold during the three months your home was on the market? What's the current absorption rate in your neighborhood for homes of similar condition, size and price? If your agent has not provided this information to you, you should ask for a market update. The current economic conditions are challenging and your agent may be doing everything right without generating an offer because homes are simply selling at a much slower pace than in years past.

Buyer are choosy and their confidence is low. They need the wow factor of your house to impress them. Determine your property's wow factor and play it up. Maybe it's the view, the new kitchen or a great yard. Whatever it is make sure every buyer is aware of the features that make your property special.

There are several things you can do to increase the chance of obtaining an offer on your property. First, keep the lines of communication open with your agent. Be cooperative and do your part to make sure interested buyers are welcome. Think of every showing as a job interview. Prepare for it as if the sale depends upon it.

Make sure your property stands out from the crowd. It must be the best: best of show, best value, best terms and the best choice for the prospective buyer.

Express your concerns to your agent. Ask what you can do to increase your home's appeal to prospective buyers. It takes teamwork to get the job done, and working together toward a common goal is the best way to achieve a closed sale.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Parker House Restaurant in Olde Towne Ridgeland

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:54:51 -0500

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.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Brandon MS holds 24th Annual Brandon Day in May

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:24:02 -0400

Get ready for Rankin County's largest event, Brandon Day, to be held at Shiloh Park May 6-8, 2010. The outdoor festival will feature arts and crafts, carnival rides, food, fireworks, and day-long entertainment.

The headliner for this year's event is country music superstar Aaron Tippin, performing Saturday night. Also performing May 8 is Crossin' Dixon, a Mississippi country band.

Friday night's entertainment are two Christian groups -- Sidewalk Prophets and Addison Road.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. For more information regarding Brandon Day, visit www.brandonday.org.

This event will be fun for the entire family. Hope to see you there!

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Here it Comes! The Annual St. Paddy's Day Parade in Jackson, MS

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:46:56 -0400

OK, folks! It's time for the annual Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade and Sweet Potato Queens March in downtown Jackson MS! This event is so much fun and draws over 50,000 people (surely a conservative estimate) annually.

Mark your calendar...the date is Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. for the parade, but there are activities all weekend long that benefit Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.

Enjoy some of the photos from last year's festivities, and have a wonderful St. Paddy's Day weekend!

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Snow in Brandon and Metro Jackson ... Will it or Won't it?

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:22:09 -0500

It can't be good when your city is mentioned on the Weather Channel or the national news. A winter blast is predicted across the Deep South, especially along the I-20 corridor. The experts are predicting 1-3 inches of snow for Atlanta, Birmingham, Meridian and Jackson.

The south typically isn't prepared for snow, since we don't usually see accumulation. We don't know how to drive in the white stuff, and schools are usually closed if there is the slightest mention of snow in the forecast.

Snow has been the primary topic of conversation today, and it hasn't started to fall yet! But bring it on. I am ready. My pantry is stocked with the essentials...coffee, cream, sugar, Dr. Pepper, and chocolate. I bought a new magazine on the way home this afternoon. I have clean clothes, the plants are covered and the pipes are wrapped (I think). As long as it isn't too cold and we lose power, we'll be fine. But have your emergency plan ready, just in case.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Composting Renews Your Soil, or is that "Soul"?

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:35:09 -0500

I accidentally created a compost bin a few weeks ago. While raking leaves from my front lawn, I completely filled my 45-gallon trash can. Because the leaves were wet from a recent rain, I scooped (raked) them directly into the trash can with no liners or bags. Suddenly I had the "ah ha" moment and my compost bin was born.

You see, I don't have "dirt" in my yard. Rather, I have Yazoo Clay, which needs all the nourishment it can get. By springtime I should be able to supplement my landscaping with nutrient-rich compost from my fall leaves and other organic materials. In addition to enriching my "soil", composting is good for the "soul".

Doing good things for the planet can start in your own back yard!

If you are interested in composting, refer to this list of suitable materials.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

MS Home Buyer Advantage Offers Free Money To Buy Foreclosures

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:13:43 -0500

An exciting new program is making funds available for Mississippi homebuyers to purchase bank owned foreclosures throughout the state. The program, "Home Buyer Advantage" hasn't received a lot of press, but it is a tremendous opportunity.

Don't confuse this program, which is funded by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) through Congress's Neighborhood Stabilization Program with the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit. They are two separate homebuyer incentive programs. And guess what? You could be eligible for BOTH credits!

The "Home Buyer Advantage" is designed to prevent neighborhood decline from having too many foreclosures. The requirements are relatively simple, but the highlights are as follows:

The foreclosure you wish to purchase MUST BE your primary residence. This is not a program for investors.
Current homeowners ARE eligible (as long as they occupy the foreclosed property).
There are household income limits based on the county in which the property is located. For Madison, Rankin, and Hinds Counties, the income limit cannot exceed $47,650.
Applicants must spend eight hours in a pre-purchase homebuyer education class (through a HUD-approved counselor).
You must qualify for a mortgage.
The purchase price of the property must be 1% BELOW the current appraised market value.
The purchase price cannot exceed $238,000.

For further information, visit MS Home Corp or contact this Realtor.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Updated Information for 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credit

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:14:28 -0500

By now, word has traveled throughout the housing industry about the extension of the 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. An added feature to the act is the inclusion of move-up buyers, those who have lived in their existing homes for a minimum of five years. These buyers, most of them anyway, will be eligible to receive a maximum of $6,500 tax credit.

There are income limits for both categories of buyers - $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for married couples. And there is a cap on the price of the home of $800,000.

Homes should be "under contract" by April 30, 2010 and must close by June 30, 2010 to be eligible for the credit.

Visit the website for the Federal Housing Tax Credit.

As a Realtor and someone concerned about our economy, I am happy to see the government extend and modify the existing tax credit. However, my personal opinion is that it is unfortunate so many potential buyers will be left out.

Don't most homeowners trade up every three to five years? Those who tend to move more frequently will not be allowed to participate in the tax credit. On the other hand, will $6,500 induce a family to trade up if they normally live in their home for historically longer periods?

I would have preferred to see the tax credit awarded to any move-up buyer. Or at least those who had lived in their homes for a shorter timeframe. Three years might have been more equitable.

At any rate, this is important, welcome news for the real estate industry and many homebuyers throughout the country.

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Brandon MS Waterfront For Sale at 304 Forest Point Drive

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:25:27 -0400

This is a rare opportunity to enjoy relaxed waterfront living on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Brandon, MS. This property will be available for viewing Sunday, October 25th between 3-5 p.m.

304 Forest Point Drive

$247,500

Directions to 304 Forest Point

Completely Updated - Approximately 2200 square feet
Formal living room with hardwood flooring
Formal dining
Great room with fireplace, hardwood floors, and lots of windows
3 BRs/ 2 Baths
2 Car attached garage
Waterfront Deck
150 feet of waterfront on Ross Barnett Reservoir
Private Boat Slip
Scenic Nature Island behind property

Listing compliments of Rita McIntosh, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Contact Pat Starnes at 601-278-4513 for further information

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office

Fall Parade of Homes in Metro Jackson

Pat Starnes (Keller Williams New Beginnings) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:03:13 -0400

The Home Builders Association of Jackson will showcase their members' craftsmanship this weekend during the Fall Parade of Homes. Homes are available for viewing Saturday and Sunday (October 24-25) from 1-5 p.m.

126 Huntington View, Brandon, MS 39047

New homes throughout Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties will be on tour. Click on this link for a map and list of properties.

Prices start in the mid $150s.

Photo compliments of Deep South Custom Homes

Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.

Search homes for sale in Brandon, Pearl, Flowood, Madison, Ridgeland, Florence, Bryam, or Jackson, MS.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR

Keller Williams New Beginnings

132 Riverview Dr., Ste A

Flowood, MS 39232

601-278-4513 - cell

601-977-9411- office