Pat Starnes' Snippets

Let's go Walking, Mississippi!

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:21:09 -0700

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

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Castlewoods, Brandon MS Real Estate Report for February 2012

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:39:49 -0800

In February 2012 there were 7 homes that closed within the month for Brandon's Castlewoods Subdivision. This is an increase over February 2011, as there were 4 homes that closed this time last year.

The average sales price for homes that closed in Castlewoods in February 2012 was $183,271.

The average sales price for homes that closed in Castlewoods in February 2011 was $170,313.

The average market time (continuous days on market) for homes that closed in Castlewoods in February 2012 was 171 days.

The average market time (continuous days on market) for homes that closed in Castlewoods in February 2011 was 78 days.

There are five addtional homes in Brandon's Castlewoods Subdivision that are pending or under a contingency. These properties range in price from $140,000 to $218,000 and the average time on the market for these Castlewoods homes is 178 days.

There are currently 50 homes for sale in Brandon, MS's Castlewoods, a golf community in Northwest Rankin County, near the 33000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir. Prices range from $140,000 to $469,000, with an average list price of $231,531. View Homes for Sale in Castlewoods Subdivision.

View New Construction in Willow Grande II

Information on Castlewoods Country Club

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

New Homes For Sale in Brandon's Willow Grande II

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:22 -0800

Homes for Sale in Brandon, MS, near Ross Barnett Reservoir:

Willow Grande II

New homes are under construction in Brandon's Willow Grande II, located behind Castlewoods Country Club. If you are in the market for a new home, take a look at these affordably priced homes (under $200,000). These homes are eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Rural Housing Program.

Willow Grande II offers various amenities throughout these 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath properties, but standard features are all-brick construction, double garages, granite countertops, and a minimum of 1450 square feet.

For a current price list or to schedule an appointment, call, text or email me!

Article written February 2, 2012 and subject to price changes.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Adding Character to a Vacant Home is So Important

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:26:26 -0800

Thanks to Belinda Spillman of Aurora, Colorado for sharing a few reasons why home staging is beneficial to sellers. A quicker sale due to home staging translates to more money in the seller's pocket!

Via Belinda Spillman Colorado Real Estate Professional (Cornerstone Homes/Metro Brokers Marina Square):

Adding Character to a Vacant Home is So Important

I recently went on a couple of listing appointments, with my business partner Will Hamm, where the homes to be sold were sitting vacant. There wasn’t one thing in the home, not even a roll of paper towels.

Many homeowners feel that the best way to sell their vacant home is to remove every last item from the home. This isn’t always a good idea and here’s why.

Buying a home is always an emotional experience as well as financial. The buyers need to feel some emotion when they walk into the home and a stark empty home void of any character emits no emotion. For men this isn’t always such a big deal, but isn’t the woman who usually makes the decision of which home to buy (even though most men don’t realize that)?

Not everyone is creative when it comes to visualizing furniture in a vacant home. Without furniture, rooms usually look smaller and the question arises of how much can fit into each room. If the home is staged with appropriate furniture, there is no guess work.

Bathrooms are typically a cold room in the home without character. Why not buy a nice shower curtain or drape to swag back and make the tub look inviting. A few candles on the ledge with some nice smelling soaps wouldn’t hurt either.

The kitchen is the heart of most homes. A vacant home with absolutely nothing on the counters doesn’t emit any warmth to the homebuyer. Some knick knacks and colorful towels would spice up that kitchen. I have also used a serving tray with a setting for two on the edge of the counter. Coffee cups and pretty napkins are a nice touch.

One of the folks we met with asked if staging his home would result in more money in his pocket. I told him that staging his home would make his home sell faster which would effectively mean more money in his pocket because it would reduce the debt service on his home while it was sitting on the market.

Stagers are artist. Let them make your drab home look outstanding. They are worth their weight in GOLD!!!

Belinda Spillman
Cornerstone Homes Realty
Metro Brokers Marina Square
(303) 884-2026
www.BelindaSellsColorado.com

Belinda1126@hotmail.com

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

New Years Resolution? Putting One's House In Order...

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:57:05 -0800

My 2011 New Years Resolution is the same this year as each preceding year--to put my house in order. I spent New Years Day dismembering the Christmas tree, sweeping out artificial pine needles, and organizing both my home's interior and my garage. Everything was neatly arranged in the new storage boxes and modular shelving I purchased for the garage. By the end of the day, Christmas boxes were stashed in the attic, and my entire home resembled a more respectable version of itself.

Did you know "getting organized" ranks #15 out of the Top 20 New Years Resolutions ever? I thought it would rank higher, but there were other resolutions (quit smoking, quit drinking, lose weight) that took priority. You can see where your New Years Resolution ranks here.

If you are selling your home this year, try to maintain a well-organized home. Your home will show better, it will appear to have plenty of storage, and you'll probably receive higher offers than a disorganized, cluttered home might receive.

And if by chance your New Years Resolution is to buy a new home in the Jackson metro area, (#8 on the list of Top 20 New Years Resolutions ever) I know someone who can help with that!

Happy New Year, everyone! And Happy New Year Active Rain!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

7 Reasons why your house won't sell!

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:15:16 -0800

Your house is on the market but hasn't sold, and you wonder why. Listed below are Seven Reasons why your House Won't Sell!, written by Alan May.

Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor®, Evanston Real Estate (Evanston Condos, Evanston Homes, North Shore Homes):

Back in August of last year, I published a post called 6 Reasons why your house won't sell. It garnered an unbelievable (at least unbelievable for ME) 192 comments, after being viewed 8667 times, and having 7,934 people "click" on it. That means that 2.4% of the people who viewed the post, were moved enough to leave a comment behind.

The average, at least for me, has been less than half of that return... more like sightly under 1%. It was also "reblogged" by an astonishing 47 Rainers to share with their readers.

Soon after posting, a local Realtor publication contacted me, having found the article on Active Rain, and asked if they could publish the article, with my byline, of course. As you might imagine, I said "yes", and picked-up 438 copies of that issue (my mother loved them). So I thought it might be time to review and revive that post, and let the "next generation" of readers have their shot at it:

________________________________________________________________________________________

7 Reasons why your property won't sell

1. Your property won't sell because your photos are "less than impressive". The vast majority of home buyers start their search for a home on the Internet, so your property had better look fantastic in print. Not just nice, it has to look downright fabulous. Today an internet view is the same as a 'virtual showing'... if your house gets past that, then they might (just might) make an appointment to see it in person... You should really consider that your SECOND showing. Today's online viewers are expecting good quality photos (and lots of them...the picture below... taken from Google Maps... is completely unacceptable. That's a $500,000 listing, take a moment and your digital camera and force your agent to go earn their commission), a virtual tour, maybe even a floor plan, and they need to be high-quality, or don't bother.

2. Your property won't sell because it's overpriced. It's important to be as objective as you possibly can. Look at the home as though you were a "buyer"... if necessary, make an appointment with your Realtor to view other properties that are priced comparably to yours. Be brutally objective. Given the other options on the market (and yes, you DO have to include short sales and foreclosures on your list... your potential buyers are!), would YOU buy your home, over the others that are currently available on the market?

If the answer is "NO", (and try to be as honest as you can) well then you have your work cut out for you, don't you? You either have to "update" your home to meet or beat the competition...(that might mean an updated bathroom or kitchen, or neutralizing some decorating... remove that old wallpaper that was there when you bought the house or lower your price to adjust for it. if you can't afford to sell it for the price, that you KNOW it should sell for, this may not be the right market for you to sell. Consider taking it off-market.

3. Your property won't sell because it shows badly. This could mean almost anything... from the 60 pound Rottweiler, barking and drooling at the potential buyers from behind the safety of the flimsiest child-gate, to the lingering smell of 30-years of smoking. Maybe the carpeting shows traffic-pattern wear, or your windows allow in slightly more than daylight. All things that aren't visible from the internet, but whoa.... once you get inside the house... they show up, like a cat-urine-soaked-shag carpet on a 95 degree day in New Orleans!

4. Your property won't sell because you're invisible. Today's buyer comes from the internet, almost exclusively. Have you (or your agent) simply plopped the property on the MLS, and started praying? Are you on all the websites...(Trulia, Zillow, Craig's List, Google Base, etc...) all the places that buyers are searching? If not, you need to be, now! Don't try to be a secret, in today's electronic world. You want to be found, and the sooner the better.

5. Your property won't sell because your listing is tired and stale on the market. Okay... yes, you overpriced your home initially when you first came on the market a year and a half ago. But since then you have reduced your price almost monthly, constantly chasing the market down. Now, finally you're truly priced where you believe should be, but your listing (not your house) has become tired and stale. Everyone who is looking for your type of property (ie: 3br/1.1 bath) in your area has already seen the listing online, or in person and they remember that there was "something" about it that they didn't like... but what they don't remember is... what they didn't like.... was the price.   Time to take the listing off market. Let it cool off (3-6 months), and bring it back on fresh in the Spring. Yeah, you'll have 6 mos. worth of holding-costs... but you'll more than make up for it in your purchase price.

btw... Resist the temptation to bring the house back on at a higher price, than when you left the market. Just "don't do it"!

6. Your property won't sell because your house won't appraise. The house looks great... you've finally gotten someone to bring you a bid on your slightly over-priced, but beautiful pied-a-terre. But the bank appraiser says it's worth $20,000 less than your buyer has agreed to pay. Heavy sigh... bite the bullet.... negotiate with them.   If you have to drop the price $20,000 to make it work.... "make it work"... chances are, anybody else trying to buy your house will run into the same problem. If you're not willing to negotiate the difference, you may find yourself with no buyer, and accepting a lower offer somewhere down the line.

7. Your property won't sell because it's unavailable to show. You have a baby, and a 1-year old. And they need their naps. So you've told your Realtor in no-uncertain-terms, that you'll only allow showings between 9:00a.m - Noon, and then again from 2:30-5:30 p.m. And no showings on Saturday or Sundays. "After all", you've told him "we still live here.. it's our home!". Well guess what? They can't buy it, if they can't see it. As good as your online photos are, they're no substitute for an in-person visit. "If they really want to see it, they'll reschedule", you're already answering as you read this. Nonsense! What they'll do, is they'll just move on to the next property in line (there are dozens like yours available) and maybe they'll buy that one instead. Once you put your property on the market it stops being your "home", and has become your "product". And you want your product to be seen by as large a buying audience as possible.

So, there you have it. Stick around another year and half. Who knows, maybe by August of 2013, I'll have EIGHT reasons why your property won't sell!

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

3rd Annual KW Chili Cook-Off a Huge Success ~ Jackson, MS

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:43:30 -0800

The 3rd annual Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off in Jackson, MS was a huge success! Our local Keller Williams market center raised over $1300 for KW Cares, our national non-profit organization.

Since this was my first year to attend the annual cook-off, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the chili was mmm, mmm good, it was a gorgeous fall day, and everyone who attended enjoyed indulging in the festivities.

First, second, and third place prizes were awarded for the best chili and also for best table decorations. I'm not quite sure how our local judges made their decisions, but they took their responsibilities seriously!

Everyone who participated made awesome chili and we appreciate each and every vendor who contributed.

First Place went to Luckett Land and Title.

Second place was awarded to Chan Vessell at First American Title Company.

Blair Chandler with Prime Lending in Ridgeland, MS snagged third place.

The People's Choice award went to Magnolia Home Inspections.

Congratulations to all the winners! Thanks to everyone who participated and worked behind the scenes. I'm sure this event will continue to grow and our KW family can raise even more funds for our charity next year.

Read my earlier post about the Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Unusual Yard Art ~ Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This!

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:02:14 -0800

Unusual Yard Art ~ Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This!

When I saw the unusual landscaping in the front yard of this Jackson MS home, I had to circle the block to snap this photo.

I've seen creative uses of found objects before in my everyday travels, but this one may win the prize of "most unusual find".

The property is located in the trendy Fondren area of Jackson.

If you'd like to share your unusual yard art photos, I'd love to see them. Please e-mail them to me at patstarnes@kw.com. Let me know if I can borrow them for future features.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Brandon MS ~ Castlewoods Market Condition Report for October 2010

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:19:16 -0700

Brandon MS ~ Castlewoods Market Condition Report for October 2010

In October 2010, two new homeowners purchased homes in Castlewoods Subdivision, one of the largest neighborhoods in Rankin County. These two properties had a combined average sales price of $204,000, with an average time on the market of 174 days.

In comparison, five homes closed in Castlewoods during the month of September 2010, and a whopping 12 properties closed last year during the month of October 2009. Year-to-date closed sales for 2010 vs. 2009 are 58 and 74, respectively.

Fourteen homes were added to the market during the month of October, bringing the total number of homes for sale in Castlewoods to 80.

Four homes are under contract (pending or contingent) and four properties either expired or were removed from the market in October.

Home prices in Castlewoods range from the low $100s for resale upwards of $300,000. New construction properties are included in these statistics.

Castlewoods, one of Rankin County's premiere neighborhoods, is built around Castlewoods Country Club and is located in NW Rankin School District.

See current Homes for Sale in Castlewoods Subdivision ~ Brandon MS

If you are looking to sell your home, but are discouraged by what you read or hear about the real estate market, don't despair. While it is true that the market is challenging, it is encouraging to note that some homes DO SELL. If you need to sell, your home will have to BEAT THE COMPETITION.

What do I mean by "Beat The Competition"?

Your Castlewoods home will have to be priced competitively, because buyers shop by comparison. Your house will have to shine from top to bottom. Every nook and cranny should be clean and freshly painted. For FREE tips to Make a Good First Impression, click here:

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

St. Marks Fall Festival Provides Fun for All ~ Brandon, MS

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:40:31 -0700

St. Marks Fall Festival Provides Fun for All ~ Brandon, MS

There is always something fun to do in the Jackson Metro area, especially during the holiday season. This weekend I took the grandkids to St. Marks UMC Fall Festival, and there were games for both the younger set as well as the older kids.

Costumes were optional, although most children took the opportunity to dress as their favorite cartoon character or super hero.

There were simple, easy games for the under 4 set, ranging from "Go Fishing", Bowling, Bean Toss, and Golf, to bull riding and Gladiator jousting for the older children. And there were space jumps for all ages. Of course, there were plenty of sugary sweets to go around, including cotton candy, ice cream, and cupcakes.

The St. Marks Festival is an annual event offered as an alternative to the traditional Halloween festivities.

Read about other Halloween activities and festivals in and around Brandon.

*Photos Copyrighted 2010

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off in Jackson MS on November 18th!

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:06:36 -0700

Come enjoy chili at the Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off on November 18th in Jackson, MS at the Mississippi Ag Museum.

Our local Keller Williams Realty office is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off as a fundraiser to support our national non-profit organization. KW Cares is a charitable corporation designed to assist Keller Williams associates and their immediate family members in case of emergency or hardship.

Not only does KW Cares support its own members financially through personal tragedy or hardships, but KW Cares also donates to other charities, like M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Tickets for the Chili Cook-Off are $5.00 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Teams will compete for bragging rights (and trophy) for the best chili.

Area celebrity judges will select the first, second, and third place winners. In addition, there will be a "People's Choice" award. Register for a chance to win door prizes or participate in our fun raffle.

The KW Chili Cook-Off will take place between 11:00-2:00 at the Heritage Building at the Ms Ag Museum off Lakeland Drive.

Call or text me to get your tickets, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Mistletoe Marketplace, a Jackson Shopping Tradition, is coming to MS Trade Mart!

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:35:51 -0700

Mistletoe Marketplace, a Jackson Shopping Tradition, is coming to MS Trade Mart November 4-6, 2010.

This event, sponsored by The Junior League of Jackson, is a three-day shopping extravaganza that marks the beginning of the holiday season. Over 160 merchants from across the U.S. bring their wares and artwork to sell at Mistletoe Marketplace.

Speaking from personal experience, this is a must attend event, and a terrific opportunity to secure some unique and treasured Christmas presents from talented artisans.

General admission begins Thursday, November 4th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday's hours will be 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday shopping will be from 9-5 p.m. Admission is $10 per day, or a three-day pass can be purchased for $20. Buy tickets here for Mistletoe Marketplace.

Check the Mistletoe Marketplace website for special events, including Photos with Santa and The Polar Express Pajama Party for children.

Mistletoe Marketplace is the primary fundraiser for The Junior League of Jackson. Proceeds benefit the group's various projects throughout the Metro Jackson area.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Easy to Use Zip Code Tool...Why Didn't I Think of That Before?

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:19:17 -0700

Sometimes, when researching properties to show a client, we need to know the zip code of a particular area, especially in larger municipalities. Most MLS's provide the capability to search by zip code and it helps to know the exact boundaries the zip code encompasses.

Today while searching for comparables, I found this easy-to-use zip code tool -- ZipMap.net. You can enter a known zip code and see a google map with the zip code overlay, or enter the address and find the zip code.

I was so impressed with this simple site that I've added in to my website. Try ZipMap.net. You'll wonder why you didn't think of it before.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

Halloween Events and Festivals Abound in Brandon MS

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:34:50 -0700

Several Halloween Events and Festivals Abound in Brandon and other nearby MS cities, offering a variety of Halloween fun for the entire family.

Flowood's Kids' Night Out will be held this year at Liberty Park, behind the Flowood YMCA. Kids' Night Out is an annual fun-filled event that includes space jumps, kids karaoke,and a petting zoo. This FREE event is set for Saturday, October 30, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Boo at the Zoo will be held this Friday and Saturday, October 22-23, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. at The Jackson Zoo. General admission applies. Visit The Jackson Zoo website for more info.

The Dark Zone Haunted House is held weekends from now to October 30, 2010. Sponsored by the Crossgates Exchange Club, the Dark Zone is held in the soccer fields behind Rogers Chevrolet in Brandon MS. The Haunted House is NOT recommended for young children, but alternate entertainment will be available for kids under 5. Activities begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6.

Maybe you want to visit a pumpkin patch, take a hayride or wander through a corn maze? Why not take a ride to The Pumpkin Patch on Hwy 43 North in Brandon MS? They are open to the public on weekends, but by appointment during the week. It is recommended you call ahead to confirm their hours of operation.

Since Halloween falls on Sunday this year, most Rankin County cities have designated trick-or-treating take place on Saturday, October 30.

Have a spooky but safe Halloween!

*Photo Copyrighted by Pat Starnes

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell

NW Rankin Cougars Celebrate 2010 Homecoming Game

Pat Starnes (Pat Starnes Real Estate) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:14:28 -0700

The NW Rankin Cougars celebrated their 2010 Homecoming game with a pre-game parade Thursday evening. Both sides of Vine Street were lined with Cougar supporters and friends of NW Rankin School.

The parade's theme, "Classic Cartoons", featured the Cougars' marching band, NW Rankins' ROTC, and themed floats with plenty of throws and treats for the kiddies.

The Seniors float was "The Smurfs", the Juniors float was "Scooby-Doo", Sophomores was "Batman", and Freshmen was "The Flintstones".

NW Rankins' Homecoming Game against Greenville starts at 7 p.m. Friday night (October 22, 2010). The Homecoming Court will be presented at 6:30.

NW Rankin Cougars have won seven games this season.

For more NW Rankin Football, visit their website.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes 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.

Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area

Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS

Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell