How to start the home buying process
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Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions in your life. Whether you’ve done it once, or multiple times, you know it is a whole process. A process that takes time, energy, and can be overwhelming. Buying a home requires negotiating skills, financial knowledge, and legal expertise. In this blog, we’re going to discuss how to start the home buying process. Some of these topics include: how to begin, tips, and the advantages of hiring a real estate professional.
One of the first things to consider is…How much home you can afford? You don’t want to sell yourself short by thinking about this on your own or internet searching in circles. Do yourself a favor and go have a conversation with the people in the know – Realtors and Mortgage loan officers. Simply speaking with a local professional about buying a home can put your mind at ease and get you started in the right direction.
Mortgage loan officers are available to help you determine your price range, the do’s and don’ts of things while you’re in this process, along with educating you on all the many types of financing options. Once you’ve determined your affordable price range, your Realtor can begin their work of narrowing down homes for you to view.
Finding the right professional to work with is very important. There are many Realtors out there, and you need to find the one that you are able to talk to comfortably, communicate your needs, and whose opinion and judgement you respect. The Realtor also needs to be able to trust and communicate with you comfortably as well because they are looking out for your best interest. A clear advantage of hiring a Realtor is so you don’t have to go through this alone. They have the background, experience, and skills to guide you through each step of this process. Another advantage is that they have extensive knowledge of market trends, neighborhoods, communities, and what’s already for sale (or going to be) throughout the area.
Once you decide on who you’d like to represent you, they will present you with a disclosure statement before any action is taken. This explains what a Buyer’s Agent is and does, the agreed length of time you will work together exclusively, how compensation works, and other topics. After all, you are entering into a relationship with this person and everyone needs to be open and on the same page.
Other things to consider are:
- The community you want to live in.
- Do you want to be near amenities, on the outskirts, or your own oasis in the country?
- Is it near your job, close to grocery or other stores, easy access to public transportation, or parks/play areas?
- Are there good schools, churches/synagogues, childcare services?
- Other aspects?
Buying tip #1: If commuting time is important to you, take a “test drive” by driving from work to the home you are considering. It’s also interesting to see if there are multiple ways to get to and from your destination.
- What are your home requirements?
- Single family home, townhouse, other?
- Older, newer?
- One story, two story?
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
- Any other special features?
Buying tip#2: Pay attention to the original listing date of the homes you look at. Sellers tend to be more flexible the longer the house is on the market.
If you are in the market to buy a home or land and need a Realtor, give one of our ERA agents a call. All of our real estate experts would be glad to help you with all of the things above and help your home buying experience be as seamless as possible.
How to maximize your small space
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Do you have small spaces in your home and have been wondering how to decorate or design it to get the most? There are many tips and tricks on how you can maximize your small space. Implementing some of these specific design techniques can help you get the most out of each room.
Furniture
Furniture with storage space
- This is a great two-for-one!
- Buy something that you will use, but that will also help you organize some of the items that also may clutter up that room
Embrace curves
- Rounded or curved edges create a organic comfortable feel
Utilize a kitchen corner
- Consider using a neglected corner, not only for seating but also use seating with hidden storage to maximize that space to store all of those bigger, less used kitchen items
Choose smaller furniture
- Even though you might want a larger dining room table…would a smaller round one suffice?
- Lean away from oversized furniture
Float Furniture
- moving furniture away from the walls can make a room feel larger
- it gives a sense of depth and space
Keep the view clear
- anything that stops the eye from moving around a room can make a room feel limited
- try tables with a transparent surface and chairs that have an open or partially open back
Install shelving
- Maximize vertical space to display items
Remove extra seating
- Extra seating is nice when you have company…but the rest of the time can just be in the way. Try convertible furniture.
Design
Create the illusion of more space
- Add mirrors! Specifically, by adding them across from a window to reflect light.
- If the room is dark, incorporate more bright light to open the room up.
- Use lines to your benefit. Floor and wall coverings with lines/stripes to make the space feel more open
Use Symmetry
- Makes a space feel tidier
- Balance is a relaxing concept for our brains
Limit your color pallete
- Select a few shades and stick to them
Create Zones or small-space barriers
- Use area rugs and shelving to break up larger rooms into
- Folding screens, and curtains can all act as room dividers to create privacy or define zones
Hang your clothes vs folding them
- Utilize vertical space
- Limits the need for bulky furniture
Let small rooms breathe
- a small amount of well-chosen and well-placed accessories is all you need
- avoid a cluttered look
These are some great ideas of how to use furniture and design techniques as to how to maximize a small space. We hope you try some and notice a difference!
The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
![Gratitude Jar](https://erastarkville.com/files/2024/06/Untitled-design.png)
The benefits of practicing gratitude in your daily life can have a significant impact on your well-being and mindset.
Even if there is nothing significant happening in your life today, it IS a new day. One that you can participate in what ever way you are able. Sometimes expressing gratitude simply for a new day is enough to change your attitude and perspective. Gratitude, however, is more than just saying “thank you.” Practicing gratitude is appreciating the goodness in your daily life no matter how big or small. There is always something to be thankful for even if some days you really must look for it. The benefits of practicing gratitude in your regular routine, can provide you with physical, mental, and emotional gains. It is a powerful tool for helping us balance out negative thought patterns and can strengthen relationships by recognizing and valuing the good in others.
“This is a wonderful day. I have never seen this one before.” -Maya Angelou
There are some exercises you can try to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. Try some of these and hopefully you’ll find one that works for you.
- Gratitude Countdown
- Rapidly list 10 things you are grateful for. This is also something you can do with a partner or solo.
- 24 hour reflection
- take time to scan your thoughts and say three things out loud that happened in the last day that your are thankful for.
- Gratitude Journal
- In a notebook, jot down something you are thankful for each day
- Gratitude Letter
- Sent a letter, email, text, or call someone that has significantly impacted your life and express that to them in words.
- Walk
- Take a walk and intentionally notice and appreciate the world around you by using your senses.
- Meditation
- Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Then begin to shift your thinking to things you are grateful for and feel the warmth and joy that brings to you.
- Gratitude Jar
- Write things you are grateful for down on a slip of paper and drop into a jar. Whenever your feeling low or need a pick-me-up, read one of your entries and rediscover that wonderful feeing.
Give some of these practices a try and notice the shift in your mind and attitude. If you practice something daily, it then becomes a habit. This is a healthy and beneficial habit that will pay you back over and over.
Outdoor Design Trends
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Outdoor Design Trends
These outdoor design trends are creative, inventive, and natrual ways to update your outdoor space. The current outdoor design trends are leaning toward more useful, tranquil, and functional. Impletmenting some of these ideas into your space can help make your outdoor space a true extension of your home.
Layers of lighting
Using lights on different levels adds depth and interest to your outdoor design. Try adding lights as accents, using different intensities, or even a layered effect. Implementing a few different layers can make your yard and garden a true extension of your home.
Chill Vibes
Tranquility is where it’s at. Leaning toward a mellow feel with a relaxed, playful setting versus a high-contrast vibe with edgy landscape. You can achieve this with hanging chairs, water features, wind chimes, and strings of lights draped casually through the trees.
Encourage outdoor time for kids
There are many mental and physical benefits of being outdoors. Try expanding your outdoor space to be more kid-centric by making pathways specifically for them to run through, adding ropes to climb, a playhouse, or even creating a dry river bed with river rocks and plants explore.
Nurturing and Natural Landscaping
Try garden designs with healthy edibles and herbs and plants that have healing properties. Also try incorporating, low-water landscapes incorporating native plants, and pollinators. Planting native plants also coincides with developing a conscious use of water.
A few other ideas to try are:
- Create a meandering pathway
- Use curvy outdoor furniture
- Incorporate shapeable plants
- Plant easy care evergreens
- Have an outdoor nooks
- Use vacation inspired decor
- Accent with organic textures.
With all that being said, one of the most important things to remember is just to simply create and outdoor space that is designed by incorporating personality infused details. Get inspiration from things you’ve gathered along the way. Look at the color schemes, patterns, and textures. Use these outdoor design trends as inspiration for your own personal spin to truely make your own. Building this space for your family’s enjoyment ultimately makes it a peaceful and enjoyable extension of your home that you can use and enjoy for many years to come.
If you are rocking a wonderful outdoor space, tag our social media, we’d love to see it and get inspired!
Preparing your home for Summer
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Preparing your home for summer is a great habit to get in to doing each year. Keeping up with maintenance tasks around your home is the perfect way to ensure that your investment stays in tip-top shape! Also, there is some fun things to prepare for too…such as prepping your garden and stocking up on summer essentials!
Getting your home ready for summer involves both practical and enjoyable tasks. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re prepared:
- Air Conditioning Maintenance: Have your air conditioning system serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently during the hot months.
- Check for Drafts: Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out.
- Clean or Replace Filters: Clean or replace air filters in your HVAC system to improve air quality and efficiency.
- Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these devices are in working order to keep your home safe.
- Inspect and Clean Gutters: Remove debris to prevent water damage and ensure proper drainage during summer storms.
- Check Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Inspect for leaks and make any necessary repairs before watering your lawn and garden.
- Inspect and Clean Outdoor Furniture: Clean outdoor furniture and check for any damage that needs repair or replacement.
- Prepare Your Garden: Start planting summer flowers and vegetables, and ensure your garden is properly mulched and watered.
- Pest Control: Take preventive measures to keep insects and pests at bay, such as sealing cracks and using natural repellents.
- Outdoor Lighting: Check outdoor lighting fixtures and replace any bulbs that are burnt out. Consider adding solar-powered lights for energy efficiency.
- Inspect Your Roof: Check for any loose or damaged shingles and make repairs to prevent leaks during summer rains.
- Clean Windows and Screens: Clean windows and screens to let in more natural light and fresh air.
- Stock Up on Summer Essentials: Ensure you have sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other summer necessities on hand.
- Prepare Outdoor Entertainment Areas: Clean and arrange outdoor entertainment areas such as patios, decks, and BBQ grills for summer gatherings.
- Plan Energy-Saving Strategies: Consider using ceiling fans, installing window coverings to block out heat, and using programmable thermostats to save on energy costs.
By completing these tasks and preparing your home for summer, you’ll be ready to enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable summer at home. If you need any suggestions for maintenance or technicians, or if you are ready to prep your home to sell this summer, let us know, we’d be glad to help.
What is Homestead Exemption?
![What is the Mississippi Homestead Tax Exemption? How do I qualify and apply?](https://erastarkville.com/files/2024/03/Copy-of-Homestead-Exemption.png)
What is Homestead Exemption?
The Mississippi Tax Commission performs two functions in reference to homestead exemption. The first function is to determine the eligibility of taxpayers who wish to obtain an exemption from ad valorem property taxes. The second function is to reimburse the taxing unit who suffers a tax loss because of its exemption. Homestead Exemption is a privilege offered to eligible taxpayers by the State of Mississippi. It is very important to remember that the exemption is not granted automatically. You must file an application and each taxpayer must qualify for the exemption. You have from January 2nd – April 1st to file your homestead tax exemption. Below are details of how to qualify and what you’ll need to provide when filing. Should you have further questions about any of these details, you can refer to the Homestead Exemption FAQ page found on the ms.gov Department of Revenue website.
In Mississippi, you are elegible to file your Homestead Tax Exemption in 2024 IF any of the following changes were made in 2023:
- You bought property and it is your primary home
- If you sold part of your homestead property
- If you bought more acres and want to add it to the existing homestead
- If you married or divorced, or became widowed
- If you became disabled
- If you celebrated your 65th birthday
There are things you are going to want to have with you when you go to make this process as easy as it can be.
- Recorded deed filed in 2023
- Closing Disclosure
- Social Security numbers for you (and spouse, if applicable)
- Tag numbers of all privately owned vehicles in your name
- If you are 65 or older, Driver’s License or Birth Certificate
- If disabled: TPQY form from SS Administration stating:
- your name and SS number
- Entitlement or eligibility date
The process of filing your Homestead Tax Exemption is very simple. However, if you need any assistance, call your ERA agent!
Deep clean in Spring
![Pretty graphic with flowers surrounding the title of Spring Cleaning-good for the mind, body, and soul](https://erastarkville.com/files/2024/03/Good-for-the-mind-body-and-soul.png)
~Deep clean in Spring~
Spring is the perfect time to deep clean! Not only is spring cleaning a great way to reset, but additionally, this yearly chore gets rid of the previous year’s accumulated dust, dander, and clutter before allergy season reaches full swing. If Martha Stuart suggest to deep clean in Spring…then I think we should at least try it! 😉
~Ways to tackle the job of spring cleaning~
Cleaning your home from top to bottom takes a lot of effort, but you can make the project more manageable by having your supplies ready and a plan of attack in mind. You can take it room by room of your choice, go from the attic to the basement, or start outdoors and wind your way inside. It is easy to get overwhelmed, so take your time, create a realistic schedule, and focus on one task at a time. You’ll need more than one day if you decide to deep clean your living area and also add in more involved projects, such as the attic, garage, and organizing closets. It will take time, patience, and errort, but is definately worth it! Your mind, body, and soul will thank you when the job is completed.
~Spring cleaning supplies~
- Bucket
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Duster
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponges
- Reuseable spray bottle
- All-purpose cleaner
- White distilled vinegar
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
~Tasks you’ll want to accomplish~
- Declutter: Go through belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard.
- Dust: Wiping down surfaces, furniture, and fixtures to remove accumulated dust.
- Vacuum and mop floors: Clean carpets, rugs, and hard floors to remove dirt and grime.
- Wash windows: Clean windows inside and out to remove dirt and streaks.
- Clean appliances: Wipe down kitchen appliances, such as the refrigerator, oven, and microwave, and cleaning filters and vents.
- Organize closets and storage spaces: Rearrange items, folding clothes, and organize belongings to maximize space and accessibility.
- Clean bedding and linens: Wash sheets, pillowcases, towels, and other linens to freshen them up.
- Disinfect surfaces: Use disinfectants to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Clean outdoor spaces: Sweep patios, decks, and porches, and tidy up the yard or garden area.
- Inspect for repairs: Check for any damage or issues that need to be addressed, such as leaks, cracks, or broken fixtures.
~Spring is a great time to sell your home~
Spring also may be the perfect time for you to sell your home and get a fresh start in a new home locally or even in a total new area! Along with starting something new in your life, your home will also photograph beautifully after being freshly cleaned and organized. If you need more advice on how to get your home ready to sell this season, give one of our expert Realtors® a call!
Spring cleaning is not only about physical cleanliness but can also have wonderful psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and creating a sense of renewal and accomplishment. The idea of starting fresh as nature begins to bloom and flourish in the spring season just feels right. Spring cleaning truely is good for the mind, body, and soul.
Reasons you should invest in Starkville, MS real estate
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Considering our status as a college town with a growing population and diverse economy, there are many reasons you should invest in Starkville, MS real estate. It can be a very promising opportunity, and here are some factors to consider:
- Local Economy: Starkville is home to Mississippi State University, which serves as a significant economic driver for the area. Consider the stability and growth potential of industries such as education, healthcare, technology, and agriculture, which contribute to the local economy.
- Rental Demand: There is a consistent demand for rental properties in Starkville due to the large student population attending Mississippi State University. When considering the reasons to invest in Starkville, MS real estate, analyze the vacancy rates, rental yields, and rental trends in different neighborhoods to identify areas with strong rental demand and potential for rental income.
- Property Types: Starkville offers a variety of property types for investment. These include single-family homes, multi-family properties, student housing, and commercial real estate. Our knowledgeable agents will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each property type based on your investment goals, budget, and risk tolerance.
- Location: Location plays a crucial role in real estate investment success. Research different neighborhoods in Starkville to identify areas with desirable amenities, low crime rates, good school districts, and potential for appreciation. Proximity to Mississippi State University can also influence property values and rental demand.
- Market Trends: Stay informed about market trends, including home prices, inventory levels, and sales activity in Starkville. Monitor changes in the real estate market and economic indicators to identify emerging opportunities and potential risks. We post quarterly market updates on our social media to share this information on Starkville and including all 7 counties in the Golden Triangle region.
- Financial Considerations: Calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) for properties in Starkville by analyzing rental income, operating expenses, financing options, and expected appreciation. Consult with a financial advisor or real estate professional to assess the financial feasibility of your investment strategy.
- Property Management: Determine whether you’ll manage the property yourself or hire ERA Town & Campus Realty as your potential property managers. Consider the responsibilities involved in property management, such as tenant screening, maintenance, rent collection, and legal compliance.
- Legal and Regulatory Factors: Familiarize yourself with local laws, zoning regulations, landlord-tenant laws, and tax implications related to real estate investment in Starkville. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements to avoid potential liabilities and penalties.
Before making any investment decisions, conduct thorough research, consult with your local ERA real estate professionals who are experts with the Starkville market. By taking a strategic approach and staying informed, you can make informed investment decisions and potentially achieve long-term success when you’ve found the perfect reasons to invest in Starkville, MS real estate market.