Hattiesburg and Surrounding Area Real Estate and Community News

May 10, 2023

The Top Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2023

The Top Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2023

As we move further into 2023, the real estate market is experiencing some significant shifts. From changing consumer preferences to new technology advancements, here are the top real estate trends to keep an eye on this year:

  1. Sustainability: Sustainability and eco-friendliness are increasingly becoming a priority for home buyers. As people become more environmentally conscious, they are looking for energy-efficient homes that are constructed with eco-friendly material.

  2. Remote work: The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, and as a result, people are looking for homes that can accommodate a home office or a dedicated workspace. Many home buyers are also prioritizing homes that offer fast and reliable internet connectivity.

  3. Smart homes: Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular, as more and more people look for ways to simplify and automate their lives. Homes with features like smart thermostats, smart lighting, and voice-activated assistants are becoming highly sought after.

  4. Location preferences: People are rethinking their priorities when it comes to location. With remote work becoming more prevalent, many people are choosing to live in smaller towns and suburban areas instead of large urban centers.

  5. Personalization: Consumers are increasingly looking for homes that reflect their personal style and tastes. This means that many home buyers are willing to spend more money to customize their homes with unique features and finishes.

  6. Affordable housing: With rising home prices and increasing demand, affordable housing has become a pressing issue in many areas. Governments and private organizations are working to find ways to create more affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families.

  7. Virtual real estate: Virtual and augmented reality technologies are becoming more sophisticated, allowing buyers to tour homes and properties from the comfort of their own homes. This trend is likely to continue as more people seek out virtual and immersive experiences.

In conclusion, the real estate market is rapidly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends can help buyers and sellers make more informed decisions. By keeping these top trends in mind, you can better understand what buyers are looking for and how to position your property for success.

 

Posted in Real Estate News
March 6, 2023

If you are a homeowner in Hattiesburg, MS looking to sell your home, you might be wondering why others have decided to do the same. Here are the top five reasons.

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House | MyKCM

Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And while today’s rates have started coming down from last year’s peak, they’re still higher than they were a couple of years ago.

Today, 93% of outstanding mortgages have a rate at or below 6%. That means a strong majority of homeowners with mortgages have a rate below what they’d get if they moved right now. But if you’re a homeowner in that position, remember that mortgage rates aren’t the only thing to consider when making a move. Your mortgage rate is important, but there are plenty of reasons you may still need or want to move. RealTrends explains:

“Sellers who don’t have to move won’t be moving. The most common sellers will be: Homeowners downsizing . . . people moving to get more space, [households] looking for better schools…etc.

So, if you’re on the fence about selling your house, consider the other reasons homeowners are choosing to make a move. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) breaks down why homeowners have decided to sell over the past year:

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House | MyKCM

As the visual shows, the most commonly cited reasons for selling were the desire to move closer to loved ones, followed by moving due to retirement, and their neighborhood becoming less desirable. Additionally, the need for more space factored in, as did a change in household structure.

If you also find yourself wanting a change in location or needing space your current house just can’t provide, it may be time to sell.

What you want and need in a home can be reason enough to move. To find out what’s right for you, work with a trusted real estate professional who will offer advice and expert guidance throughout the process. They’ll be able to lay out all your options – giving you what you need to make a confident decision.

Bottom Line

When deciding whether or not to move, you have a lot to consider. There are plenty of non-financial reasons to factor in. Let’s connect today to weigh the benefits of selling your house.

 

 

Posted in Selling Your Home
March 6, 2023

Equity Gains For Today's Homeowners

Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners

Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners | MyKCM

Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates.

How Equity Has Grown in Recent Years 

Because of the imbalance between how many homes were for sale and the number of homebuyers in the market over the past few years, home prices appreciated substantially.

And while price appreciation has slowed this year, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost all the equity in your home. In fact, the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic finds the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $34,300 over the past year alone.

And if you’ve been in your home longer than that, chances are you have even more equity than you realize.

While that’s the national number, if you want to know what happened in your area, look at the map below from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). It shows on average how much home prices have risen over the past five years, which has been a major driver behind equity growth.

Why This Is So Important Right Now 

While equity helps increase your overall net worth, it can also help you achieve other goals, like buying your next home. When you sell your current house, the equity you’ve built up comes back to you in the sale, and it may be just what you need to cover a large portion – if not all – of the down payment on your next home.

So, if you’ve been holding off on selling, it may be time to find out how much equity you have and how it can help fuel your next move.

Bottom Line

Homeownership is a long game, and if you’re planning to make a move, the equity you’ve gained over time can make a big impact. To find out just how much equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, let’s connect.

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
Feb. 15, 2023

Real Estate For Sale - Top Tips You Should Know Beforehand

real estate for sale
From choosing the right location to negotiating with agents, find out what you need to know before investing in real estate for sale.

Investing in real estate can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, there are many different factors to consider before purchasing a property for sale, such as location, size and condition. Learn the basics of navigating the real estate market to make sure you find the right property for your needs.


Do your research
Before you start searching for real estate for sale, it’s important to do your research. Figure out what type of real estate market works best for you and identify key factors such as location, budget and the type of property and amenities you want. Research potential properties online with Realtor.com or the likes and read up on current trends in the area to make sure you are making an informed decision.


Utilize local real estate agents
Reaching out to a local real estate agent can be a great way to learn more about the market and find properties that meet your needs. An experienced Realtor will know the area well, have an understand of local regulations, and have contacts with other agents and brokers who might be able to help. Agents may also be able to provide you with helpful resources like tax facts, market information, closing costs, or access to sold data that is not available elsewhere. Reach out for advice early on in the buying process before you approach any offers for sale.


Find a Great local lender
One of the most important steps in buying real estate for sale is finding a great local lender. Look for lenders with competitive rates, which can help you save money when it comes to getting your mortgage loan. It’s also worth talking to some agents who are familiar with the local market to find out more information about available loan options and what specific programs might be suitable for your needs.


Be prepared to negotiate
Negotiation is a key part of buying real estate, so it’s important to spend some time preparing and learning how to approach negotiations. Talk with an experienced real estate agent or attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand what to expect. Keep in mind that negotiation isn’t just about getting the best price - ensuring the transaction goes smoothly will benefit everyone involved. Be prepared by researching each step in the buying process and understanding the terms laid out in any offers or contracts.


Assess property features and get a home inspection
When considering real estate for sale, closely examine all the features of a potential property and ensure that it fits your needs. Have the property inspected by a professional to make sure that you are getting exactly what you expect and uncover any hidden surprises. Be sure to factor in the costs of repairs or renovations into your budget as well.

#realestateforsale #homesforsale #luxuryrealestateforsale #affordablerealestateforsale #housessaleforsale #newhomesforsale #investmentpropertyforsale #dreamhomeforsale #apartmentsforsale #waterfrontrealestateforsale   #landforfsle #legacyrealtyms

Posted in Buying a Home
Feb. 14, 2023

How to Choose The Right Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Home in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi Area

finding RE agent

 

Selling your home in Hattiesburg, MS? Learn how to choose the right agent with our expert advice on important considerations like experience, specialty and more


Finding a real estate agent in Hattiesburg, MS who’s right for you can be a daunting task. Whether in Hattiesburg, Oak Grove or Petal; this guide will provide tips on what matters to consider when selecting an agent, from experience and specialty to cost, customer service, and reputation.


Ask for referrals from past clients and homebuyers.
When selecting a real estate agent, it’s important to get referrals from past clients, who can provide first-hand feedback. Ask if they were satisfied with the results of their home sale, how quickly the agent was able to get offers, and other details you should know before making your decision. You should also be sure to find out if potential agents specialize in any particular types of homes that you might have so you can match them to your needs.


Look for understanding, abilities and commitment in an agent.
Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home in Hattiesburg, MS means taking an in-depth look at the expertise and qualifications of each potential candidate. You should look for an agent who has a deep understanding of the local market and access to the latest data, as well as strong negotiation skills and above-and-beyond service. Above all, make sure you find someone who is committed to providing you with clear communication and personalized attention throughout the entire process.


Make sure the estate agent is experienced in the Hattiesburg property market.
It's important to ensure that the agent you're considering has a good grasp of the local property market in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ask them about their experience in selling properties in your specific area. The major local areas include Hattiesburg, Oak Grove and Petal markets.  You'll want to know if they have sold homes with similar features to yours recently and what kind of results they achieved. Also ask how many other buyers they are currently representing and whether they have the capacity to provide personal attention and advice tailored to your particular needs.


Review the agent's skill set including negotiation abilities, marketing plans and local knowledge.finding best agent to sale home
When looking to select a real estate agent, ask them about their negotiation skills. Negotiating is an important part of the home-selling process and your chosen agent should be able to expertly handle any negotiations that may arise throughout the process. Additionally, make sure your agent has formulating good marketing plans for your listing. They should be able to identify potential buyers who are actively searching for a property like yours in the area and provide you with the best possible strategies for attracting those buyers. Lastly, review their local knowledge too. Your Realtor should have a good understanding of market trends in Hattiesburg and know how to identify which neighborhoods are rising or declining in value when advising you on your choices as a seller.


#hattiesburgrealestate #hattiesburgMS #hattiesburgms #hattiesburgrealestateagent #realestateagentinhattiesburgms
#hubcity #hattiesburgrealestateforsale #legacyrealtyms

 

Posted in Selling Your Home
Jan. 20, 2023

Jan 2023 Hattiesburg area RE market overview


Attention all potential sellers in the Hattiesburg area! If you're thinking of putting your home on the market, it's important to know that 2023 may see a slight pullback in home pricing for the Hattiesburg and surrounding areas. Dependent on area and price range. While the market has been strong in recent years, there are signs that it may be slowing down. However, this doesn't mean that your home won't strongly sell!
A great way to position your home correctly into the market is by engaging a real estate professional. We have the knowledge, experience and reach to help you price your home competitively and showcase its best features to potential buyers.
Additionally, it's worth noting that interest rates have been on the rise, with rates increasing from 3% in January to a high of 7.07% in November. However, rates have now slipped to 6.5% and are expected to go slightly under 6% by summer. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) expects that rate level for the remainder of 2023. This dip in rates will allow some buyers to re-enter the market, some looking for less home than 1 year ago. For perspective, for a buyer purchasing with a mortgage, each 1% change in interest rate for a 200k home equates to $130/mo in interest.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to sell your home in the current market. Call Scott Holmes @ 601-466-3420 to discuuss how we can help you get your property ready for the spring market! #realestate #homesforsale #marketupdate #hattiesburgmsre
Posted in Market Updates
Oct. 19, 2022

Adult Memory Care in MS

Providing tools and resources based on the latest research and expert-recommended interventions.

 

Living with or caring for someone with memory or cognitive impairment comes with its own unique set of challenges. MemoryCare.com provides research-backed resources to guide caregivers and seniors in the early stages of memory impairment through the process of finding and obtaining the care they need.

 

Check out this website for helpful information and links to various useful tools and information related to memory care in MS:

https://www.memorycare.com/memory-care-in-mississippi/

 

 

Oct. 19, 2022

Buyers Questions

Answers to common questions for Buyer

Buying a house is a big step when you are in any phase of life. Especially with the current Real Estate market uncertainty, we are here to help you navigate and successfully locate the perfect property for the best pricing. In this post, we will help buyers answer some of the questions they have regarding purchasing a house. Many people fear the home buying process, but hopefully, we can answer some of those questions and take away some of the whole process's anxiety. The questions will include talking about budgets, property risks, and conditions, and neighborhood.

When buying a home, there are always questions about the budget. One of the best questions is, "what your total cost?" This question will include what you will pay for before or at closing. Typically, these fees include, but are not limited to, appraisal, the property itself, inspection, mortgage interest, mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, taxes, and sometimes HOA fees. HOA fees do not include every house, but you will likely end up having some HOA fees if you are looking for something in a distinguished neighborhood. It would be best if you also were asking about time.

You want to ask your realtor, "how long has the house been on the market?" because knowing this will give you some room for negotiating. The longer the duration on the market, the more it signals a problem or issue with the property. Legally, your agent must inform you about certain things they know are wrong with the property. There will be certain things that your agent doesn't know about the property that will appear in the inspection. Often, homes will end up staying on the market because the price is too high for the property. With this knowledge, your agent should help you negotiate an affordable price because the seller would be more inclined to get the property sold.

Another essential question is, "why is the seller leaving?" This question can also help with your negotiating. There are several reasons that a person is choosing to leave their current home- need more space for growing family, downsizing for retirement, job relocation, or a significant family event. Time on the market and the seller's reasons for leaving give the seller motivation to work out a deal and provides the buyer with room for some negotiating. Before working out an agreement with the seller, ask your agent questions about the property risk and condition.

A risk that a buyer tends to take is the appliances and whether they come with the home or not. If they do, you want to ask, "how old are the major appliances?" This question will help determine if you will need to replace these components sooner than you want. This unfortunate e/Pvent is only one significant expense that you may have to come up with after purchasing your new home. Another liability that you are going to want to ask about is the roof.

When thinking of the property, one question that you should ask is, "how old is the roof?" The agent should be able to give you that information. This question is important because if the roof is near the end of its life cycle, the lender can ask that it be changed to get your loan approved. You also want to find this information out because you don't want to be paying for a new roof shortly after moving in. When thinking about the roof, you also need to think about weather conditions.

Buying a home means thinking of everything, and that includes the weather. So, the question you should be asking is, "Is this home in a flood zone?" or "does it risk damage from other natural disasters?".Buyers can search every home on FEMA's flood map. If it does pose a risk to flooding, you will need to investigate purchasing flood insurance separately. A tip for purchasing insurance is to make sure that it covers the cost to rebuild your home if it becomes wrecked. Before purchasing your dream home, you may want to find out about the neighborhood and if that feels like the best fit.

It would be best if you asked, "how is the neighborhood?" to get an idea of who or what you could be living next door. You can get an idea of what a community is like by researching crime statistics, school districts, and community amenities. An excellent way to understand the neighborhood is to ask someone that has lived there. Besides the area, you may want to also ask about the neighbors directly beside and sometimes behind your property.

Buying a house is sometimes considered a stressful and lengthy process. We hope to help answer some of your questions with this blog and give you some guidance on your homebuying process. If you have any other questions about the process or what you might need to qualify, comment down below, and we can help!

 

 

Posted in Buying a Home
Oct. 19, 2022

Activities for Kids

Fun Local Activities With Your Kids

Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas dedicate time to teaching the children of the community. These are just a few things to do that are great for kids and the family. They are educational, but they are also great places to create memories that can last a lifetime.

The Hattiesburg Zoo is something that the whole family can enjoy. There are several attractions, including a mining expedition and high ropes course. The Hattiesburg Zoo also focuses on educating people on wildlife and conservation. During the summertime, the splash pad is the best place to cool down. There is also a sloth experience that you can register to get a hands-on encounter with a real sloth! The zoo is continually adding new animals that make for a whole new adventure. They are often creating new additions to the zoo, so there is always something to do for the entire family. Be sure to check out their Facebook page before you go to see the events that are happening. https://hattiesburgzoo.com/

If you are looking for something to do during the summer, there is always Paul B Johnson State Park. There is a campsite that you can bring a camper or even tent camping. There is also a walking trail, several places for a picnic, and a beach with swimming spots on the lake. If you have a boat, it's a great place to go water skiing, wakeboarding, and even tubing. There is also a splash pad and a course for disc golf. Paul B Johnson is guaranteed to be a good time for the whole family. On special occasions, such as the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve, they also do a fireworks display. Another area that is fun for camping is Okatoma.

The Okatoma is not only a campsite that allows primitive camping; they also have canoe and kayak rentals. The rentals are cheap, and you can bring your kayak and use the parking and the bus service they offer to pick up and drop off locations. On the website, they offer three different trips that you can take and pick you up with an estimated time of the trips. I have personally gone down the three hours one and found that it is the most enjoyable. You can go early enough to have a picnic lunch and indulge in the great outdoors. If you are looking for something to do indoors, the trampoline park is one of the best places. https://okatoma.com/

Updown Trampoline Park in Hattiesburg is a great place to take the kids- and even parents- to burn off some energy. It is indoors, so it is one of the best options for a rainy day or just wanting to get out of the house. Whether you are going for a party or just trying to get a play date together, the trampoline park is something that can be enjoyed by all ages. https://updowntrampolinepark.com/

You never know what might pop up around town for you and the family to do. We would love for you to join in on the fun and see what all this beautiful area has to offer. Whether it's something to do inside or out, Hattiesburg has always got you covered on keeping the kids entertained.

 

 

Posted in Community News
Oct. 19, 2022

Best Local Restaurants

Find your next favorite place to eat

Today we are highlighting some of the best restaurants in the local area. These are ones that we often frequent and love to show support by going and dining. Some of the restaurants in this list are ones that you are more than likely going to run into someone you know.

Keg and Barrel

The 1st location is in the downtown area; they also have one in the West Hattiesburg area and recently opened one on the coast. The restaurant is an old house converted, with three bar areas and a game room attached. People flock here for birthdays, graduations, and the majority of the time just for a good drink and delicious food. It is one of the few places that has ample outdoor seating and plenty of it. The Keg is often full of people, and they usually know somebody that is already there to save a spot. Keg and Barrel is one of the most popular places in town. Stop by, and you might spot a familiar face.

Sully's Tavern

Sully's is a spot that has been open since 2011 and serving up some of the best steaks in town. They have two locations, one on Sullivan Kilrain Rd, and the newest is right off the Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal. They are open every day of the week, except Sundays, and some evenings there is live music to enjoy while you dine. If you are not feeling the steak, try one of their fish options. They even have a great lunch menu that will be a little easier on your wallet. Both locations are great for celebrations or just a casual lunch spot.

Murky Waters

Murky Waters is a barbecue joint serving up some of the most outstanding smoked food in town. They have three locations, One across the street from the Zoo in Hattiesburg, one on the thriving Government St in Ocean Springs, and the other on 27th Avenue in Gulfport. They have delicious food and a great atmosphere for live music. It may be new to the Hattiesburg area but is steadily gaining recognition as an excellent spot for a delicious meal and tasty drink.

The Brass Hat

The Brass Hat is a bar and restaurant located in the Indigo Hotel right across from The University of Southern Mississippi. It's chic, classy, fun, and always a great atmosphere. You do not have to be staying at the hotel to see what the fuss is all about. They are consistently serving new drinks with themes for the seasons and delicious food.

Of course any of Robert St. John spots!:

https://crescentcitygrill.net/

https://tabellapronto.com/

http://themidtowner.net/

https://edsburgerjoint.com/

Ed's Burger also has the most awesome milkshakes in town!!

https://mahoganybar.net/

These are just a few of the places that we love to dine. If you are in the area and have the chance, we highly recommend you try one of them out. They are always so welcoming. You will leave with a full stomach and a new memory to share.

 

 

 

Posted in Community News