Volume 17, Issue 4 / April 2015
DeLois Smith
Brenda Blackwell
Linda Seifert
Wendy Gay
Debra Pace
Andrew Bird
Dennis Baum
Scott Holmes
Adam Watkins
“Therefore Go and Make Disciples of All Nations” Matthew 28:19 My name is Elizabeth Liggett, and I have had the pleasure of being the Closing Coordinator for The DeLois Smith All Star Team for over four years. If you have purchased or sold a home in the past four years, you have probably received multiple emails and calls from me during your transaction. Most of you who have come into the office have also probably received hugs from me. Several years ago, I made the decision to return to school. This year I will receive my B.S. in Religion-Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University – Training Champions for Christ since 1971. I have also applied to the Master’s Program in Theological Studies with an emphasis in theology and hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Theology & Apologetics. I have made these decisions knowing I have a calling in my life for mission work and am relying on the Lord to tell me when and where. I have three English bulldogs, Bonnie, Clyde, and Bear, that came from the Love At First Sight adoption center run by Lorraine Stevens. She invited me to join the Mayfield Mission Team of Baptist Medical & Dental Mission International (BMDMI) on a mission trip to Honduras this July. BMDMI is much more than a medical mission service. It is a ministry “that exists under the Lordship of Jesus Christ
to evangelize the lost, disciple the saved, and minister to the needs of the poor.” The Mayfield Mission Team from Animal Medical Center plans to do just that. I am responsible for raising the funds for my trip. Danny Anderson, Sales Executive at Mack Grubbs Hyundai, has graciously offered to contribute to my trip with each car sold, and the Mack Grubbs Hyundai dealership will do the same for any buyer that mentions this article. I hope to raise sufficient funds to make the trip this July, but Dr. John Mayfield Jr., leader of the Mayfield Mission Team, says never to worry about funding. He says that the Lord will always find a way. I do not know what the Lord has in store for me and my future. I do know that my education has been rich with His Word and has opened my heart to obedience of His will for my life. I do not think we all fully understand our journey, but everything that happens in our lives prepares us for something that will give glory to God. Thank you all so very much for being an important part of my journey. I am so grateful to know each of you and to be of service during your real estate transactions. Feel free to stop by for a hug at any time. Blessings and peace to all! Elizabeth
Elizabeth Liggett Dana Quesenberry
Ame Karoly
Josh Bellew
Antwain Ross
4 Willow Bend Drive, Hattiesburg 509 S. Main Street, Petal 601.545.3900 • 1.800.DELOIS.S DeLoisSmith.com • GoAllStarTeam.com
Star Chat with DeLois Belated Easter Greetings! “The beauty in nature is God’s greeting card to us!” This is a quote I used four years ago to reflect the reassurance and joy I felt during this season. A blessed Easter has just passed with the refocusing of our hope in the risen Saviour! Over the past few days, I have also reflected and celebrated the lives of some very dear people in my own life – Bill Oliver, an entirelifetime friend from Hot Springs, AR; Bernice Linton, a several decades-long community co-worker; and Debbie Sinopoli, a very dear colleague for over twenty years. They were each dedicated to making a difference in the lives of many. Their memorials truly made a lasting impression on those of us who were touched by their lives. I wouldn’t have been able to make it to the memorial in Hot Springs without the new Hattiesburg based business, Southern Star Aviation and the talented pilot Charles Gauotte. They made the normally 10-hour trip to Hot Springs a possibility for me since I only had one single day I could be away from my business and responsibilities. If any of you have a need to travel a distance of 400-500 miles on a tight schedule, then you will find Southern Star Aviation to be a delightful and accommodating service. Please consider supporting this new Hattiesburg area business the next time you make travel plans. The 2015 First Quarter has brought several notable changes in local and national residential real estate. I. Encouraging Energy Efficiency has long been the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy. a. New Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards have increased from 13 to 14. There is a grace period of 18 months for SEER 13, as long as the supply lasts for the south (including Mississippi). Of course the replacement cost will be greater, but there will be a substantial cost savings. Check now with your local electric service to determine rebates available. b. A Second big change involves hot water heater replacements. Effective April 16, 2015, the DOE will require high energy factor ratings. This rule will affect homeowners needing a water heater replacement. It could be minor or rather major if the larger unit requires structural modification. II. Home Warranties – a Beneficial Asset among Homeowners, Especially New Homeowners: Locally, I recommend First American Home Warranty because of the wonderful service they provide for the Hattiesburg area. Go online to https://homewarranty.firstam.com/ to check out this service, even if you have owned your present home for many years.
III. The New Hot Housing Market – Vacation Homes: As vacation homes soared to comprise 21% of all transactions in 2014, investment property has declined for four consecutive years. This is a national trend, but the local market shows a reduction in investment property with the reduction of foreclosure inventory. The average vacation home buyer last year has a household income of $94,380, and property was a median distance of 200 miles away from the primary residence. IV. Home Sizes Trending Down: Economists and housing experts attribute this contraction to the return of the first time buyers. Locally, however, I see the “trend downward” very often in the 50+ home buyer. Additionally, many of our current clients are more cautious and practical. They consider mortgage payments, utility bills, and job stability. This is also an interest in the so-called tiny homes or properties that range from 100 to 400 square feet. The tiny house movement is picking up steam nationally with a cable television series called Tiny House Nation that spotlights these homes and the people who live in them. V. Youth of the Nation: The 13 million young adults (YAs) currently 18-34, often referred to as Millennials, comprise the largest and most diverse population in the last three decades. The percentage of YAs today who are foreign-born has more than doubled since 1980 (15% versus 6%), with many speaking a language other than English at home. Twenty-two percent of YAs have college degrees, and only three in ten have ever been married. The median age of millennial home buyers is 29 with a median income of $76,900, and they typically buy 1,720 square foot homes costing on average $189,900. VI. Team Production increased in the number of units closed during the first quarter from 70 in 2014 to 76 in 2015. Average closed sale price is down from $194,880 in 2014 to $183,734 in 2015. Rates are still very favorable, and quality inventory is available! Interest rates at closing are usually 3.5% -4%, depending on several factors. Mortgage rates and terms are very favorable. NOW TRULY IS THE TIME TO PURCHASE!!! Thank you “again and again” for your continued support as we endeavor to create extra value for the wonderful clients we serve! Happy Spring!
DeLois & Team
Current real estate market statistics Hattiesburg Area Single Family Median Sold Home Prices (January 1-April 7)
2014 2015
Hattiesburg
$
115,500
$
Oak Grove
$
Petal
$
110,000
181,000
$
134,300
$
203,600
129,600
Call us at 601-545-3900 for your no obligation home price consultation.
Hattiesburg Area Single Family Homes SOLD (January 1-April 7)
2014 2015
Hattiesburg 46 59 Oak Grove
87
84
Petal
52 60
Looking for a new home? Visit DeLoisSmith.com to view all of the latest listings!
Tour of Homes
Sunday, April 12, 2015, 1:30-5 PM
Oak Grove
Oak Grove
Hattiesburg
Petal
1:30 to 2:00 pm
1:30 to 2:00 pm
1:30 to 2:00 pm
1:30 to 2:00 pm
Bent Creek 4BD/4BA - $349,900 WELCOME TO THE BEST QUALITY BUILT HOME WITH THE FINEST FLOOR PLAN IN THIS PRICE RANGE.
Tanglewood 3BD/2BA - $154,500 IMMACULETLY KEPT, ONE-OWNER HOME WITH NUMEROUS IMPROVEMENTS. FRESHLY PAINTED INTERIOR, 1ST AMERICAN HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED!
Longleaf Acres 4BD/3.5BA - $349,000 BREATHTAKING WATERFRONT LOT IN LONGLEAF ACRES! VERSATILE HOME W/ MOTHER-IN-LAW QUARTERS. Directions: Hwy 11 north to Eastabuchie Road. Turn
187 Balboa Drive
Lake Serene 4BD/5BA - $595,000 MASSIVE AND PALATIAL, TWO-STORY COLONIAL WITH PRIVATE IN-GROUND POOL - 6234 SQ. FT. ON 1.6 ACRE LOT AND 3 CAR GARAGE. Directions: Hwy 98 West to West Lake Road, turn right on Balboa and cross over the lake.
103 Crystal Creek
Directions: Hwy 24 to Bent Creek, right on Bent Creek, right on Crystal Creek, home on the left.
225 Lynnwood Circle
Directions: From Lincoln Road, turn north onto Lynnwood Circle.
406 Longleaf Drive
right on Longleaf Drive, follow around lake.
Oak Grove
Hattiesburg
Glendale
Oak Grove
1:30 to 2:00 pm
1:30 to 2:00 pm
2:00 to 2:30 pm
2:30 to 3:00 pm
14 Pine Meadow Loop
Dandridge 4BD/2.5BA - $198,975 OUTSTANDING FLOOR PLAN & DESIGN IN THIS ONE-OWNER, DANDRIDGE PROPERTY. HARDWOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT, NUMEROUS CLOSETS. Directions: Hwy 589 S to Dandridge subdivision. right on Travertine Dr., left on Pine Meadow Loop.
832 River Road
Outlying NE 3BD/2BA - $176,000 PICTURE PERFECT SETTING WITH PONDS AT EVERY ANGLE. 5 BEAUTIFUL ACRES WITH A LARGE POND, BACK YARD MANICURED TO PERFECTION. Directions: Hwy 49, right @ Peps Point Rd., right @ River Rd. Home on left across from Mack’s.
716 Eatonville Road
Outlying NE 3BD/2.5BA - $109,500 SO MUCH ROOM BOTH INSIDE & OUT! A SUNROOM PLUS GAME ROOM THAT COULD BE A 4TH BEDROOM. A SHOP IS UNDER ROOF BESIDE THE 2-CAR GARAGE. Directions: Off I-59 @ Exit 69. At EGP take left back across I-59. Take Eatonville Rd. Homes is 1st on right past school.
10 Lafite Cove
Villages of Oak Grove 4BD/2BA - $193,900 SPARKLING NEW HOME AT THE VILLAGES! USDA FINANCING AVAILABLE. FAMILY FRIENDLY FLOOR PLAN WITH A 2ND LEVEL BONUS ROOM. QUIET CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION. Directions: Old Hwy 24, turn onto Leaf Lane, turn into The Villages of Oak Grove.
Canebrake
Hattiesburg
Petal
Oak Grove
2:30 to 3:00 pm
2:30 to 3:00 pm
2:30 to 3:00 pm
3:00 to 3:30 pm
24 Pecan Acres
Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $399,500 AMAZING VALUE OFFERED IN THIS HIGH QUALITY PECAN ACRES GARDEN HOME. VERY UPSCALE LIGHTING, 8’ DOORS, HAND SCRAPED BRAZILLIAN CHERRY SOLID WOOD FLOORING. Directions: Hwy 98, turn
1100 Crestwood Drive
Woodhaven 3BD/2BA - $195,000 IT’S ALL ABOUT SPACE! SPRAWLING COLONIAL WITH WRAPAROUND PORCH, LARGE MASTER SUITE W/ ATTACHED OFFICE. Directions: Richburg Rd. to Nellwood. Home on corner of Nellwood and Crestwood.
into main Canebrake entrance, follow Canebrake Blvd around lake, turn right on Pecan Acres.
107 Oak Drive
Castle Manor 4BD/2.5BA - $275,000 WELCOME TO THIS HIDDEN GEM OF A STREET WHERE NEIGHBORS ARE FAMILY! SPRAWLING MAIN HOUSE PLUS COMPLETE APARTMENT. Directions: Hwy 42 to Dogwood. Take Oak @ end of Dogwood. House on left.
11 Clipper Drive
Rolling Hills 3BD/2BA - $255,000 WHAT A FIND! BEAUTIFUL ACADIAN ON 2 ACRES AND A QUIET LAKE. WORKSHOP & STORAGE OFF GARAGE, LOTS OF PRIVACY. Directions: Hwy 98 to Barracude. Home on corner of Barracuda and Clipper.
Hattiesburg
Dixie
Oak Grove
Oak Grove
2:30 to 3:00 pm
3:00 to 4:00 pm
3:30 to 4:00 pm
3:30 to 4:00 pm
111 N. 24th Ave.
Hattiesburg 3BD/2BA - $124,900 TOTALLY RENOVATED HOME CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO USM W/ BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF CHURCH & CAMPUS ACROSS THE STREET. CHARMING HOME, LARGE LOT. Directions: Hardy to North 24th Avenue. Home across from church.
38 Elks Lake Road
Dixie 4BD/2.5BA - $284,900 ALMOST 8 ACRE SPREAD ON ELKS LAKE ROAD! MOVE-IN READY WITH FRESH PAINT. Directions: Take Elks Lake Road from Hwy 49 South @ Beverly Drive-In. 2nd house on left after bridge.
4 Crowns Pointe
Crowns Pointe 3BD/2BA - $139,900 100% USDA FINANCING FOR THIS PERFECTLY LOCATED, OAK GROVE STARTER HOME NEIGHBORHOOD. SPARKLING NEW, READY-TO-MOVE-IN. Directions: Hwy 98 West Hegwood Drive, go through 4-way stop, turn into Crowns Pointe on the left.
149 Madison Place
Audubon Hills 4BD/2 BA - $218,900 ONE-STORY BRICK HOME W/ SPLIT PLAN & STORAGE GALORE! 5 WALK-IN CLOSETS PLUS NUMEROUS BUILTINS. GAS COOKTOP, BIG LEVEL PLAY YARD, 1ST AMERICAN HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED! Directions: W 4th Street to Madison Place.
Hattiesburg
Petal
Oak Grove
Petal
3:30 to 4:00 pm
3:30 to 4:00 pm
3:30 to 4:00 pm
3:30 to 4:00 pm
SE Hattiesburg 3BD/2BA - $169,500 WELCOME HOME TO THIS 1910 WHITE STUCCO CASTLE! SO MANY LOVELY WINDOWS, SIDE COURTYARD, HARD SURFACED FLOORING! Directions:
North Fork 4BD/3BA - $259,500 LOVINGLY MAINTAINED, SPACIOUS, 1.5 STORY HOME WITH VERSATILE AND VALUE-PACKED FLOOR PLAN. HANDSOME KITCHEN W/ GRANITE SLAB COUNTERS.
100 S. 22nd Ave.
Hardy Street, turn right onto S. 22nd Avenue.
19 Parker Ridge
Directions: Eastabuchie Road to North Fork. Parker Ridge is 1st road on the left.
216 Morrell Circle
The Trace 5BD/3BA - $289,999 BEST FIND AROUND! IMMACULATELY KEPT WITH NEW CARPET. FANTASTIC FLOOR PLAN W/ STORAGE GALORE, LARGE CORNER LOT, LARGE DECK. Directions: King Rd to Courtland Dr., RT on Auburn Pl, LT on Waverly, RT on Collinwood, LT on Morrell.
102 Sunline Drive
Pecan Lakes 4BD/2BA - $210,650 LOCATED ON A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC IN PECAN LAKES, THIS HOME IS LOADED W/ NEW FEATURES AND ENLARGED BEDROOMS. Directions: Sunrise Road to Pecan Lakes, left onto Sunline Drive after passing over first lake.
Oak Grove
Hattiesburg
Petal
Oak Grove
4:30 to 5:00 pm
4:30 to 5:00 pm
4:30 to 5:00 pm
4:30 to 5:00 pm
Forrest Park 2BD/1BA - $64,900 CHARMING RAISED COTTAGE W/ 480 SQ. FT. STUDIO PLUS COVERED PORCH AREA. FENCED BACK YARD.
Clayton Place 3BD/2BA - $155,000 OWNERS SAY THEY FEEL SO MUCH PRIVACY ON THIS CUL-DE-SAC STREET WHERE NEIGHBORS ARE FRIENDS! Directions: Take EGP to Hwy 42 past Petal High, left on
42 Woodlands Trace
Woodlands South 4BD/3BA - $398,500 COUNTRY FRENCH, CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON SPRAWLING 1.59 ACRE, CORNER LOT. CLASSIC OLD WORLD MOLDINGS, DOORS, CABINETRY, & LIGHTING. Directions: Hwy 98, south on Cole Road, right into Woodlands South.
1716 Adeline St.
Directions: Hardy Street to S. 16th Ave., turn right on Adeline St.
36 Melissa Loop
Twin Lakes, right on Melissa Loop.
113 Wedgewood Trace
Shadow Ridge 4BD/2.5BA - $269,900 PRIME, GOLF COURSE PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE 11TH GREEN. SKILLFULLY CONSTRUCTED, ONE-STORY SPLIT PLAN. BRICK FLOORED KITCHEN. Directions: Hwy 98 to Jackson Road, turn into Shadow Ridge, turn right onto Wedgewood Trace.
For more information and photos of these homes visit DeLoisSmith.com/Tour-of-Homes