Star Chat May 2016 by The All-Star Team, REALTORS

Volume 18, Issue 5 / May 2016

DeLois Smith

Adam Watkins Brenda Blackwell Linda Seifert

Debra Pace

Dennis Baum

Scott Holmes

Dana Palmer

Jennifer Upton

Paula Claret

Ame Karoly

Steve Floyd joins The All Star Team, REALTORS to develop Commercial Sales/Leasing Division For decades our team has had the privilege of serving and growing as the Greater Hattiesburg Area has grown. Since the late Nineties and Early 2000’s, we’ve spent significant efforts growing our unique team model to serve the residential needs of thousands of clients throughout our region, extending our specialities into the Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, Petal, and surrounding markets during that time. Along the way, we’ve spent thousands of man hours developing systems to deliver unparalleled service to our clients sellers, buyers, and also many investors of residential real estate in the Pine Belt. Increasingly, DeLois and I began exploring the idea of using those well-developed support systems to provide service in the area of commercial real estate sales and management. After all, we have hundreds of clients who have commercial interests that warrant the best possible representation - and we certainly have clients with the need to include commercial real estate in their investment portfolios. In considering the possibility of developing a commercial division, there were several things we were certain we needed when selecting the appropriate broker to lead its development - experience, integrity, and the desire and excitement to work as part of a team. We believe we have found all of those attributes in Steve Floyd. Many of you are familiar with Steve’s work. He is no stranger to Hattiesburg or commercial real estate, opening Steve Floyd Properties in 1997. For nearly 20 years, Steve has represented sellers, buyers, tenants, and owners of commercial real estate both in the Greater Hattiesburg Area, Mississippi, and around the country. So, it is with great excitement that we announce our newest Broker Associate and team member who lead in the building and growth of our Commercial Sales and Leasing Division. We believe that combining Steve’s wealth of experience and contacts with our unmatched support system and established client relationships will be a win for him, our team, and our clients. He and his wife, the former Toni Tadlock, make their home in Oak Grove. You could say real estate is a family business for them. In addition to Steve’s many years in commercial real estate, Toni is the daughter of Joyce Tadlock, a long time broker and fixture in our area’s real estate market. So, we feel quite honored to welcome the Floyds to our team! In the coming months, you will begin seeing evidence of the launch of our commercial division as we begin integrating Steve’s currently listed inventory along with a newly developed commercial brand on the “For Sale” signs of commercial properties throughout our region. Our website will also feature an added segment devoted to commercial real estate and its associated investment opportunities. Additional features will be included in our publications and our social media presence. Our mutual goal is to take something great and make it excellent, and we’re confident that Steve’s experience will bring an entirely new set of opportunities to all of our clients as we achieve this goal. Perhaps you have felt the need to add commercial real estate to your investment portfolio or know someone in need of professional assistance in this area. Currently, Steve is preparing to close sales on several multi-year lease properties with reliable returns for investor clients he represents. Perhaps such an opportunity is worthy of your consideration. Or, maybe you have a piece of commercial property in need of maximum exposure or management. Either way, it’s exciting to finally be able to extend our reach into a new area with someone as capable as Steve on our team to lead the effort. So, if you or someone you know has need of commercial real estate services - purchasing, selling, leasing, or investing (both in and out of state), we are ready and able to provide the same All-Star Service you’ve come to expect. Simply let one of our team members know so they can connect you with Steve, or reach out to Steve directly. Our mission in residential, and now in commercial real estate, is the same as always: to serve you again....and again! Excited about the future, Adam & Team

Local Happenings by: DeLois Smith

Dear Friends, elcome to the beautiful and merry month of May! Our REALTOR® team has a weekly scheduled tour of newly listed properties that we represent – around seven to ten properties each week. The tour usually begins in Petal and moves throughout Hattiesburg to Oak Grove, Sumrall, Purvis, Columbia, and sometimes a bit beyond. This structural routine provides an opportunity for our REALTOR® Team, which has over 150 years of combined local market expertise, to analyze each property for the best target market, to improve property condition if needed, to best showcase the property’s most positive features, and to achieve the best pricing strategy. This process is one of the ways we are able to create a market edge for our sellers. Our sellers are therefore selling faster, at or nearer to market price; and we are able to create a less stressful, easier sale for you who are our sellers or may be sellers in the future. Thanks to the recent big “Make Lamar County Beautiful” campaign and the plans to continue that effort, there are fewer distractions to the beauty of our area. Our client, Supervisor Phillip Carlisle, along with Team REALTOR® Dennis Baum, provided strong leadership for the project. Our other Lamar County Supervisors have also shown strong support. The beautification of area road sides – now edged with crimson clover, the beauty of the colorful “big show” snap dragons, hybrid roses, and the lavender and yellow irises – all add to the joy and grandeur of the merry month of May! Relocations of families in and out of the community due to job transfers are becoming more evident each weekend with increased property showings and properties contracted. We are especially seeing activity from Hood Industries, Georgia Pacific, Sanderson Farms, Howard Industries, Camp Shelby, USM, William Carey, and our medical community. We are also seeing retirees moving to be closer to children and grandchildren, usually requesting to size down. The first-time buyer market is active and challenging. Thankfully, the move-up market is showing good signs of new spring and summer life too! May 30th is the kick-off date for Festival South’s seventh season in Hattiesburg. The DeLois Smith All Star Team REALTORS® is a proud sponsor of the “Art for Eternity” exhibit of Biblical artwork created by students in Russia. Through the influence of the Kindness Foundation this display demonstrates the impact of Bible teaching in public education in Russia over the past 20 years. A special thanks to Hancock Bank and Vice-president Greg Hodges for their partnership and co-sponsorship. If you could represent a youth group or an adult group – small or large – that would like a 30 minute tour and introduction by Kindness Foundation Founder and President, Dr. Olga Lutsenko, then please contact me at 601-270-5345 or Jennifer West, Kindness Foundation Executive Director, at 601-5459090 for details. Although we will include a full event schedule in our June Star Chat, please visit www.festivalsouth.org to view the full schedule of events and purchase your tickets online before they sell out. Thank you again and again for your continued, wonderful support of our team’s effort to make a difference and to deliver excellent real estate buying and selling service to you our clients. Just yesterday, we had the joy of touring the home of Mrs. Mollye Ward in Sumrall. We were greeted by her and her lovely daughter-in-law, and past client, Mary Leigh Ward, who was there helping pack. They were both saying that they had read every issue of Star Chat since their moves to Hattiesburg in ’07 and ’03. What a great compliment to have maintained their interest in the local real estate market and “happenings“ as seen through the shared experiences of our team over so many years. May the merry month of May bring many wonderful celebrations and joy to you and your families! DeLois & Team

ALL STAR TEAM Client Quotes “The Team sold my home within 6 days! Debra has outstanding professionalism, a great personality, and is very knowledgable in her field. She was very helpful in easing the tension with buying our new home and found us a great deal. We will highly recommend the team to others! Douglas and Gina Harrington, Seller/Buyer “Buying our first home was as scary as it was exciting. Brenda helped us every step of the way. She made house shopping fun! We want to thank the whole team for helping us buy our home.” Susan & Eric Nordmeier, Buyer “We put our house on the market on Friday and had an offer on Monday. DeLois and her team provided professional attention to us as if we were their only clients. We couldn’t have asked for better representation. I would recommend them to anyone considering buying or selling a house.” Daniel Davis, Seller “This was my first experience buying a home and I was scared to death. Everyone at your office helped to calm my fears and find my dream home. I will most definitely recommend you to my friends and remember to check with you for all my future home buying needs.” Kathryn Smith, Buyer

Mortgage rate projections

In what US Real Estate Market is more than 90% of home sales cash transactions? Be the first to call Dana at 545-3900 with the correct answer and you can WIN (2) Tickets to the “Sandi Patty Forever Grateful: The Farewell Tour,” which will headline the FestivalSouth Finale on June 18 at Main Street Baptist Church. With her incredible voice and dynamic personality, she has become an audience favorite in her visits to Hattiesburg. *Limit 1 winner per household per year.

“I Can Read” by: Dennis Baum I’m a firm believer in the volunteer spirit, especially when it comes to public schools and public education. Our public schools are facing a chronic shortage of funds, and there just isn’t enough money available to provide students who are struggling to read with the tutors and coaches they need to achieve an adequate level of reading proficiency. If a child is to excel at and experience the life-long joy and needed skill to achieve that reading provides, it is important to have a parent or parents read to that child daily. Many of the students in public school don’t have parents who are able to provide that stimulus. Often their parents are themselves poorly educated and may barely speak the language, much less read. Therefore, it’s important that we consider mentoring these students. While living in Dallas, I mentored at Spring Creek Elementary of many years. Recently I have been mentoring Kingston Warren in the first grade at Oak Grove Primary School. Reading was a huge challenge to Kingston, who is a bright and active 7 year old. When we first started reading together, Kingston would not even look at the words in stories, occasionally taking a feeble guess at what was written on the page. When I asked him why he wasn’t paying any attention, his reply was always, “I can’t read.” This experience was frustrating to both Kingston and me. We weren’t accomplishing any reading proficiency. I expressed my dissatisfaction to a friend, Joyce Holly, a gifted special education teacher in the Petal ISD. Joyce suggested that I not read long winded children’s books to Kingston. “Buy a Dick and Jane book,” she said. It’s easy, it’s simple, and he’ll get it. So my next stop was “Books a Thousand” where I purchased the suggested text. I think by this time, Kingston had about given up on reading. However, with a little encouragement, we waded into the less than complicated life of Dick and Jane and their friends Spot, Tim, Sally, and Puff. As you remember, the reader is constantly “seeing” these characters run, jump, come, and go, up and down! There are certain moments in life that one remembers, like where you were when you heard JFK had been assassinated, or the moment your first child entered the world, or you youngster rode a bike for the first time. After Kingston had read a few action packed pages of Dick and Jane, he grew more animated and confident. You could hear his excitement in the decibel level of his voice, and see it in how he was focused on the page, until he looked up at me with his huge and handsome brown eyes and announced in a clear voice, “I CAN READ.” I’ll never forget the moment! Being a mentor takes a lot of time and effort, but the experience can be very rewarding for all the parties. I encourage you to call your local elementary public school counselor and volunteer to mentor a boy or girl in need in order that you impact their life in a positive fashion. The biggest beneficiary will be YOU!

Visit GoAllStarTeam.com to view all area homes for sale!

Tour of Homes Sunday, May 1, 2016, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Oak Grove

Canebrake

Oak Grove

1:00 to 1:30 pm

1:30 to 2:00 pm

213 Legacy Boulevard

303 Legacy Boulevard

3 Bellerose

Legacy 3BD/2.5BA - $178,900 What a GREAT value! Brick flooring in the Kitchen and Wood flooring throughout the Bedrooms with an adorable white Picket Fence!

Legacy 3BD/2.5BA - $179,500 Legacy lifestyle at its best! Expansive Ceilings, Quality Plank Flooring, Granite Counters, and Side Screen Porches!

Canebrake Golf 3BD/2.5BA - $334,900 Pristine Garden home! Built with attention to detail with a state-of-the-art Kitchen, granite counter tops, separate Formal Dining, Sunroom, fenced yard, and more!

Directions: 98W to Old Hwy 11. Legacy S/D entrance is across the street from OG Middle School. Home on Left.

Directions: West entrance to Canebrake. First left on Bellerose.

103 Fern

Timber Ridge 4BD/2BA - $172,500 Move-in Ready! Cathedral & Raised Ceilings, Central Vacuum, and Music System. Second level Bonus Room could be Play Room or 4th Bedroom Directions: Old Hwy 11 to left on Windridge, first right on Timber Ridge, right on Fern

Petal

Oak Grove

1:00 to 1:30 pm

1:30 to 2:00 pm

2:00 to 2:30 pm

111 Larawood Point

77 Baracuda Drive

86 Auburn Place

Longleaf Acres 4BD/4BA - $395,000 Amazing waterfront! Rich appointments throughout including granite slab counters, oak hardwood floors, and sweeping lake views!

Lake Serene 3BD/2.5BA - $249,900 Simply Breathtaking! Picture Perfect Water Views From Every Window on the Back of The Home. Almost 250’ of Lake Serene Water Front!

The Trace 4BD/2BA - $231,500 Immaculate, one-story split bedroom plan. Lovely flooring including floating 5” lock-in maple and Old Chicago brick throughout!

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Directions: Eastabuchie Rd to Longleaf Acres. Straight at stop sign onto Pine Ridge. Left on Larawood.

Directions: Hwy 98W to King Rd. Turn right. Left on Baracuda Dr.

Directions: Hwy 98W to King Road, Right into The Trace S/D. Right on Auburn.

32 Le Grande Boulevard Belle Terre 3BD/2BA - $204,900 New Flooring and New Appliances all perched on a corner lot with beautiful hardwoods and privacy fenced yard. Move-in Ready! Directions: From Hwy 98W, South on Hwy 589, Right on Old Hwy 24, 1st left on Le Grande, house on right

Petal

2:30 to 3:00 pm

248 Tallulah Ridge

117 Shadow Ridge

Backwater 5BD/5.5BA - $499,900 This Executive home is value-packed with extras including Media Room, 2nd Media Room, 2nd Level Bonus Room, 3-Car Garage, & Courtyard!

56 Woodville Trace

39 Wildwood Trail

Shadow Ridge 5BD/2.5BA - $249,900 View the 10th Fairway from Your Private Deck! Spacious, two-story with walk-in attic and floored basement space for abundant storage.

The Trace 4BD/2.5BA - $339,500 Tranquil Waterfront Setting! Rich in Detail, Two Fireplaces, 3-car Side Entry Garage, Plus Hide-Away Covered RV Parking!

Trailwood 3BD/3BA - $249,000 Majestic and refreshed home on a stately 1.8 acre lot! Upgraded Granite Counters and Gas Cooktop plus additional Living/Sun Room!

Directions: HWY 98W, left in Woodstone, Left at T, Enter Backwater, 1st home on left.

Directions: HWY 98W, enter Shadow Ridge S/D, continue past pool and clubhouse.

Directions: Hwy 98W, right on King Rd, right into The Trace, Right on Auburn, left on Woodville.

Directions: HWY 42 to Trailwood (East Entrance). Home on the Right.

Oak Grove

3:00 to 3:30 pm

187 Tallulah Ridge Backwater 4BD/3.5BA - $457,500 Stunning New Construction by AAA Homes! Designer Kitchen with Walk-in Pantry, Open Dining & Keeping Room, Plus Separate Office! Directions: Hwy 98W to Woodstone S/D to Backwater to Tallulah Ridge.

106 Gettysburg Way Bent Creek West 4BD/2.5BA - $294,900 Warm and charming Colonial with 2nd level Bonus Room! New carpeting, fresh interior paint, & new granite counters in the Kitchen! Directions: Old Hwy 24 to Bent Creek West S/D. Take Second Right on Gettysburg.

121 Shadow Lake Drive

133 Shadow Lake Drive

Shadow Ridge 4BD/2.5BA - $289,500 Handsome, Custom, One-story, Golf Course Home on a One Acre Lot with Privacy Fenced Back Yard! Home Warranty Included.

Shadow Ridge 3BD/2BA - $184,900 Bright, Open, and Airy! Freshly painted plus the two Living areas provide ample living & dining options. Lovely Views of the 13th Hole!

Directions: Hwy 98W to Shadow Ridge Subdivision. Right on Shadow Lake Dr.

Petal

Oak Grove

Hattiesburg

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

4:00 to 4:30 pm

45 W Temple Road

20 Spencer Cove

3005 Raphael Drive

Timber Line Ridge 5BD/4BA - $359,000 Your piece of paradise found! Executive spread with large in-ground pool, outdoor fireplace, plus Pool House with full bath!

The Trace 3rd Add 4BD/3.5BA - $589,500 Prestigious, private cove on 2.3 acres and a backyard fish pond. Gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe it! Must see!

Innswood 4BD/3BA - $259,500 Looking for a Mother-in-Law Suite? This is it! Hickory engineered hardwood flooring throughout the main house; Upstairs Bonus.

Directions: Hwy 42 to Sunrise Rd. Right on W Temple. House on Right.

Directions: Hwy 98W, Right on King Rd to stop sign, R on Hatten, R on W. 4th, then take 2nd left on Spencer Cove.

Directions: From Lincoln Road turn into Innswood, Take first left, house last one on the left

16 Copper Creek Clear Creek 3BD/2BA - $204,900 Custom home by Craig Flanagen. Excellent Split Bedroom design with big Formal Dining, Oversized Rear Deck, and Fenced Back Yard! Directions: Old 24 to Clear Creek S/D. Take 2nd Left.

Oak Grove

Hattiesburg

Oak Grove

Petal

4:00 to 4:30 pm

4:30 to 5:00 pm

4 Honors Lane

302 3rd Avenue

607 Bramblewood

183 & 179 Sunline Drive

The Village 3BD/2.5BA - $344,900 Beautifully Appointed and Practical! Upstairs Bonus Room could be 4th Bedroom. Close to Hattiesburg County Club for the avid golfer!

Kamper & Whinery 3BD/2BA - $196,500 Updated in 2016 from top to bottom! New Plumbing, New Electrical, New HVAC, New Kitchen with Granite Counters & SS Appliances!

West Lake Manor 4BD/2BA Family time this Summer! Comfortable and Handsome Brick Ranch Home with Abundant Storage. Swimming Pool too!!

Pecan Lakes $210,500 - $214,900 Two AAA Homes New Construction Now Available! Choose from a Three or Four Bedroom option. Both Complete with Upscale Interiors.

Directions: Hwy 49 to Classic Dr. Go straight into the The Village. Left on Honors. 1st home on Right.

Directions: Hardy St or West Pine to 3rd Avenue on the block between Adeline St. and Corinne St.

Directions: Oak Grove Rd to Cox Ave. Right on SW Circle, left on Bramblewood Dr.

Directions: Hwy 42, R on Sunrise Rd to Pecan Lakes Blvd. L on Sunline, take 1st Right after boat launch. 2nd & 3rd house on left.