SEPTEMBER 2026
Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc., Realtors PAGE 6
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Patty Turk Properties, LLC
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5 When is the right time to sell a home? 5 First Choice Insurance 6 Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc. 7 Cracked walkways threaten homes and residents in many ways
8 Pontotoc Ridge Realty LTD. 10 How to make a home more cozy 11 Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. 12 Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker
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13 Health problems linked to mold exposure
14 Cooking up a kitchen remodel 16 First Choice Bank
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Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles | Designer: Chelsea Williams Pontotoc Progress • 13 East Jefferson Street P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863 • 662-489-3511 4| PONTOTOC HOMES
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO
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Sell A Home?
dentifying the optimal time to sell a home involves careful consideration of seasonal trends, market conditions and shifting economic indicators. Home equity represents the largest component of personal wealth for most households, and miscalculating the market by even a few days or weeks can result in a substantial financial loss. Although there is no perfect moment to sell a home, the National Association of Realtors indicates data-driven insights can help maximize profits and minimize stress. The following are some factors that can determine the most advantageous time to sell a home.
THE SEASONS ARE A STRONG INFLUENCER
According to a Realtor.com analysis of trends from 2018 to 2025, spring consistently is the strongest period for sellers. Mid-spring is a popular time to list a home because it brings higher buyer demand and lower competition.
THE SCHOOL YEAR MATTERS
mortgage rate stabilization and an increase in inventory. Sellers benefit most when inventory is tight and buyer demand is solid. Zillow says 78 percent of sellers cite major changes like job relocation, family size shifts or lifestyle needs as driving decisions to move and buy. Ultimately the right time to sell a home is when personal needs coordinate with reasonable market strength. Analysis of local data and reliance on local professionals can help homeowners sell on their terms.
Families looking to move will want to get into their new homes before the school year starts. The summer is a peak time for home sales, particularly when buyers can close on properties and move in before the kids start classes. The NAR says homes sell fastest in spring and summer, often in 31 to 35 days, with sales rising through June.
TIMING IS LOCALIZED, TOO
Some markets do not follow the typical seasonal trajectory. For example, home sales in San Jose, Calif., peak during the first two weeks of February, according to Zillow. The Silicon Valley market and surrounding areas feature chronically low inventory, so this early selling window allows sellers to capture highly motivated buyers. Other markets around the country challenge conventional wisdom as well, and relying on a knowledgeable real estate profession can help sellers list at the best time in their markets.
FINANCIAL AND MARKET FACTORS PLAY ROLES
Market conditions will often matter more than the calendar when it comes to the real estate market. The NAR forecasted a 14 percent increase in existing home sales for 2026 due
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Cracked Walkways
THREATEN HOMES AND RESIDENTS IN MANY WAYS
he popularity of outdoor living spaces has increased dramatically over the last decade. The National Association of Home Builders® notes that industry projections estimate the outdoor living market will reach $26.8 billion by 2027. That’s a testament to the popularity of spaces that are transforming how people use their properties and spend time at home. Outdoor kitchens, living rooms and expansive patios garner the bulk of the attention directed at exterior living spaces, but walkways into these spaces are equally important. A stunning walkway can set the tone for a space, while a cracked walkway can pose a threat to a home, its residents and any guests who visit to enjoy some R&R in an outdoor living space. Cracked walkways should be addressed so homeowners and their guests are safe and home values are not compromised by these unsightly yet fixable issues.
The threat of cracked walkways CRACKED WALKWAYS INCREASE INJURY RISK
The National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that roughly three in four outdoor falls are attributable to environmental hazards like cracked or broken walkways. The cost of a new outdoor living space can be significant, and some homeowners might delay redoing their existing walkways so they can use those savings to fund the larger project. But homeowners planning to entertain and even those who will be using their existing walkways to access an outdoor living space are urged to include cracked walkway replacement into their outdoor living space project. Doing so can prevent falls and leave homeowners less vulnerable to accidents involving guests that can ultimately lead to higher insurance premiums.
CRACKED WALKWAYS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME
Cracked walkways also can harm a home. A cracked walkway often slopes as well, and when it slopes toward the home, it can then channel water in the direction of the home’s foundation. That can cause the soil around the home to erode and ultimate threaten the structural integrity of a home’s foundation. Home-
owners may even be able to see such damage already if a walkway running alongside a garage is cracked. If so, walked into the garage and see if the foundation area opposite where the crack is outside is showing signs of damage. If it is, fixing cracked walkways can prevent further damage. If it’s not, then homeowners might have gotten lucky and identified the problem before it affected the foundation of their home.
CRACKED WALKWAYS ADVERSELY AFFECT CURB APPEAL
According to Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, 75 percent of prospective home buyers indicated they would prioritize homes with outdoor living spaces over homes that lacked this popular feature. Outdoor living spaces certainly boast the wow factor, but cracked walkways en route to these areas can take away from that appeal and create a bad first impression. Savvy homeowners recognize that every investment they make in their home is an opportunity to improve resale value. Fixing cracked walkways when redesigning exterior spaces is a great way to ensure the boost in curb appeal from an outdoor living space is not compromised by unsightly and even dangerous walking paths leading residents and guests to these popular areas.
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HOW TO MAKE A
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Home More Cozy
he meaning of the term “cozy” varies as it pertains to home decor. For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage. Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their homes to be inviting and comfortable. Making a home more cozy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy modifications can improve interior spaces.
Ways to create a cozy vibe to any living space MAKE USE OF A FIREPLACE
Make use of a fireplace. Flames lapping wood (or faux wood in the event of gas-powered fireplaces) can put anyone in a tranquil state of mind. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and make great places for people to congregate and engage in conversation. During warmer months when the fire isn’t blazing, decorative candles can be lit to mimic the same feel.
ADD TEXTURE IN THE DESIGN
Texture can be anything from a raised pattern on wallpaper to a knotty area rug to a mosaic piece of artwork. A home with texture tends to create cozier impressions than one with all sleek and smooth surfaces.
ENJOY A SOFT RUG
Although many design experts say hardwood floors or laminate options are easier for allergies and keeping a home clean, a soft rug underfoot can be welcoming. Rather than wall-towall carpeting, place area rugs in spots that can use some cozying up, such as beneath beds and even under the dining table.
LIGHT CANDLES
The warm, flickering light of candles adds cozy vibes in spades. According to The Spruce and Paula Boston, a visual merchandiser for Festive Lights, candles can be used throughout a home to create instant atmosphere. Exercise caution with candles and fully extinguish them before retiring for the evening.
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UPDATE BEDDING FOR THE SEASON
Crisp and light cotton and linen are cozy materials when the weather is warm. But when the temperature starts to dip, flannel or jersey bedding makes a bed that much more inviting, says Real Simple.
INVEST IN LOTS OF PILLOWS
Pillows can instantly make a spot more cozy, whether it’s the living room sofa or an outdoor lounging nook. Look for materials that are durable for the space in which they’re being used.
THINK ABOUT WARM LIGHTING
The transition from incandescent light bulbs to halogen and LED is beneficial from an environmental standpoint. However, LEDs illuminate with a more stark, blue light that can seem clinical in home spaces. Look for bulbs where the “temperature” can be customized. The more the color spectrum leans toward warm light, the more cozy a space will feel. This can be enhanced by putting some lights on dimmer switches, and toning down the brightness as needed.
INSTALL A BOOKSHELF
Even for those who are strict devotees of e-readers, a shelf full of actual books interspersed with some well-placed knickknacks can make a room feel more cozy. Books add texture, the feel of hallowed halls and libraries, and visual appeal.
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HEALTH PROBLEMS LINKED TO
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Mold Exposure
old is a natural part of the environment and can be found growing just about anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present, advises the Environmental Protection Agency. Mold is a fungus that can be helpful because it breaks down dead organic matter. But mold growth indoors can prove problematic, not only to personal living spaces but to one’s health. When mold grows outdoors in the fresh air, exposure to it can be minimal. However, mold growing indoors can cause concentrated conditions that adversely affect indoor air quality and overall health. The Rhode Island Department of Health says exposure to a large number of mold spores may cause symptoms associated with allergies, such as runny nose, watery eyes, headache, fatigue, and sneezing, among others. Exposure to certain molds, such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus, can cause more serious illness because of the mycotoxins these molds produce. Aspergillosis is a fungal lung infection with emerging antimicrobial resistance, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization, the National Academy of Medicine and the National Toxicology Program report that occupants of damp, moldy buildings have an increased risk of respiratory problems. Repeated exposure to mold can lead to asthma, which is a chronic airway disease characterized by inflammation, states the National Institutes of Health. Individuals can experience shortness of breath and airway obstruction from the overproduction of mucus. Additional conditions also can be attributed to mold. For example, valley fever is linked
to the fungus Coccidioides, which lives in soil in some areas of the southwestern United States. Mucormycosis is a severe but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes, says the CDC. It affects the sinuses or the lungs of people with weakened immune systems. Though some people who come in contact with mold will not develop any adverse symptoms, it is still best to address indoor mold problems promptly. These steps can help. • Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as basements.
• Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. • Fix any leaks in pipes, walls or windows promptly. • Use mold-resistant paint. • Make sure that clothes dryers and exhaust fans vent to the outdoors rather than an attic or another room. • Remove mold with mold-killing products. The CDC says mold can be cleaned from hard surfaces with soap and water or a bleach solution of no more than one cup of household bleach to one gallon of water. Mold is everywhere in the environment, but prevention of indoor mold growth can help people avoid respiratory issues and other health problems. PONTOTOC HOMES |13
COOKING UP A
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Kitchen Remodel
successful kitchen renovation project requires careful planning and a detailed vision of what the space will look like upon completion. Whether a homeowner is thinking about giving the kitchen a major overhaul or just a minor refresh, bringing that vision to life doesn’t happen overnight. There is a process that must go into a kitchen renovation. Embarking on a kitchen remodel can be an exciting venture and homeowners may be eager to dive right in, but familiarizing oneself with what to expect prior to the start can help property owners navigate the process more smoothly. Once all the work is done, it is essential for homeowners to make sure everything is to their liking. According to HGTV and Kitchy Crouse of CK Interior Design, a regular kitchen renovation can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks. With so much time devoted to the space, homeowners should ensure it lives up to their expectations. As the renovation begins, homeowners should remember that unexpected issues can arise, including delays due to material availability or unforeseen challenges. Maintaining an open communication with the contractor, asking questions and remaining flexible helps. Although a kitchen remodel is initially disruptive, it is an investment that ultimately enhances a home’s value.
Steps to a successful kitchen renovation INSPIRATION AND DESIGN
The first phase involves dreaming up kitchen plans and making practical decisions regarding efficiency and functionality. Considerable time may be spent working with a designer and architect, which will involve choosing materials and a color scheme.
CREATING A BUDGET
According to Angi, the average kitchen remodel costs $26,934, but price ultimately varies depending on the scope of the work. Costs may be less or more depending on the size of the kitchen and the materials chosen.
DEMOLITION
Before a homeowner can have a new kitchen, the old one must be removed. The real physical transformation begins with the demolition, which tends to be quick but messy. It is essential to set up an alternative “mini kitchen” elsewhere, or expect to be dining out throughout the remodel. The demo process may reveal any issues that will need to be remedied before the
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real work can begin, such as structural damage, leaks, mold, or other hiccups.
CONTRACTOR WORK BEGINS
It can take one to three weeks for contractors to install plumbing, mechanical components, electrical wiring, ductwork, and more, followed by structural needs and drywall, according to sink and faucet manufacturer Blanco. Flooring and cabinets will follow, and can take another week or more. Fabricating custom countertops is a lengthy process and can represent the bulk of a kitchen renovation timeline. Expect a few weeks for countertops to be measured, made and then installed.
APPLIANCES AND FINISHING TOUCHES
Appliances will be delivered and hooked up at the tail end of the renovation. Finally, the backsplash, fixtures and lighting are put into place. The last leg of the remodel will include painting, trim work and installation of hardware on cabinets and drawers.