Judging by Face Value?

"Don't judge a book by it's cover."

"Beauty is only skin deep."

"It's what's on the inside that counts, not the outside."

In most respects, all these statements are very true but when it comes to selling your home, the outward appearance is extremely important! In real estate terms it's referred to as "curb appeal" and the psychology surrounding it is pretty definitive. Most buyers will turn down the opportunity to view a home that looks "unloved." It's so important that HGTV even has a show that centers on this topic simply named Curb Appeal.

The good news is that nice curb appeal doesn't have to cost a fortune! Take a peek at this article for 12 great ideas.

Carlene Noone is a Realtor with Prudential Gateway Real Estate.

"Life is Beautiful!"

Reunion's slogan is right on the money. Life IS beautiful in Reunion! Situated on land rich with history, this neighborhood is filled with wonderful present-day amenities. There's a Golf Course and Country Club, Equestrian Center, Shopping, Dining and Spa, Lakes/Beaches/Trails/Parks, and even Concerts and Events.

Talking about it is one thing but SEEING it is another! I've put together a virtual tour here and I'd be happy to show it to you in person as well. Note that there are several great listings currently on the market AND lots available if you'd like to build a custom home!

Natalie Savell is a REALTOR with Prudential Gateway Real Estate serving the Metro Jackson area of Mississippi.

Reunion Lots!

One of the most popular subdivisions in the Madison area is Reunion. Later in the week, Natalie Savell, will post a great video she put together highlighting the variety of activities and amenities available in this terrific neighborhood and I can't wait for you to see it! In the meantime, see what listings are available. (Click "Search" and then enter "Reunion" in the subdivision box.) If you'd rather build a custom home, click here for a list of available lot locations and prices.

Rosemary Stovall is owner/broker of Prudential Gateway Real Estate.

Home Inspection Q & A

Knowing both buyers and sellers benefit from home inspections, Su Morris introduces us to Home Inspector Charlie Sessums of Alpha Inspections.


"Should I attend the inspection?" What if the home inspector misses something?" "Must my brand, new construction be inspected?" This and more!



Excellent questions from Su and clear,straight-forward answers from Charlie will put your mind at ease BEFORE you begin the process!

Window Shopping is a Time-Honored Tradition

It may not seem like it right now, but spring is just around the corner! And, for those of you who are entertaining the idea of selling your property, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to do to get it ready for the market. Historically, spring and summer months are when real estate sales increase. So, don’t be left out in the cold—get your property in tip-top shape before the market “heats up”!

I like to use the analogy of window shopping when I talk with a Seller about preparing their property for the market. Some of New York City’s most famous and popular retail merchants spend a fortune on elaborate window displays during the Christmas season to draw shoppers into their department stores. Now, I’m not suggesting that you have to go to that extreme or expense to get a buyer into your property, but the concept is the same. You want to capture a buyer’s attention and make a great first impression. And, once a buyer is inside your front door, you want that great first impression to continue throughout their tour!

Check out these great tips for getting your property market and show ready!

Good luck, and remember with Jo Ann Dossett as your Realtor, every path leads home!

Extend Smartphone Battery Life!

REALTOR Tori Heard "lives life large" juggling a family, social life and a successful career! Here she shares some excellent information we can all put to use.

There is nothing more irritating than looking down at your phone to see your battery life in the red. You're in the middle of your work day, a girls' day lunch, or a marathon tennis match and you're about to lose all contact with the world. Ugggghhhh, what to do…what to do??? And why does it always seem to happen when you aren’t going to be in your car for a while and you didn’t bring your plug-in wall charger? I try to prepare for these kinds of moments because of my non-stop, busy life as a REALTOR. I can’t lose use of my cell phone while I have a whole family in my car looking for a new house. But, let’s face it….even if we are prepared, it happens to most of us anyway.

Recently, I ran across this great article with tricks to save your smart phone battery life. It even tells you some off the biggest battery life eaters that you may be using as I type. I found the information very useful and learned a thing or two about my phone along the way. Check it out, this short article sure beats reading the whole user’s manual…that’s for sure.

When Selling Your Home Think "First Date"!

REALTOR, Bethany Foote makes an excellent point: Putting your house on the market is like preparing for a first date.

Would you meet your potential life-mate without your hair being brushed or sweet smelling breath?  What about no makeup, shirt un-tucked and in your “comfy” pajamas?  I didn’t think so, so why is it that we do not put our best foot forward when preparing to show our homes to potential “life-mates’ for our homes.

Here is a check-list of items that need to be done before you put the sign in the yard & the lockbox out…

1. Clean until it shines!  Give your house the “white glove” treatment at least once and then you should be able to maintain everything through the showing process.  Don’t neglect baseboards, blinds, fan blades, etc., they probably haven’t been touched in months, yuck.
2. Clean out your cupboards & closets.  You can tell a lot about the home by seeing how well the homeowner tends to their personal items.   If you can’t see the floor of their closet, chances are they haven’t changed the air filters very often.
3. De-clutter surfaces in your baths, kitchens, & laundry rooms.  You don’t need to showcase every piece of pottery you own.  Also purge pictures and books from bookshelves, go with the less is more thinking process.  If people only see you and your family in the home, they won’t see themselves there.
4. Put out fresh flowers inside & out.  It is always a nice touch to have some FRESH flowers in your home in the kitchen & baths.  If weather permits put out a fresh potted plant on your porch as well.  If it is too cold for plants make sure you put out fresh pine straw and trim bushes and trees appropriately and for heaven’s sake remove any leftover Christmas decorations! 
5. Before leaving to allow a REALTOR to show your home, turn on some nice music, turn on your lamps and lights as if you were having a party, no one likes to enter a dark home.  Burn a clean-scented candle while you are straightening up, but don’t forget to blow it out! Close all toilet lids, straighten the beds and make sure all laundry and trash is put away and no dishes in the sink. 
6. You might even want to leave some chocolates or cookies in the kitchen with a note to thank them for visiting the house. Think of this touch as a sweet good night kiss.

Remember they always say you never get a 2^nd chance to make the 1st impression!

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words...

(or at least a thousand dollars!)

Are you getting ready to sell your home, but you don’t know where to start? It is important that your home is clean, staged properly, and the pictures are fantastic! It doesn’t matter whether you provide a potential buyer with two photos or twenty-two, if the pictures are bad you risk losing money. How can the pictures determine what you sell your home for? Simple. If the pictures you use to market your home does not bring out the best, you will get less traffic, which means you will eventually take less money. If you use pictures that excite the buyer and pulls their attention to your home, it means more traffic, which may lead to more money.

So when you or your Realtor gets ready to market your home, remember the pictures. Good photos may be good money.

Learn more about Prudential Gateway's Reid Guy and pick up more great information on his blog.