My Hattiesburg Real Estate Blog

TWITTER, Hashtags, Real Estate Oh My

2011-02-12T20:57:00.000-06:00

ok, so I've gone and done it.

I've started a Hashtag.

#HBGRealEstate

We'll see if anyone else will use it.

I'm going to start tweeting my listings and other information about the Hattiesburg Market.

Spring will be here soon

2011-02-05T18:11:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows when the grass starts greening up the pending riders start hitting the for sale signs. And so far things this year are really looking up!!!

Really Excited about Stion coming to Hattiesburg

2011-01-15T12:15:00.002-06:00

This is really exciting for our little community.

If some of the bigger states keep upping their corporate income taxes, we may see more of this.

I especially like that they are excited about the availability of a work force here!

Solar panel facility coming to Hattiesburg - WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

2011-01-15T12:13:00.000-06:00

Solar panel facility coming to Hattiesburg - WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Real Estate in Hattiesburg is Finally picking up!!!!

2011-01-15T12:11:00.001-06:00

Things seems to be getting off to a good start for January!
It was getting a little scary about mid October but evidently people really were waiting to see what the election did.

Right before Christmas things really picked up and they haven't really slowed back down. We've seen little bursts all year but then it would die back down.

Now showings have picked up at our Company and two or three other companies that I talked to have seen an increase in showings. Now people are finally in the market looking.

January and February have always been traditionally 'getting started looking' months but there are some really good deals out there so I'm seeing pending come across the MLS too!

Maybe we really have turned the corner!!!!!!

Grand Opening Lost Orchard Playground

2010-11-16T07:01:00.001-06:00

Saturday was so much fun. The Playground has been put through its paces.

TUESDAYS ARE ALWAYS CRAZY

2010-08-31T14:26:00.001-05:00

Most real estate companies in Hattiesburg have sales meetings on Tuesday morning. It's been like that at every company I've ever worked at. One local tradition agents enjoy is the REALTOR open house. It works really well when real estate agents from different companies get together and have homes in the same neighborhood for sale open at the same time. There will be appetizers at one house, lunch at one and then dessert. It really gives us a chance to tour houses, give feedback and just generally check in with each other. And IT helps us see what is on the market even if we aren't showing in that price range.

So today Jane Kingsafer, Angela Duncan, and I made the rounds. We went from Southwest Hattiesburg to Bridgfield. And we saw everything from groovy vintage orange shag carpet (and it was pristine), to a stuffed cat who I swear may have once been a real cat, to the most FABULOUS New Orleans courtyard in Bridgefield Estates. Phil Gattuso made corn dip (Jane's recipe) and it was delicious but I think Susan Smith wins the award for best brownies ever.

You might think we are just goofing around, but this really is a great way to get agents through a listing and get some honest feedback and input.

I'm holding a listing in Purvis open next week. I'm not sure I'll be able to top those brownies!

Hurricane Katrina

2010-08-30T21:56:00.001-05:00

Today was gray and overcast and I guess that was really kind of appropriate.
And I've had the blues all day. I don't like to think too much about the week after that storm. It was hot, hot, hot, hot, scary and chaotic, and amplified by what I now realize was postpartum depression.

But this is my favorite picture. Kathryn was 4 months old and I don't think I've ever been so terrified.
Not during the storm. We were safe as houses and while we lost 24 pine trees, we didn't even have a
loose shingle after the storm.

It was after the storm that was so scary. Fortunately, she preferred her formula cold and we had water back on by Wednesday. In the grand scheme of things we were, as usual, very blessed!

Next time a cat 4 comes into the Gulf, we're leaving. Dogs and all.

Working on my Hattiesburg Real Estate Website today

2010-08-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

I have found some great content for my website. I'm so glad to be away from template sites and look forward to see how this site is works with my SEO.

I found a wonderful Architecture Guide on Realtor.Org and thought I'd share it.

architecture guide

So if you ever wanted to know what Prairie Style is or the difference between a Queen Anne Victorian and Craftsman is, this guide has it all.

New Listing for Sale in Southwest Hattiesburg Near Camp Shelby

2010-08-28T08:27:00.002-05:00

Click to see MLS Listing

Wonderful New Home Under construction in Dixie.
Minutes from Camp Shelby, Liberty Place is a brand
new small development in the Southwest Hattiesburg area.

$137,500

Download floor plan.

Sometimes it's like a lightbulb goes off

2010-08-28T07:05:00.000-05:00

So about 5:30 this morning it hit me, I'll just embed my RSS feed onto my home page.
Don't know why that took so long to decide on.

Oh, I LOVE OUR MLS SYSTEM!

2010-08-27T10:03:00.004-05:00

I have actually figured out a way to assign each of my listings it's own URL thanks to our FABULOUS Flex MLS.

For example:

www.41hawthorne.info

SHOULD I MAKE MY SITE AND MY BLOG ONE THING

2010-08-27T09:58:00.002-05:00

Just really struggling with the idea of combining my blog and my Hattiesburg Real Estate website. Really have been struggling with organic search engine placement although I don't mind paying for Google adwords, I just wish I came up higher on the first page.

2010-08-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

At a ce class i have been neglecting blog

Making My Mother's Christmas Cookies with Kathryn

2009-12-19T17:34:00.004-06:00

Christmas Cookies were always a tradition when I was growing up. I don't remember a Christmas I didn't make them with my mother. We spent the last Christmas with her in a cabin in Gatlinburg. We even hauled all the cookie cutters up to the mountain and made cookies.

This year is the first Christmas Kathryn is old enough to make cookies so I had to take a few pictures. I thought it would be fun to put them on my blog along with the cookie recipe.

I don't know where my mom got the recipe from. But it is written on the inside cover of one of the 2 cookbooks she liked to use. She always doubled it. It makes a really crisp not to sweet cookie that is perfect for decorating.

Here is the Recipe

2/3 cup of butter (do yourself a favor and use real sweet cream butter)
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp of vanilla

1 egg
4 tsp of milk

2 cups all purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking Powder (check your expiration date)
1/2 tsp of salt

Bake at 375 for 6 to 8 minutes or 10 to 14 minutes if using Pampered Chef stoneware

Cream the butter and sugar together.
Add the egg and milk
Then add flour, baking powder and salt

Mix until it is firm.
Form into a ball, cover with plastic and put in the refrigerator for about an hour.

When it has chilled, I cut out small portions to roll out a little at a time.
Get your flour out because you are going to need it.

Flour the surface you are rolling on and your rolling pin. I like my fondant roller because its easier to control.

and form them in a flat round shape.

I usually flip the dough over a few times while rolling. Take your time and get it even. And don't roll it too thin because some cookie cutter patterns won't show if the dough is too thin.

And speaking of cookie cutters, I have no idea how old these cookie cutters are. I'm 42 and they were old when I was a child using them. I'm pretty sure my mother got them from my great grandmother but I'm not sure where Granny got them from. I think the bell is my absolute favorite.

If you have cookie cutters with patterns, make sure you really flour them good so the dough won't stick.

Don't they look yummy? Bake them until the corners just start to turn brown. It will take longer on a Pampered Chef cookie sheet but the cookies really turn out so much better on the stoneware it is worth the extra cooking time.

We'll be decorating them Tuesday night so check back for more pictures.

I hope you will try my mom's recipe. Christmas just has not been the same since she died in 1993, but making her cookie recipe with my daughter this year has definitely given the Holidays back some of their magic!

And I highly recommend getting a pretty retro boutique apron before you make them...

Merry Christmas!

Extreme Home Makeover is coming to Hattiesburg

2009-11-19T14:51:00.003-06:00

We're so excited that Extreme Home Makeover is coming to Hattiesburg!!!!
I'm already signed up to volunteer 2 days. If you want to volunteer you can just go to the site.

http://www.extremehattiesburg.com/

Can't wait to see who is chosen!!!!!

Lost Orchard is almost ready

2009-08-19T13:28:00.000-05:00

The model home is going up fast!

The builders are getting ready to start building spec houses and we'll have the information posted on the website very soon.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to own a new home at an affordable price in Purvis, MS.

BENEFIT FOR JIM GRENN AT COLDWELL BANKER

2009-07-22T14:37:00.002-05:00

We just finished up the Mack's Catfish fry. Proceeds to benefit Jim Grenn son of Chip and Selena Grenn.

Gary McLaurin and his crew fry a mean catfish!!!!!
Mack's did a great job and worked so hard today! And I don't think there is a catfish left in the Lamar/Forrest County Area!

We had an awesome turnout. Just proves what a great community we live in.

$15,000 Home Makeover Sweepstaks

2009-06-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

Want to win $15,000 to Make Over Your House?

GO to Coldwell Banker and sign up.

http://coldwellbanker.com/servlet/Sweepstakes?action=enter

Mention me if it asks for an agent.

Hattiesburg Real Estate MLS Search

2009-06-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a new home in Hattiesburg?

Try my website

http://www.searchhattiesburg.com

My updated IDX search function allows you to create an account, save your favorites and set up automatic emails.

Email me if you have any questions!

Kathryn's 1st Dance Recital

2009-05-31T07:31:00.004-05:00

Leaps and Bounds Studio had their 2009 dance recital last night and it was standing room only at the Saenger in Downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

This was Kathryn's very first recital and she and the other girls did such a great job!!!!!

Her Daddy snapped this picture as she got her certificate from Ms. Wendy. I just have to mention that her Daddy missed the International Blade Show in Atlanta fort he recital. He has not missed in about 10 years. It's his one trip a year that he really looks forward too.

Here we are waiting backstage for everything to begin.
Kathryn is on the far left. My neice Chloe is in the center, and Cate Adams on the right.

Tape Dance Routine

"I'm a Little Teapot" Pre Ballet routine

Kathryn with Flowers

Tumbletots

Kathryn and Chloe hamming it up backstage.

My Baby Ballerina, Kathryn.

My fabulouse Neice, Chloe. She is meant for the stage!!!!!

Here's Chloe's class. I think they had the most exciting costumes of the entire night. But I have to say Wendy picked out gorgeous costumes from everyone.

I just can't believe how much Chloe and Kathryn have grown.
How does it go from this:

To this, in just 4 years?????

What a great night! Thanks, Mrs. Wendy!!!!!!!!

I just listed the prettiest house

2009-05-14T17:42:00.004-05:00

Can't wait to upload pictures of my new listing at 223 Sam Rayburn Drive.
It is adorable. has new architectural roof, and the inside is completely remodeled.

Here's a picture!

First Time Home Buyer Tax credit

2009-03-06T14:09:00.000-06:00

Here is a great PDF that explains the new $8000 first time home buyer credit

http://www.mediafire.com/?3whyztm3wzn

NEW LISTINGS!!!!

2009-02-03T13:38:00.005-06:00

New Listing in Madison Place.Super pretty single story unit on Georgetown.
Decorator colors, sunroom, large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and big master suite are just a few of the features.
Prices at $174,900. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them my way!!!!

FABULOUS LOT ON THE WATER AT BRIDGEFIELD!!!$87,500

YOUR DREAM HOME WILL fit perfectly on this wonderful lot on the water at Bridgefield. Adjacent lot may also be available. We have builders ready to help make your dream come true.

My first sales duty day

2009-01-28T15:00:00.002-06:00

Today is my first day to have sales duty at Coldwell Banker. So everyone please call in the afternoon to by a house from me!!!!!!!

Trying to figure out RSS today any hints?

2009-01-27T10:04:00.000-06:00

I am trying to convince my friend Carol to have a Blog!

2009-01-23T13:20:00.004-06:00

Don't you think she should?

And this Japanese import is my favorite fabric of all time!

I am really excited about the new Portal Feature in our mls system!

2009-01-23T00:36:00.000-06:00

This is new search feature in our MLS actually allows you a private log in page to searches you can set up or I can set up for you. For example: I can set up a search for active listings in your subdivision and it will email you anytime a house comes up for sale. Or you can log in to your portal and actually see all the homes actively for sale in your neighborhood. Even if you don't plan to move for sometime, I'm sure this is information anyone would love to have.

Just email me if you want a portal account or go to
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/mainmenu.cgi?cmd=url+other/createlink/link_receiver.html&no_html_header=true&i=gmxs50g11l6,2
and set up one.

Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Active Rain, Zillow Oh MY!

2009-01-23T00:35:00.002-06:00

I'm going a little crazy trying to get all my internet things in line!

I'm trying to rework my website

2009-01-11T13:47:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting my website in order. I have too many URLs to deal with. ;-)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-31T07:16:00.001-06:00

I don't know about you but I cannot believe that the new year is here!
Where did 2008 go?

Joyeux Noel, YA'LL!

2008-12-22T09:09:00.001-06:00

We took Kathryn to Audubon Zoo in New Orleans Saturday to meet Papa Noel.

But I think she enjoyed meeting the rat snake better.

WOW! Gorilla Twins!!!!!

2008-12-04T09:35:00.000-06:00

Gorilla Twins born in Uganda. Only the 2nd time even known to happen.

Here's the article:

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/03/gorilla-twins.html

What the heck is 16th Section Land?

2008-12-04T08:27:00.000-06:00

I actually ran across some information on the Mississippi Secretary of State's Website about the odd and often maligned 16th Section land. I've sold homes on 16th Section Land before and its never been that big of a deal but it was good to find this information.

Here's the link.

http://www.sos.state.ms.us/PublicLands/16th/16l_faq.asp#a2

RECENT TRIP TO HATTIESBURG ZOO

2008-12-01T01:47:00.001-06:00

The Jaguar was finally awake when we went last Sunday and we got some great pictures.

For more information about the Zoo. Click Here

How Was Your Thanksgiving?

2008-12-01T01:10:00.000-06:00

We had a great time! Of course we had three stops to make so the food was a little bit ridiculous.
My daughter Kathryn and her first cousin Pete Jr chill out after the afternoon meal.
All the cousins were together which doesn't happen very often.

I HAVE TWO GREAT NEW LISTINGS!

2008-12-01T01:05:00.001-06:00

I'm really excited about these new listings!

7 Nicolaus has a huge yard and it's priced about $5000 under appraisal.

You can see more details at www.7nicolaus.info

And 35 Archel in Petal's Reese Creek Subdivision. The kitchen in this house is to die for and it has a huge fenced back yard!

For More Information: www.35archel.info

FEATURED HOME

2008-11-24T14:07:00.000-06:00

Introducing 304 Whitehaven in Madison Place

This lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath home is located just a few doors up from the club house and swimming pool at Madison Place. See more information at www.304whitehaven.info

JUST SOLD MY LISTING at 868 River Rd

2008-11-24T14:01:00.001-06:00

This is one of the prettiest homes I've ever listed.
We closed on it Friday afternoon. Hope the new owners really enjoy it.
Thanks to Julie Burks at my office for bringing the offer.

Hi, I'm just getting started.

2008-11-24T10:43:00.001-06:00

I am in the process of setting up this blog.

Visit me at my website now at www.searchhattiesburg.com