DeLois Smith Adam WatkinsLinda Seifert Debra Pace Scott HolmesBrenda Blackwell Wendy Gay Dennis Baum

Elizabeth Liggett Josh BellewJennifer Rasberry

Volume 16, Issue 2 / February 2014

4 Willow Bend Drive, Hattiesburg509 S. Main Street, Petal

601.545.3900 • 1.800.DELOIS.SDeLoisSmith.com • GoAllStarTeam.com

Andrew Bird

Dana Quesenberry Ben Williams

By Linda Seifert January brought not only a new year but a new trip

for the All Star Team! We were blessed to reach our team goal in 2013 and were rewarded with a week long Western Caribbean cruise. Our stops were Falmouth, Jamaica, George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico. Many of us were able to go and share our trip with family and friends while a few of us stayed behind to ‘mind the store’ and brave the cold weather.

My traveling companion this year was my oldest friend, Judy Stechmann who lives in Mobile, Alabama. Judy and I went to high school together and bonded with our mu-tual credo of ‘laughter being the best medicine’. Over the years we’ve shared our lives, watched our children grow and seen them have families of their own. In our ‘mature’ years we find ourselves not only reminiscing about our youthful adventures but, when possible, adding a few new adventures to the history book! It was Judy’s first cruise, my third and we had a blast! My co- workers and fellow cruisers all threw themselves into soaking up as much fun and sun as possible and whenever we could we shared a meal and some relaxing times together.

Many years ago my husband labeled me ‘a professional shopper’ and this cruise offered ample opportunity to shop ‘til you drop! I’ve never seen so much jewelry in my life! In fact it was almost overkill to the tune of a self imposed ban on shopping until next Christmas! How-ever, upon returning home, my resolve had vanished in a week! Oh...... the trying times of being a shopaholic! :-)

It’s now back to the business of helping home buyers

and sellers make their dreams come true. This is a job I love and I look forward to helping many of you with your next real estate transaction!

Live and love well!

Linda

New adventures with life long friends

Keeping things localHere we are in our second month of 2014!!!

So far, 2014 promises to be much different than last year. Things feel different. Not worse or better, just different. For starters, how about this weather??? As I write these words, freezing rain is piling up outside the office, and there are winter storm warnings in the Mississippi Gulf Coast of all places!!!

The weather isn’t the only thing that feels different, the market feels different as well. Again, not worse or better necessarily, but different. And, those differences can sometimes show up in some market segments more than others. I’ll try to explain. The other day I bumped into a friend who also happens to be a past client and was asked the first question that I’m often asked: “How’s the real estate market?” He’s considering listing his home; it’s an obvious question, and one that I’m asked often. It should be easy to answer, and I should roll off my thoughts on the market in a matter of seconds (which I did, to a certain degree, and perhaps to the dismay of the listener). The interaction reminded me of some things about answering such a question, though. The answer could be a simple one or two-word summary, I suppose. Some professionals might use descriptives such as “great, steady, challenging, slow, or fast.” These are the simple summaries that are often batted about as people “talk real estate.” Most sales people are trained to be quick to assert that things are “fantastic.” Personally, I always had a problem with a standard answer like that, because I found it to be disingenuous, and sometimes dishonest at a certain level, at least without some clarification.

Of course, it’s really not as simple as just “fantastic” or “challenging” (even if folks who ask are only looking for a quick summary or conversation starter). Why? Because real estate is inherently local in nature. What do I mean by that? I wish I had a better example to illustrate my point than the one that follows,

but it’s the best example I know of to describe what I mean of real estate being “local,” so please forgive me for using an example that may seem upsetting. Several years back, I began to notice something in one of our area’s more prominent neighborhoods. There was one particular street within the neighborhood that was not performing as well as the balance of the neighborhood. In fact, while other homes in the neighborhood would sell relatively quickly, multiple homes on this single street remained up for sale for lengthy periods of time, and the ones that sold did so for less than the average sales of the homes within the same neighborhood - even homes only a couple streets over. There wasn’t anything conditionally superior to the homes throughout the neighborhood - in fact, several of these homes were lakefront! I wondered why this could be, and did some searching and asking and found the answer. I was dismayed by my discovery that a registered sex offender had moved into a home on that street. Subtly, people had become aware of this fact, and it started to have an effect on the sales of the properties on this single street. You see, local can be as specific as a single street within a neighborhood. The point is that no matter what is happening in the nation, the state, the metro area, the city, or the suburb, there are still environmental and economic factors that come into play for a single neighborhood and even a single street within that neighborhood!!! The result is a lot of conflicting information out there. For example, you may read that sales in the country have increased 20%, but in your own neighborhood, you notice that homes are taking longer to sell (or perhaps they’re flying off the shelves).

You find evidence of this conflict in certain price ranges too, where at certain times a particular price range (or market segment) is more aggressive than others even though the

market conditions appear to be the same. For instance, last year there was roughly a 50% increase in sales of homes in the $140,000 to $160,000 price range over the previous year. I suspect this was a result of first time home buyers entering the market once more with aggressive interest rates and renewed fervor in the market.

So what does that mean for 2014? Overall, the final quarter of 2013 dealt the market a lot of distractions including a rise in rates (only into the 4% range, incidentally); the government shutdown that affected VA, FHA, and USDA loans; grappling with the ramifications of Obamacare on the finances of families; and the expected focus on the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. As a result, the difference between the beginning of 2013 versus 2014 was there seemed to be less wind in our sails as January 1st rolled around. And then, like magic, on January 3rd, we started feeling upswings in buyer activity in several price ranges in our market place, which is an encouraging sign that these “distractions” may have run their course for now. Spring inventory is coming on, and the best property selections will be available for purchasing. Rates are in the low 4% range for most purchasers.

When it comes to serving our friends and clients, we hope that one of the things for which you can count on us is truly in-depth knowledge of the market and how that relates to making the best decisions possible regarding your home and property. Things like knowledge of the nuances of local markets that I’ve written about in these paragraphs along with countless other things. In the end, it’s what we hope sets us apart from anyone in our market as we serve you and those you care about.

To the best year ever!

Adam & Team

By Adam Watkins

We truly hope that you are enjoying the home you purchased in 2013! We also wanted to remind you to file homestead exemption with your respective county by March 31st of this year in order to receive homestead credit on your 2014 property tax bill at the end of the year. As always , we would love to assist you or any friends and relatives with all your future real estate needs. Please give us a call if you need any help with filing homestead exemption.

Don’t forget to file for homestead! The 2013 Numbers are in!

324 Transactions and closed over $62 Million in sales

volume (an average of $5.173 million in monthly volume sales, and 27 transactions per month.

Current real estate market statisticsHattiesburg Area Single Family Median Sold Home Prices (January 2013 vs. January 2014)

2013 2014

Hattiesburg $55,000 $92,750

Oak Grove $185,000 $141,750

Petal $140,000 $127,750

Hattiesburg Area Single Family Homes SOLD (January 2013 vs. January 2014)

2012 2013

Hattiesburg 16 12

Oak Grove 21 18

Petal 9 10

Call us at 601-545-3900 for your no obligation home price consultation.

Client Quotes

“My experience with your team was positive. Dennis Baum kept me informed during the process and I am quite pleased with the resulting sale.”

-Alan J. Greenwald, M.D.

“I have worked with Debra on several occasions in the buying and selling of houses. Debra is extremely knowledgable about the real estate business. She networks well with other Realtors and banks. Debra is easy to work with and has my best interest in mind. I have recommended her to several friends and acquaintances.”

-Kimela Runnels

“Nothing needs to be changed. You all are doing a wonderful job! Brenda is the best! She stuck with me for years. Thanks so much.”

-Shawanda Irvin

By Ben WilliamsI’d like to start off by introducing myself, as this is my

first time writing for Star Chat. My name is Ben Williams and I’m the photographer here at DSAST.

A few months ago when I was asked to write an article for Star Chat, I was excited. However, when I got to typing that article I spent some time staring at the blinking text cursor wondering what I could convey to the reader. I considered talking about photography and different techniques I use on a shoot but after thought, “Nah, too techy” . I looked over some previous issues hoping to find some sort of direction, and finally found myself zoomed in on the term “All Star”. Most of us associate that term with some sort of sport, and a quick Google search will yield the same results along with our website if you’re local.

all-star - adjective -composed wholly of outstanding performers or players.

Bam! I don’t think a better term could’ve been used to describe the colleagues I work with. A combined 200+ years of experience in Real Estate, accompanied by another 50+ years of combined experience from our support team. Wow.

Our agents, client care coordinator, listing coordinator, closing coordinator, marketing director, stager and I put quality and customer service at the forefront of our day to day operations around the office and in the field.

What is an All Star?

DeLoisSmith.com • 601.545.3900

Tour of Homes Sunday, February 9, 20141:00-5 PM

Krystal View 4BD/2.5BA - $176,500EFFICIENTLY DESIGNED AND APPEALING 4BD/2.5BA

BRICK RANCH, PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD. READY TO MOVE IN NOW! Directions: Hwy 98W, turn onto WPA Road, right on

Old Hwy 24, left on Ratcliff, right into Krystal View neighborhood.

11 Price Lane

Oak Grove

2:00 to 2:30 pm

The Trace 4BD/3BA - $249,500 SPARKLING NEW, HIGH QUALITY, 4BD, 3BA ONE-STORY BRICK HOME. READY TO MOVE IN NOW! Directions: Hwy 98 W, turn onto King Road, right on Courtland Dr., right on Auburn Place, left on Waverly Circle, right on Collinwood Dr, left on Morrell.

147 Morrell Circle

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $419,900 CLASSIC FRENCH COUNTRY W/ UPSCALE FINISHING

DETAILS. 8’ DOORS, TWO FIREPLACES AND OVERSIZED KITCHEN ISLAND. Directions: Hwy 98W to the second Canebrake

entrance, lt on Bienville, lt on Marais Ridge, lt on Landing Way.

48 Landing Way

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:00 pm

634 Nellwood

SW Hattiesburg

1:00 to 1:30 pm

24 Marais Ridge

Canebrake

2:00 to 2:30 pm

180 Cherry Oak Trail

Petal

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Woodhaven 4BD/3BA - $259,900 FANTASTIC WATERFRONT PROPERTY! WONDERFUL FLOOR

PLAN, W/ A LARGE KITCHEN, FORMAL DINING, HIGH CEILINGS.Directions: Richburg Road to Nellwood. Home on the left.

Canebrake 4BD/3BA - $369,500 HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM CONSTRUCTED 3-WAY SPLIT

PLAN WITH 2BD/2BA DOWNSTAIRS AND 2BD/1BA UPSTAIRS. PRISTINE, FLAWLESS CONDITION. Directions:

2nd Canebrake entrance, left on Bienville Trace, left on Marais Ridge.

Trailwood 4BD/3BA - $399,000 PARADISE FOUND! 2.5 PRIME ACRES ON TRAILWOOD’S

MAIN LAKE W/ NEARLY 500’ WATER FRONTAGE. CUSTOM BUILT W/ WORKSHOP.

Directions: Hwy 42 to East Trailwood entrance. Go through 3-way stop, right on Cherry Oak Trail, House in cul-de-sac.

Lake Serene 4BD/3.5BA - $589,000PREMIER MAIN LAKE WATERFRONT HOME!

MAGNIFICENT PANORAMIC VIEWS, FINISHED BASEMENT, BOAT HOUSE. Directions: Hwy 98 to West Lake

Road. Second left onto Snug Harbor.

16 Snug Harbor

2:30 to 3:00 pm

104 Jeff Davis Avenue

SW Hattiesburg

3:00 to 3:30 pm

511 Cox Avenue

Oak Grove

1:00 to 1:30 pm

Woodland Hills 4BD/2.5BA - $169,500 SPACIOUS HOME WITH SEVERAL LIVING AREAS,

PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING, CRYSTAL CHANDELIER IN DINING ROOM, STONE FIREPLACE.

Directions: Hardy Street to S. 34th, turn onto Jeff Davis Circle.

Chapel Hill 3BD/2BA - $137,500IDEAL, OPEN, SPLIT BEDROOM PLAN W/ BIG FAMILY FRIENDLY KITCHEN, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES.

Directions: Oak Grove Road to Steelman, left into Chapel Hill, left on Fairfax, right on Clear Springs Court.

6 Clear Springs Court

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

126 Sunline Drive

Petal

3:00 to 3:30 pm

West Lake Manor 4BD/2BA - $154,900NEED LOTS OF ROOMS? THIS IS THE PERFECT HOME

FOR YOUR GROWING FAMILY! NEAT AND CLEAN, MOVE-IN READY. Directions: Oak Grove Road to Cox Avenue.

Pecan Lakes 4BD/2BA - $196,990WOWZA! NEW CONSTRUCTION IN PECAN LAKES! DUAL

VANITIES, WALK-IN CLOSETS, OPEN LIVING PLAN. Directions: Sunrise Road to Pecan Lakes, go through four-way stop, left at 2nd 4-way stop, turn right, home is on the right after corner.

Lakeshore 3BD/2BA - $259,500SPACIOUS HOME IN LAKE SHORE WITH BEAUTIFUL

VIEWS OF THE LAKE! OPEN FLOOR PLAN, UPGRADED KITCHEN, HARDWOOD FLOORS, AND A BONUS ROOM. Directions: Oak Grove Road, turn into South entrance of Lake Shore,

follow West Shore Drive around the lake.

82 West Shore Drive

Oak Grove

3:00 to 3:30 pm

7 Stoneridge South

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Sandstone 4BD/2.5BA - $295,000 ABSOLUTELY CHARMING 4BD/2.5 BA TWO STORY CRAFTSMAN DESIGN. BUILT-IN STORAGE GALORE! 2,980 SQ. FT. Directions: HWY 589 N, turn into Sandstone S/D,

right at Stoneridge South, Home on left.

SW Hattiesburg 4BD/4BA - $339,000 ONE OF SW HATTIESBURG’S FINEST CUSTOM BUILT

HOMES. GRAND LIVING SPACES, INGROUND POOL, 15KW KOHLER GENERATOR. Directions: S. 28th to Acadia. Left onto

Sierra Circle. House in cul-de-sac.

2500 Sierra Circle

SW Hattiesburg

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Lake Serene

2900 Lincoln Road #8

SW Hattiesburg

2:00 to 2:30 pm

Hillendale 2BD/2BA - $99,000 CARE-FREE LIVING & CONVENIENT LOCATION. LARGE

LIVING ROOM & DINING ROOM, COVERED PATIO OVERLOOKING THE POOL. Directions: Lincoln Road just west

of S. 28th Ave.

3 Mossy Oak Point

Petal

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Trailwood West 4BD/2.5BA - $242,500 BRAND NEW, GOURMET, DREAM KITCHEN INSTALLED W/ CUSTOM CABINETRY, MAXIMUM PRIVACY, BEAUTIFULLY

LANDSCAPED. Directions: Hwy 42, right into Trailwood West Subdivision. House @ corner of Broken Arrow & Mossy Oak.

The Meadows 3BD/2BA - $157,900GREAT PLAN WITH TONS OF CLOSETS & NO WASTED

SPACE. HARDWOOD & CERAMIC TILE FLOORING, GRANITE COUNTERS. Directions: Carterville Road to Sunrise Road. Turn onto

High Meadows.

5 High Meadows Circle

Petal

3:30 to 4:00 pm

95 Bienville Trace

Canebrake

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Canebrake 3BD/3.5BA - $329,500 NEW GRANITE COUNTER TOPS AND STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES IN THIS HOME ON THE CANEBRAKE GOLF COURSE. HARDWOOD FLOORS & LOTS OF BUILT-INS.Directions: Hwy 98W to 2nd Canebrake entrance, follow Bienville

Trace, house is on the left.

136 Archel Street

Petal

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Reese Creek 4BD/2BA - $239,000CUSTOM BUILT HOME WITH UPGRADES IN EVERY

ROOM! IN GROUND POOL & BEAUTIFUL VIEW OF LAKE ACROSS THE STREET.

Directions: Hwy 42 to Sunrise, left on Goodluck Road, left into Reese Creek, follow to Archel St.

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $449,900IMAGINE THE TRANQUILITY OF DUCKS, GEESE, & BLUE

HERONS ON THE DUCK POND RIGHT BEHIND YOUR HOME! EVERY IMAGINABLE UPGRADE.

Directions: HWY 98 W. Take the second Canebrake entrance.

61 Bienville Trace

Canebrake

2:00 to 2:30 pm

103 Kensington Drive

SW Hattiesburg

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Kensington Woods 3BD/2BA - $137,500 RENOVATED, VACANT, AND MOVE-IN READY! NEW

FLOORING, NEW APPLIANCES, FRESHLY PAINTED, WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE, EXCEPTIONAL VALUE!

Directions: Take South 40th Avenue to Kensington Drive.

7 South Herron Cove

Canebrake

3:00 to 3:30 pm

Canebrake 4BD/2.5BA - $399,500WATERFRONT & GARDEN HOME WITH FRESH INTERIOR AND

EXTERIOR PAINTING. NEW CARPETING & A NEW ROOF.Directions: Hwy 98 W to second entrance on Canebrake. Follow

Bienville Trace, S. Heron Cove is directly in front.

89 Crowns Pointe

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

Crowns Pointe 3BD/2BA - $139,900 FANTASTIC NEW CONSTRUCTION, CONVENIENT

LOCATION, QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD, BEAUTIFUL WOOD LAMINATE FLOORING.

Directions: Hwy 98 to Hegwood Rd., Crowns Pointe is on the left south of Lincoln Extension.

Download the Realtor.com app to access the complete schedule and view photos and directions.

3108 Prince George

SW Hattiesburg

4:00 to 4:30 pm

Woodland Hills 3BD/4.5BA - $227,900 EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE IN A GREAT LOCATION. NEW APPLIANCES & HVAC UPGRADES, NEW FLOORING,

SUNROOM & PRIVATE BACK YARD.Directions: Hardy St. to S. 34th Ave., right on Prince George.

419 Yellow Pine

Petal

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Forrest Acres 3BD/2BA - $159,500 THOROUGHLY UPDATED HOME JUST MINUTES FROM PETAL SCHOOLS. DETACHED WORKSHOP & OFFICE, 2

LIVING AREAS, NUMEROUS BUILT-INS.Directions: Hwy 42, right on Magnolia Lane, left on Yellow Pine.

39 North Founders Way

SW Hattiesburg

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Vintage Springs 3BD/2BA - $234,500 NEWER GATED COMMUNITY, CLOSE TO PCS, BEAUTIFUL

CRAFTSMAN STYLE HOME, SCREENED PORCH.Directions: Veterans Memorial Blvd to WSF Tatum Blvd., right on

Bonhomie, pass PCS. Vintage Springs is 1.5 miles on right.