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

Elizabeth Liggett Josh Bellew Jennifer Beightol

Volume 15, Issue 6 / August 2013

4 Willow Bend Drive, Suite 2AHattiesburg, MS 39402

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

Andrew Bird

Jerron Carney

What a record year we are heading towards in this

market. The interest rates are moving up, so if you are waiting for a better deal, please do not hesitate much longer. My sweet couple buying their first home this month was sad to see their payments had gone up by $150.00 per month since the rates were in the 3% range when we initially started looking for homes.

With that record year, come more great clients. I appreciate every one of the people that I have helped. I learn something from each person and with each transaction. Most of my clients end up being friends, staying in my cell phone as contacts. I love the random text that I receive from them wishing

me well or needing help with something. Having someone call me as a referral from a past client is equivalent to receiving a trophy at the end of the game - you know you did something right to receive the honor.

Speaking of doing something right….If you want to invest in real estate, it’s a great time to consider that. I have a few investors that I represent and some will make a very handsome profit from rehabilitating (flipping) investment and estate properties this year. Sure, it’s getting more competitive, but if you have someone knowledgeable about the market watching for you, the possibilities are awesome. It’s all about timing, location, condition, and price. Personally, I love seeing the before and after projects. So, if you are

ready to dabble or do it full time, call me for a meeting to discuss the details. Let’s sell something together!

I want to close by giving thanks to our staff. We have the very best staff working behind the scenes to make us look awesome. It’s a true definition of teamwork that clients should be proud to have representing them. We could not be as successful as we are without each of them: Ben, Josh, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Hulene, and Andrew. In addition, we have the best and probably the only Stager in town Vickie, who does amazing transformations on our listings. All of them are amazing individuals and a lot of fun to work with.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a great school year!

From Debra’s Desk

Summer brings more activity to Hattiesburg marketBy Adam Watkins

Welcome to the “Dog Days of August!” We’ll see how well August 2013 lives up to its moniker and how welcome those days will

be. For the most part, this summer has seemed “cooler” in temperature, but our market has been more active overall than in the past two summers. We experienced the biggest June in our team’s history…closing a total of 46 sales in the month (26 in the final week alone)! June was also the second highest month of closed sales ever. Total sales volume is up about 18% market-wide on average, according to the Hattiesburg Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The largest sales volume areas of Oak Grove, Petal, and Southwest Hattiesburg have seen average volume increases between 18% and 28%. The only sector of Hattiesburg City that is running counter to this trend is Northwest Hattiesburg where volume is down 31% over the same time period last year. Sumrall and Purvis markets have experienced volume increases of 30% and 35% respectively over 2012. However, the average sales price according to the MLS has dipped slightly (down 1%) over a year ago from $145,505 to $143,466 as of this writing. Additionally, the total properties active on the MLS are up by 6% over last year from 2,399 to 2,558.

What does all of this mean? I interpret it to mean that buyer activity has definitely increased - having built-up over the last several years as people postponed purchasing decisions due to uncertainty in the market. Now, with low interest rates, stability in the employment market returning, and the belief that prices are going to trend upward in the coming year, buyers have returned with greater confidence. Some of them are recognizing the value of owning in economic terms (such as tax deductions, low costs of borrowing, inflation protection, and appreciation potential). Others recognize that home is more than a monetary decision - it’s a place that can return value to their family in ways that can’t always be calculated in the terms of a dollar. Value like pride of ownership; personal enjoyment of a place they own; a stage for making memories - raising their families; or adapting their lifestyle to a place absent of children but welcoming to grandchildren. To many, these are the most important reasons for home ownership that

pay the largest return. Even though buyer activity has

increased, I believe the data shows us that sellers must still remain realistic about the price and condition they present to the market. Volume and activity have increased, but so has the standing inventory of active listings (up 6%). This means that some of the increase in demand is being balanced by an increase in supply. In some price ranges (see our monthly Market Update), buyers must be prepared to expect less flexibility from sellers as they negotiate a purchase agreement. Simultaneously, in other price ranges, sellers must recognize that there really are other choices on the market where buyers can negotiate better terms. As a rule of thumb, 4 to 6 month supplies are considered to be in equilibrium; less than 4 months favors sellers; more than 6 months favors buyers.

The bottom line is that as our market is shifting once more, you need to be informed about the specifics of the location and price range activity of the property you own by professionals who have experience and understanding of how those trends impact the sale of a property. In the near term, we must be mindful of the recent increase in interest rates that has driven purchasing activity, presumably with buyers trying to lock in rates before they could increase further. It remains to be seen if this will result in a slow down in buyer activity in future months, since some buyers that may have planned to purchase in November are now purchasing in August instead. A similar pattern resulted following the first-time home buyer tax credit that expired in the spring of 2010. Eventually, activity returns because the need for housing is ever-present - regardless of what the interest rates might be. To put it in perspective, even though rates are up about 1% over 8 to 12 weeks ago, they still remain in the 4% range, which pales in comparison to the interest rates of the 90’s, and especially the 80’s. Overall, the opportunities for buyers in our market

remains very strong. I hope you’ll take the time to take a look

at our August Tour of Homes schedule included in this edition of Star Chat. Our tour format allows you the opportunity to preview several homes in one afternoon. We strategically open them in 30 minute increments all over our area to allow purchasers to see more homes in one time period. Our team members will be hosting each home on the tour. You will find the schedule posted on our website at www.deloissmith.com the week before the tour, as well as on our team’s Facebook page. So, be sure to like our page on Facebook and “share” the schedule with someone you know who could benefit from the opportunity to tour these homes.

It was wonderful to see well over a hundred of you at our annual July 4th Celebration at Canebrake Clubhouse!!! It seems every year our team walks away saying, “This was the best one yet!” This year was no different. We look forward to this event each year and begin planning it in the late winter of each year. Just know that you and your family are always welcome at this celebration. So mark it on your calendar for next year! We hope that those of you who attended were rewarded with a great experience, fantastic food, and the opportunity to catch up with us, catch up with old friends, and even make some new ones!!! We are thankful for those of you who took special part in the program by speaking, singing, and showing that American spirit as you proudly wore your red, white, and blue. We’ve shared a few photos in this newsletter, but have more posted on our Facebook page. Be sure to “Like” us and tag yourself in the photos! At the event we had attendees guess how many sales we’d closed in the last decade…one of you suggested 55,000! We’ve got a little over 52,000 to go to make that mark, so keep those referrals coming! As always, we are honored to serve you and those you care about.

Tour of HomesSunday, August 4, 2013 • 1:30-5 PM

Canebrake 4BD/5.5BA - $1,150,000PREMIER WATERFRONT CANEBRAKE PROPERTY W/

1000 SQ. FT. BOAT HOUSE AND 6,385 SQ. FT. TWO-STORY CLASSIC FEDERAL STYLED RESIDENCE.

Directions: Main Canebrake entrance. Take first left, go across spill way and follow W. Canebrake around the lake. Property is on the right.

223 West Canebrake Blvd.

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:30 pm

Canebrake 5BD/5BA - $1,500,000MAJESTIC PLANTATION COLONIAL TWO-STORY, 8027 SQ. FT.,

BEAUTIFULLY POSITIONED ON ONE OF CANEBRAKE’S MOST DESIRABLE WATERFRONT LOTS. EXTENSIVELY UPDATED & MOVE-IN READY.

Directions: Main Canebrake entrance. Take first left, go across spill way and follow W. Canebrake around the lake. Property is on the right.

219 West Canebrake Blvd.

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:30 pm

NW Hattiesburg 3BD/3BA - $215,000PERFECT FOR R.V. OR BOAT LOVERS WHO NEED A

SOLIDLY CONSTRUCTED “LANDING PAD”. YOU’LL LOVE THE EXTENDED LIVING AREA & PRIVATE YARD!

Directions: 49N to Classic Drive, right on Pine Tree, left onto Lake Es-tates to dead end sign, right onto Hunters Point, right on Little Creek.

209 Little Creek Drive.

NW Hattiesburg

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Bent Creek 4BD/2.5BA - $299,500 EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY HOME W/ A BONUS ROOM,

SEPARATE OFFICE & FORMAL DINING. 2,949 SQ.FT.Directions: Bent Creek West entrance, 2nd right onto Gettysburg Way,

3rd left onto Tuckahoe.

27 Tuckahoe

Bent Creek

1:30 to 2:00 pm

49 St. Andrew’s

Timberton

1:30 to 2:00 pm

20 Copper Creek

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

84 Fairlake Drive

H’Burg Country Club

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Timberton 3BD/2BA - $219,900GORGEOUS HOME ON THE GOLF COURSE,

HARDWOOD FLOORING, LARGE DECKDirections: Turn into Timberton, take 1st left on St. Andrews,

home on the left.

Clear Creek 3BD/2BA - $205,000 STATELY, ALL BRICK, ONE-STORY W/ EXCELLENT

DESIGN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL.Directions: Old Hwy 24 to Clear Creek S/D. Take 2nd left. Home at

end on left.

Hattiesburg Country Club 3BD/3.5BA - $275,000 TONS OF STORAGE! EXTENSIVE UPDATES,

SALTWATER POOL, GOURMET KITCHENDirections: Hwy 49N, LT on Classic Dr., RT on Pine Tree Dr., LT on Lake

Estates Dr, LT on Fair Lake Dr.

Oak Grove 4BD/2.5BA - $249,500WHAT A FIND FOR THE GROWING FAMILY IN OAK GROVE! LOVELY IN-GROUND POOL, BIG GRASSY

LAWN, PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD, Directions: Hwy 589S to Belle Terre S/D. Follow to Le Grande.

23 Le Grande

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

1303 Sandalwood

SW Hattiesburg

2:30 to 3:00 pm

17 Wiltshire

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

9 East Lake Road

Lake Serene

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Innswood 3BD/2BA - $169,500 LOVELY KEPT FORMAL PLAN, FRESHLY PAINTED W/

NEW FLOORING, RANAI HOT WATER HEATER & CORIAN COUNTERTOPS. LUSHLY LANDSCAPED.

Directions: Lincold Rd to S. 34th Ave. left on Southaven, right on Oakleigh, left on Sangria, right on Sandalwood.

Oak Grove 3BD/2.5BA - $204,500 LOVELY HOME IN KINGSMILL! LARGE BEDROOMS, BUILT-

INS, BUILT TO “GOOD CENTS” STANDARDS.Directions: Take Kingsmill entrance off West 4th Street, left on

Buckingham, right on Wiltshire.

LAKE SERENE 4BD/3BA - $485,000MAIN LAKE PROPERTY RENOVATED IN ‘99 W/ BRICK

FLOORING, NEW KITCHEN & MASTER SUITE. BOAT PIER ON A 2.4 ACRE SPREAD.

Directions: HWY 98 W. Turn onto Serene Blvd., right on Magellan Rd., left on East Lake Road. House is on the right.

Lake Serene 3BD/2BA - $239,500BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF LAKE SERENE! GREAT FLOW FOR ENTERTAINING, DOUBLE SIDED FIREPLACE, BAR AREA, OFFICE, SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY/BANK APPROVAL NEEDED.Directions: HWY 98 W. Turn onto Serene Blvd., right on

Magellan Rd., left on East Lake Road, right on Beaver.

36 Beaver Road

3:00 to 3:30 pm

28 Bridgewater

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

75 Windstone

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

54 Lynell Loop

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

18 South of Fields

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

Bridgefield 4BD/4BA - $439,500 ELEGANT, CUSTOM BUILT HOME, BEAUTIFULLY

LANDSCAPED 1.07 ACRE LOT, DELIGHTFUL COURTYARD, RECLAIMED BRICK FENCING.

Directions: Hwy 589 N to Bridgefield. House is on the right after entering the neighborhood gates.

Sandstone 4BD/4BA - $449,500 ALMOST NEW PREMIER CUSTOM ONE-STORY BRICK

HOME. SUNROOM, PLAYROOM, OPEN FORMAL DINING, KITCHEN & GREAT ROOM.

Directions: HWY 589N. Turn into Sandstone S/D, 2nd right, stay on Sandstone, right on Windstone.

The Trace 4BD/3BA - $259,500 SPARKLING NEW CONSTRUCTION! HIGH QUALITY FINISHING

DETAILS THROUGHOUT, LARGE TRIPLE LOT, 3 WAY SPLIT.Directions: Hwy 98 W to King Road, right onto Courtland, right onto

Lynell Loop.

Canebrake 4BD/4.5BA - $384,900 PRESTINE CANEBRAKE GOLF HOME, PRIVATE SETTING,

MANICURED LAWN, EXCELLENT 3-WAY SPLIT PLAN.Directions: Turn into Canebrake Golf entrance, LT onto W. Canebrake, LT on Marais Ridge, RT on Montclaire, LT on

Montclaire Court.

9 Montclaire Court

Canebrake

3:30 to 4:00 pm

15 Rockwood

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

7 Stoneridge South

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Bellegrass 4BD/2.5BA - $239,500 NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH DOWNSTAIRS MASTER

AND OFFICE, STAINLESS APPLIANCES, GRANITE Directions: Hwy 589 S, turn right into Bellgrass, follow to T, continue right

on Bellgrass Blvd, then turn left on S. of Fields.

Cumberland 3BD/2BA - $189,900 QUIET AND PEACEFUL SUBDIVISION NESTLED AMONG

BEAUTIFUL TREES. MINUTES FROM EVERYTHINGDirections: Hwy 98 W toward Bellevue, left into Cumberland, left on

Rockwood.

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.

Canebrake 4BD/2.5BA - $219,500 CHARMING TWO-STORY CRAFTSMAN,

EXTENSIVE HARDWOOD FLOORING, FRESH PAINT, MOVE-IN READY. (2220 SQ.FT) Directions: HWY 589 N, turn

into Sandstone S/D, right at Stoneridge South, Home on right.

12 Stoneridge South

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

15 Park Ridge

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

131 Wild Meadows

Canebrake

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Timber Ridge 3BD/2BA - $159,900 QUALITY CRAIG FLANAGAN BUILT HOME, HUGE

KITCHEN, NEW CARPETING, FRESH PAINT, LARGE BACKYARD. Directions: South on Old Hwy 11., turn into Timber

Ridge S/D, turn on Park Ridge, home is on the left.

Canebrake 4BD/4BA - $598,500 EXQUISITE HAYES TOWNE TWO STORY,

EXCLUSIVE CANEBRAKE GOLF COMMUNITY. Directions: Turn into Canebrake Golf entrance, R on Bienville Trace, L

on W. Canebrake Blvd, L on Pecan Acres, R on Wild Meadows.

For more information on these homes or to schedule a private showing, visit DeLoisSmith.com

26 Rue Bordeaux

Oak Grove

3:00 to 3:30 pm

Belle Terre 3BD/2BA - $188,000 COLUMNED COLONIAL BRICK ONE-STORY W/ 3 SPA-

CIOUS BEDROOMS, PLENTY OF STORAGE, BRIGHT WINDOWS & VAULTED CEILING IN GREAT ROOM.Directions: HWY 589 S. right into Belle Terre S/D, right on Rue

Bordeaux.

Southwest Hattiesburg 3BD/4.5BA - $234,900 EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE IN A GREAT LOCATION!

FANTASTIC NEW UPGRADES PLUS A SUNROOM AND PRIVATE BACK YARD!

Directions: Hardy Street to S. 34th, cross Jamestown, right on Prince George.

3108 Prince George

SW Hattiesburg

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Lake Serene

DeLoisSmith.com • GoAllStarTeam.com • 601.545.3900 • 1.800.DELOIS.S

Mississippi’s production of peanuts grew from 2000 acres in

2003 to 20,000 acres in 2009. Why, you ask, did Mississippi farmers

wait so long to capitalize on what Georgia growers had been doing for decades? Like tobacco

and sugar, peanuts were under a federal quote system until 2002.

Client Quotes“Thank you for going above and beyond the normal actions associated with

selling a house. Your support in assisting us in renting the house to the eventual buyer helped us through more than a year of ‘suspense’ concerning the potential sale of the house.”

-Sandra & Robert Boothe

“Our experience was great! The communication between our Realtor, the office and all involved parties was exceptional. We always felt like Adam was looking out for our best interest. We would certainly use the All Star Team again!”

- Bobby & Miranda Brister

“Thanks for your help in selling our house. Your team did a fantastic job! ” - John Martin

So this is “Back to School”It is almost time to get back to the usual

routine. Hard to believe – summer seems to have just started - but yes – it is time to gear up for back to school. Registration is underway. LISTS of school supplies will soon be available. Back packs – mechanical pencils – baby wipes – loose leaf paper –Kleenex – crayons and markers – will overflow the store shelves at Wal-Mart, Target, Office Depot and the Dollar Stores.

As back to school time approaches - it is as if you could almost smell the freshly waxed floors of the classroom.

This year is going to be a little different at our house….the usual routine of back to school won’t be so usual. This year is the year our daughter begins her college career. If you think (like I did) the kiddos need a bunch of stuff to go to school in K – 12, well just you wait. Very market savvy companies have very sophisticated marketing campaigns targeted at those 18 to 22 year olds … they have LISTS – lists that let college students know about all the things they will need to be successful in their studies (cause that is why they are going to college…right?). Admittedly, some of the things are truly necessary – others – well - maybe not so much. Here is a sampling of some of the must or should

haves on LISTS we have seen ….and purchases we have made.

Duct Tape; Hurley 15” Backpack; Cocoon GRID-IT organizing system; Door Mirror; Incase Neoprene Pro Sleeve; Speck SmartShell case; Tooth brush; HP Photosmart Printer; Laptop; Camera; Umbrella; LaCie 500GBPorsche Design P’9223US; Mobee Magic Charger; Q-tips; Flash light; Antibiotic cream; Beats Solo HD On-Ear Headphone; Pillow; Beats by Dr. Dre Pill Speaker; Hand Vac; Steamer; Water Pitcher w/ Filters; Coffee Maker; Curtain Panels; Body Pillow; Bed Bug Spray; Surge Protector; Ramen Noodles; Ethernet Cable; Pizza Cutter; Board Games; Snow Shovel; Band aids; Sheets XLT; Mattress Pad; Memory foam Mattress topper; Bedcaddy; Bicycle; Sleep mask; oh yes and pens, paper, pencils and a desk lamp.

I think we have successfully navigated the “LISTS.” The only necessary items left to get are the pens, paper, pencils …oh yes… and a desk lamp.

BEST WISHES TO ALL FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEARPLEASE STOP FOR CROSSING

GUARDS AND SCHOOL BUSES.

Jennifer’s JournalBy Jennifer Beightol