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

Elizabeth Liggett Josh BellewJennifer Rasberry

Volume 16, Issue 8 / September 2014

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

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

Andrew Bird

Dana Quesenberry

Living an Inspired Life Client Quotes“We found The DeLois Smith All

Star Team to be very hard working

professionals. Adam was always very

kind and always had answers for us. We

tried to cooperate with them and take

their advice. In the end it paid off. We

would be happy to recommend them to

anybody selling or buying a home.”

-Janet Knight

“Everything went so well. I want to

let the All Star Team know how much

i appreciate all that went into helping

me. I want to say how much I enjoyed

working with Debra and Scott.”

-Billie Martin

“Your team works in a very professional

and efficient way. Linda is an amazing

and very nice lady. I really enjoyed

working with her. We appreciate all of

your great service and help in getting

our new home. Thanks!!!”

-Cindy Sung

By Wendy Gay

Antwain Ross

Have you ever felt stuck in life, where you remained stagnate in your progress? Have you ever considered your emotion-al fitness, where your ability to handle obstacles or conflict was hindered? Have you ever felt like you gravitated toward criticism and frustration? Have you ever doubted hope for your future? I have…

Before I joined The DeLois Smith All-Star Team, I could very much relate to the above statements. If you can relate, I implore you to plug in to a source of inspiration and put yourself in an envi-ronment where you can be inspired.

There are external environments that inspire me, such as the awe of nature or watching a movie that has a plot of an improbable comeback, like “Rocky”. But I have found an environment that nourishes me with such qualities of determination, devotion, a strong resolute and passion. I have witnessed the raw character of DeLois that will not allow her to quit. Just as Winston Churchill stated, “Never, Never, Never Quit!” this is the attitude in which we are led here at The DeLois Smith All-Star Team.

7 Internal Character Qualities That Inspire:

1- To be Resolute (Whatever it takes attitude)

2- Be Determined (Don’t ever Quit)3- Be Devoted (All in at All times)4- Be Charismatic (The ability to

connect and build relationships)5- Be Patient (Things go quickly, if

you slow down sometimes)6- Be Passionate (Enthusiastic) 7- Be Loving (Give Love Away)

Here within The DeLois Smith All Star Team, I have found sources of inspiration that expose me to bravery, wisdom, role models, examples I can identify with, help with establishing my own personal and professional goals, and mostly, I have learned to embrace my own story and draw strength and courage from that which I came.

It is my hope that all could benefit from an inspired life that creates a zest and in which each day is meaningful, giving you hope and energy for the challenges that lie ahead. A life inspired lays the foundation for happiness and makes you a person of great resilience and resolve. Rise above it, whatever it may be.

Dedicated to Linda Seifert, my example of

strength and dignity.

Hard to believe there is a Kindergartener in the Watkins household!!! Yes, indeed! Miss Abigail donned her little uniform and excitedly started her first day of school on August 8th. She handled it better than Daddy did for sure. The excitement lasted until the following Wednesday, when her enthusiasm had waned a bit. Amelia came home and told me that Abigail told her that, “School was entirely too long, Mommy.” Poor girl. We have a few more “long days” before we will have completed this little journey (at least 13 years worth if you count Kindergarten). You know, everyone says, “they grow up too fast” and “time flies.” And, guess what? Everyone is right! I hope you’ll enjoy these photos we’ve included of our oldest on her first day of school, and we tried to hold time still for a few moments. Her little sister is nipping at her heels and will give preschool a try this next week!

It’s that busy time of year that we write about each year. When families’ schedules are filled with activity - school, practice schedules, dance and piano lessons. It’s a time of transition and new beginnings - exciting in many ways and exhausting as well. What does that mean for the real estate market? Well, in general we typically see a falling off of activity for a 2- to 4-week period following the start of school and then watch things pick up after Labor Day. To some degree, that has held true this year, but we did have one of our busiest weeks for showings that we’ve recorded this year on the 3rd week of August, which was a refreshing surprise. It also shows some evidence of the lack of predictability of market activity that has become the norm over the last 5 to 8 years.

Presently, your real estate team is working diligently

to round out the final third of 2014 focusing on our four “E’s”: Energy, Edge, Excellence, and Execution. We adopted these focus words as a battle cry of sorts in the beginning of the year. We have some goals set, and each of us are working to achieve them on behalf of our clients and for our professional development. For instance, we’re making final arrangements for our team’s annual education pilgrimage to the National Association of REALTORS annual convention the first part of November. This year we’ll be training in our back yard as we travel to New Orleans for classes. We always look forward to staying on the cutting edge as professionals and advisors for our clients and friends, and this event helps us do that.

But between now and November, we have a lot of homes and property that we need to sell. We’ve recently listed (or expect to be listing) several new construction properties ranging from the $130’s to the mid $300’s that are available for buyers and will be featured in our September Tour of Homes. We’re also eagerly searching for homes and properties to sell! The summer market activity has reduced our standing inventory, so we’re anxious to bring new inventory to the market. If you’re ready, give us a call soon to take advantage of buyers making moves in advance of the holiday season. Keep in mind that getting a home ready for the market (staging, de-cluttering, etc.) can take a little extra time, but we specialize in streamlining that process and reducing overall market time.

We’re always thankful and honored to serve you and those you care about! Here’s to a wonderful new school year and new beginnings!

Adam & Team

Exciting beginnings By Adam Watkins

Current real estate market statisticsHattiesburg Area Single Family Median Sold Home Prices (Jan 01-August 31)

2013 2014

Hattiesburg $107,000 $106,000

Oak Grove $179,000 $182,500

Petal $145,000 $147,500

Hattiesburg Area Single Family Homes SOLD (Jan 01-July 25)

2013 2014

Hattiesburg 196 191

Oak Grove 325 295

Petal 131 147

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

I remember when the phrase “Christmas in July” meant you could find some great bargains in local stores. These days the phrase is a little more literal as I recently discovered when I went to a local store and walked into a virtual winter wonderland of snow capped decorations, blinking lights, and hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho’s” from animated Santa dolls!

Needless to say, I’m feeling a little rushed, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Although I am ready to throw on the brakes to Christmas decorations in September, I am looking forward to those promised cooler days, autumn colors, and of course, football!

With the start of the college football season upon us, I would like to share with you one of my favorite recipes for tailgating. This praline cheese ball is always a crowd favorite with a wonderful mix of sweet and savory flavors that are unique and unforgettable.

Welcome Fall! Praline Cheese BallTopping:4 Tbsp Butter1 tsp Worcestershire1 cup Pecan (chopped)¼ cup white Sugar¼ tsp prepared Yellow MustardCheese Ball:1 clove of Garlic (finely minced)1 tsp Onion (finely chopped)½ tsp Dill8oz Cream Cheese

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add Worcestershire, sugar, and mustard. After mixture is melted and sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, add pecans, and stir to coat.2. For cheese ball, combine all ingredients until well mixed and form a ball.3. Cover cheese ball with pecan mixture. Refrigerate for several hours. Remove from refrigerator at least thirty minutes before serving.

By Dana Quesenberry

Looking for a new home? Visit DeLoisSmith.com to view all of the latest listings!

Tour of Homes Sunday, September 7, 2014, 1:30-5 PM

Serene Hills 4BD/2BA - $219,500FRESHLY PAINTED INTERIOR & EXTERIOR, MOVE-IN READY. QUIET, CONVENIENT LOCATION. Directions: Hwy 98 to Shadow Ridge subdivision, right into The Links. Home on left

on corner.

309 Serene Hills

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

The Trace 4BD/3.5BA - $279,500 SPARKLING NEW HOME, 4/3.5 ONE-STORY

COLUMNED COLONIAL WITH AWESOME LAKE VIEWS. Directions: Take West 4th Street to Lake Thoreau Road.

71 Lake Thoreau Road

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Bent Creek West 4BD/3BA - $285,000PRISTINE & UPDATED SPLIT PLAN, WELL PLANNED

KITCHEN, RELAXING SCREENED PORCH.Directions: Old Hwy 24 to Bent Creek West entrance, turn right on

Gettysburg Way, turn left onto Montebello

11 Montebello

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

333 King Road

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

28 Jubilee Point

Oak Grove

2:00 to 2:30 pm

3 Mossy Oak

Petal

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Oak Grove 3BD/2.5BA - $209,500WELL MAINTAINED HOME WITH A GREAT FLOOR PLAN. INCLUDES A BONUS ROOM, FENCED BACK

YARD, AND A COVERED PORCH! Directions: Hwy 98 W to King Road.

The Trace 4BD/2.5BA - $234,900 FRESHLY PAINTED & MOVE-IN READY. TWO LIVING AREAS,

FRONT & BACK COLUMNED PORCHES, MANY EXTRAS THROUGHOUT. Directions: West 4th Street to Lake Thoreau Road,

left on Jubilee Point.

Trailwood West 4BD/2.5BA - $242,500BRAND NEW, GOURMET, DREAM KITCHEN, 4TH

BEDROOM HAS ATTACHED HALF BATH, LARGE MASTER SUITE. Directions: Hwy 42, right into TWW, house on corner of Broken

Arrow and Mossy Oak.

Bent Creek 3BD/2.5BA - $239,900PRISTINE & SPACIOUS. LOCATED ON A BIG, WOODSY

CORNER LOT W/ SEPARATE WORKSHOP.Directions: Old Hwy 24. Take Bent Creek entrance, turn right onto

Bent Creek.

4 Bent Creek

2:30 to 3:00 pm

61 Bienville Trace

Canebrake

3:30 to 4:00 pm

17 Iron Horse Lane

Sumrall

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $435,000 EXQUISITE PROPERTY W/ EVERY IMAGINABLE

UPGRADE. IMPECCABLE DECOR THROUGHOUT. Directions: Hwy 98 West, take 2nd Canebrake Entrance, house on left.

The Trace 4BD/3BA - $269,000 SPARKLING NEW, STATELY, ONE-STORY COLONIAL

ON 2 LARGE LOTS! EXCELLENT DESIGN & UPSCALE DETAILS. Directions: Hwy 98 W to King Road, right onto Courtland.

9 Courtland Drive

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

216 Morrell Circle

Oak Grove

3:00 to 3:30 pm

Epley Trace 4BD/3BA - $409,500 SPARKLING NEW STONE & CYPRESS TRIMMED, BRICK 1.5 STORY HOME. ACCESS TO RAILS TO TRAIL. Directions: Hwy 98

West, north on Hwy 589, right into Epley Trace Subdivision.

The Trace 5BD/3BA - $299,900BEST FIND AROUND! IMMACULATELY KEPT WITH

NEW CARPET. FANTASTIC FLOOR PLAN W/ STORAGE GALORE, LARGE CORNER LOT, LARGE DECK.

Directions: King Rd to Courtland Dr., RT on Auburn Pl, LT on Waverly, RT on Collinwood, LT on Morrell.

The Trace 4BD/2.5BA - $249,500 SPACIOUS, QUALITY-BUILT & CAREFULLY

MAINTAINED. AWESOME, PRIVATE, RESTFUL SETTING. Directions: King Rd to Courtland Dr., RT on Auburn Pl, LT on Waverly, RT

on Collinwood, LT on Morrell.

187 Morrell Circle

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

180 Cherry Oak Trail

Petal

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Trailwood 4BD/3BA - $385,000 PARADISE FOUND! 2.5 PRIME ACRES ON MAIN LAKE W/ 500’ OF WATER FRONTAGE. PLUS WORKSHOP & TONS

OF STORAGE. Directions: HWY 42 to Trailwood Entrance, right on Cherry Oak.

The Woods 3BD/2.5BA - $174,900FRESHLY PAINTED, NEW CARPETING, NEW LAMINATE TILE FLOORING, NEW COOKING RANGE, NEW ROOF, WRAP AROUND PORCH, FISHING POND. Directions: Old Hwy 11 to Richburg Road, rt onto Bayberry Loop, rit on Oak Ledge.

16 Oak Ledge

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Oak Grove

137 Courtland Drive

Oak Grove

2:00 to 2:30 pm

The Trace 4BD/2BA - $207,500GRACEFUL ONE-STORY IN PRISTINE CONDITION W/

DRAMATIC TOUCHES THROUGHOUT. Directions: Hwy 98 to King Road. Turn right onto Courtland.

Chapel Hill 3BD/2BA - $208,600BREATHTAKING NEW PLAN BY AAA HOMES! ENLARGED BEDROOMS, OPEN LIVING AREA PERFECT FOR FAMILY

ENTERTAINING. Directions: Oak Grove Road to Steelman. Right into Chapel Hill subdivision.

12 Chapel Hill Blvd.

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

81 Bridgefield Circle

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Bridgefield Gardens 3BD/2.5BA - $159,900HIGH QUALITY, 1.5 STORY, GARDEN HOME, EXCELLENT

DESIGN, DELIGHTFUL BACK YARD WITH PRIVACY FENCING AND BEAUTIFUL SHADE TREES. Directions: Hwy 589 North to Bridgefield Gardens., right on Bridgefield Court, right on Bridgefield

Circle.

18 Cottage Park

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Bent Creek West 3BD/3.5BA - $219,900THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOME FOR ITS PRICE!

MARVELOUS DECORATOR TOUCHES, GOURMET KITCHEN, IMPRESSIVELY FINISHED! Directions: Old Hwy

24 to Bent Creek entrance, left on Bent Creek Loop, right on Crystal Creek, left on Cambrooke, left onto Cottage Park.

Bent Creek 3BD/2.5BA - $234,900VERY SECLUDED & PRIVATE SETTING WITH ALL THE AMENITIES YOU WANT! NEAT AS A PIN & MOVE IN

READY WITH FRESH PAINT. Directions: HOld Hwy 24 to Bent Creek entrance, left on Bent Creek Loop, right on Crystal Creek.

167 Crystal Creek

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

151 Tallulah Ridge

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

Backwater 4BD/4BA - $329,500WONDERFUL HOME W/ 3 CAR GARAGE, COURTYARD, JENN-AIRE GRILL, NEW NEIGHBORHOOD POOL, MOVE-IN READY.

Directions: Hwy 98 to Woodstone Subdivision, follow Woodstone Drive around to Tallulah Ridge.

12 Whitestone Court

Oak Grove

3:00 to 3:30 pm

Chapel HIll 3BD/2BA - $128,500PERFECT STARTER HOME! YOUTHFUL & CHEERFUL DECOR;

ATTRACTIVE STAINED KITCHEN CABINETRY, STAINED CONCRETE FLOORING.. Directions: Oak Grove Road to Steelman. Right into Chapel Hill subdivision. Turn left onto Whitestone Court.

53 Bayberry Loop

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

The Woods 4BD/3BA - $329,000YOUR OWN PRIVATE POOL! PLUS HIGH QUALITY CON-

STRUCTION AND A RELAXING BACK PORCH!Directions: Old Hwy 11 to Richburg Road, Turn right onto Bayberry

Loop.

6 Oak Landing

Canebrake

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Canebrake 5BD/4.5BA - $599,900 IT IS A CASTLE! HEAVY IRON FRONT DOORS, GOURMET KITCHEN, DISTINCTIVE DETAILS

THROUGHOUT. Directions: Hwy 98 to Canebrake Golf Entrance, right on Marais Ridge, right on Landing Way, right on Oak Landing.

Pecan Lakes 4BD/2BA - $192,900WOWZA! 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.

126 Sunline Drive

Petal

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Trailwood 4BD/4BA - $532,000ONE-OF-A-KIND ARCHITECT’S CUSTOM HOME! LUXURY LIVING IN THE BACK OF TRAILWOOD, IN

GROUND SALTWATER POOL, LARGE ROOMS. Directions: Hwy 42 into Trailwood, follow Wildwood Trail to end of the road.

260 Wildwood Trail

Petal

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Chapel Hill 3BD/2BA - $172,900 SELLER SAYS HER NEIGHBORS ARE THE BEST! MOVE-IN READY, OPTIONAL ROOM FOR OFFICE OR FORMAL

DINING. Directions: Oak Grove Road to Steelman. Right into Chapel Hill subdivision. Turn on Hartford Court.

15 Hartford Court

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

Bent Creek West 4BD/3BA - $219,900THE PERFCT MIXTURE OF FUNCTION & STYLE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES OR WORKING PROFESSIONALS! LARGE PATIO, LOTS OF ROOM. Directions: Old Hwy 24 to

Bent Creek entrance, left on Bent Creek Loop, right on Crystal Creek, left on Cambrooke, left onto Cottage Park.

16 Cottage Park

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

28 Chapel HIll Blvd.

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Chapel Hill 4BD/2BA - $195,900FANTASTIC NEW CONSTRUCTION PERFECT FOR

ENTERTAINING. WALK-IN CLOSETS, DUAL VANITIES IN BOTH BATHS, 100% USDA FINANCING Directions: Oak Grove Road to

Steelman. Right into Chapel Hill subdivision.