Mississippi Tips

	Renae Fulton	Insider Tips
	Renae Fulton, GRI Licensed Real Estate Agent First National Realty, Inc 901-871-7833 Cell 866-208-1737 Fax renaefulton.com 6515 Goodman Road Olive Branch, MS  38654 Office 662-895-0885	Tweet

Mississippi

Considering a move to Mississippi? Take a look at Desoto county located in Northwest Mississippi just outside Memphis. Enjoy this small town feel with the convenience a city has to offer. You will find easy access to universities, music, theatre, food, and shopping. For the traveler, Memphis International Airport is conveniently located less than 10 miles from Southaven, MS. Tunica, MS is a quick drive for entertainment, food and gaming. Oxford, MS, home of Ole Miss is located just southeast of Hernando, an easy drive of about an hour.

http://www.olemiss.edu/
http://www.memphis.edu/

Hernando, MS the county seat was recently ranked number 79 in the Best Small Towns to Live by Money Magazine. Here you will find a beautiful court house on the square where the Hernando Farmers Market is held on Saturday mornings. At the market you will find a variety of fresh veggies, gourmet breads, jams and jellies, and local artisans. The square also offers the local flavor with area restaurants, and many charming boutiques.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL2831780.html
Southaven, MS, the largest of the cities with a population of just under 45,000 is a Certified Retirement City. In order to qualify as a Certified Retirement City in Mississippi each town must pass an intensive screening process. The city is evaluated on criteria important to retirees. These include affordable cost of living, low taxes, low crime rate, quality medical care, recreation, and more importantly, a warm and welcoming community. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto a 339 bed hospital offers a wide array of needed services to the county. You will find Snowden Grove Park which is host to the Dizzy Dean Baseball World Series, Civic Center, concerts, community plays, shopping, restaurants and so much more. Southaven is a city for ALL ages!

Olive Branch, MS with a population of about 33,000, has been named as the Fastest Growing City in the U.S. by Bloomburg Businessweek.com. This charming community offers a great location for those who commute to Memphis for work. Be sure to allow for playtime here. From beginners to pro, enjoy a round of golf on any four of the championship golf courses located here. Olive Branch offers a little something for everyone in the family.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/apr2011/bw20110426_893708.htm

Desoto county offers a wide range of price points on residential properties. Whether you are looking to live in a subdivision on a large lot, zero lot or in the country on several acres, now is the time to check out this area. Just a few years ago Desoto county experienced a fast growth pace which resulted in oodles of new construction. As a result of the rapid growth, the area has now experienced it’s share of foreclosures, short sales and reduced value of homes. Price of homes vary depending on the age and condition as well as the location of the property. As you search for your home consider all area’s of the market, foreclosures, short sales and arms length transactions. With the decline in property value, you may just find a great buy on a home that is not a distressed property. A good way to start your property search is on line. For Mississippi visit
http://buyinmississippi.com/(rgkb3s3zjqsaem55dqdkry45)/default.aspx
It is important to locate a real estate agent that you are comfortable working with. An experienced agent will be able to provide important information including an explanation of the home buying process, comparison prices for the area, contract review, locating a home inspector, and much more. If you are interested in a “fixer upper” and require financing you may need a 203k loan. Your real estate agent can provide an explanation of the different type of loans available and help you locate lenders in the area.
As you begin your search for real estate here are some important items to be aware of:
Mississippi is a non disclosure state, which means there is no public record to provide the sold price of properties. (no public comps)
Homeowners may file for homestead exemption to reduce their property taxes. (more detailed info is available)
Mississippi is tax friendly to retirees. Qualified retirement income is exempted from state income tax and Social Security is not taxed,regardless of total income. Persons 65 years of age and older are exempt from ad valorem taxes up to $75,000 of the market value on their primary residence.
If you purchase a foreclosed property you will receive a special warranty deed instead of a general warranty deed. A general warranty deed better protects the buyer. Always inquire about purchasing title insurance and ask about any exclusions to the policy.
Regardless of where you are in life, first time home buyer, retirement or anywhere in between, consider Northwest Mississippi. Loaded with charm and southern hospitality, you will find the BEST kept secret in the south!

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Contact info below:

Renae Fulton, GRI
Licensed Real Estate Agent
First National Realty, Inc
901-871-7833 Cell
1-866-208-1737 Fax
renaefulton.com
6515 Goodman Road
Olive Branch, MS 38654
Office 662-895-0885

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Renae Fulton, GRI
Real Estate Consultant
First National Realty
901 871 7833 cell
1 866 208 1737 fax