Great news for the City of Brandon! The Brandon Amphitheater opened in the Spring of 2018 on Boyce Thompson Road in Brandon. Locals and tourists from across the country have enjoyed performances by national entertainers, including Hank Williams, Jr., Dave Matthews Band, Salt-N-Pepa, and many more. Still to come this summer will be Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Imagine Dragons, and Alabama. I attended the Hank Williams, Jr. concert and he did not disappoint. The Amphitheater has outdoor seating for around 8000 people, and events are held rain or shine. You need to know certain things before attending a concert. For instance, what you can carry, what to leave at home, when to arrive, etc.  The City of Brandon has provided a list of FAQs to answer most of your questions. The Amphitheater ... 06/11/2018

As you enter Greenfield Station from Highway 468, you'll pass the neighborhood pools and cabana as well as a few estate sized homes on the right. You will notice the lush landscaped entrance and roundabout which leads to four communities within Greenfield Station.The first development in the neighborhood is Greenfield Ridge, a section with homes between 1200-1550 square feet. Next, Greenfield Crossing was developed with homes to meet the needs of those looking for 1550-2000 square feet. See my 2017 blog post about the neighborhood. Two new phases are currently under construction. Coventry of Greenfield features quality new construction with 1900 square foot minimums, and Sawgrass Lakes is being constructed with 1300 square foot minimums. Current pricing for Coventry is in the mid $200,0... 04/27/2018

Northwest Rankin Middle School students were schooled in the art of real life recently by participating in a Reality Fair. I was fortunate to play the role of "Realtor" in two sessions at the school.Students selected their desired occupation, and based on that choice, they were paid a salary and instructed to find housing, connect utilities, pay their insurance, cell phone, etc. Their choices had to fit within their budget. In some cases, students had to negotiate ways to either increase their income or reduce expenses. The number one stop on their shopping list was to find a place to live. So one by one they visited the housing booth. Based on their income, wants and needs, they chose between a one bedroom apartment, sharing a two bedroom with a roommate, thereby cutting their expense,... 04/13/2018

Crossview Plantation is one of Brandons' newest neighborhoods with estate sized lots near the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Located off Holly Bush Road, Crossview Plantation features homes with lot sizes between 1.5 acres to 3 acres, with a minimum square footage requirement of 2,200.  Crossview Plantation is within walking distance of the newly constructed McClains General Store and Restaurant. It's a comfortable commute to Jackson and Madison with easy access to Highway 25 (Lakeland Drive) and shopping at Dogwood Festival Market in Flowood.A dozen homes are in varying stages of construction at the present time with four exclusive builders. Home prices range from the low $400,000s to the mid $500,000s. These homes are quality construction with features you would expect at this price point. H... 04/02/2018

If you've followed my blog for very long, you know I love to capture images like the one above. While viewing property this afternoon, I spotted this dilapidated old barn behind a row of new construction homes, and couldn't resist snapping this picture. And how about that tree? I wonder how old it is. Wordless Wednesday - I Couldn't Resist!  03/28/2018

  My first contact with this couple was mid November. They were relocating to the Jackson MS metro area for a job opportunity and looking for a Realtor to help them find a home. Less than 60 days and two snow days later, we closed on their home.  My heart was full when I received the following review... "We found Pat Starnes online where she was highly recommended. We spoke with her on the phone. She subsequently gave us her website of current homes that she thought matched our desires. When we flew into town, we had 5 days to find a home. She picked us up at the airport despite the fact that it snowed 3 inches that day! We spent 8-12 hour days together that weekend looking at homes. Monday we were no closer to finding a house and we were flying out the next day. At that point, Pat reco... 02/28/2018

I fell in love with this house the moment I saw it.  The owners wanted to buy a smaller home with a workshop. Through the course of our conversation, they lovingly described their current home in impeccable detail. It was quiet, peaceful, full of character and situated on 2.68 acres in the Johns community in the outskirts of Brandon, MS. Today new owners took possession of 464 Pineview Lane. It closed a chapter for the sellers, who were downsizing. A new chapter began for the happy buyers as they get to enjoy the quiet peacefulness of country living, not to mention the best 30x40 workshop in Rankin County!My specialty is residential real estate in the Jackson MS Metro Area, which includes Brandon, Pearl, Florence, Ridgeland, Flowood, and Madison. If you are considering a move, put my ye... 02/23/2018

It didn't take long for someone to recognize the convenience and VALUE in this two bedroom townhouse near the Ross Barnett Reservoir. This property was listed in December right before the Christmas holidays. Less than two months later, the new owner is settling into his new home. The unit was freshly painted and had ceramic and laminate flooring. No carpet here! Also included were new kitchen countertops and a new dishwasher. The townhouse is within walking distance to the neighborhood YMCA, Lakeshore and Pelahatchie Park, grocery stores, banks, and medical clinics. If you are in the market to buy or sell residential real estate in central MS, including Brandon, Flowood, or Madison/Ridgeland, put me to work for you. I'll be glad to answer whatever questions you may have. 02/20/2018

Five weeks ago Darryl and Elisa flew to Jackson International Airport to buy a house, but because it was snowing heavily, the second leg of their flight (Chicago to Mississippi) was turned around. After a  stressful day of travel, the plane eventually was cleared to land and we started their home search later that same day. We found a home on that snowy December visit. After securing the contract, they returned to Wisconsin to pack for their move. Yesterday while driving from Wisconsin, they encountered a blizzard in southern Illinois. Then their van broke down.  They rented a truck to bring their furnishings the rest of the way. Their sense of adventure and positive attitude kept their spirits high. They didn't want me to worry, so I didn't know about the traveling debacle until after ... 01/18/2018

Reservoir Townhouse for Sale ~ Brandon, MS ~ $87,900 865 Harbor Bend Drive, Brandon, MS 39047  Harborview Townhome for Sale2 Bedrooms, 1.5 BathsPriced to SELL at only $87,900 This 2 bedroom unit has been completed renovated with new wood tile flooring in both bedrooms, freshly painted, new light fixtures, and is move-in ready. The unit comes complete with a stove, dishwasher, disposal, stacked washer and dryer, and a refrigerator.Harborview is a short walk to the Ross Barnett Reservoir, the marina, Lakeshore and Pelahatchie Shore Park, and the YMCA. Shopping, banking, doctors offices, and grocery stores are less than five minutes away. This unit is perfect for those who desire low maintenance housing and a carefree lifestyle. ** Update ~ this unit is no longer available. SOLD and CLOSED... 12/31/2017

Each year this home, located in Castlewoods Subdivision in Brandon, MS, is decorated for Christmas. There was no music the night I took the photo, so my only suggestion would be to add audio. Can you imagine the amount of work involved to put this display together? It's a beautiful sight to behold. Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas!  12/20/2017

The following photos taken at Castlewoods Country Club depict the change in scenery during autumn weather. The first photo was taken late afternoon on October 28. Leaves are just beginning to turn and the golf course is still green.The next photo was taken two weeks later. The leaves continue to turn, the grass is still green, and the lake is a gorgeous shade of blue.The following photo was taken in late November. You can see Mother Nature is slowly taking her toll on the golf course. The tree in the foreground is almost bare.December 2nd - some of the trees have lost their leaves, the course is no longer green except for the tee, but the golfers don't seem to mind.December 8 - Snow Day in Brandon (and most of central MS)   The snow melted the following day and life in central MS went b... 12/15/2017

The Brandon Christmas Tree is up! I noticed the tree as I drove through the historic district and immediately turned the car around so I could get the shot. The wind cooperated fully as the flags are prouding flying in the breeze.The snow from last week is but a memory. The Best Christmas Displays in Central MS 12/13/2017

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, a seller asked if it was OK to decorate their home for Christmas. The house is listed for sale and is actively being shown. Would you recommend that they fill every room with Christmas decor, and do it now to get the full enjoyment of their efforts? Or would you suggest that they wait until after Thanksgiving and decorate sparsely this year? My advice for anyone selling their home during the Christmas season is to select a minimum of decorations; perhaps a small tabletop tree, a little greenery, and some of your favorite pieces. I don't recommend going all out, because what goes up must come down.  If your house will remain on the real estate market during the holidays, buyers will understand if your home is not fully decorated for the season. When yo... 11/25/2017

If your Brandon MS home is for sale during the holidays, you want to keep your Christmas decorations "no fuss" and easy. Follow these tips to keep your decor low-key, so the focus remains on your HOME, not your Christmas tree: 1. Decorate your entry table with greenery or a mini-tree.2. Add garland or greenery to the mantle3. Place a large bowl filled with ornaments on the coffee table4. Add a decorative tabletop tree to the dining room table5. Display a few Santa figurines in a vignette6. Replace art work on the wall with a Christmas painting or framed print7. Add a vase filled with pine cones and tree branches for a nature scape8. Replace your everyday pillows and candles with seasonal ones9. Add twinkle lights to a special vignette Remember LESS is MORE when your home is for sale! Us... 11/15/2017

 Hidden Hills Market in a Minute ~ End of August, 2017 ​ It's been a busy summer in Brandon MS and the surrounding area, school is back in session, and it's finally September! Following are the market statistics for Hidden Hills at the end of August, 2017.   FOR SALE:   Currently there are 15 homes for sale in Hidden Hills. Prices range from $182,500 to $334,900.      PENDING:   Three homes are pending or under contract, with an average list price of $275,466.     CLOSED:   In the last 90 days, 11 homes have closed in Hidden Hills. Sales prices range from $208,500 to $299,000. The average days on the market is 135.       Over the last six months (March-August 2017) 28 homes sold and closed in the Hidden Hills neighborhood.    If you want to dive deeper into these statistics, or if you n... 09/09/2017

Today closed a chapter in a client's life. We sold the home they had lived in for 20 years while raising their family so they could move into something smaller and close to their children.The house sold fast and at full price. It was on the market less than a week before we received multiple offers.During one of my visits to the house, I noticed a framed painting of the house prominently displayed on the mantle. I inquired about it, and was told it was a gift from a family member the year they purchased their home.This is how Madeleine Court looked when I put it on the market last month.Little has changed, except the trees have flourished. The front landscaping disappeared over time, but otherwise the artist's rendition remains very similar to how the home looked when it was first built... 09/06/2017

Castlewoods is a golf course community located off Highway 25 in the suburbs of Jackson and Flowood, MS. There is an 18-hole golf course with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and clubhouse that supports the local housing market, as well as quality schools, shopping, and churches nearby, making Castlewoods a desirable residential neighborhood. The property shown is a 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home tucked away in the Willows of Castlewoods in an area called Willow Ridge.I barely had time to put the "For Sale" sign in the ground on this property before the phone began to ring.  My blog mentions Castlewoods in several articles like this one. At any given time, about 50 homes are for sale in Castlewoods, ranging in price from the mid $150,000s upwards of $550,000, so there is a price range for everyo... 08/13/2017

June and July went by fast this year. The Brandon real estate market was HOT this summer. After working 12 hours days for extended periods of time, I didn't have the stamina or brain power to share on my blog very often.So while the real estate market has been hot, the weather in Brandon has been steamy. We've been getting our share of weekly rainfall, and our grateful gardens are appreciative.(Lately it's been raining daily, and most of us are over it!)Because I have a tiny yard, my plants and flowers grown mostly in containers. I've been known to create arrangements in whatever vessel I find laying around, including wheelbarrows, discarded metal containers, etc. This year I planted rosemary, basil and purple basil, two varieties of lavendar, peppermint and spearmint in pots on the pat... 08/11/2017

The Gardens of Manship recently held a Grand Opening for the neighborhood pool and clubhouse at 124 Amethyst Drive. The clubhouse has a community room, kitchen, and bath. The pool area is landscaped, fenced, and overlooks the lake.  Pool hours are posted at the clubhouse. Access fobs will be made available to residents. Use of the pool and clubhouse is limited to residents of Gardens of Manship and their invited guests. At this writing, twenty homes are available for sale in Gardens of Manship. Prices range from $235,000 to $290,000.  Homes are 1700-2200 square feet. Both new and resale homes are available.Gardens of Manship is located within minutes of retail shopping, restaurants, and schools. The school district is Northwest Rankin.  Homes for Sale in Gardens of Manship If you are lo... 07/14/2017