Pat Starnes

Homes for Sale in Brandon, MS, near Ross Barnett Reservoir:

Willow Grande II

New homes are under construction in Brandon's Willow Grande II, located behind Castlewoods Country Club. If you are in the market for a new home, take a look at these affordably priced homes (under $200,000). These homes are eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Rural Housing Program.

Willow Grande II offers various amenities throughout these 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath properties, but standard features are all-brick construction, double garages, granite countertops, and a minimum of 1450 square feet.

For a current price list or to schedule an appointment, call, text or email me!

Article written February 2, 2012 and subject to price changes.

The 3rd annual Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off in Jackson, MS was a huge success! Our local Keller Williams market center raised over $1300 for KW Cares, our national non-profit organization.

Since this was my first year to attend the annual cook-off, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the chili was mmm, mmm good, it was a gorgeous fall day, and everyone who attended enjoyed indulging in the festivities.

First, second, and third place prizes were awarded for the best chili and also for best table decorations. I'm not quite sure how our local judges made their decisions, but they took their responsibilities seriously!

Everyone who participated made awesome chili and we appreciate each and every vendor who contributed.

First Place went to Luckett Land and Title.

Second place was awarded to Chan Vessell at First American Title Company.

Blair Chandler with Prime Lending in Ridgeland, MS snagged third place.

The People's Choice award went to Magnolia Home Inspections.

Congratulations to all the winners! Thanks to everyone who participated and worked behind the scenes. I'm sure this event will continue to grow and our KW family can raise even more funds for our charity next year.

Read my earlier post about the Keller Williams Chili Cook-Off.

Unusual Yard Art ~ Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This!

When I saw the unusual landscaping in the front yard of this Jackson MS home, I had to circle the block to snap this photo.

I've seen creative uses of found objects before in my everyday travels, but this one may win the prize of "most unusual find".

The property is located in the trendy Fondren area of Jackson.

If you'd like to share your unusual yard art photos, I'd love to see them. Please e-mail them to me at patstarnes@kw.com. Let me know if I can borrow them for future features.

Brandon MS ~ Castlewoods Market Condition Report for October 2010

In October 2010, two new homeowners purchased homes in Castlewoods Subdivision, one of the largest neighborhoods in Rankin County. These two properties had a combined average sales price of $204,000, with an average time on the market of 174 days.

In comparison, five homes closed in Castlewoods during the month of September 2010, and a whopping 12 properties closed last year during the month of October 2009. Year-to-date closed sales for 2010 vs. 2009 are 58 and 74, respectively.

Fourteen homes were added to the market during the month of October, bringing the total number of homes for sale in Castlewoods to 80.

Four homes are under contract (pending or contingent) and four properties either expired or were removed from the market in October.

Home prices in Castlewoods range from the low $100s for resale upwards of $300,000. New construction properties are included in these statistics.

Castlewoods, one of Rankin County's premiere neighborhoods, is built around Castlewoods Country Club and is located in NW Rankin School District.

See current Homes for Sale in Castlewoods Subdivision ~ Brandon MS

If you are looking to sell your home, but are discouraged by what you read or hear about the real estate market, don't despair. While it is true that the market is challenging, it is encouraging to note that some homes DO SELL. If you need to sell, your home will have to BEAT THE COMPETITION.

What do I mean by "Beat The Competition"?

Your Castlewoods home will have to be priced competitively, because buyers shop by comparison. Your house will have to shine from top to bottom. Every nook and cranny should be clean and freshly painted. For FREE tips to Make a Good First Impression, click here:

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St. Marks Fall Festival Provides Fun for All ~ Brandon, MS

There is always something fun to do in the Jackson Metro area, especially during the holiday season. This weekend I took the grandkids to St. Marks UMC Fall Festival, and there were games for both the younger set as well as the older kids.

Costumes were optional, although most children took the opportunity to dress as their favorite cartoon character or super hero.

There were simple, easy games for the under 4 set, ranging from "Go Fishing", Bowling, Bean Toss, and Golf, to bull riding and Gladiator jousting for the older children. And there were space jumps for all ages. Of course, there were plenty of sugary sweets to go around, including cotton candy, ice cream, and cupcakes.

The St. Marks Festival is an annual event offered as an alternative to the traditional Halloween festivities.

Read about other Halloween activities and festivals in and around Brandon.

*Photos Copyrighted 2010