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

Elizabeth Liggett Josh Bellew Jennifer Beightol

Volume 15, Issue 2 / February 2013

4 Willow Bend Drive, Suite 2AHattiesburg, MS 39402

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

Andrew Bird

Creating a home inventory for insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. All you really need is a pencil and paper. The key is to have a record of your possessions in the event you experience a theft or casualty loss from flood, fire, or other disaster.

But the more thorough the documentation of your belongings, the less likely you are to run into problems when you file an insurance claim. That’s why you should consider using a digital camera, fireproof safes, and other equipment to create and store your home inventory. Devote a full day to the task.Take pictures of your belongings

Photos of your belongings go a long way toward demonstrating ownership and value. Digital photos are preferred, since they’re easier to print and store. A decent digital camera costs less than $100. Be sure to get full-room shots, as well as close-ups of items. Don’t neglect to photograph possessions inside drawers, cabinets, and closets.

Video is even more convenient and effective, especially since you can record audio along with the images. Describe items and any identifying details as you film your home room by room. Digital camcorders are available for less than $150. It’s a good idea to keep backup copies of digital files and hard-copy printouts in a safe place. (More on storage options below.)Prepare a written home inventory

Images alone aren’t enough. You should also prepare a written home inventory. Your insurance company will likely ask for one if you ever file a claim. Include as much identifying detail as possible, such as serial numbers, brand names, purchase dates, and estimated costs. Keep a copy off-site, perhaps with a friend or in a bank safe-deposit box, in case your home is damaged or destroyed. Download our free home inventory worksheet to get started.

Home inventory software is also available. Enter information on your possessions, attach digital images, and store the data electronically. The Insurance Information Institute has a free program called Know Your Stuff, or there are a number of programs available for purchase.

Be sure to attach receipts to your home inventory list. If you’re

storing your records electronically, you’ll want to scan receipts at a copy and print shop or purchase a scanner. Pick one up for as little as $50 at an office supply store. Digital copies of receipts come in handy if originals are damaged or lost.Safe ways to store your records

When backing up digital files, a USB drive—sometimes called a “thumb” drive, due to its small size—can be useful. Buy one for as little as $5. Simply copy the files onto the drive and keep it somewhere safe, preferably away from your home.

You can also stash a drive in a pre-packed emergency “go” bag, which should be accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly. An external hard drive can perform the same function, though it’s less portable.

You can use a bank safe-deposit box to store paper records, drives, and other valuables off-premises. Rent may range from about $25 per year for a small box to more than $100 for a larger box.

If you like to keep important documents closer at hand, consider a fireproof safe, which is usually waterproof as well. You can find small safes for as little as $50, but a more representative range for good residential fireproof safes is $150 to $300. Larger, high-end safes can cost more than $1,000.

When your home inventory files are electronic, it’s relatively easy to use online backup systems to keep digital copies outside of your home. That’s a big plus if your computer is stolen or destroyed. Some backup services like Mozy offer limited storage space for free, while others like Carbonite charge $5 or more per month. Choose a backup service whose features fit your needs.

By: Gwen Moran, Houselogic.com

Jerron Carney

Compile a Home Inventory with the Right Tools

Star Chat from DeLoisStaying on Our Toes in 2013!Over the course of my 40 year real

estate career right here in The Pine Belt, I have learned that we need to continually ask ourselves: What can we do better? In the wake of a less-than-stellar-period for us – ’09, ’10, ’11, and ’12 – we cannot rest on our laurels, even though we can see some signs of improvement locally, as well as nationally. The market is changing; our customers and clients are changing; and we, too, need to be refining and retooling.Currently, two members of our support

team, Jennifer Beightol and Andrew Bird, client care and listing specialist, are giving up their weekends to participate in a locally offered real estate licensing class in order to improve their services to our clients. Elizabeth Liggett, our team closing

coordinator, continues to lead in offering All Star Access in early February. All Star Access is a custom built, online communications system for our clients. This system provides buyers and sellers a 24/7 online system to access their transaction progress. Adam Watkins is closing in on the last

six months of his MBA at Tulane while starting January 2013 off with $1.3 million in production – quite an amazing feat. Buyer Specialist, Wendy Gay, has

made an impressive business plan for her clients for 2013. Wendy is enthusiastically following her plan daily with the professional assistance of a brilliant national real estate trainer, Brian Buffini. We can’t wait to see the results of Wendy’s strategic focus.Congratulations to Buyer Specialist,

Linda Seifert, for producing the highest single residential sale in the City of Hattiesburg, the 2nd highest in the area market for this January.It’s been a while since we’ve been able

to kick off a new year on an optimistic note, but 2013 stands to be a year for housing where the positives finally outweigh the negative. Of course, the

jury is still out on the fiscal cliff along with potential housing policy changes. Despite the policy and economic changes we may face this year, here are my predictions that will most impact our local housing market in the coming months:

• InventoryReductions• Localinvestorconfidence• Returnofmove-upbuyers• Growinginternationalconsumer

base• Increaseinnewhomeconstruction

Two more predictions I really want to include, but do not yet see: 1.) Increasing activity in the high-end of the market, and 2.) Rising home values. We can put these on the “hopeful list”, maybe the 2nd quarter will provide more evidence. For any of you who have a need to

buy up or down because of family need changes or have a family member who needs a home or you could benefit from a single or multi-family investment, RIGHT NOW is the time to buy. Do

not wait for rates to rise and investing to decrease!Our team has loved the opportunity

to serve 38 successful buyers or seller transactions this January with $6.5 million in volume. The diversity in age was from early 20’s-80’s. We have recently served families from China, India, Russia, Taiwan, S. Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, California, New York, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippians. Thanks for your many kind and

generous notes and comments about our team service to you and your family and friends. You warm our hearts and encourage us daily. AND WE PLEDGE to you that we will focus on “Staying on Our Toes” in 2013 to continue to add value to you and your family.

Gratefully your Realtors,

Delois & Team

On a personal note, our family celebrated my husband Lavon’s 85th birthday with a very memorable “Roaring 20’s” party in which many either attended the event or sent cards, stories, memories or well wishes. It has been a wonderful highlight for Lavon and me as so many extended family, friends from scouting, insurance and real estate associates, Green County childhood friends, Rotarians, Republicans, Kindness International and Mission, Inc. friends, neighbors, and church fellowship friends showered him with love and appreciation for his life of making a difference.

Tour of HomesSunday, February 10, 2013 • 1-5 PM

Briarwood 5BD/4.5BA - $479,500 CUSTOM BUILT COUNTRY ESTATE ON 5+ ACRES, LUXURY UPGRADES, 20’ X 40’ WORKSHOP W/ GUEST QUARTERSDirections: Hwy 59N, RT @ Monroe Exit, left @ Stop sign, cross Hwy

11 onto Eastabuchie Rd., left on Lynn Ray, home on the left.

1071 Lynn Ray Road

Petal

1:00 to 2:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/3BA - $414,500 CLASSIC FRENCH COUNTRY ONE STORY. SUPERB DESIGN,

UPSTAIRS BONUS, SCREENED PORCH.Directions: Turn into Canebrake Golf entrance, LT onto W. Canebrake,

LT on Marais Ridge, left on Landing Way.

36 Landing Way

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Greenwood Place 3BD/2BA - $164,500 WONDERFUL UPGRADES, NEW FLOORING, FRESH PAINT, NEW KITCHEN APPLIANCES, SITTING AREA IN MASTER

SUITE, HIS & HER WALK IN CLOSETS.Directions: Old Hwy 24 to Cameron Road, right into Greenwood Place,

left onto Crestwick.

3 Crestwick Circle

Oak Grove

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/3BA - $259,500 CHARMING TWO STROY COLONIAL, HARDWOOD

FLOORING THROUGHOUT, SEPERATE FORMAL DINING, BONUS & STUDY!

Directions: Hwy 98 to main Canebrake entrance. Right on Pecan Acres, then Right on Robins Nest.

33 Robins Nest

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:00 pm

41 Robins Nest

Canebrake

1:30 to 2:00 pm

32 Steep Hollow

Bent Creek

1:30 to 2:00 pm

87 Fair Lake Drive

H’Burg Country Club

1:30 to 2:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $229,500 RAISED 4BD, 3.5 BA CAROLINA COTTAGE, FRONT

AND SCREENED BACK PORCHES Directions: Hwy 98 to main Canebrake entrance. Right on Pecan

Acres, then Right on Robins Nest.

Bent Creek 4BD/3BA - $294,500 CUSTOM HOME W/ EXPANSIVE CEILINGS, LARGE

ROOMS, HARDWOOD FLOORING!Directions: Hwy 589 South, left on Old Hwy 24, left into Bent Creek

West, right on Steep Hollow.

NW Hattiesburg 5BD/5BA - $499,500 ONE-OF-A-KIND, UPDATED MAIN HOUSE PLUS

ATTACHED HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE GUEST SUITE, ON #4 GREEN

Directions: Hwy 49N, LT of Classic Dr., RT on Pine Tree Dr., LT on Lake Estates Dr, LT on Fair Lake Dr.

SW Hattiesburg 4BD/2.5BA - $249,500 CLASSIC TWO STORY RAISED COLONIAL, HARDWOOD

FLOORING, SEPARATE STUDY, LARGE SUNROOM, UPGRADE APPLIANCES, BUILT-INS!

Directions: Hardy Street to South 40th Ave., turn right onto Linden Court

104 Linden Court

SW Hattiesburg

2:30 to 3:00 pm

9 Montclaire Court

Canebrake

2:30 to 3:00 pm

3 Hidden Acres

Oak Grove

2:30 to 3:00 pm

24 Pecan Acres

Canebrake

2:30 to 3:00 pm

Canebrake 4BD/4.5BA - $399,900 PREMIER GOLF COMMUNITY HOME LOCATED IN A PRIVATE

SETTING. 3 WAY SPLIT PLAN, HARDWOOD FLOORING Directions: Canebrake Golf entrance, left onto W. Canebrake, left on Marais Ridge, left on Landing Way, right on Montclaire, left on

Montclaire Ct.

Oak Grove 3BD/2BA - $162,500 RELAX HERE! BIG 3BD, 2BA ONE-STORY, IMMACULATE CONDITION, MOVE IN NOW!

Directions: Old Hwy 24, turn south on Cameron Road, left on Hidden Acres.

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $399,500 UPSCALE FINISHING DETAILS, CRYSTAL AND

WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIERS, 4-WAY SPLIT PLAN WITH THREE MASTER BATHS

Directions: Main Canebrake entrance. Right on Pecan Acres.

Oak Grove 3BD/2BA - $221,000BEAUTIFUL HOME IN DANDRIDGE! HARDWOOD

FLOORING, BUILT-INS, 10’ CEILINGS, GORGEOUS KITCHEN ,STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES.

Directions: Hwy 589 S to Dandridge Subdivision.

25 Pine Meadows

Dandridge

2:30 to 3:00 pm

21 Rotan Court

Pecan Lakes

2:30 to 3:00 pm

105 Lakeland

SW Hattiesburg

3:30 to 4:00 pm

77 Marais Ridge

Canebrake

3:30 to 4:00 pm

8 Presley Drive

Oak Grove

4:00 to 4:30 pm

Petal 3BD/2BA - $147,500 GREAT HOME IN PECAN LAKES, LARGE GREAT ROOM, KITCHEN ISLAND, ALL NEW CARPET, USDA ELIGIBLE

Directions: Hwy 42 East, right on Sunrise, right @ Lake Front Grocery, right at stop sign, left into Pecan Lakes, right on Rotan Court.

SW Hattiesburg 3BD/2BA - $169,500 NOSTALGIC COLONIAL RANCH, CORNER LOT, NEW

APPLIANCES, LARGE MASTER BATHROOM!Directions: Richburg Rd., Turn on Nellwood by Grace Temple Church

and follow to Lakeland on your left.

Canebrake 4BD/3.5BA - $524,500 STATELY COLONIAL ON 2ND FAIRWAY, EXPANSIVE KITCHEN, CUSTOM BUILT-INS, BUTLER’S PANTRY, STUNNING VIEWS!Directions: Canebrake Golf entrance on Bienville. LT on West Cane-

brake. LT on Marais Ridge. House on LT past Landing Way.

Canebrake 5BD/3BA - $357,500ONE OF CANEBRAKE’S BEST ONE-STORY FLOOR PLANS, 4” PLANK FLOORING, SECOND MASTER,

OVER-SIZED CLOSETS.Directions: Hwy 98W, turn into Main entrance of Canebrake.

49 Canebrake

Canebrake

3:30 to 4:00 pm

4816 Old Hwy 11

Oak Grove

3:30 to 4:00 pm

32 Crowns Pointe

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Oak Grove 3BD/2BA - $139,500 MOVE-IN READY! BIG, GRASSY, PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD, NEW LAMINATE FLOORING, PERFECT

FOR A GROWING FAMILY!Directions: Old HWY 24 left onto Burnt Bridge, Longwood Place is

on right.

Oak Grove 4BD/3BA - $249,000 ONE OWNER, TWO STORY RESIDENCE ON 3.32

ACRES, PERFECT FOR A HOME BUSINESS, IN THE HEART OF OAK GROVE!

Directions: Old Hwy 11 South, property on the left.

Oak Grove 3BD/2BA - $137,900 THE PERFECT STARTER HOME! CONVENIENTLY

LOCATED, LOW MAINTENANCE TOO!Directions: HWY 98 W to Hegwood Road, Crowns Pointe S/D is

located off of Hegwood Road

Canebrake 4BD/4.5BA - $625,000 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.

131 Wild Meadows

Canebrake

4:30 to 5:00 pm

28 Bridgewater

Bridgefield

4:30 to 5:00 pm

42 Bridgewater

Bridgefield

4:30 to 5:00 pm

Bridgefield 4BD/4BA - $499,500 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.

Bridgefield 4BD/2.5BA - $299,000 UPDATED HOME ON PRETTY CORNER LOT, LARGE

KEEPING ROOM, BEAUTIFUL BUILT-INS. Directions: Hwy 589 N to Bridgefield. House is on the right after enter-

ing the neighborhood gates.

LEGACY 3BD/2BA - $159,000 LOVELY RAISED COTTAGE WITH A WHITE PICKET FENCE,

BRICK FLOORING AND UPSCALE FEATURESDirections: Old Hwy 11 South. Turn left onto Legacy Blvd.

229 Legacy Boulevard

Oak Grove

4:30 to 5:00 pm

For more information on these homes or

to schedule a private showing, visit

DeLoisSmith.com

The New Year is in full swing, school is back in session, and the resolutions are at the top of our priority list. What is on your agenda for 2013 - Eating healthier, more exercise, losing weight, living on a budget?

It’s so easy to come out of the gate with much passion to conquer what we so desperately desire. But more often than not, when we give ourselves to something new and exciting, we forget some necessary ingredients to a balanced life. I have found this to be true in my own life. Trying to balance life between church, work, family & friends – I often find the pendulum leaning toward my hobbies and personal interests rather than the things that truly matter most in life. Life just seems to find a way to get out of balance.

Being new to the real estate industry, it has taken much time and energy to begin this new phase of my life. Rules,

regulations, clients, new listings, closings, and the list continues to grow. While I am enjoying every second, I have been forced to guard against burnout and fatigue. The last time I checked, there are still 24 hours in a day. Too many times, in my own life, there are items not checked off at the end of the day; and it’s very easy to stress out when these responsibilities are not met. However, we must always remember to keep everything in balance. Balance is different for all us, but it’s of utmost importance that we each find our own, and stick with it. Time is precious – Do not take it for granted. It’s a lot like land, they are not making any more of it.

To put this all in perspective, I’m reminded of what a wise old gentlemen once told me, “Son, keep the main thing the main thing.” In other words, set your priorities and keep it all in balance.

Life of Balance

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

Client Quote“Our experience with the All Star Team

was FANTASTIC! Everyone was so nice and made us feel like we were the #1 client. Wendy was also wonderful. She was always available for us when we needed her and was always very knowledgeable about the housing market. Andrew was also very sweet and a joy to work with.”

- Alan, Laurin, and Gracie Westbrook

Star Chat is now digitalWe now offer the ability for you to receive our monthly newsletter in an email

format. We will continue to print and mail the Star Chat to you our valued clients. If you would prefer to receive Star Chat in an electronic format please send an email to

info@deloissmith.com.

By Jerron Carney

“I enjoyed working with the team. They were very helpful in getting me any information that I requested. If there were any issues, I was kept in the loop with updates. I felt the team went above and beyond my expectations in helping me purchase my house. I will recommend anyone I come across looking for a house to use this team.”

-Jeremy Patrick