The DeLois Smith All Star Team

Eight Steps to Home Ownership

We're starting a new series of posts entitled "Eight Steps to Home Ownership."  These are eight useful and systematic steps to help you purchase your home. This week we focus on Step One: Choose a REALTOR®.

Step One: Choose a REALTOR®

The services of a REALTOR®  are priceless in a real estate transaction. We're not writing this because we're REALTORS® and we want your business; we're writing it because it's true! Your real estate agent is required to represent you, the buyer, in the transaction and will guide you along in the process. REALTORS® can show you any home in the Multiple Listing Service in addition to their own office listings. They will help you negotiate your offer and see you through to the completion of the sale. For the most success, pick one buyer specialist and stick with him or her. Don't hop around from REALTOR® to REALTOR®. A highly trained buyer specialist can show you any property. Finding a reliable, qualifed REALTOR® to represent you is the first and most important step in searching for a new home.

Check back next week as we discuss Step Two: Obtain a Loan Preapproval.

Open House: June 3

Swimming pools, camps, little league, Vacation Bible School, family vacations, and PLENTY OF SUNSHINE!!! The activities of summer are now here! There's never a better time than right now to begin planning your move. Take charge of your moving goals by attending our Tour of Homes this Sunday, June 3rd. Several of our premier properties will be showcased and ready to see with a wide range of price options. In Oak Grove, Petal, and Hattiesburg these are functional homes for any size family!

1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

137 Monarch Boulevard - Located in the Le Papillion subdivision in Oak Grove, this 4BD/3.5BA home is currently being offered for $395,000. It is a captivating two-story French Country home. Directions: Take Hegwood Road to Le Papillion. Turn right onto Monarch. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 137 Monarch Boulevard.

145 Sweet Bay Trail - Located in the Trailwood subdivision in Petal, this 5BD/4BA home is currently being offered for $314,000. Enjoy remarkable space with two living areas, study, and in-ground pool. Directions: Take Trailwood entrance from Highway 42 onto Wildwood Trail. Turn left at three-way stop, right at next stop. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 145 Sweet Bay Trail.

419 Greenhills Drive - Located in the Forrest Hills area in Oak Grove, this 3BD/2BA home is currently being offered for $182,500. This is a charming and immaculate one-story brick home. Directions: Take Sandy Run Road to Forrest Hills. Left on Sunflower, continue on Somerset, left on Elm, right on Greenhills. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 419 Greenhills Drive.

2:00 - 2:30 p.m.

35 Canebrake Boulevard - Located in the Canebrake subdivision in Oak Grove, this 4BD/4BA home is currently being offered for $499,500. It's an elegant, spacious floor plan with a possible fifth bedroom. Directions: Take first entrance to Canebrake subdivision. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 35 Canebrake Boulevard.

11 Stonewall - Located in the Bent Creek West subdivision in Oak Grove, this 4BD/2BA home is currently being offered for $263,900. Enjoy quality and extra features throughout! Directions: Take Bent Creek West entrance, right on Pleasant Pond Loop, right on Stonewall. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 11 Stonewall.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

16 Wiltshire Drive - Located in the Kingsmill subdivision in Oak Grove, this 4BD/2.5BA home is currently being offered for $269,500. It's super functional with custom built-ins in the closets and breakfast area. Directions: From West 4th Street, take the Kingsmill entrance. Left on Buckingham, right on Wiltshire. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 16 Wiltshire Drive.

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

4 Clermont - Located in the Highpointe subdivision, this 4BD/3.5BA home is currently being offered for $379,500. It's a two-story Southern Colonial with an in-ground pool. Directions: Take Pompano Drive in N Lake Serene to Highpointe entrance. House on corner of Highpointe and Clermont. Click here for more photos and information on 4 Clermont.

51 Nicklaus Trail - Located in the Timberline Ridge subdivision of Petal, this 3BD/2.5BA home is currently being offered for $199,000. It features beautiful marble tile on all bathroom counters and kitchen. Directions: Take Hwy 42 to Sunrise Road. Right on West Temple, left on Nicklaus Trail. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 51 Nicklaus Trail.

30 Sunset Hill - Located in the Canebrake Golf Community in Oak Grove, this 3BD/2.5BA home is currently being offered for $595,000. This premier garden home enjoys views of the 6th fairway and includes an additional lot. Directions: Take Canebrake Boulevard to north end of lake. Turn right on Pecan Acres, left onto Sunset Hill. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 30 Sunset Hill.

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

11 Myrtle Landing - Located in the Canebrake Golf Community in Oak Grove, this 3BD/4.5BA home is currently being offered for $479,500. This is a stately Southern Colonial with an optional fourth bedroom. Directions: Take W Canebrake to Marias Ridge. Left on Landing Way, left on Magnolia Landing, then right on Myrtle Landing. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 11 Myrtle Landing.

16 Village Drive - Located in The Villages of Oak Grove subdivision in Oak Grove, this 3BD/2.5BA home is currently being offered for $216,000. It's a delightful home with high quality finishing details. Directions: Take Old Hwy 24 to Leaf Lane. Take the Villages entrance in front of Oak Grove Elementary. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 16 Village Drive.

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

12 Canebrake Boulevard - Located in the Canebrake subdivision in Oak Grove, this 4BD/3.5BA home is currently being offered for $495,000. This is a beautifully crafted and designed four-way split plan. Directions: Take first entrance to Canebrake. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 12 Canebrake Boulevard.

8 Stone Ridge North - Located in the Sandstone subdivision in O ak Grove, this 3BD/2.5BA home  is currently being offered for $282,500. It's a historical replica home with porches and balcony. Directions: Take Highway 589 N to Sandstone. Turn right from entrance to Stone Ridge and turn left. House on right. Click here for more photos and information on 8 Stone Ridge North.

138 Jervis Mims Road - Located in Southwest Hattiesburg, this 3BD/2BA home is currently being offered for $229,500. The oversized rooms and living areas make it perfect for entertaining! Directions: From Hwy 11South, turn onto Jervis Mims Road. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 138 Jervis Mims Road.

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

37 Katherine Avenue - Located in the Krystal View subdivision of Oak Grove, this 4BD/2BA home is being offered for $196,900. It is a quality, new home with two dining areas. Directions: Take WPA off Hwy 98 to Old Hwy 24. Turn left on Ratcliff, right into Krystal View. Stay to the right. House on left. Click here for more photos and information on 37 Katherine Avenue.

19 Oakview - Located in the Oakridge subdivision in Purvis, this 3BD/2BA home is being offered for $179,900. This is an excellent split plan with new paint and new carpet. Directions: Take Richburg Road from Oak Grove. Right on Slade, right on Oakview. House on left. Click here for more information on 19 Oakview.

Don't forget to join us this Sunday, June 3rd, to begin searching for your dream home!

One of Our Newest Listings: 145 Sweet Bay Trail

Every week we feature one of our newest listings. This week we are featuring 145 Sweet Bay Trail, located in the Trailwood subdivision in Petal.

Fresh paint, newly stained floors, and a relaxing pool are just a few of the items that make 145 Sweet Bay Trail - this and a flexible floor plan with 4 or 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, study, formal dining, and two living areas! Currently being offered for $314,000 this spacious residence is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Trailwood.

This executive residence sits several hundred yards off Sweet Bay Trail from a winding drive. Guests are provided several areas for parking. A curved sidewalk leads to the covered front stoop and a beauitful stained wood door with a leaded glass center panel and side lights.

A majestic two- story entry foyer welcomes guests with a beautiful turned staircase with wood treads (presently a carpet runner is in place). Solid wood floors have been freshly finished. A bronze chandelier hangs above. An arched window provides natural light to the foyer and stairway.

The study, to the left of the foyer, is accessed by a set of double French doors with arched transom. This room has fresh paint, solid wood floors, and a set of double windows. A built-in wet bar is located in one corner of the room. This room could also be a guest bedroom, as it adjoins bath #4. Bath #4 adjoins the study plus the main hallway from the foyer. It has a tub/shower combination, brick floors, and vanity sink.

The formal living, to the right of the foyer, is freshly painted with crown molding, two windows, and solid wood floors. The formal dining is separated from the formal living by a large cased arched opening. Solid wood floors coordinate with embellished wainscot, molding, and faux finished walls. A set of double French doors with overhead transom brings abundant light to the space. It also provides access to the back decks and pool, plus views to the wooded back yard.

Beautiful brick floors are a primary theme of the kitchen and service entry. Together with the keeping room and breakfast a grand open space is created. In the kitchen, beautiful terra cotta tile and backsplash coordinate beautifully with the freshly painted cabinets (complete with new hardware). Appliances include a gas range, stainless steel dishwasher, and microwave. Bar space is abundant with ample space for six to eight barstools. Views are had of the back yard and pool through a set of triple French doors. A separate pantry plus abundant cabinets provide ample storage. A breakfast area separates the kitchen from the keeping room and is centered around the three French doors.

The large keeping room adjoins the kitchen area and is accented by neutral carpet, newly painted walls, crown molding, and a gas log fireplace with mantle. A set of triple French doors exits to the covered deck and in-ground pool. A separate stairway leads to the second level form the keeping room and features solid wood landing and treads. The second level is spacious, including three or four bedrooms with two baths plus the master suite and handy utility room. Neutral carpet runs through hallways and into bedrooms. Solid wood floors are under the carpet in the hallways.

The master suite has a majestic cathedral ceiling, newly painted walls with crown molding, ceiling fan/light, and bamboo floors. A set of triple doors exits to the balcony with views of the pool and wooded back yard. The French doors feature custom wood plantation shutters. The adjoining master bath features a vaulted ceiling and neutral walls. His and her vanities, separate shower, water closet, oval whirlpool tub, and walk-in closet are in this space. Neutral ceramic tile graces the surfaces. A large picture window over the whirlpool tub provides light and relaxing views.

Bedroom #2, located at the top of the main stairway, features new carpet and newly painted walls creating an inviting space in this bedroom with a large arched window, vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan/light, and wardrobe closet. This bedroom adjoins bath #2, a "Jack and Jill" bath situated between bedroom #2 and bedroom #5/bonus room. It has neutral ceramic tile and is compartmentalized with a separate wet area with tub/shower combination. Bedroom #5/bonus room is enormous with new carpet and newly painted walls plus a ceiling fan/light and crown molding. Two large closets provide access to storage space. A set of double windows and single window provide natural light.

Bedroom #3 is located on the northeast corner of the second floor and has neutral carpet, three windows, newly painted walls, crown molding, ceiling fan/light, and deep closets. Bedroom #4, located across the hall from bedroom #3, has a vaulted ceiling with ceiling fan/light, neutral carpet, and newly painted walls with crown molding. Two windows located on the corner of the room provide abundant light. A walk-in closet with built-ins completes the room. Bath #3 adjoins bedroom #4 and also has access from the hallway to service bedroom #3. This compartmentalized bath has a wet area with tub/shower combination and neutral ceramic tile. The laundry/utility room is strategically placed on the second level to service the bedrooms - quite handy and practical!

General Features:

• Two-car garage with built-ins and automatic openers
• 16' x 22' in-ground pool with brick patio surround and iron fencing
• Fenced back yard with brick column accents
• Updated paint, carpet, and freshly refinished floors
• Second level balcony and extensive first level deck
• Attractive winding driveway
• Petal Separate School District (Level 5 Accreditation)
• Sump pump at rear of lot to prevent water from being an issue in the wooded area of the back yard (pumps to the street) from the NW part of the back yard/wooded area
• Taxes are $2,945 annually

To schedule a personal tour of 145 Sweet Bay Trail, please call the office at (601) 545-3900 and speak with one of our highly trained Buyer Specialists!

View more pictures online! Click here!

Thank you for previewing this special home. While this information is considered reliable, it is not guaranteed. It is gathered from the best available sources: the owners, document files, and city records.

The Market: May 2007

How exciting to celebrate yet another "biggest ever" birthday on May 3rd! As long as our families, friends, and co-workers make us feel appreciated, birthdays are wonderful. Past client, Loretta Tullis from Alabama, whose Hattiesburg home I sold ten years ago, literally blew me away by remembering my birthday AND remembering that my mother was born in 1908 AND that I would appreciate a 1908 Sears Roebuck Catalog in perfect condition! How amazing!

The team surprised me with a "high tec" digital photo frame and pampered me all day! My granddaughters, Heather and Sarah, treated me to my first ever facial - how relaxing! The calls and cards were all so wonderful! Already, I'm looking forward to a 2008 "biggest ever" birthday!

The Hattiesburg area market "good news" is that the number of homes sold (576 versus 573) is keeping pace with our highest ever year in 2006. Our team has closed 107 year-to-date versus 100 at this date last year. Currently, our team has been involved with 29% of sales over $250,000 in Oak Grove; 35% of sales of $200,000 in Petal; 45% of sales over $250,000 in Petal; and 57% of sales over $350,000 in Oak Grove.

The most challenging aspect of the current market is the 43% more active properties on the market than 12 months ago. Factors influencing the changes are: (1) An abundance of new home products available. There are 75 homes on the market in Oak Grove from $235-285K. Fifty-one are new constructions; (2) Softer demand from post-Katrina buyers. Some of those who bought in our area are now selling; (3) Foreclosures and sub-prime lending. According to the National Home Builders survey in March, one-third of builders said tightening lending standards have taken a toll on their home sales; (4) Increases in homeowners insurance and property taxes. On most closings, I see a 40% or more increase on the total monthly escrow for taxes and insurances; and (5) Greater caution by appraisers and underwriters.

As you and your family enjoy Mother's Day, graduations, weddings, memorial services, Father's Day, and other special events, make sure you are celebrating the "biggest and best ever!"

With much gratitude,

DeLois

Petal at a Glance: May 2007

Well, it's been a very eventful Spring to say the least. By the time you read this, Amelia and I will have returned from our annual mission trip to Nicaragua, Central America. We began making these trips the first year we were married. I'd been once before and wanted Amelia to share the experience. After the first year, I didn't know if she'd ever want to return. Now, four years later, she's made the trip every year.

Carterville Baptist Church, where we are active members, sponsors trips almost annually through the Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International and have done so for some 30 years. Our pastor, Leland Hogan, has led these trips and, because of his experience, the trips usually go smoothly. It's a very humbling experience to say the least. As a blessed people, we often forget that not all cultures provide the same "material" opportunities. However, we are provided with similar spiritual opportunities. The spirit of the Nicaraguan people is a sweet one, and we anticipate that this experience will remind us of this. We hope our service is one that is amplified in the village of Le'Libertad, where we will serve.

Market wise, we are definitely settling into a pace that's more normal and less affected by Hurricane Katrina. Largely, this Katrina effect has dissipated. There will obviously be long-term effects, but they'll likely be more subtle. In the past several weeks, buyer traffic has increased. We're experiencing strong activity under $200K and moderately strong activity over $300/$350K. An area where we're experiencing oversupply has been in the $200K to $300K range. The next four to six months should provide buyers to consume a fair amount of this product.

In Petal, things are performing above average compared to some of our other market pockets, but areas of oversupply also occur as noted in the market update. The important thing to note is that on the whole a lot of long-term projects are in place to provide for the demand into the next decade. Three projects that will affect the market in Petal: (1) Richton Salt Dome; (2) Howard Technology Park in Ellisville; and (3) USM commercialization (Van Hook Golf Course off I-59). If you use a map, you'll notice that these three sites form a triangle; Petal is situated in the middle of that triangle. What a wonderful place to own property!

Many of you have already been reading our team blog that we began in January. As part of this effort, I began a blog as well. I chronicle real estate happenings as well as items of interest to me both personally and professionally. You're invited to take part in the conversation. You can log onto DeLoisSmith.com and hit "Online Blog" and locate the link to my site. I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,

Adam

One of Our Newest Listings: 102 Wild Meadows

Every week we feature one of our newest listings. This week we are featuring 102 Wild Meadows, located in the Canebrake Golf Community in Oak Grove.

Architectural Digest would feature this two-story custom home built for family members by Walker Thrash in 2006. It features Old Chicago brick with applications of "real" stucco; full louvered, functional shutters; front upper wrought iron balconies; arched windows and front entry doors; Spanish cedar exterior doors; bricked front porch and front steps complete with a front courtyard caste iron fountain; walkways, driveways, flower beds, and parking pads trimmed with matching brick; and gas lanterns at the front entrance by Flambeaux. This 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom estate is currently being offered for $649,500.

Soaring 20' ceilings greet guests at the front foyer (11'6" x 14'). A stunning circular staircase with wrought iron railings and a Schonbek crystal chandelier are special features. Flooring is 4" heart pine with a natural finish by James Sewell that extends from the foyer throughout the formal dining, great room, and hallways. Walls and woodwork are painted in Oakwood Manor by Benjamin Moore.

The gracious formal dining (16'6" x 12') opens from the foyer and features beautiful custom silk draperies by Hampson & Adams over front double French doors and a stunning Schonbek crystal chandelier. The dramatic great room (20' x 22') has 20' ceilings, six custom paned matching upper and lower windows with custom silk draperies by Hampson & Adams, skillfully crafted ornate arched entertainment center, two double arched built-in bookcase/cabinets, and a very uniquely trimmed custom mantle with an antique dias inset accenting the fireplace. A twelve-light antique brass chandelier and six recessed lights finish this beautiful great room.

A state-of-the-art kitchen (15' x 21') has herringbone pattern paver flooring. The coffered ceiling (11') treatment extends throughout the kitchen, breakfast nook, and keeping room. Extensive high quality custom pine cabinetry was stained by Freddy Malone. All countertops, including the work island and wet bar, feature beveled edged granite slab. Splash backs are artistically done in glass tiling from New Orleans. Faucets are by Danze. Also included are top knobs, hardware, and a double porcelain farm sink under a double front window. Appliances include a commercial grade Wolfe gas range, Bosch dishwasher, Subzero refrigerator/freezer drawers with panels, and a Monogram ice maker in the wet bar. A separate walk-in pantry with drawers is located on one wall.

The relaxing, open breakfast nook (9'x" x 10') is a four-windowed bay area with overhead transoms and a nine-light shaded Schonbek chandelier. It provides for a wonderful, casual family dining space. (Draperies located here and in the kitchen do not remain.) The additional open keeping room (25' x 14') creates wonderful opportunities for relaxing family time yet is also perfect for large or small group entertainment. An additional classic Schonbek chandelier highlights this area.

The family den or playroom (25' x 15') is just off the keeping room. This room is carpeted and has a full wall of built-in cabinetry. The east window is covered with a plantation shutter. A half-glass French door opens to the rear patio courtyard. A powder room is just off the kitchen. Brick flooring, two wall sconces, an oval porcelain sink, and a framed mirror are featured. A super convenient laundry room had double floor to ceiling, large drawers and cabinets; tumbled tile countertops; and a deep sink.

Bedroom #4 or Formal Study has an adjacent full bath and is located just off the bedroom hallway on the west wing. Arched bookcases are on each side of the custom draped, front French doors. The attractive room has a curved wall. The travertine porcelain tiled full bath has a framed mirror with impressive wall sconces, tumbled Travertine countertops, rectangular porcelain sink, Emtek hardware and accessories, and 11' ceilings. (Shower curtain does not remain.)

The master bedroom (16'8" x 17'3") has tall triple windows with custom draperies, four-light antique chandelier, 10' ceilings, and quality netrual Frieze carpeting. The adjoining nursery/study (13' x 7'6") also has an antique lighting fixture and two additional rear windows. The luxurious master bath has Travertine flooring, tumbled Travertine counters, framed mirrors, his and hers vanities with dramatic sconces, oversized tiled shower with double shower head including massage sprayers, solid glass door for the shower, Queen Anne oval whirlpool tub, and his and her closets with built-in chest of drawers, ironing board, and shoe rack.

Bedroom #2 (12' x 15') and bedroom #3 (14' x 11'4") are located on the second level with total privacy for each bedroom. (Draperies do not remain in these bedrooms.) Bedroom #2 has a chandelier and walk-in closet. The adjoining bath features a Trumeau mirror and decorative sconces. Bedroom #3 features a privacy balcony opening, curved wall, five-light chandelier, and convenient walk-in closet. The adjoining bath has an antique replica claw footed tub. Other special accents are the scalloped toilet covers, matching scalloped sink, and rose tile inserts around the walls.

General Features:

• Extensive landscaping including a sprinkler system throughout and a front secret garden; all by Fred Fisher
• Fencing by Jefcoat Fencing with two gates;  one gate is double
• 0.75 acre lot
• Play Nations swing set included
• Ridged tiled architectural roofing system
• Copper guttering and trim
• 2-car side entry garage plus an additional third garage that is currently heated and cooled
• 3-zoned heat pump heating and cooling system
• Pella windows throughout
• Two hot water heaters
• Utilities include Pearl River Electric, Canebrake Utilities, Comcast Cable, "Free" garbage service by Lamar County Sanitiation System
• Estimated Lamar County taxes are $4,500
• Canebrake Association fee is $61/month
• Canebrake amenities include two community swimming pools, clubhouse, ski lake, fishing lake, walking trails, tennis courts, and children's playground

This wonderful custom home was built by the best artisans in the area and incorporates the best of materials acquired from many resources. This process required more than 18 months of concentrated effort. This delightful home is ready to be treasured by your family! To schedule a personal tour of 102 Wild Meadows, please call the office at (601) 545-3900 and speak with one of our highly trained Buyer Specialists!

View more pictures online! Click here!

Thank you for previewing this special home. While this information is considered reliable, it is not guaranteed. It is gathered from the best available sources: the owners, document files, and city records.

One of Our Newest Listings: 11 Myrtle Landing

Every week we feature one of our newest listings. This week we are featuring 11 Myrtle Landing, located in the Canebrake Golf Community in Oak Grove.

An impressive six-columned two-story Southern Colonial brick residence, 11 Myrtle Landing includes "real" Stucco across the front porch, 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, formal dining, small office, and a playroom with a full bath that could be used as a 4th bedroom. Designed by architect William Poole of North Carolina, this home was constructed by local premier builder Burt Williamson in 1999. It is currently being offered for $479,500.

An attractive circular aggregate driveway provides convenient access to the wide bricked front steps on to the 12' x 50' front bricked porch. The front entrance is through double custom stained mahogany front doors balanced for four sets of stationery French Doors with "real" working shutters. The attached front porch swing is included.

The entrance foyer greets family and guests with warmth. The lavish guest bath is located just off the foyer. The soaring ceilings of the great room emphasize spaciousness with an open staircase and balcony. An impressive marble tile encased gas log fireplace has a very nice built-in entertainment center to the left. Beautiful curio cabinets flank the double wide entrance from the floyer. Hardwood floors extend from the foyer into the great room. Triple windows, a French door, and upper windows provide nice backyard views and lots of natural light.

The charming formal dining (15.5' x 12'2") featuers two beautiful double French doors with 2" wood blinds. An impressive Old World chandelier, hardwood flooring, and a beveled glass transom over the entrance from the foyer add elegance to the dining area. The kitchen/breakfast area is a functional balance of beauty, comfort and convenience. Flooring is solid whole brick. Countertops are 6" white ceramic with full splash backs and decorative painting by local artist Kim Howell Cox. Included is extensive custom cabinetry with abundant storage, a workspace with a pantry, pull-outs, and an eating bar that accommodates three bar stools. Pretty bay windows accent the porcelain sink and work area. G.E. appliances include 27" double ovens, ceramic cook top, dishwasher, microwave oven, extra large vent-a-hood, refrigerator, and disposal. The breakfast area features a triple custom window and Old World chandelier.

A separate laundry has a wall of built-ins, hanging area, and continued brick flooring. It includes a washer and dryer. A separate office features a stained glass transom, continued brick flooring, built-in desk, and bookshelves. A second level playroom or 4th bedroom (19'6" x 17'9") is also off this area with a turned staircase that features a stained glass window which allows extra natural lighting. The delightful playroom has been decorated by Kim Howell Cox with a playful animal theme. A wall of built-ins provides entertainment convienent as well as a computer work desk. A full bath adds to the convenience of this area.

The first level master suite (18' x 13'7") offers a private place for peace and quiet. It also has lots of natural light with four windows and four indirect can lights plus a nice ceiling light/fan. The suite also features a large walk-in closet with a built-in chest area plus a seaparte walk-in linen closet. The master bath has a long double vanity with ceramic countertops and ceramic flooring. It includes a corner jacuzzi tub and separate walk-in shower. Two double French doors with wood blinds add natural light and charm to the master bath area.

Second level bedrooms #2 and #3 are accessed via an oak tread staircase with attractive design details including four columned newel posts. An open balcony provides extra living space with flexible uses. Bedroom #2 (12' x 15') is a charming bedroom for your little dream girl. It has a spacious walk-in closet, walk-out attic adjoining the full bath plus dormer space, built-in bookshelves, and a double window seat. Bedroom #3 (12' x 15') features a wall of built-in bookshelves, double window seat, large walk-in closet, and adjoining full bath plus dormer space.

General Features:

• Two hot water heaters; first level hot water heater replaced in 2006
• Anderson windows throughout
• Crown molding throughout, including a three-step molding in the great room
• 10' ceilings on the first level and bedrooms #2 and #3; 9' ceilings in the playroom
• Window treatments
• Security system wired but not currently monitored
• Three-zoned heat pump system
• New architectural roofing system installed October 2005
• Back deck with covered porch and outdoor ceiling fan
• 0.70 acre wooded lot on a quiet cul-de-sac
• Lamar County Taxes $3,147.13
• First American Home Warranty included
• Canebrake Home Owners Association fee is $61/month; Canebrake Golf Community amenities include two pools, tennis court, two clubhouses, beach, ski and fishing lake, walking and jogging areas, and convenience to golfing by personal membership
• Utilities include Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, Canebrake utilities for water and sewage, Comcast Cable, "free" Lamar County garbage pick up

This Canebrake home has been lovingly and carefully maintained by its current owners and offers a lifetime of enjoyment for its future owners. To schedule a personal tour of 11 Myrtle Landing, please call the office at (601) 545-3900 and speak with one of our highly trained Buyer Specialists!

Thank you for previewing this special home. While this information is considered reliable, it is not guaranteed. It is gathered from the best available sources: the owners, document files, and city records.

The Starlight Nesting Swan

The DeLois Smith All Star Team, REALTORS  is proud to unveil our addition to the ADP Festival of Swans. An art/cultural project for the Greater Hattiesburg area, the Festival of Swans will attract children, adults, students, tourists, and other visitors to our area. Each swan sponsor was asked to have an artist of their choice paint the swan.

Thanks to Kim Howell Cox for providing us with her services and talents. Our swan, "Starlight Nesting Swan" is symbolic of what our team provides for this area. We provide you with more than just a house...we provide you with a home. We help you find somewhere to start your family, raise your children, and relax in your later years. It is a fact that swans mate for life; well, we help you find your "home" for life...somewhere you've pictured all these years in your mind as the place you want to nest.

At the bottom of our swan is an artistic interpretation of a nest. Our swan is in our signature colors: blue and gold. Look closely, and you'll see that this swan has lots of stars in her design. She's our "Starlight."

Read more about the Festival of Swans, on the ADP website: http://www.theadp.com/SWANS/SwanPage.htm.

Wise Words from Lavon Smith

Here's something Lavon posted to our team bulletin board. Such wise words must be shared with everyone.

Six Secrets of Old Age:

1. Smile
2. Own a dog
3. Sleep (worry free)
4. Read a book
5. Read labels (eat healthy)
6. Practice tai-chi or yoga (be able to completely relax)

If six isn't enough, then add a seventh - Stay busy.

Our Affiliation with Keller Williams

Our goal at The DeLois Smith All Star Team, REALTORS® has been to provide the best for our clients, our community, and our co-workers. Through the loyal support of all three of these entities we have continued to grow and provide unparalleled service and opportunities within the Greater Hattiesburg Market.

After weeks of careful consideration, DeLois, Adam, and Lavon elected to affiliate our team with the national brokerage of Keller-Williams. We did this for several reasons: (1) It is the only national company that is focused on enhancing the "team approach" to real estate sales; (2) It provides retirement and long term financial options for all the team members who work hard and remain loyal to our team; (3) It benefits our sellers by providing larger exposure in our local market as well as on a national level; and (4) Most importantly, the entire company culture - from the top down - subscribes to the Christian values that we hold important on our team. In summation: God first, family second, career third.

Consequently, as of April 1st, we remain The DeLois Smith All Star Team, REALTORS® - providing the same service from the same address with the same team and answering the same phone numbers; we will simply be doing so as an affiliate of Keller Williams of Hattiesburg. What will change is the quality of training for our team members and the affiliation with an organization that we believe will represent the largest and most dynamic real estate brokerage in Greater Hattiesburg within the next 18  months, if not sooner.

You will continue to see our moving van on the streets of Hattiesburg and our properties will remain boldly and professionally displayed on www.DeLoisSmith.com. We encourage you to call with any questions and we remain committed to the absolute best service - we're simply raising the bar for what we expect of our team and our Keller Williams associates.

Hattiesburg American recently printed an article on our affiliation with Keller Williams. You can read the entire article from the April 9th edition of Hattiesburg American here:

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070409/BUSINESS/704090320/1046

Bringing You Home...Again and Again!™