All The Bad News of recent months and the toughness of this market has caused me to reflect on myself, my business and the past.  When things seem bad, one rarly or can accurately sense that it can get worse, much worse. To put things in perspective, when things are worse than bad, is it real or perceived?  As "Seemingly" would have it, all the media "hype" does play on the public and entreprenureal psyche and contributes more to the degredation of business, mind and spirit, than bad business itself. My reflection takes me back a couple of years ago (May '07) when business was starting to decline and the housing bubble started to leak.  Just when our local market began to realize that business was in decline, and that there were definately strong external factors causing this downward... 02/25/2009

Recent changes concerning the Tax Credit for first time homebuyers has been modified in the new  stimulus pacakge signed by President Obama this week.  The major change is that this money DOES NOT have to be paid back.  I urge anyone who is in the market to buy to seriously look at the benefits of this credit. If you are currently in the market for a home, you should contact your REALTOR, mortgage professonal, or tax preparer, to help you determine whether this Tax Credit is applicable to you and your family. If you do not have a REALTOR, you can feel free to contact me at any of my listed numbers. Randy Landis, EXiT Realty Premier (662) 842-7653 Information downloaded as provided by the National Association of Realtors.   02/17/2009

Tupelo/Lee County Area MS Market Report - Jan 09 by Randy Landis, GRI, ABR, RFS Northeast Mississippi Real Estate The following is a market and sales breakdown for the Tupelo/Lee County and the surrounding region for Jan 2009. Because reported sales activity comes from a minimum of a 10 county area, these numbers will be divided into two catagories: 1) Lee County and 2) All Areas.  Lee County is a regional market and employment center comprised of the following major communities:  Tupelo, Belden, Saltillo, Guntown, Baldwyn, Mooreville, Plantersville, and Verona.   All Areas include include the Lee County area and other population centers such as Pontotoc, Fulton, Booneville, New Albany, Amory, Baldwyn, Okalona, Corinth, Ripley, and many other smaller communities, located across the surr... 02/11/2009

ATTENTION BUYERS!!!   Buy Now! - this is the message industry experts are attempting to convey.  And not just because someone needs that extra sale or needed commission.  With mortgage rates at historical lows, and property values at or near bottom, industry insiders are scratching their heads wondering why more people aren't taking advantage of this great buying opportunity.  As the renowned real estate trainer and mentor David Knox quotes: "Some get it,  some don't! Some will,  some won't! Those who do, do!   Those who don't, don't!" The message is really simple from a different perspective.  REALTORS and agents across the country know how trying it has been to find good qualified buyers.  They are out there!  Finding Buyers hasn't been my problem - it's getting them to move.  Those t... 02/10/2009

A letter received from a local mortgage company by my office on Sep 3rd, 2008, containing the following excerpt: In October 2007 we sent out a letter talking about the changes that were happening across the country and how it might affect us.  At the time of the first letter the biggest problems were coming from seven states.  That is still the case.  Adjustable rates and Option Arms were causing most of the problems and again that is still true.  Today, however, the falling values of homes across the country are causing the issue to deepen and broaden.  Coupled with high-energy costs the consumer in the US is under tremendous strain.  Most experts believe that nationally the real estate market will bottom out sometime in the next 6 months if it has not already.  Certainly we all hope t... 09/03/2008

Can you believe it?  What this market has done for luxury living!  In one of Tupelo's golf course communities, there are homes for sale that just aren't moving. Moving quickly that is.  Homes from $299,000 to $600,000.  Bargains compared to like properties in other parts of the country.  It's not that they are viewed as over priced...just that they are viewed as pricey!  I believe the difference herein lies between affordability, consumer confidence, and perceived risk.   Some lots are elevated, and with a view of the golf course and water, they are some of the most enjoyable views real estate has to offer in this area.  It's not that nobody wants to live here...just unable.   A couple of years ago, some of these homes would not be on the market but for a short time.Now the opposite is ... 08/29/2008

Another local real estate company has picked up a new slogan titled "A Sign of Things to Come".  Although they have been around for over 100 years, their sign is nothing new.  Now, if you want to see a REAL Sign of Things to Come, here it is: It is proclaimed that EXIT Realty is the FASTEST GROWING real estate company in HISTORY, growing 6 times faster than Re/Max ever did, and this simply cannot be discounted.  If you haven't already checked it all out, visit www.ExitRealty.com , and at a minimum, watch the videos.  It will simply amaze you how a simple thing like residuals can revolutionize an entire industry! Want to sell you home?  Our creative technology based marketing solutions are second to none.  We have a solution for you.  Buying in the Tupelo Mississippi area?  Our agents ha... 08/29/2008

I know that this is not the right venue in which to make my favorite team known, but I don't care! It's been 100 years, and while it may come as no supprise to many, it comes as a fever to many others!  As a life long Cubbie Fan, I am almost at that point where I don't know what I will be rooting more for, a RE sale or a world series victory come October.  Obviously, I would like to make that next sale, it's just that when you have been spoiled by years of dissapointment, how is one suppose to act when the curse could actually end this year? What will us Cub fans have to look forward to if they do win the series?  Maybe another 100 years!  Thank goodness none of us will ever have to go through it again.  Same goes for real estate.  Some of us will probably never go through it again, alt... 08/27/2008

Wow. If you are in a buying position right now there are tons of deals to be had. Never before has there been so many foreclosures on the market here in the Notheast Mississippi area. While I still believe our part of the country isn't as hard hit as other parts of the country we are feeling the mortgage squeeze. Right now Investors in real estate should be jumping all over the many homes they have to chose from. Remeber the past and make strides in the future. Some of the wealthiest people in our world today always buy when the markets are tanking. Those people who were buying stock during the great depresson were quickly made into very rich people when the markets picked back up. Just like the great depression this real estate market will pick up and hum again. The problem were are ex... 08/21/2008

It was during March of 2006 and I was headed to another real estate convention in Las Vegas.  It seemed like our company conventions were always held there.  I think the person at our corporate office who was in charge of site selections had some sort of personal relationship with Vegas.  Could have been Blackjack, Craps, Texas Hold-em, or maybe they just loved the buffets and the free drinks.  Maybe it was all those  lights!  Come to think of it, it was probably just close to home and they didn't have to spend all that money on travel.  Anyway, as usual, I elected to take the long way there: the stop over thing...the connecting flight gig to save money, that I was going to undoubtedly leave in Vegas anyway.  Well, Denver is as good a place to stop as any.  The view  of the Rockies from... 07/30/2008

Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, or for short REBAC, was founded to to promote those agents who have attained a level of education and expertise that provided agents with a superior skillset in buyer representation.  REBAC was purchased by the National Association of REALTORS in 1996 and membership is over 40,000.  Members who meet all course and professional experience requirments are awarded the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation.  The ABR designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation.  This coveted title allows REALTORS to market themselves and their commitment to provide superior service to real estate buyers.   Buyers should remember that the relationship between the buyer's agent and the buyer-client is legally binding and the agent owes fidel... 07/28/2008

I recently picked up a copy of a magazine titled "Greater Tupelo" which is labled as a lifestyle magazine for Northeast Mississippi.  A really nice, quality printed publication printed on a bi-monthly basis.  The May/June edition (2008) is the issue I am commenting on.  An article titled "Luxury Homes Stay HOT In soft Real Estate Market" has some of us in our profession steaming because of the ongoing mis-information that  some Realtors and agencies continue to tout to the public.  Since the downturn of the national real estate market, our market also has felt the pinch and I will be the first to admit that our market here has softened, but NOT to the extreme that somes areas have been hit.  I will go on record and state that our market is "soft but stable."  Yes, we have been hurt by t... 07/02/2008

   This just came to mind while returning to my office this afternoon.  As most would know in these parts (the birthplace of Elvis), the landmark Tupelo Hardware Co. is where Elvis purportedly purchased his first guitar.  The antique glass and wood display counter that held this guitar still resides at Tupelo Hardware Co., and is still in use with wares for sale on top and in the display case.    Of course, a space inside is reserved for Elvis memorabilia.  The glass top of the counter that was once clear glass, is now opaque after who knows how many world travelers have rubbed the top of the display as if they were rubbing a genie's magic lamp or for good luck. Who knows?   The Tupelo Hardware Co. is an Elvis tour stopping point, and is graced outside with a stone and bronze plaque in ... 03/12/2008

Well I finally did it. I broke down and bought the i-phone. I was skeptical but I jumped in both feet first and took the plunge into the world of apple.  There are some things I love some I like and some I wish were better.The email function is perfect. It automatically checks email and I can easily type and send email from the phone. The sms text is great works just as it should.I love the calander. It seemlessly syncs with Outlook calander and both update each other.The camera is great and takes very good pics for a cell phone. You tube is good. I like you tube as well as the next guy. The weather option is a nice plus as is the maps with google earth. The clock works great and the calculater is awsome just like a regular calculater. The phone works as good as any other phone I have h... 10/08/2007

Did you know that all real estate agents are not Realtors? Realtor is a trade mark name for members of the National Association of Realtors. All Relators are real estate agents, licensed in thier respective states. However, all real estate agents are not Realtors. So why choose a Realtor? We as realtors have dedicated our selves to the betterment of our profession. We are guided by a strict code of ethics. One that is much farther reaching then most state laws. We are dedicated to providing honest, fair dealings to our clients and working hard to protect their interests in a transaction and not just our own bottomline. Now I am not saying we are all perfect. You must be careful when dealing with any realestate firm. Ask around about your agents reputation. I know Realors who are absolut... 09/13/2007

Do you guys see a trend with the people you attract through your website. I do. I am not complaining and I have come to really love the first time home buyer. I see a definite trend that I attract the younger people through the website. A majority of my clients are first time home buyers. I think this is probably the case for most of us. Dealing with the first time home buyer is most assuredly different than dealing with seasoned buyers. I have come to really enjoy working with the younger folks. Once the learn that your job is to get them in the house they want and you don't use high pressure tactics on them you have a client for life with all the referals you can handle.If you are a first time home buyer and are looking for a home for sale in Tupelo, MS call me today. I will make the ... 09/09/2007

Once you have decided to purchase a new home You should follow a few simple steps to help locate your dream home.Step #1Start by compiling a list of features that you want in your next home. When you write down a feature explain in writig why you want that particular feature. Put these in the order of priority. As you go through the buying process you may have to make some compremising so prioritizing is key. Also talk with your Realtor about location. This is the biggest decision you will make. Have your Realtor share local information about each area of interest. Jeff FulghamHelping buyers and sellers of real estate in Tupelo, MS. 06/30/2007

As some of you know I posted a blog entry on the Immigration Bill that was before our Senate this week. I can say I stood up and let my Senators know what I thought about the bill. Thank God it was defeatedNow I understand this can be a touchy subject and let me explain. I am not against legal immigration. I am also realist in the face of having 20 million illegals here. I do not expect those illegally here to be picked up and deported. I am for simplifying the process of becoming a citizen. I was however against this bill. The main concern I have is for the security of our nation and our sovereignty. While good hard working people are coming over our borders illegally terrorist are coming with them. If we can not secure our borders we will be faced with having to fight terrorism here i... 06/29/2007

I am rapidly becoming a seasoned expert in dealing with first time home buyers. I have been blessed to work with some great folks over the last few months. It seems since I am working so hard on my web presence I am attracting the younger crowd which is fine with me. Not to say I don't enjoy working with seasoned home buyers but the first time home buyers is challenging and rewarding. I would like to offer some general advice to the first time home buyer. * If you are looking for real estate in Tupelo, MScall me. :)  Just kidding. while I would love to work with you the most important thing you can do is find a Realtor who you can trust. Find one that fits your personality, that you feel comfortable with and that calls you back when you call. * Take your time but when you find the right... 06/25/2007

I wanted to get all of your opinions on what you think we should do down here in Tupelo, MS. We have an excellent city council who I honestly believe is trying to do the right things in office. I do not however, agree with them on this one. A few months back our city council adopted some new ordinances to help clean up some of the bad rental property around town. I own rental property but I don't mind them inspecting my properties. But, I sold a house to a young lady last month who was purchasing the home to live in. This house had been a rental property but she was buying it for herself. After purchasing the home we find out that it must be inspected before they will turn her power on because it used to be a rental property. "First I had heard of this". Thank goodness she did not have ... 06/24/2007