The Jackson Association of Realtors released their new MLS system a couple of weeks ago. The program, List-It, is provided by Solid Earth, a real estate technology company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Realtors have been experimenting with the new site since it went "live" on February 5th. As expected, the transition has been challenging, but the new MLS appears to be superior to the previous system and has some quality enhancements that should prove more user-friendly to Realtors and consumers alike. For the consumer who wishes to search homes in the Metro Jackson area, the prospect can run MLS searches, save searches, set up automatic searches, etc. A major improvement of our new system is that we no longer rely on zones or numbered areas to search for properties, Now we have the capa... 02/18/2009

At 11:00 a.m. on January 29th, 2009 at the Beau Rivage Conference Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, Mississippi Home Corporation will announce the "Growing a Greener Mississippi" green building competition designed to spur affordable green building throughout the Magnolia State.The first of it's kind in the nation, the contest is based on the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines. The NAHB Green Program is a third party verified system designed to help builders construct healthier and more cost efficient housing nation wide. The program is a points based system offering homes in three categories, Bronze, Silver and Gold.As the first certified verifier for Mississippi I will be attending the conference and will be present afterwards to answer questions pertaining t... 01/24/2009

What is 2 to 1000 times greater inside than out, is impossible to see but at the same time has the potential to damage your eyes, can cause dizziness and nausea, and vaporizes at normal temperature and atmosphere? You guessed it…VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Many of us spend more than 90% of our time indoors. Clean indoor air is as important as breathing. Some of the most critical factors influencing indoor air pollution concern our ability to eliminate or reduce specific sources such as tobacco smoke, radon, chemical irritants, and pesticides. It’s also as important that you control moisture, which can lead to mold growth and bacteria. Ideally, it would be best to prevent these pollutants from being released in the first place, but that is not always possible or practical. An inc... 01/13/2009

12/24/2008

The most important (and easiest) way to assure that you save money on your energy bills is to seal all the holes and cracks in your home. Take a look around your bedroom. See any obvious leaks? I doubt it. Take a closer look at the small holes where you might plug your lamp in. Every unsealed electrical box and light fixture in your home leaks air. A 1" hole will allow 4 pints of water to filter into your home in a average winter. The moisture enters via water vapor in the air. So...what does the moisture do? It forms on the surfaces of your home (in some conditions) as fungus and mildew. Unconditioned air leaking into your home also brings with it mold spores and if the leaks are near the insulated ceiling can draw tiny particles off fiberglass insulation.When molds are allowed to grow... 12/14/2008

The following communication and information is taken directly from our reporting methods...  HVAC Systems and Components Refrigerant Lines: At the low pressure and high pressure lines ...A qualified licensed air conditioning contractor is suggested to evaluate leaking air as the copper lines enter the coil cabinet. I suggest that repairs be made to stop the leak. _________________________________________________________________________ Dear Gary, Does that mean that the A/C line is leaking? Thanks, Robert _________________________________________________________________________ Robert,    No. As the large and small suction lines enter the coil cabinet (in the attic at the furnace) the lines should be sealed to prevent air from leaking from the coil cabinet out into the hot attic (wastin... 12/03/2008

Mark your calendar for February 17, 2009. The Jackson Association of Home Builders is offering a Certified Green Professional - CGP course for home builders. The designation requires 24 hours of NAHB-approved training, and additional continuing education every two years. Subjects covered in training discuss how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value, and will include strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.When: 2/17/2009 - 2/18/20098:30AM - 4:30PMWhere: Ridgeland , MSHBA of Jackson195 Charmant DriveOther Locations & Times: View AllNAHB Member Fee: $275Non-member Fee: $350Contact Information:Spence TribbleHBA of Jackson195 Charmant DriveRidgeland, MS 39157Phone: 601-362-6501Fax: 601-982-76... 11/28/2008

The National Park Service (NPS) has joined with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish an innovative partnership called Energy SmartPARKS. This partnership will showcase sustainable energy practices in national parks and inspire a green energy future for America.See a list of the Energy SmartPARKS proposed projects here.The Energy SmartPARKS program will include such efforts as conducting energy audits, retrofitting lighting, replacing windows and furnaces, upgrading meters and thermostats, purchasing electric utility vehicles, and studying the feasibility of installing wind power. 11/26/2008

When you consider the soot buildup, the dusty or poorly lubricated fans, the flickering pilot lights, and those loose fan belts, they can add hundreds to your heating costs each year. I recommend getting your furnace tuned up regularly. The maintenance can do wonders for both your wallet, not to mention your overall comfort. Your system should be serviced every two to three years and to make it even more efficient, prevent heated air from leaking into your attic or crawl spaces by sealing your ductwork with mastic duct sealant-a nontoxic, paint-on material-or foil-backed tape. Doing so will reduce your home's air leakage and could save you a bundle in heating and cooling bills. Cost: $100 (mastic and tape)  Payback: one heating season. 11/25/2008

I.O. Metro Furniture Opens in Ridgeland, MS A new I.O. Metro furniture store in Ridgeland, MS opens to the public Friday.The store will be located in mixed-use development Renaissance at Colony Park on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland MS.Self-described as "not your typical furniture store," I.O. Metro offers eclectic import furniture, home accessories, art, lighting and more.The Ridgeland, MS store is I.O. Metro's first entry into Mississippi. Arkansas-based I.O. Metro, LLC has 11 stores nationwide, concentrated in the Midwest and the South.Renaissance is an open-air development, which includes 60 retail stores, several upscale restaurants, a gourmet grocery, a hotel and multiple office buildings.About half of Renaissance's retail stores have opened. Retailers opening soon included ... 11/24/2008

Welcome to Carlton Parke located in Ridgeland, MS.  This subdivision has its own clubhouse, tennis court and swimming pool, along with a beautifully landscaped boulevard adn othe common areas.  As a retiree, Bill Hill, Homeowners Association President, gives frequently of him time to maintaining the common areas of Carlton Parke, Ridgeland MS.  He says the residents there work together, sharing skills and talent to maintain the property.  According to Hill there are 45 lots in the subdivision with 40 inside the gates and 5 outside.  Two lots remain undeveloped.  Carton Parke II, a section of approximately 35 to 40 houses, is available for future developemnt adjacent to the original section.  Bill Hill says, "Lot sizes here are at least 1/2 acre to over 1 acre.  Houses are a mix of archi... 11/24/2008

Sure, it's romantic, but when comes right down to it, your fireplace is an energy hog. As one of the most energy inefficient features of your home it eats about 24,000 cubic feet of nice furnace warmed air each hour and spits it out the top of the chimney (Department of Energy).  And as a bonus the air is replaced by cold air that comes in the opposite direction through the same opening, causing your furnace to work extra hard to keep your house nice and toasty. Yet, we love gathering round a warm hearth with a nice cup of hot chocolate as much as the next guy. Just remember to turn the thermostat down a little when you use it. Also, crack a window in the room where the fireplace is located and then close the door, so it doesn't suck too much warm air from the rest of the house. Cost: $... 11/24/2008

  It's not too late to sign up for the inaugural "Run"dezvous and Bike Too Duathlon which will take place Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 a.m. on historic Jackson Street in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Proceeds will benefit Mississippi Children's Home Services' Jean Austin Bagley Campus. Proceeds raised will benefit Mississippi Children's Home Services' expand their new campus and provide services to Mississippi children and youth, many victims of abuse and neglect. The new 21-acres Jean Austin Bagley Campus will provide a safe place, devoted to the nurture and care of those in need of residential treatment, special education, music and art therapy, and recreational therapy. On the corner of North West Street and Woodrow Wilson Avenue, staff and volunteers will be able to devote help to Missi... 11/13/2008

The Ridgeland, MS  Board of Aldermen will discuss a site plan tonight for a new Dairy Queen to be located on Old Canton Road in the Ridgeland, MS in the Harbour Pointe Commercial Subdivision. Dairy Queen is an international ice cream and fast food chain. The Harbour Pointe location includes a drive-through service window.Aldermen also will discuss a site plan for Judith Lee's, a clothing store planned for mixed-use development Renaissance at Colony Park on Highland Colony Parkway. Judith Lee's is currently on U.S. 51 in Ridgeland, MS.The mayor and aldermen meet tonight for their regularly scheduled work session at 6:30 in Ridgeland, MS City Hall. Aldermen are scheduled to vote on the site plans Tuesday at 6:30 in City Hall.        Ready to make your next move? We have several Homes for... 10/23/2008

RIDGELAND - With Consumers facing skyrocketing prices at every turn, Fusion Coffeehouse announced the unprecedented decision to dramatically lower prices on their most popular drinks.  Located in the Township at Colony Park, Fusion today began offering all espresso drinks at substantially reduced prices... some as much as .75 cents lower!  "We have heard that there customers were having to cut back on their preferred espresso drinks, opting instead for cheaper drip coffee or fewer visits to the coffee shop," said Fusion owner Tripp Douglas. "Well, we thought that was a terrible thing-because no one should have to face this economy without some espresso every day!"With the price reductions, Fusion now boasts the lowest espresso prices in town. Ridgeland's best espresso is now the cheapes... 10/21/2008

Welcome to Dinsmor of Ridgeland, MS.  Dinsmor is a planned 326 acre residential community located off historic Old Agency Road in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Mark S. Jordan Companies of Ridgeland, MS developed this lovely neighborhood. Amenities include A spacious clubhouse for the convenience of residents to use for parties and receptions; A swimming pool with adjacent kiddies pool and hot tub; Tennis courts; A creek with two ponds, waterfalls, an island, ringed with picnic tables, benches and grills; and an extensive network of walking paths throughout the neighborhood. Dinsmor, Ridgeland MS is just minutes from work, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and excellent schools.   From the moment you turn down the gracious signature boulevard, it is obvious that the focal point of Dinsmor, ... 10/20/2008

Wrenfield - Ridgeland MS Real Estate   Come Home to Wrenfield located in beautiful Ridgeland, MS.  This lovely neighborhood offers  the total living experience in a remarkable setting... A neighborhood determined to preserve the unspoiled beauty of the natural surroundings and to encourage a sense of tranquility and community. From Country French Cottages to Magnificent Estate Homes, Wrenfield, Ridgeland MS offers a variety of home site opportunities to the discriminating buyer. No matter where you decide to buy within Wrenfield,, Ridgeland MS you can be assured of gracious living, privacy, convenience and comfort.   *250 Lots * Homes Starting at $325,000 * 1/3 & 1/2 Acre Lots ~ 2600 Sq. Ft. Minimum in Phase I * 1 Acre Lots ~ 2750 Sq. Ft. Minimum In Phase I * 1/2 Acre Lots ~ 3000 Sq. Ft... 10/01/2008

LIFE ON THE WATER IN RIDGELAND, MS cgh Harbor Walk, located on the Reservoir, Ridgeland MS is making progress, developer John Burwell said. But more funding is needed before developers can make significant headway on the estimated $750 million upscale mixed-use project. Just before July Fourth weekend, the initial component of the development opened. It includes a short order grill with indoor and outdoor seating, a convenience store, a fuel station and office space all housed in a 6,000-square-feet, $1.3 million building called Harbor Station. Burwell said the opening of Harbor Station sends out a major signal to the community that the development is moving forward. About $20 million has already been spent on road construction, pier replacement and other work in the area, Burwell said.... 07/18/2008

   At the Mississippi Municipal League's 77th Annual Conference Excellence Awards Program, the City of Ridgeland, MS was presented with the Planning and Development Award (over 10,000 population) for the Ridgeland, MS Area Master Plan. The Clarion-Ledger / MML Excellence Awards were presented on June 25 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi. The City of Ridgeland was one of only three cities with population over 10,000 to win an award from the Clarion-Ledger and Mississippi Municipal League. The other categories besides Ridgeland, MS winning category of Planning and Development were Public Safety and City Spirit. Ridgeland, MS Mayor Gene McGee accepted the award, accompanied by Alan Hart, Director of Community Development, whose department oversaw the develop... 07/10/2008

Another GREAT Reason to Make the Move to Ridgeland, MS   Northsiders will soon have a new choice when shopping along Old Canton Road in Ridgeland MS.  The Ridgeland Board of Aldermen recently approved a site plan for the Trace Trail II shopping center, a 16,000 -square-foot center that will be located at the corner of Old Canton and Rice Rd., Ridgeland MS. Construction on the project was expected to shortly after the vote earlier this month.  The project will more than double the amount of retail space at - the first facility is 13,000 square feet - and offers residents needs that aren't already met locally.  This project is to be a neighborhood center with business and services that benefit people in a one -mile radius.  The owner Tabor Weissinger would like to see learning centers, fi... 06/28/2008