JULY 2026
Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
Patty Turk Properties, LLC PAGE 2 & 3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Patty Turk Properties, LLC
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5 Weather-resistant materials for outdoor spaces
5 First Choice Insurance 6 Crye-Leike Realtors, Beth Walker 7 Creature comforts to consider for an outdoor living space
8 Pontotoc Ridge Realty LTD. 10 Shade options to make life outside more comfortable
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11 Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc. 12 Dennis Cox, Tommy Morgan, Inc. 13 Plunging into the various types of pools 14 Fire features for outdoor living areas 16 First Choice Bank
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Real Estate Guide to Pontotoc County & the surrounding area
Advertising Consultant: Angie Quarles | Designer: Chelsea Williams Pontotoc Progress • 13 East Jefferson Street P.O. Box 210 • Pontotoc, MS 38863 • 662-489-3511 4| PONTOTOC HOMES
Weather-Resistant Materials
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FOR OUTDOOR SPACES
utfitting backyard living areas can make these popular spaces more comfortable and inviting. However, nature is a relentless adversary that can compromise the integrity of outdoor furnishings over time. Between the bleaching that occurs from UV exposure to the corrosive nature of humidity to the results of temperature swings, backyard gear faces a constant onslaught. Today’s Patio says on average, backyard furniture can last between five and 15 years, depending on the material and climate. According to market research from the International Casual Furnishings Association, these outdoor furniture materials are considered particularly durable.
POLY-LUMBER
Also known as high-density polyethylene lumber, this material is low-maintenance and made from recycled plastics. It is non-porous and infused with UV inhibitors. Leading manufacturers say HDPE can withstand various conditions and temperatures for more than 20 years without degradation.
will dictate which materials to use. UV- and heat-resistance can be paramount in desert climates, while non-porous materials are better in high humidity to combat rot and mold. Investing in quality outdoor materials will help them withstand the test of time.
POWER-COATED ALUMINUM
Aluminum does not rust, unlike iron or steel. When aluminum is treated with a high-quality powder coating, it becomes much less vulnerable to rain and humidity.
TEAK
Homeowners who prefer the look of real wood over other materials often find teak is the gold standard for outdoor items. It contains high levels of oils and rubber to serve as built-in water repellents. Teak can turn silvery-gray over time, so to keep the golden color, homeowners may need to oil it annually.
PERFORMANCE FABRICS
Certain fabrics on outdoor cushions and pillows will not stand up to the sun and weather. Solution-dyed acrylics, like those offered by the brand Sunbrella, are much more durable. The fibers are saturated with pigment to the core, instead of other printed fabrics where the color merely sits on top. Of course, the climate where one lives
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CREATURE COMFORTS TO CONSIDER FOR AN
Outdoor Living Space
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ertain components are a must-have when creating or revamping an outdoor living space. A grill, a place to enjoy al fresco dining and easy access to a home’s interior are mandatory for outdoor living spaces. But outdoor living spaces can be so much more than the basics. Creature comforts can turn an adequate outdoor entertaining space into a spot homeowners and their guests won’t want to leave. Homeowners looking to get more out of their outdoor living spaces can consider an array of creature comforts that will quickly transform their backyards from standard to special. These are just a few creature comforts that can be added to outdoor living spaces with the hopes of making them more comfortable places to spend a day or evening.
Creature comforts to consider for your backyard FIREPLACE
LIGHTING
Perhaps no home feature is more effective at creating a cozy, comfortable and welcoming feel than a fireplace. While fireplaces are generally associated with indoors, more and more homeowners are incorporating them into their outdoor living spaces. Fireplaces now come in a range of styles that can suit any aesthetic and budget. Homeowners who want their outdoor living spaces to remain comfortable when the sun goes down and the temperatures drop are urged to consider a fireplace.
It’s customary to light walkways leading into outdoor entertaining spaces, but the right lighting around the spaces themselves also can set a warm and comforting tone. String lights can set a festive and relaxed tone without overwhelming outdoor living areas with so much light that residents and guests will feel uncomfortable. Some strategically placed lamps and lanterns also can help to illuminate a space without flooding it with light.
PRIVACY SCREEN
Planter boxes located in various areas around a patio or deck can set a calm and serene tone. Planter boxes also serve to remind residents and guests that they’re enjoying the great outdoors. Savvy homeowners can populate planter boxes with plants that perform double duty by producing beautiful aromas while repelling insects from living spaces. Work with a local garden center to identify plants that can achieve this goal.
A privacy screen can increase comfort by ensuring residents and guests that no one can see into an outdoor living space. There are many ways to create privacy screens. Trees planted around the perimeter of an outdoor living space can establish the area as a serene and private space. Structural privacy screens can be created from fencing materials, decorative metal panels or more traditional options like lattice.
PLANTER BOXES
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SHADE OPTIONS TO MAKE LIFE OUTSIDE
More Comfortable
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ife outside is all about enjoying the beauty of nature. When warm weather beckons, it’s comforting to know there’s an accessible outdoor space to relax and soak up some sun. While the chance to enjoy some time in the sun is a great reason to get outdoors, sometimes the sun can compromise comfort when enjoying exterior living spaces. No one wants to melt while spending time outdoors, and al fresco dining with the sun in your eyes can make dinnertime less enjoyable. The hot sun can quickly spoil an otherwise perfect day in an outdoor living space. Fortunately, there are many ways to shade such spaces from the hot sun.
Shade options for your outdoor living area STRUCTURES
Various structures can be constructed to keep outdoor living spaces shaded from the sun. Structures are an expensive yet effective option. The final cost of a structure such as a pavilion will be affected by numerous variables, include the size and footprint of the space, the materials chosen (including the roof of the structure), and any customizations buyers go for. The online renovation resource HomeGuide notes that structure costs vary considerably by type. For example, HomeGuide notes a pergola may cost as little as $15 per square foot, while a gazebo could cost as much as $100 per square foot. While this is likely the most expensive shade option, a structure with a roof is a sure bet when looking to shade a space.
CANOPY
If structures are the most expensive option to shade an outdoor living space, a canopy might be the least expensive. But canopies can be effective. The size of the canopy will determine the final cost, but this option likely won’t burn too big a hole in homeowners’ wallets, as canopies can be had for anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. Many modern canopies provide UV protection and can be erected in
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as little as 10 minutes. If you’re considering a canopy, be sure to confirm if a product comes with posts or if those must be purchased separately.
RETRACTABLE AWNING
The sun hits different areas of a property at different times of day. The flexibility of a retractable awning can make sure an outdoor space has the sun protection residents and guests need when the sun is hitting areas where everyone tends to gather to eat, relax and hang out. A retractable awning must be mounted to a structure like a home, a shed or a pool house, so this won’t be an option for people looking to shade spaces that are not near such structures. A motorized awning can provide instant and effective shade when the sun hits areas where people are hanging out.
TREES
Of course, shade need not be man-made. Strategically positioned shade trees provide lots of cooling shade during times of day when the sun is at its hottest. The shorter a tree is at the time of purchase the less it will cost. However, if instant shade is necessary, homeowners may want to splurge on taller trees to ensure immediate comfort.
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PLUNGING INTO THE VARIOUS
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Types Of Pools
any homeowners aspire to have sun-drenched backyards they can enjoy for hours on end. But being in full sun all the time can affect the functionality of an outdoor living space. As global temperatures continue to rise, the comfort of private yards depends heavily on how homeowners can mitigate sun and heat. A pool can make time outdoors more comfortable. Swimming cools you down primarily
through conduction and convection. Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. When a person enters the water, heat is immediately transferred from the warmer body to the cooler water. Homeowners can choose among various types of pools, weighing the pros and cons of each before settling on a decision. Homeowners have different options to consider when thinking about adding a pool to their property.
Pool options to consider for your property KIDDIE POOL
A kiddie pool is a way to test the waters of having a pool in the yard. It’s a portable play feature for children and typically is inexpensive. Although it can be fun for kids, the small size and the need for frequent emptying and refilling can be a chore. There’s also no filtration, so kiddie pools can get dirty quickly.
IN-GROUND POOL
Active families who like a multi-use swimming pool often turn to in-ground pools. These pools can be built into the landscape to form a seamless aesthetic. However, that luxury comes at a cost. The Spruce notes in-ground swimming pools average about $55,000 to install, and it’s easy to spend upwards of $100,000. Unlimited shapes and larger sizes for entertaining attract many to the in-ground option.
ABOVE-GROUND POOL
An above-ground swimming pool is function-
al and affordable. Angi says the average cost of an above-ground pool ranges from $1,000 to more than $10,000, with most homeowners spending around $4,000 for the pool and professional installation. Soft-sided, smaller pools can suit smaller budgets. An advantage to an above-ground pool is that it’s not a permanent structure, which means that property taxes may not be affected.
LAP POOL
Those who want a pool for exercise purposes can consider a lap pool. It’s a shallow and narrow pool designed for swimming laps. Since they’re rectangular and narrow, these pools can be good for narrow lots.
POOL CLUB
Individuals who do not want to worry about pool maintenance can join a swim club or purchase day passes when it’s time to take a plunge.
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Fire Features
FOR OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS
lemental features in a backyard living space can elevate a property to an exciting new level. Many homeowners already have water features that create a tranquil ambiance, and enhancing such spaces with fire can make them even more alluring. Fire features add warmth to a yard and flickering flames can be mesmerizing to watch. Fire features also create intimate areas around which to gather, something that can make a large yard much more cozy. There’s bound to be a design or a fire option that meets the needs of most homeowners. Outfitting an outdoor living area with a fire feature is a great way to create emore excitement in the space.
Fire features to consider for your outdoor living CHIMINEA
Homeowners who enjoy a rustic look may want to consider a chiminea. This element has a cylindrical or bulbous body with a front opening into which wood or another fuel is placed. Traditionally they are made from terracotta, but they also come in cast iron, aluminum and steel. Metal options are among the most durable, according to The Family Handyman. The tall chimney on the chiminea directs smoke upwards, keeping it away from homeowners and their guests.
WOOD-BURNING FIRE PIT
Traditional fire pits can be made from different materials. Freestanding units may be metal, but stationary fire pits can be built from stone, brick or even pavers. These fire pits are available at various price points.
GAS FIRE PIT
Beautiful Blooms Landscaping says homeowners may want to think about a gas fire pit, which is less hands-on than wood-burning offerings. These structures use either propane or natural gas to create a flame and heat without the need for wood. They are cleaner and more convenient, too.
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SMOKELESS FIRE PIT
A double wall design in smokeless fire pits creates a burst of hot air over the fire to reduce smoke output, says HGTV. Even though they’re powered by wood logs, smokeless fire pits won’t cause the campfire smell that sticks to clothes and hair.
FIRE TABLE OR BOWL
These fire features double as pieces of art. They are gas-powered and often turn on at the flick of a switch. A fire table may have a column of flames in the middle of a traditional patio table, contributing to an amazing ambiance at night. Fire tables are more decorative than functional in terms of heat output.
OUTDOOR FIREPLACE
Whether wood-burning or gas, outdoor fireplaces are focal points for any yard. They create perfect settings for gatherings, and the relaxing atmosphere that ensues may have people spending hours gazing at the flames. Outdoor fireplaces are labor-intensive to create, so they will feature the highest price tag of any backyard fire elements.