Its a beautiful day in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. That's where I live, work, play, rejoice, etc., etc. A gentleman recently called me very upset because MGC Realty is listed on Craig's List as having a section 8 property in La Mesa. Its a mistake somewhere along the line because I do not handle rentals, especially in California.

I probably should have hung up--but he sounded agitated and I thought perhaps I may contact someone, that could contact someone that might be able to help him.

I have full contact information. He is section 8 because of a social security disability. He stressed to me that he has an excellent credit rating and is a non-smoker. Zip codes that would work for him are: 91941 and 91942. His budget is $850 a month.

This is not what I do, and likely not what you do. But, if you have a little time and compassion...

*Note: Since writing this post I have contacted the office of the MGC Realty in California. They are going to give the gentleman a call (the advertising agent's mailbox was full). However, if you have rental properties in this area, he may still need some referrals.

There are many more community events than I could possibly mention or attend. The following highlights are of events I have personally attended and people I have had the pleasure of encountering. For more in depth community information please visit: The Sun Herald, Wlox, Gulf Coast News....

Click here to see what Damion has been up to.

Long Beach High School Choir at the Madrigal Feast.

If you are considering relocating to the MS Gulf Coast, keep Long Beach at the top of your list. The Long Beach Independent School District has maintained a level 5 (top rating) even during the Katrina REcovery scramble.

As of today we have 195 Single Family Homes and Condos listed on with the Gulf Coast MLS.

There is room for you!

Long Beach dedication of the new Police Building

A few of Long Beach's finest, helping keep Long Beach a safe and pleasant place to live (I don't recommend speeding on Hwy 90 within Long Beach boundaries:-)

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Joel Dunlap, Director of the Long Beach High School Choir makes sure the choir gets plenty of exposure. Remember, they are singing in Italy at the end of this May. This choir is superior rated; and its no wonder. With Mr. Dunlap, choir isn't just about singing. Graduating having been a member of this choir will also mean that you are disciplined, you are dedicated, punctual, you have great posture, and you are not afraid of work (constant fund raising:-).

If you live in Long Beach you are likely to bump into Mayor Skellie. Can you imagine being in his shoes post Katrina? You should see us now!

Out and About in Bay St. Louis

Though the Bay Homes office is new in Bay St. Louis, they are building along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They come armed with years of experience and Vision. They are building new homes in the $150K to $100K range.

Bay St. Louis can steal your heart.

Out and About in Gulfport

I was blessed to attend several ribbon cuttings in Gulfport; celebrating a building restored or replaced. I had opportunity to meet many great people, and local hands on recovery experts. All of these were landmark events; however the 4th Annual Gulf Coast Fair Housing Conference was my April highlight.

If you missed this year's put the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Conference on your calendar for Next year.

(not shown is the spacious conference room also courtesy of the Beau Rivage Casino REsort). Visit

http://makeitfair.com for updates on Gulf Coast Fair Housing issues.

A couple of Hot Topics were:

1. How you get your money should not be a part of a rental application, i.e., discrimination towards section 8 renters.
2. What can be done for people who have had their homes foreclosed yet renting requires a good credit rating and often that no homes have been foreclosed on.
3. Insurance will continue to be an issue for some time to come. Insurance is not actually a fair housing issue, it just makes everyone's lives more difficult, and true restoration of people to homes more illusive. There was some talk about insurance possibly being a new "red lining" catalyst.

That's all for now. As you can see I am running a bit behind. All of these events were April events.

I conclude with one of my favorite places:

Long Beach Harbor. This section is not repaired yet, but, hey, it doesn't disrupt fishing.

The Boat slips are repaired and ready to rent! I believe Long Beach may have the best boat slip deal on the Coast,

It is great having the Bay Bridge and the Biloxi/Ocean Springs bridges operable again. The Bay Bridge between Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis seems to be getting a lot of activity on the pedestrian/bike path.

A friendly biker on the Bay Bridge. Everyone I encounter on Bay Bridge seems to be in a good mood. Of course it could be because this day was one of many gloriously beautiful days.

It is between 2.3 and 2.4 miles across the bridge from parking areas. At the highest point from the Bay St. Louis side it is approximately 1.25 miles. After the longer stretch of bridge there is a seperate 1/2 mile bridge on the Pass Christian side.

Harrison County is between Jackson and Hancock Counties and connected by bridges at HWY 90. Many beach front properties are for sale.

I think there was a bit more traffic before gas prices went up.... Visit us soon!

Are you in the business of helping buyers relocate or otherwise find new homes

listing below $100, 000.00?

Are you looking for a new home priced below $100, 000.?

Do you wonder what you can possibly get on the Gulf Coast for below $100, 000?

Well, then, it may be in your best interest to contact:

Ribbon Cutting at Bay Homes office located at 835 HWY 90, Bay St. Louis, MS.

Gathering at 5:00 Tuesday, April 22nd.

Drawings: $100 cash, a $50 Restaurant gift certificate. Enjoy!

To be completed soon.

The Bay Homes Team will be building in many Gulf Coast towns besides Waveland.

REALTORS, Lenders, Home Hunters, Title Companies--Let's network!

Somewhere, deep in my blog archives is a blogport of my experience at last year's Fair Housing Conferance. I met the most awesome people. Every moment was enlightening and educational. The odd thing about my "day off"at the Gulf Coast Fair Housing Conference was that I met several "random" contacts that provided the missing link to an idea, or virtually handed me the missing piece to a life puzzle I was working out. I expect no less of this conference.

So, REALTOR or NOT, if Fair Housing touches your life in any way, you are invited to attend. This is a free conference for the public. It lasts all day, however they have breaks and complimentary lunch is provided. You do not have to attend all day, or all round-tables, I imagine you will want to though.

If you are busy on this day, I would advise trying to reschedule anything to another time so you can take full advantage of this gift. There is no CE.

The following note was from Charmel Gaulden, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Fair Housing.

Suzi, We'd love to have you and anyone you're inviting to attend the conference. Attached is our registration form. Please fax it back when you get a chance. As for the statement of the website, we think that your use of it is great. If you could credit us/add a link to our site that would also be helpful. We appreciate all the work that you are doing to publicize our conference. We need this type of grass root support.

Charmel just gave me permission to publish the Agenda. Its unbelieveable. It is quite lengthy, so please scroll to the bottom.

Get Your Registration by Clicking Here

or email: elist@makeitfair.com

So, anyone who has a website promoting any ethical service or item in the Gulf Coast; how about adding http://makeitfair.com as a link to your website. The small efforts of many can have a huge impact.

By the way, I have reservations for myself and guests under MGC Realty. Email me if you want to meet up.

PS: Please remember if you are in the area and if you can make time, blood donations accepted 9 to 11, Wednesday the 16th at 141 DeBuys Road, REALTOR BLDG Parking Lot. If you do not have anyone particular in my mind, please request the donation be towards Jonathan Ross, previously a Prudential REALTOR who is challenged with Acute Leukemia.

PSPS: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15th and 16th, at 12NOON and 7PM, Speaker Pasival Lecku is teaching at Grace Fellowship on the Coast, 1400 Stewart Ave at East Old Pass. He is from Ghana West Africa. (Okay, its Spring REvival:-)

Wednesday, April 16th at 11AM, 1506 Mills Avenue, The City of Gulfport is inviting you to the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new addition to the Gaston Point REcreational Center and Gymnasium. Shhh...Refreshments are served after the ceremony. SO,

The plan for Tuesday if you are not booked:

Blood donation between 9 and 11, then Grace Fellowship at 12 for a message from Ghana West Africa.

The plan for Wedneday if you are not booked:

Attend the City of Gulfport Groundbreaking ceremony, have refreshments, then get refreshed at noon, Grace Fellowship.

By now you may be thinking, "Does Suzi ever work?" Somehow schedules just seem to work out. If I schedule around a community event or class--I am usually blessed by a positive turn of events. It just works out that way.

I have a copy of the proposed Fair Housing Agenda. Believe me, it will be a privilege to attend. email me or elist@makeitfair.com for agenda info.

PS: The Executive Director says that if you have any particular questions, email in advance and they will try to have answers.

It would be really fun to meet some AR members and Localism groupies at any of these events. The reason I update my photo is so people can recognize me who have never met me...(does that make $en$e? Either surprise me or email me: events@mgcre.com Have a Blessed week! (That's an order:-)

*Anyone needing information regarding market activity, please call your REALTOR (or me if you do not have a professional alliance at this time.)

The following information includes only the search criteria defined for each chart. Search criteria for the top chart will not be the same for the bottom chart. The criteria for each box was chosen because I was already researching these areas for clients.

A look at larger, higher priced homes with the following search criteria:

Gulf Coast MLS: 06-PassChristn,07-LongBeach,01-PearlRiver,03-BaySt.Louis,02-Waveland,

04-Hancock,05-Diamondhead,08-Gulfport-N.,09-Gulfport-SW,10-Gulfport-SE,11-W.Harrison,

12-SaucierLzna,13-Stone/Perry,14-Biloxi,15-Biloxi-N.,16-DIberville,17-WlmktE.Hrsn,18-W.Jackson,

19-St.Martin,20-OceanSpring,21-Vancleave,22-Gautier,23-Pascagoula,24-MossPoint,

25-E.Jackson,26-George County *Remember, there are thousands of users in our MLS system. Some data may come in a bit later. Any one of us could make a mistake that could skew data. This is merely a guideline for activity. The reason I made this search across the entire Gulf Coast MLS is because sometimes if you have an extraordinary listing and you searched only the given area--one might be lead to believe we have a stagnant market, which obviously is not the case.

Criteria: Minimum=$375K, 3 Bed 2BA, Between 3000 and 7000 SF

5 closings last 30 days: List Sum/$2, 908, 800.00 Closing Sum/$2, 705, 000.00

sq Ft range: 3100 to 5100 SF

The properties in this batch all had unique characteristics. We see that in some cases if you have a large parcel, it may benefit you to contemplate splitting. There are still cash buyers, and some people still qualify for conventional loans.

1$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

*REmember, criteria is changing here.

$*Note that VA and FHA loans are coming in strong within those loan limits.

12-SaucierLzna,08-Gulfport-N.,06-Pass Christian,11-W.Harrison,17-WlmktE.Hrsn

Criteria: $150K to $800K, 3bed2ba or more, between 2500 and 7000 sf

Active=128 Pending=6

Selling Price $247, 447 Concessions $14, 744 (Net Sell price: $232, 703)

Year to Date=20 closings for the above criteria.

Closing Range= $219000 to $630000

Half of sales were in: New Home Subdivisions

1 new home subdivision 2922 sf, 3bed, 3 ba $630K

9 new home subdivision average 3000 sf, 4bed, 3ba, $255K and lower

I f we change the criteria to 3400SF we have 2 closings. Nothing closed w square footage greater than 3436 sf

If we change the List Price range to $300K to $800K and the square footage range from 3000 to 8000 we had 3 closings.

You may contact me at: Suzi@mgcre.com or call: 1-800-606-0094 (Please, no vendor or other telemarketing).

I am privileged to attend a church pastored by a dynamic couple. I used to fall asleep in church.

NO more, Yeah!!! They are such dynamic teachers that I literally absorb a lot of teaching (sorry, Pastors I have not acquired the ability to speak the scriptures as you do...).

Pastor Felix tends to end a spoken paragraph with a"hmph". Now I notice that when I am in a client meeting, at the end of a Real Estate train of thought, whether good or bad, I end with "hmph". The first time I heard myself do that it shocked me! Test me. See if I have overcome the idiosyncracy. Let's have a real estate meeting!

Pastor Jocelyne, will from time to time say, "Oh, MY God!" (Not in a bad way, but a joyous, praise kind of way--she is originally from Haiti, some of her mannerisms are a bit different:-)). So, now I catch myself saying, "Oh, MY God!" Then, I look around to see if I need to explain myself.

Have you picked up any habits lately that makes you feel like you've been invaded? If I'm that impressionable,

its a good thing I have good places and people to hang with....

This church has been instrumental in turning Gaston Point around, and mending relationships between residents and government officials--Cleaner, safer neighborhoods benefit all of us at some point. I actually was not aware how bad the reputation of Gaston Point was until a parent of one of my daughter's friends questioned the safety of us attending there. My, how things change with time and effort (TLC + elbow grease)

Of course living on the Gulf Coast and living in Long Beach I visit most towns in Harrison County frequently. Harrison County, whether Biloxi, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Diberville, Woolmarket--is just a great place to live spiced with the influences of people from -everywhere, anywhere, and -here-.

Biloxi Pals I cannot begin to tell you how PROUD I am of the new Long Beach signs! We are looking downright gorgeous! Courtesy of many volunteers.

Boat Slips are back! Yipee! REal Progress.

Quotation from the Fitness Trail at MS Gulf Coast Campus

Don't know why... Just thought I would share that with you. Do you have any quirky mannerisms? (I guess another of mine is the total lack of ability to stick to one subject. However, there is a reason for that).

PS: Don't want to offend anyone. Just because I have a church home I love, does't mean you have to. Just because I believe in God and Providence, doesn't mean you have to. Its a choice. I have successfully worked with clients and Associates who believe differently than I believe.

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While I have your attention, if you are looking for HUD listed properties, we have 2 in Gulfport now open to all bidders. Many REALTORS in the area are certified to show and develop bids. I happen to be one of them:-) To place a bid on one of these HUD properties you will need $1,000 Earnest money in a certifed check or money order, and you will need to pre-authorize before submitting the bid. Investors, expect to have a minimum of 25% down. REgards

Click my profile to contact me!

Good news! The market is not stagnant. Weird maybe, but not stagnant. Please keep in mind that the figures below do not include: Condos, shouldn't include mobile homes, and should include the criteria listed below. Remember too, that only takes a couple of MLS listings with data incorrectly listed for the figures to be skewed. However, this is the best guideline we have and I am grateful for the opportunity to dive into stats from time to time.

If you are potentially buying or selling property in the Gulf Coast MLS area and would like to see reports oriented around your more specific criteria, just give me a call or email and we will discuss your criteria and objectives.

Min 3bd, 2ba, Less than 10 acres, min $10K up (Mobile Homes and Condos not included). Search includes: Harrison County; Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, N. Gulfport,S E. Gulfport, SW. Gulfport, Biloxi, N. Biloxi, Woolmarket, East Harrison County, West Harrison County, Saucier/Lizana, Diberville.

Pending Breakdown by area: PC/1, LB/2, Saucier/Lizana/4, Gulfport08/2, Gulfport09/1, Gulfport10/1

W. Harrison Cty/3, Saucier/Liz/4

*DOM High is skewed. Original list date was 4/26/06. Then when seller split off acreage and reduced the listing from $899000 to $599000 the listing was given a new MLS#.

* A note about my banner. I showed it to one of the regular Pier Pals at Long Beach Harbor. He thinks I caught the "essence" of the MGC. If you are relocating here, just be ready for a great way of living. I did not capture casinos, or golfing which are also popular coast activities. Enjoying your environment is free, and a great gift. The only thing that can top the environment is the people of the Coast--which incidentally, is now made up of a lot of people from other places.

You may search the Gulf Coast MLS by clicking here.

I am starting 3 new blogs by town. If you have any past, present, or future interest in the following towns, please help me get them started by visiting and participating.

http://blog.msgulfport.com/

http://blog.mslongbeach.com/

http://blog.mspasschristian.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

Here's the Assignment: The assignment is open to the public at large as well as to Active Rain members. Please find a positive way to interpret any of the data, no sarcasm, and no backwards negativism disguised as positivism (I.e., Its a good thing you don't have a 3000-5000 sf home in West Harrison County). True Positives. We can do it!

(By the way, West Harrison County tends to have acreages, well and septic.)

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Sometimes as Real Estate Professionals we are asked questions that requires a bit of REsearch. Well, it just so happens I am a REsearch fiend. As I was REsearching for a specific party I REalized that the REsearch could help others as well. The Gulf Coast MLS is my source of information which also means I am a due paying member of NAR, MAR, GCAR as well as the Gulf Coast MLS. (The MLS is not Free to REALTORS:-)

A very important consideration in evaluating this data is: Condos are not included. I would be happy to do a separate study if interest is indicated, or perhaps one of our other Mississippi REALTORS will do a condo REport... Condos are indeed a lucrative market on the Gulf Coast. This data does not include farms/ranches, land, or commercial, only MLS listed SF homes. Note also that the majority of this data is focused on single family homes in the 3,000-5,000 HC/SF range.

*It is extremely important to understand that the Gulf Coast has a huge inventory of FSBO properties on the market. I have not found a way to include FSBOs in REports. The simplest thing of course would be for all FSBOs to list with a REALTOR, then we would all have access to their data as well. Buyers, please understand that none of us would intentionally withhold information of for sale by owner properties (at least no one I know), but we could miss one, because we too have to be aware of FSBOs. Can you imagine each REALTOR trying to maintain an up to date, comprehensive list of FSBO property???

There is SO much inventory on the MLS it would be hard to imagine that a FSBO property could end up being the one property that a buyer would find satisfactory. However, if a Buyer is able to define an area and property criteria I will certainly endeavor to contact every FSBO as well. FSBO + MLS shopping definitely requires a defined relationship with the potential buyer (for me).

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Here's my positive outlook: Homes are still selling. There is a lot of choice. The market is not stagnant. Understanding that there is a large inventory and a ballpark selling period will help you prepare. Still these figures are general. If you are a seller, you need to be ready for a quick sell--as well as your market possibly being on the market as long or longer than the data indicates. So, the positive in that is that you can prepare yourself. Positive REality is good, False expectation is not. Your REALTOR can help you understand the competing properties as well as the recently sold properties.

For example, it does no good to list your home according to the sell price a few properties, (even from the last few months) if you find the comparable homes on the market are priced lower.

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As of March 17 and 18, 2008

The following Information is gained solely from Gulf Coast MLS statistics. This data does not include a huge inventory of condos and for sale by owner properties, nor are the differences between properties considered.

Please keep in mind that all data including and after MLS Homes 3000-5000 h/c SF only includes homes listed between that square footage.

Public Post March 1st, 2008

In making out my "Know My Surf and Turf" plan for the week, I decided focus on vacant homes first would be fun and enlightening, plus with vacant homes appointments are seldom required.

Some buyers I have worked with in the past prefer vacant homes over occupied, there's just less stress all around. Staging of course has merits, strong ones. Yet, some people prefer an unstaged, undisguised home--and prefer to use their imaginations.

Then, thanks to many new, easier to use functions on the agent side of the Gulf Coast MLS, hours later I came up with some interesting data, that may be helpful in drawing very general hypothetical trends for the MS Gulf Coast.

If you are not familiar with MLS data please keep in mind the following disclaimer:

• The data does not include a huge FSBO category, though many FSBO's look to MLS stats for pricing guidance (which requires the assistance of a REALTOR/MLS member:-)
• The data is only as good as the integrity and competence of those entering data.
• MLS stats are still the best tool available. If you know of market data that does not at some point rely on MLS, agent driven data--please enlighten me.
• Mississippi, or at least the Gulf Coast does not include the sale price in county records. Property is bought for a consideration of $10.00 Research That:-) !
• I love Harrison County and find all departments extremely helpful in answering questions. I am happy to my taxes! However, I often spot serious errors in county records. I would hypothesize that county records are scarcely more reliable than MLS records.
• I do not put much stock in the list price to sales price ratio. The list price can be changed right before a pending sale. To get a true LP/SP one still needs to go back to the original list price found in history, agent side.

Search Criteria, Long Beach, Pass Christian, North/SouthW/SouthE Gulfport, Biloxi, WoolMarket, Diberville, West Harrison County, Saucier/Lizana . 1546 Single Family Homes are available. 671 SF homes are vacant. (43% of homes listed are vacant)

The last 90 days, 53% of the homes closed were vacant.

90 Day Closing Results Vacant Homes: 161

Low List: $14, 900 to High List: $599,000. Low Closing: $10, 000 to High Closing: $516,000

Average DOM: 138 Median DOM: 121 Longest DOM: 552 days

90 day closing all single family homes: 304.

Average DOM: 136 Median DOM: 122 Longest DOM: Still at 552 days

The average closing price was $162, 890 Median: $150, 450 Low: $10,000 High: $595,000

Cash Sale Transaction Range: $10,000 to $569,000

Interesting change in statsJ . Cash sales high DOM were 286 days with an average of 100 and a median of 96. Average sq ft cash closing per sq ft: Low: $11 Average: $74 Median: $71 High $193

Show Me the Money:-) There is little difference in whether a home is occupied or not as to drawing transactions of a certain type. Financing in order of most popular (or successful): Conventional, Cash, VA, FHA.

Focus on Long Beach and Pass Christian:

Vacant Focus: Long Beach: 59 from $57, 500 to 398,000 Pass Christian: 83 from $47, 200 to $850K

Homes-All Occupancy

Long Beach: 155 from $57,500 to $669,500 (38% are vacant)

Pass Christian: 166 from $47,200 to $899,900 (50% ar vacant)