About Muscogee County, GA

The Real Estate market is the same all over. I have personally discovered that currently Puerto Vallarta Mexico, is experiencing a market slow down. Some of the construction has been slowed, from an all out "lets get it finished attitude" to a moderate "lets finish up in phases attitude". Construction is still underway and developers are continuing to build more and more homes and condominiums, in this wonderful little resort town. The city is nestled perfectly between lush green mountains, a white strip of beach and a secluded bay that accomodates both local fisherman and international cruise liners.

Cooler heads and more moderate attitudes prevail in this buyers market, not only in Columbus Georgia and Phenix City Alabama, but more than likely all over the world. The bright spot in our area is Lee County and North Phenix City. Moderately priced housing, good schools, convenience to Ft Benning and shopping areas keeps our real estate market moving along.

OK... What is BRAC? Well is stands for Base Realignment and Closure and what that means in English is as it effects us here in Coumbus, GA and Phenix City AL. (we are only a few miles apart, divided by a river).

The big impact of the BRAC move to our area is the moving of Ft. Knox"s Armor group is moving to Ft. Benning, GA. Not only will this increase the number of Military persons at Ft. Benning, but there will be a large increase in the number of Government Civilians and contractors coming as well. Below is the lastest information I have on the increase to our area.

Military Jobs= 4,712 Spouses= 2,733 Children= 4,386 School age= 2,771 TOTAL = 11,831

Gov Civilians Jobs= 1,889 Spouses= 1,511 Children= 1,451 School age= 1,096 TOTAL = 4,851

Contractors Jobs= 4,802 Spouses= 2,641 Children= 3,963 School age= 2,972 TOTAL = 11,406

Total Jobs= 11,403 Spouses= 6,885 Children= 9,800 School age= 6,839 TOTAL = 28,088

This growth is planned for the next several years and is to be compeleted by 2011.

As you can just guess what effect this will have not only at Ft. Benning, but also the area around Ft. Benning. We believe this will impact about 9 counties around Ft. Benning. This will involve housing, schools, roads, shopping and more. Ft. Benning has about 2,377 new houses being built on post and they will not be adding any additional one.

Our housing market like most has had it down sizing, but I am sure not as bad as other areas. Our main concern in the next months and years to come is the availiabity of homes for the people coming here.

KIA car manufacture is build a hugh plant about 45 mintues NorthWest of us in a place call West Point, GA. We believe we will see an impact from that as well. Most people will live in the Columbus / Phenix City area and drive to work. This means even more houses will me needed.

Columbus, GA is the home of AFLAC and they have announced they are going to increase their employee by another 2,000 in the next year or so.

WOW! can you believe what is going on here? If you have clients that are military and are being transferred to Ft. Benning, please let me know. We can work together to find them a great home. My web site also provides a link to the Ft. Benning web site along with other links to learn about our area.

If you have questions about BRAC, Columbus housing or anything,,,,,,, just let me know.

As with many things - just asking the question - is a good first step.

1) Contact a mortgage professional in the town you wish to purchase in.

The reason I have this as the first step is that a mortgage professional can pull your credit and advise you on where you are at and how to get where you want to go. I adivise either sticking to a major bank lender like Wachovia, Wells Fargo, or GMAC in your local area because it will keep you away from the scam artists. There are mortgage brokers not with the major banks who are awesome but there are some real scam artists who will take you for a ride.

2) Keep credit balances on revolving lines like credit cards as low as possible.

Credit scores are higher when you use a low percentage of your available credit. So, if possible keep credit card and other revolving credit lines below 30% of available credit. In other words if your credit card has a credit line of $5000 - keep the revolving balance below $1500. This gives you plenty of room for emergencies and keeps your credit score high.

3) If you want to buy a house - don't go buy all new vehicles.

Debt to income ratios are very important for determining what kind of home you will qualify for. 2 new vehicles with $500+ per month payments on each will take a chunk out of your income leaving less to use for a home. Make your new home a priority and buy a home - then determine if you have enough available to purchase a vehicle. Sometimes it is smart to save up or just have one nice car and one that will just "get you by".

4) Pay on time!

This seems like common sense but it is important that you pay attention to your bills and get them in on time. Nuff said about that. :)

5) Correct any mistakes on your credit report.

When your mortgage professional pulls your credit report - look for mistakes - and enlist their help in correcting any mistakes.

6) Find a Good REALTOR

Now that you have your credit ready to go - call me and we will find you a home that your family will enjoy!

Danny M. Bishop, 1SG U.S. Army Retired was laid to rest at the Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery. Graveside services with Military Honors were held on a blustery rainy morning and just about ten minutes prior to the beginning of the service the rain stopped. Tears flowed as Taps sounded. A very professional and sympathetic Military Detail fired three volleys and gave a final salute to an old soldier.

Honoring Danny Bishop were family and friends, members and the Color Guard of VFW Post 665, where Danny was an active member and former Commander. Members of the American Legion Post 35 attended, as well as representatives of the Elks Lodge 111. Danny Bishop was a kind gentle man and an exemplary soldier. This former POW served in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. I will remember Danny M. Bishop for the rest of my days.