Suzi Gravenstuk, REALTOR®, Broker

Sunday, Pre-Gustav. I started the day by attending church service accompanied by three lovely young woman who had just attended a spectacular sleep over. Afterwards we headed for Sonic on HWY 49 in Gulfport and found the store closed down and boarded up as were all other fast food places in that area. Not wanting to disappoint the girls I thought we would check the Sonic in Long Beach before taking them home.

Surprise! The Long Beach Sonic was still open and packed. We counted at least 8 assorted Humvees and Jeeps loaded with National Guards. It should be reassuring to see the National Guard. In a way it is reassuring, but it also evoked memories of that long period of time after Katrina thatt we felt like prisoners because of the Armed Guards and constantina wire. Then I bumped into this crew. They said they were part of a 200 emergency group sent down with ambulances to help as needed, and in evacuating those who could not help themselves. Some of the guys have never been exposed to Hurricane weather.

I'v seen a lot more boarding up this time than with Katrina. It makes me feel like folks think they will have something to come back to this time. We went out about 6PM and found major stores closed. The smaller stores were packed, but quickly running out of popular basics -like bread-.

So, our choice is to stay for this one. Some people may think it not so smart--last time, we would have had far less financial loss had we stayed and tended to our home before mold set in.

Its raining off and on...with occasional wind gusts.

I understand the concern for Louisiana. But, my thoughts turn to Bay St. Louis/Waveland. It doesn't take much for some areas in Hancock County to flood. I had an opportunity to meet many residents this Summer and wish them safety and preservation of their homes.

Below is some very important information. Some people could think it a little boring, so I will include a few favorite photos to make up for it:-)

Kidding! No RElation

Please familiarize yourself with this form so that you understand the differences between Client and Customer--before you talk with an agent. Small Talk is okay without being introduced to this form. You should expect this form to be presented to you at an actual showing of a property, or if you go beyond small talk with a buyer agent.

Why do I keep harping on this? Let's take a hypothetical, though common experience. Let's say I had another showing today in which the "Customer" was surprised I presented him with the form. He and his wife had bought and sold property several times and not seen the form. Customer, "Well, how come I've never seen this form before?" (Like, what am I trying to pull?)

Me, "Well, regardless, it is state law to present this form and here it is... I can lose my license or be disciplined if I don't present you with this form." Him, "Well, that would only happen if I told. I won't tell."

(The Mississippi Disciplinary actions rolled around in my mind. I bet not a single agent thought the person they did not give the form to would tell... Well, the formless person doesn't actually have to tell--there just needs to be reason for the commission to be looking into a case and not find the form.)

I allowed them time to read it and ask questions. Then to be totally clear--"I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but I listed the property, the seller is my client. Comprende?" Buyer prospect rolls eyes. Then I hand them pens. "I'm not ready to sign anything..." "This is NOT a contract. It is merely acknowledging that I presented you with this disclosure and that you understand the content. Do you need more time to read the disclosure? Do you want to take the form with you? We can always schedule your showing for another time.

If you won't sign it then I have to write a statement that you won't sign the statement, then I have to write your name, sign and date it. "

Wife says, "See, honey it says that at the top."

Ok. Now he will sign. He says, "I'm not your client. I sign where it says customer?"

Now, there could be valid reasons he had never seen the WWaREB form. Here are a few:

4. DISCLOSURE EXCEPTION:
A licensee shall not be required to comply with the provisions of
Section 3, when engaged in transactions with any corporation, nonprofit
corporation, professional corporation, professional
association, limited liability company, partnership, real estate
investment trust, business trust, charitable trust, family trust, or
any governmental entity in transactions involving real estate.
Operating under this exception in no way circumvents the common law
of agency. (courtesy of Mississippi REal Estate Commission)

So, if an agent doesn't present you with the "Working With a Real Estate Broker" in Mississippi--that must mean they know that you are in the category outlined above.

Now, I know that was not a lot of fun. Be sure and discuss "Working With a Real Estate Broker" with your agent, or an attorney (most of us do not have a license to practice law, so we cannot interpret the form for you.) The form is actually self explanatory, which is why I advise you read it before talking with an agent. Things tend to move along a lot quicker if you, the potential buyer or seller is already familiar with a few forms.

Now--when a compliant agent presents you with this form, you will say... ("I expected that form")

Remember to keep your eyes on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Yours Truly, MS Real Estate Broker

I am testing my Magic Jack. My new number is 228-206-80131-601-272-5092. It is an out of area number because 228 was not available. However, for signs I usually post my Vobre# anyway. I will simply forward my Vobre# to this # as well as my cell phone. The main purpose is for me to make outbound day time calls without using cell phone minutes. (Try staying on hold with customer service while using your cell phone:-)

Note to B2B telemarketers: If you must leave a sales message, please utilize this number. Then your call won't cost me anything. You won't be using my cell minutes, or my 800# minutes.

I love Magic Jack already. But, I want to test it awhile before giving it a two thumbs up. By the way, I noticed a lot of positive and negative blog commenting around Cyber World regarding Magic Jack. I will say its worth it to try it yourself and not listen to the flack which may have already been addressed.

One comment you are bound to run into said something like: "Because you have to leave your computer on, it will wear out quicker and causes an astronomical jump in your electric bill."

I say, it depends on how you use it. Why would you leave it on while you are sleeping if people know to call your cell phone for emergencies anyway?

I decided a few months ago that the new AT&T bundling wasn't working for me. When I actually analyzed my bill I discovered that the savings in the "Bundling" was costing me quite a bit of money because I wasn't using many of the bundled products.

Plus, in the course of a REsearch project I worked this summer, I found that many MS Gulf Coast residents were cutting the apron strings with their landlines. Think about it...When every family member has a cell phone, why do we need land line? So-we can have dial up or broadband? Pay a little more and experience better service with Cable Internet (you are saving well over the difference in the long run).

Magic Jack does require use of computer and Internet. You can plug in your landline or use a computer headset. They will advertise on the computer phone pad. (I can accept that)

So, if you already use both requirements, I recommend giving it a try. http://magicjack.com I have nothing to gain here other than spreading the word about a great money saving product. They currently have a free trial period. Why not?

Did I mention that long distance in the US is free?

Do you want to test reception? Give me a call.

At this point I am AT&T free, except for my cell phones. If I were to find a provider that would buy out my contracts, it would be total FREEDOM.

What does this have to do with Real Estate? All over the country people are constantly moving about. When you establish new service, I definitely encourage you to look at options other than At&T bundling. Sometimes, bundling can bite.

*Update--I can be so fickle! I now have experimented long term with Skype as well and lean towards Skype OUT though it is a bit more expensive. ($2.95 a month plus your phone # which I think is $60yr or $18 per quarter.) I like being able to click-connect. I LOVE IT!

Introduction: This blog took on a life of its own. I think I needed to discharge:-) There really are some key points.

When buying:

• Pay attention to environmental issues.
• Ask Questions, then, Ask some more questions.
• Pay attention to zoning and covenants/restrictions
• Sometimes areas may have several different zonings clumped together. Make sure you can live with the environmental impact of ALL the nearby zonings
• Decide what is most important to you; for example, in my case was it more important to live REALLY near the school or to live in a quieter neighborhood? Was it more important to have a nicer more impressive home, or to pay cash and not have a mortgage during infant years in real estate?
• Especially, if you are moving to a new area, select a Buyer Agent and stick with him or her. Even if you research in conjunction with the agent, and/or find a FSBO, you should be willing to pay him or her. Think of your Buyer Agent as your Goal Partner.

When I read Pam's blog regarding Property Owner's Rights ; I couldn't help but think of me, me ME. We bought our modest home a couple of months before Katrina. The home is one of those: its so old and ugly you gotta love it. The good thing is that it is paid in full--I didn't want to start a new business with a mortgage hanging over my head. Had we financed--we could have been a bit more impressive.

As a sidebar--many of the better homes nearer to the beach did not stand up to Katrina. This home was ironically, the perfect distance from the beach. About a block North of the noisy and very active rail road; yet I can walk to the beach in 13 minutes if I don't get distracted. (I always get distracted:-) there is always someone to talk to along the way).

Other reasons we chose this particular home--its 1 block to the middle school. The High School is across the street. I was so used to over crowded parking conditions at the schools my children attended in Colorado that the thought of walking to school events was a main selling point. I wouldn't have to worry about bus schedules, or about my children driving to school when each came of age. YIPEE! This property was a diamond in the rough; my treasure.

Other features I appreciated were--the lot is almost 1/2 acre IN town! The very old Oak trees were outstanding--I not only admired and respected them--I named them! Plus, the trees provided a secluded and private feeling IN town.

I have worked from home ever since we moved here. That doesn't mean I have clients and customers come to my house--I go to them, I just do my general office type duties here. Of course I have missed the benefits of an office--walk ins! Personally, I would rather see people by appointment anyway. (Oops digressing a bit, sorry).

So, when we were looking for a home we were newbies to the area. We had actually flown in to house hunt. I had narrowed down to 1 REALTOR who cared enough to address my questions by email and reserve a couple of days for us when we arrived.

The REALTOR and I worked together. I was a literal REALTOR.com obsessed Freak! Fortunately, AC was patient with me. As a prospective buyer I was so disappointed to find that many listings did not seem to coincide with reality. We looked and looked.

At one point my chosen Buyer Agent offered to refer me as we were looking beyond his "farm". He told us he didn't know anything about the areas. I couldn't believe that. I didn't want to work with anyone else. I reminded him that we had history and I really did not want to spend time with another agent going over what he and I had already spent time discussing and establishing. He agreed to stick it out!

Finally, two days before we needed to return to Colorado, I arose early one morning and was reading the Sunherald. I saw a FSBO, called about it and went to check it out before the family woke up and before AC arrived.

THEN, I scheduled another appointment for the family, AC and I to see the property again. Here's another sidebar--We did not have a written buyer agent agreement with A.C. I found the FSBO. He asked me a perfectly legitamite question, "Who is going to pay me?" My husband and I answered in unison--"WE will!" My goodness, the guy had driven all over Hancock and Harrison Counties looking for a home. He had personally photographed several homes and sent by email before we arrived to help eliminate some homes of interest. Plus, we still needed him. We knew nothing about buying a home in Mississippi. The seller admitted that she didn't know what to do either. (Incidentally, I negotiated enough off her already reduced list price to compensate for the commission:-).

Now the seller mentioned in passing that the high school band practiced in the field behind our house. I should have paid more attention. I should have asked questions, like: What are their hours of practice? Are they really loud? How annoying can it get?? I know this many headaches later. Peaceful enjoyment of this property is not experienced during school hours, or during the day or early morning hours of the Summer. I commend the High School band on their diligence, intensity, their persistence, their dedication. I just wish they were not so near my home. Just try thinking, or carrying on a conversation whether business or pleasure with drums beating-LOUDLY, Try hours of a Metronome in the background.

At one time the wonderful oaks protected us a little bit from the noise. But those were the ones who gave up their lives for our cottage during Katrina. If you were to look at the FEMA aerial photos immediately post Katrina, it looks as if the Oaks layed down on our house to protect it. That may be why the house still stands today. (I forgive the trees for knocking wholes in our roof, which allowed water in, creating a moldy mess by the time we were able to return from evacuation:-) Yes, we did our share of gutting--half of our old house is new now! Half is double new! Once my husband had painstakingly rebuilt the front, we had a fire that originated in my son's room--The same part of the house that had just been rebuilt.

Back to band practice. I admit I have issues. To gently be upfront about my issues please visit Gary Woltal's blog: Turning Lemons Into Lemonade . I have long suspected myself of Adult ADD. This is one reason I steer clear of office environments (now the truth is out:-). ...The fewer places to leave things the better...the fewer distractions, the better. The intention of setting myself up to work from home was to CONTROL my environment! Now I have to have an agent Open at a vacant house to be able to have a continual train of thought.

There is always something good to come from vexing circumstances...I found my area of concentration. My specialty will be with vacant homes.

Now, back to property rights. HMMM... If you consider the circumference of my block--the South end is commercial, the West side is commercial/residential, the North end is apparently "Special USE". My neighbor that owns the field gives the High School permission for the band to practice there. Does that violate the rights of the R1 residents on the East side of the block?

In passing I have mentioned to Long Beach Gov officials from time to time the possibility of rezoning the East side of the block to special use or business. I can't see selling my property to anyone unless they are either deaf, have a student in the band, or maybe not affected by environmental noise. Would it be suitable for a business? Well maybe if the structure is super sound proofed, or if a business came in that made so much noise it would drown out the band. Or, if the business didn't need to have a telephone conversation.

Solutions... Maybe I could convince Long Beach to rezone... But the impression I get is that it will snow here in July before we do a zoning change. Or, maybe the school or the neighbor that gives permission for the band to play in that location could put up a sound barrier at the back of the properties on the East side.

Environmental noise. HMMM. If I were selling I would also need to disclose a very loud, very active train a block away. ...The LBHS band, of course. Buyers might be interested in the schedule of the band.

Should I disclose that in the evening and early morning it sounds like you are in the middle of a jungle--The frogs and crickets are very loud. In the early morning, the birds can also be very loud. (After Katrina we spent a long time in the most eery silence, NO train, NO birds, No Frogs or Cricket sounds--that was downright surreal). Jake in the above photo represents all birds as I have not yet photographed the exhuberantly happy early morning birds near my house. Jake, by the way is very special. He is the Long Beach Harbor Mascot. And, yes--that is a fish hook in his beak.

Would I need to disclose my neighbor's dog who barks loudly and incesstantly from time to time? I think we could all safely assume that every neighborhood has at least one adorable, barking dog. By the way, if you are looking for an adorable Lab/Great Dane dog mix, this one grew too big for my elder neighbor's ability to care for him. The dog has been very well cared for and is neutered and vaccinated. He's a good, well intentioned giant juvenile.

One really neat thing is that if you happen to be walking the beach near sunrise you may be able to hear the Sea Bee base waking up. It is a pleasant balance to the very noisy birds who are obviously ecstatic about a new day in the MS Gulf Coast. I like greeting a new day hearing the Star Spangled Banner and Reveille... but not playing loudly just feet from my back yard.

Oh well. I think its time to visit el Doctor and see if I am being unreasonable, over reacting, or if there is some wonder drug that will help me maintain at least 5 minutes of focused concentration while the band is playing. Maybe the school has a sound proof room they could offer me use of? Probably the best thing is to nail down the exact schedule of all band practices and plan to be away from home at those times. Do you have any suggestions?

Here is a possible ad:

Make me an offer I can't refuse! Near the beach, but protected from the beach by an active rail road with VERY loud trains. (Locals insist you don't even notice them after awhile:-). Walk across the street to High School and just a block to Middle School No parking issues for you during school events:-). Ideal home for Band student or band director as the High School Band practices in the field right behind your backyard. They play energetically! I am sure any reasonable person will learn to enjoy the sound of the Metronome. If you are awakened early enough by the train or the high school band, you can treat yourself to the sounds of the Sea Bee base starting a new day. New Roof, 1/2 rebuilt in 2005! No flooding.

I know, I broke all the blog rules. Better to break blog rules than to speed in Long Beach!

*Seriously, if you are sensitive to noise or any other environmental issue--be sure to investigate thoroughly before buying. Sometimes neighbors will clue you in as long as they do not have a vested interest in the sale of the property. This is a general public post because environmental noise issues may be found anywhere. Sellers may easily and honestly forget to disclose them because the majority of people tend to adjust to noise over a period of time. ?What noise? Oh, the train...

**In actuality, I think my daughter would disown me should we sell and force her to move out of the Long Beach School District. Actually, if she knew I complained...I could be in big trouble.

Please Forgive me, I'll find a solution.

In the mean time I have two more years before my daughter graduates. Maybe by then I can convince the town, Mayor Skellie, and yet unknown Buyer/Investors that this special block could serve the town well in a different capacity, perhaps tax generating capacity. I have already spoke with several neighbors on the West side, they would sell at the right price (they are already zoned commercial.)

At least one neighbor has his heart on bringing in an Elder Care Facility... It would be my honor to help him realize this long term vision.

Last (again), I wish to apologize to the Principal of Long Beach High, the Band Director, and the dedicated band students for complaining. I should be grateful and count my blessings.

We hope you visit soon! (Photo of Joel Dunlap and some of the students of the award winning Long Beach High School Concert Choir.) If you have a student interested in Concert Choir, this is the place to be.

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.