Archive for April, 2009
Life In Mississippi – More Than You Anticipated
If you’re someone who is planning to invest in Mississippi real estate contemplating a move to Mississippi or already lives in this beautiful state get ready to find out why Mississippi is a great place to live.
Mississippi is serious about its heritage its music its food its land and its people. Over half of Mississippi is heavily forested. Covered with a plethora of trees like pine hickory cottonwood oak pecan elm tupelo and sweetgum it is a state filled with wildlife amazing arrays of flowers and native plants. It is also the main flyway for waterfowl and neotropical migration.
Cultivated from fertile farmlands two hundred million acres of hunting lands ample rivers streams and lakes national forests 100 miles of Gulf Coast and scenic byways you’ll find more outdoor activities here than you would expect.
All About The Music
Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues. Jazz country rock and roll and Gospel have all been influenced by Mississippi. The birthplace of Elvis Presley B. B. King Bo Diddley Jimmie Rodgers Jerry Lee Lewis Faith Hill Tammy Wynette Muddy Waters and hundreds more have been musical pioneers in American music.
Music is everywhere here. Bluegrass downhome fiddling rhythm and blues rock and roll Gospel jazz and country find their way through every vein of Mississippi. You can travel the Mississippi Blues Trail and discover the lore the roots and the lives that have made Mississippi known for its Delta blues. One hundred and twenty markers blaze the trail for your journey which as a resident you can travel and enjoy for years.
Delta History
Named after Native American folklore of the Biloxi Chickasaw Choctaw Natchez and Yazoo Mississippi roughly translates as “Father of Waters” or “Great River”. In 1699 the French were the first to build a settlement. The Mississippi Territory was organized in 1798 and in 1817 Mississippi became the 20th state in the Union.
Farmers discovered the rich fertile soils and cotton became a major industry for the state. Mississippi has been a major scene for many historic changes good and bad through the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement.
Living In Mississippi
Mississippi is a state full of many surprises. Many people see this state as a state full of Southern traditions a musical haven and steeped in cultural architectural and historic events.
True hospitality abundant outdoor recreation lush vegetation and a life full of discovery are a huge part of Mississippi life. The new or potential Mississippi real estate owner will find so much more than they anticipated.
About the writer: For more about Mississippi Real Estate visit Remax one of the nation’s top real estate agencies. We can help you find your real estate dreams in Mississippi. Let us guide you to your destination. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
Lakefront Property – Look Before You Leap!
Minnesota aptly named the “Land of 10000 Lakes” is well known for its abundance of lakes and rivers. In fact there are over 11000 lakes over 10 acres in size and more than 63000 miles of natural streams and rivers. Chances are after spending a few years here you may eventually purchase property on or near one of these bodies of water.
Here are some issues that need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a shoreland property:
Decide exactly what you want out of this property and then do the research to determine if it will meet your needs. For instance if you are looking for a year round home; are the roads maintained in the winter or will you have to purchase a fourwheel drive vehicle to get around.
Are you looking for a weekend getaway for peace and relaxation? Make certain this isn’t “party lake central” and bustling with wake boarders and sea doos in the summertime. On the flip side if you are looking for a place for your high powered water toys and all you see are kayaks parked along the docks; you may run into some problems with your neighbors.
Different districts have their own set of zoning ordinances that may not agree with your plans for the lot. There are also many lots that were created prior to the shoreland rules being put in place and some of these may be too small to house a well or septic system. Depending on the intended use of the property the lot shape may also be a consideration.
Land elevations are extremely important to consider when deciding on a location for your home. To minimize the risk of flooding the basement or lowest part of your house should be at least three feet above the highest known water level. Sewage treatment systems should be inspected before you make any purchase since these have similar restrictions and may require costly upgrades.
If the lot is situated on a steep slope in order to prevent erosion there are very specific rules that must be adhered to. Undesirable soil conditions can add thousands of additional dollars to a sewage treatment system if there is an improper balance of soil types. In general a filled wetland makes an unstable base and development in these areas should be avoided.
You may have plans to remove some unsightly shrubs at the water’s edge; however there are strict rules regulating the amount of vegetation that can be removed. If you were planning to add enough fill to create a sandy beach you would require DNR approval to make any sort of changes at or below the water’s edge. It may be to your advantage to seek out a lot that already has a sandy shoreline.
The DNR shore land standards apply to all lakes greater than 25 acres 10 acres in municipalities. It may seem like a lot of rules to conform to but the fresh water from Minnesota’s many lakes is a valuable resource and adhering to these standards helps to ensure our future generations share the same enjoyment of these waters.
About the writer: Experience the high standards and professionalism at Century 21 in your search for Minnesota real estate. Let their winning team help you with all your Fergus Falls real estate needs.
Investing In A Bahamas Property
Exuma is a string of islands and cays home to forgotten hideaways natural harbors secluded beaches and a coastline of over a hundred miles of clear blue water. Exuma is a nature lover’s paradise preserved in its original pristine setting. In recent years The Bahamas has become one of the worlds financial centers with over 400 banks located in Nassau its capital. The countrys open economic policy has drawn capital from around the world and is now a hot real estate market. Bahamas property has become of great interest to investors and a haven for those wanting to own private homes surrounded by the wonders of nature. Local realtors see no end in sight with regards to the increasing demand for Bahamas property.
Buying Bahamas property
In 1993 the Bahamas government enacted a law encouraging nonBahamians to acquire real estate in any of the 21 districts. It also allows property owners and their dependents to apply for an annual resident card or permanent residency. It is now easier than ever to own a piece of Caribbean paradise. Contact one of the countrys numerous realtors to help you find that perfect spot. Visit The Bahamas Real Estate Association for a complete list of certified agents and details on purchasing Bahamas property. Prior Government approval is not required for nonBahamians who want to purchase residential properties of less than five acres although they are required to be registered with the Investments Board and the Central Bank. Another option is to buy property directly at a development. On the island of Great Exuma for example see Oceania Properties http://www.oceaniaproperties.com/ February Point http://www.februarypoint.com/ or Crab Cay http://www.crabcay.com/ for some luxury properties.
An enticing investment
As the worlds premier tax haven The Bahamas offers the perfect investment opportunity as there is no personal corporate income capital gains estate gift or inheritance taxes. Easy access to major world markets as well as political stability and security are the advantages of business in The Bahamas. Investors are also attracted to the stability of the economy which is steadied by the solid value of the Bahamian dollar pegged to the U.S. dollar on a 1:1 ratio.
The benefits of renting
Having a corporate or personal address in the Bahamas provides opportunities to live an exclusive island lifestyle while generating taxfree income. As you enjoy the benefits of a vacation home in The Bahamas your investment appreciates. When you are not there basking in the sun you can consider renting out your Bahamas property. The rental segment of the market is huge as many visitors flock to the islands every year in search of a little rest and relaxation. Luxury condos houses and villas generate top dollars for their owners. Many realtors and property managers agree that renting a property is a great idea since it helps the owners defray some of the costs associated with owning and maintaining their properties. There are rental pools that you can join whereby property managers will oversee all of the administrative details associated with renting. You have no worries no headaches and best of all your home in the sun is wellmaintained and available to you at the drop of a hat.
In order to preserve the culture and tranquility of the island Exuma has regulated that no more than 30 of the island may be developed. Luxury rental properties in Exuma generally offer complete privacy are exquisitely furnished and include firstrate amenities. Purchasing a Bahamas property either as a vacation destination or as a rental property offers the advantages of numerous commercial flights private airports and close proximity to the United States. Feel right at home in The Bahamas.
About the writer: Pasquale Lo Mascolo is the author of a number of articles dealing with Bahamas properties. By examining the different areas of the Bahamas and researching their respective real estate projects he has discovered many hotspots that both travelers and investors simply cannot afford to ignore. See Oceania Properties Bahamas Real Estate for more information.