GayRealEstate USA

Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - Mississipi

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Located  in the deep south, Mississipi ranks as the 32nd largest state by land mass and the 31st largest state by population.

Mississipi's main source of income is derived from timber milling, casino operations, the manufacturing of transportation equipment, cotton and electrical and electronic goods.  Income tax consists of three brackets ranging from 3-5%, and sales tax is set at 7%. 

Property tax in this state is assessed at 10% of the true value of owner occupied, residential real property. Homestead exemptions are available on the first $7,500 of assessed value.

Jackson

There are some  700 homes for sale in this area witth the average listing price of $241,000, Condo's hover around the $80,000 mark. There are approximately 8,934 people living in this area with the average age being 27.25 years. There are currently more rental homes in this precinct than owned with approximately 27.22% of homes being vacant, and most residents on average take 17 minutes to communte to work.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 4,774 same-sex couples residing within this state making it the 32nd gayest region in America. The gayest zip codes are 39120 natchez; 32206, 39208, and 39212 Jackson; 3901 Hattiesburg; and 39503 Gulfport. -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

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By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Located  in the deep south, Mississipi ranks as the 32nd largest state by land mass and the 31st largest state by population.

Mississipi's main source of income is derived from timber milling, casino operations, the manufacturing of transportation equipment, cotton and electrical and electronic goods.  Income tax consists of three brackets ranging from 3-5%, and sales tax is set at 7%. 

Property tax in this state is assessed at 10% of the true value of owner occupied, residential real property. Homestead exemptions are available on the first $7,500 of assessed value.

Jackson

There are some  700 homes for sale in this area witth the average listing price of $241,000, Condo's hover around the $80,000 mark. There are approximately 8,934 people living in this area with the average age being 27.25 years. There are currently more rental homes in this precinct than owned with approximately 27.22% of homes being vacant, and most residents on average take 17 minutes to communte to work.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 4,774 same-sex couples residing within this state making it the 32nd gayest region in America. The gayest zip codes are 39120 natchez; 32206, 39208, and 39212 Jackson; 3901 Hattiesburg; and 39503 Gulfport. -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org

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OutOberfest 2007

By Jeff Adolph

Gay Pride

OutOberfest, the annual LGBT community festival starts on the 11th of October and will continue until Sunday the 14th.

In its third consecutive year Outoberfest is a major event that sees hundreds nationwide flock to its celebrations.

Knol Aust of Unity Mississippi, who organizes the event said, 'It's growing faster than we ever expected.'

Celebrations are as follows:

Time: 6pm

Date: 11th October

Venue: Eudora  Wetly Library

Event: Gay Rights Forum

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Time: 7pm

Date: 12th October

Venue: Julep Restaurant

Event: Outoberfest Social with live entertainment

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Time: 6pm

Date: 13th October

Venue: Hal and Mal's

Event: All-night Party

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Time: 1pm

Date: 14th October

Venue: Smith Park Downtown

Event: Free Interfaith Service

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Time: 2pm

Date: 14th October

Venue: Smith Park Downtown

Event: Out in the Park

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Time: 7pm

Date: 14th October

Venue: JC's

Event: Official Closing of the Outoberfest 2007

Time: 6pm

Date: 11th October

Venue: Eudora  Wetly Library

Event: Gay Rights Forum

Source: Jackson Free Press (2007); available online at http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=15108_0_1_0_C

Image Source: Microsoft Clipart and MySpace

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Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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Housing Time Capsule

By Jeff Adolph

Historically Speaking

Ever thought about the past in relation to housing costs and rental prices?

Think of the 1960s and 70s; peace, love, truth and freedom, hippie communes and Bob Dylan and the nostalgic ambiance will probably transport you back in time to a by-gone era.

In the 60s the United States Census Bureau estimated Santa Fe's population to be approximately 33,000. Ten years later this had risen to 41,000.

In 1964 Eli Levin also known as Jo Basiste, a painter paid $18 a month in rent for a dwelling on Cerro Gordo Road. Whereas, Jeweler, Doug Magnus paid $35 a month for his home off Canyon Road.

As Magnus said, 'there was such a sense of freedom. It was an easy place to live at that time. It was nonjudgmental and welcoming and inexpensive; unbelievably inexpensive.'

According to the US Census the median price of a home in New Mexico in the 1940s was $6,800 by 1950 this had risen to $34,500 and $52,700 by the 60s. Some 40 years later in 2000 that same median had risen to $108,100 and today sits around $519,500.

Oh for the love of a time machine...

The Bureau then summarizes the national median when it states, 'median home values for single-family homes in the United States rose from $30,600 in 1940 to $199,600 in 2000, after adjusting for inflation. Among states the District of Columbia (treated as a state) had the highest median home value from 1940 to 1950. In 1960, Hawaii became a leader and has remained there. Over the 60 year period from 1940 to 2000, the lowest median home values were generally found in southern states, such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.'

By comparing the statistical data of real estate in a historical sense it often becomes apparent where the best investment opportunities are, and for any investor it is vital that they do their homework before investing so they make a good return.

Source: Schneider, W (2007) Peace, Love and Freedom; available online at http://www.santafenewmexican.com and The US Census online at http://www.gov

Images: Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov

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Which State? Most Expensive Vs. Least In Terms of Housing Affordability

By Jeff Adolph

State Housing Comparisons

No doubt you often wonder just which state is more affordable in terms of housing costs, and we are not just talking median prices. I am referring to the rental market and home ownership, with taxes, insurance, utilities and mortgage payments falling under the housing cost umbrella.

According to the Census Bureau who collected housing data in 2005 the comparisons are staggering and when the authorities estimate that 'household incomes' are behind in terms of inflation, it comes as no surprise why some families are loosing sight of the 'American Dream' of homeownership. Especially, if they are trying to purchase their first and break into the market.

Hopefully, the data below will assist you in deciding which state could be for you...

Housing Costs

Most Expensive - New Jersey: Monthly cost of $1,938

Least Expensive - West Virginia: Monthly cost $ 797

Rental Costs

Most Expensive - Hawaii: $995 Monthly

Least Expensive - North Dakota: $479 Monthly

Median Value

Most Expensive - California: $477,700

Least Expensive - Mississippi: $82,700

City Home Expense

Most Expensive - San Francisco: Median price of $726,700

Least Expensive - Detroit: Median price of $88,300

Highest Increase in Median Home Value

San Diego - In 5 years (2000-2005) $247,000 - $567,000 and increase of $320,000

Source: U.S Census Bureau (2006) People and Households: available online at http://www.census.gov/

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

State Housing Comparisons

No doubt you often wonder just which state is more affordable in terms of housing costs, and we are not just talking median prices. I am referring to the rental market and home ownership, with taxes, insurance, utilities and mortgage payments falling under the housing cost umbrella.

According to the Census Bureau who collected housing data in 2005 the comparisons are staggering and when the authorities estimate that 'household incomes' are behind in terms of inflation, it comes as no surprise why some families are loosing sight of the 'American Dream' of homeownership. Especially, if they are trying to purchase their first and break into the market.

Hopefully, the data below will assist you in deciding which state could be for you...

Housing Costs

Most Expensive - New Jersey: Monthly cost of $1,938

Least Expensive - West Virginia: Monthly cost $ 797

Rental Costs

Most Expensive - Hawaii: $995 Monthly

Least Expensive - North Dakota: $479 Monthly

Median Value

Most Expensive - California: $477,700

Least Expensive - Mississippi: $82,700

City Home Expense

Most Expensive - San Francisco: Median price of $726,700

Least Expensive - Detroit: Median price of $88,300

Highest Increase in Median Home Value

San Diego - In 5 years (2000-2005) $247,000 - $567,000 and increase of $320,000

Source: U.S Census Bureau (2006) People and Households: available online at http://www.census.gov/

---------------------------------------------------------

Click on Comments below and share your view…

And, remember leaving your personal details is voluntary, these are not a requirement of posting comments!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

State Housing Comparisons

No doubt you often wonder just which state is more affordable in terms of housing costs, and we are not just talking median prices. I am referring to the rental market and home ownership, with taxes, insurance, utilities and mortgage payments falling under the housing cost umbrella.

According to the Census Bureau who collected housing data in 2005 the comparisons are staggering and when the authorities estimate that 'household incomes' are behind in terms of inflation, it comes as no surprise why some families are loosing sight of the 'American Dream' of homeownership. Especially, if they are trying to purchase their first and break into the market.

Hopefully, the data below will assist you in deciding which state could be for you...

Housing Costs

Most Expensive - New Jersey: Monthly cost of $1,938

Least Expensive - West Virginia: Monthly cost $ 797

Rental Costs

Most Expensive - Hawaii: $995 Monthly

Least Expensive - North Dakota: $479 Monthly

Median Value

Most Expensive - California: $477,700

Least Expensive - Mississippi: $82,700

City Home Expense

Most Expensive - San Francisco: Median price of $726,700

Least Expensive - Detroit: Median price of $88,300

Highest Increase in Median Home Value

San Diego - In 5 years (2000-2005) $247,000 - $567,000 and increase of $320,000

Source: U.S Census Bureau (2006) People and Households: available online at http://www.census.gov/

---------------------------------------------------------

Click on Comments below and share your view…

And, remember leaving your personal details is voluntary, these are not a requirement of posting comments!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

State Housing Comparisons

No doubt you often wonder just which state is more affordable in terms of housing costs, and we are not just talking median prices. I am referring to the rental market and home ownership, with taxes, insurance, utilities and mortgage payments falling under the housing cost umbrella.

According to the Census Bureau who collected housing data in 2005 the comparisons are staggering and when the authorities estimate that 'household incomes' are behind in terms of inflation, it comes as no surprise why some families are loosing sight of the 'American Dream' of homeownership. Especially, if they are trying to purchase their first and break into the market.

Hopefully, the data below will assist you in deciding which state could be for you...

Housing Costs

Most Expensive - New Jersey: Monthly cost of $1,938

Least Expensive - West Virginia: Monthly cost $ 797

Rental Costs

Most Expensive - Hawaii: $995 Monthly

Least Expensive - North Dakota: $479 Monthly

Median Value

Most Expensive - California: $477,700

Least Expensive - Mississippi: $82,700

City Home Expense

Most Expensive - San Francisco: Median price of $726,700

Least Expensive - Detroit: Median price of $88,300

Highest Increase in Median Home Value

San Diego - In 5 years (2000-2005) $247,000 - $567,000 and increase of $320,000

Source: U.S Census Bureau (2006) People and Households: available online at http://www.census.gov/

---------------------------------------------------------

Click on Comments below and share your view…

And, remember leaving your personal details is voluntary, these are not a requirement of posting comments!

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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Click on Comments below and share your view…

And, remember leaving your personal details is voluntary, these are not a requirement of posting comments!

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

Saving Aberdeen One House At A Time

By Jeff Adolph

Real Lives and Real Estate

Some may call him a little eccentric but to others Billy Brasfield has a vision, and that is to save a dying town before it disappears forever.

It may be his love for his mother that inspires him, the historical architecture or his want to revive a childhood passed, but whatever his reasoning Billy had so far bought 16 homes in Aberdeen, a sleepy town of 6,400 residents, and restored each before re-selling it.

Now you would think this would make Mr Brasfield something of a real estate tycoon in the region, especially when there is little new home building. However, Billy's company, Billbo Cribbs, is yet to make a profit. And Billy knows his endeavor is costing him, as he stated, 'I'm doing it by the seat of my pants, and an $45,000 in the red.'

His business manager just shakes his head but as Brasfield said, 'It's not about that to me, and I do believe that as sure as I am sitting here that I will come out winning.'

And, maybe he just will, as others begin investing in the tiny forgotten town. Martha M. Ballard, a local real estate agent has sold homes to couples from California, Florida and Minnesota over the last few months and claims that, '2005 was the best year I ever had.'

Brasfield recalls, 'the mom-and-pop shop' era, when doors were left unlocked, kids played outside without trouble and Main Street was booming, a fantasy place,' he said.

Those days have gone, just as have his troubled days of trying to fit in as a gay teenager in a small town. At 18 Brasfield spread his wings and was inspired by a chance meeting with Christopher Reeve and Cheryl Tiegs to pursue his ambitions.

Brasfield said the encounter made him feel valid, something he had not felt in his home town.

Two years later he landed a job at a Macy's cosmetics counter in New York and discovered a natural talent in makeup artistry that saw a Vogue editor introduce him to an agent.

Now Billy B, as he is known in the fashion industry has built a career as a top makeup artist, with his rate as high as $5,000 a day and clients like Beyonce, the Dixie Chicks and Katie Couric. So that when he is not in New York at a magazine cover shoot, or Los Angeles preparing a star for the red carpet, he trades his cosmetic brush for a paint brush and goes to work restoring Aberdeen heritage.

As Billy says, 'he is trying to save Aberdeen one house at a time.'

Source:  Gonzalez, I (2006) A Makeup Star Gives A Town A Fresh Face: available online at http://www.nytimes.com

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Do you think Billy is following his head or his heart?

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

By Jeff Adolph

Real Lives and Real Estate

Some may call him a little eccentric but to others Billy Brasfield has a vision, and that is to save a dying town before it disappears forever.

It may be his love for his mother that inspires him, the historical architecture or his want to revive a childhood passed, but whatever his reasoning Billy had so far bought 16 homes in Aberdeen, a sleepy town of 6,400 residents, and restored each before re-selling it.

Now you would think this would make Mr Brasfield something of a real estate tycoon in the region, especially when there is little new home building. However, Billy's company, Billbo Cribbs, is yet to make a profit. And Billy knows his endeavor is costing him, as he stated, 'I'm doing it by the seat of my pants, and an $45,000 in the red.'

His business manager just shakes his head but as Brasfield said, 'It's not about that to me, and I do believe that as sure as I am sitting here that I will come out winning.'

And, maybe he just will, as others begin investing in the tiny forgotten town. Martha M. Ballard, a local real estate agent has sold homes to couples from California, Florida and Minnesota over the last few months and claims that, '2005 was the best year I ever had.'

Brasfield recalls, 'the mom-and-pop shop' era, when doors were left unlocked, kids played outside without trouble and Main Street was booming, a fantasy place,' he said.

Those days have gone, just as have his troubled days of trying to fit in as a gay teenager in a small town. At 18 Brasfield spread his wings and was inspired by a chance meeting with Christopher Reeve and Cheryl Tiegs to pursue his ambitions.

Source:  Gonzalez, I (2006) A Makeup Star Gives A Town A Fresh Face: available online at http://www.nytimes.com

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Do you think Billy is following his head or his heart?

Click on Comments below and share your thoughts…

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA