GayRealEstate USA

Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - West Virginia

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Situated in the Appalachia/ Upland region of southern U.S.A, this state is ranked as the 41st largest by land mass and the 37th largest by population with 1,808,344 people residing in this region.

This states economy relies heavily on coal, oil and natural gas production along with farming.

Income tax in this state is set between 3-6.5% with a sales tax of 6%. Property taxes are paid to the local sheriff and the rate is a combination of levies at a state, county, school and municipal level.

Huntington

Median home values hover around the $125,000 mark with approximately 325 for sale at present. market value in this region is said to be increasing and has risen by $20,000 since December of 2007.

The median age of residents in this area is around 38 years of age, and the regions population has declined along with job growth by 1-5%.  There are approximately 3.6% of homes vacant in this area with 89.3% owned and 7.1% rented.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 2,916 same-sex couples residing in West Virginia making this region the 40th gayest state in America. The gayest zip codes in this locality are 25401 Martinsburg; 25701 Huntington; 26003 Wheeling; 26554 Fairmont; 26101 Parkersburg. -- 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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Second-home Buyers Paradise

By Jeff Adolph

Holiday Homes

Berkley Springs has legendary healing powers according to local sources, these evidentially flow through the warm mineral waters of the Berkley Spring State Park.

Situated in West Virginia's eastern panhandle this location has attracted hundreds or thousands of visitors since the pre-colonial era, when Native Americans and European explorers stopped for water.

A homey town, but not too homey, with a country music station and a vintage bookstore, along with antique malls and boutiques Berkley Springs makes the perfect home-away-from-home.

Outdoor activities include golf, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking and of course swimming and warm spring indulgence in the local bath house and pool if you prefer a more modern atmosphere.

The local art gallery and movie theater provide you with light entertainment and there are some fabulous eateries and bars in the township.

The bonuses of this region is it is quiet and gay friendly, however, it's not New Hope or Provincetown. 'There's no gay bars, and that's not the focus here,' said part-time local Michael Dennis of Washington, who has lived in the town since 1996. 'But it's a diverse community where people enjoy being together and feel comfortable.'

On the real estate front, homes in the region are selling for around $175,000 and fixer-upper 'river rat huts' and hunting shacks sell for less than $100,000. Typically, a 3-bedroom house that is in 'move-in condition', on one acre will set you back $150,000.

Vacation homes are in the $250,000-$350,000 price range with listings over $500,000 rare.

There is also a 1,200 home resort community and spa planned for the region in 2009-2010 and 25% of home sales in the region are to second-home buyers.

So, if you are looking for a mountain view, healthy outdoor activities and plenty of space, Berkley Springs may be your home-away-from-home as well.

Regional Real Estate Facts: With a population of 701, Berkley Springs is a tranquil and scenic alternative to cit life, and perfect for second-home buyers looking for an escape. Typically, buyers are from Washington and Baltimore or those individuals or couples interested in art and New Age Healing. -- nytimes.com

Main Story Source: New York Times (2008) A Mountain Town Where Mineral Waters Flow; available online at http://www.nytimes.com

Picture Source: nytimes.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Holiday Homes

Berkley Springs has legendary healing powers according to local sources, these evidentially flow through the warm mineral waters of the Berkley Spring State Park.

Situated in West Virginia's eastern panhandle this location has attracted hundreds or thousands of visitors since the pre-colonial era, when Native Americans and European explorers stopped for water.

A homey town, but not too homey, with a country music station and a vintage bookstore, along with antique malls and boutiques Berkley Springs makes the perfect home-away-from-home.

Outdoor activities include golf, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking and of course swimming and warm spring indulgence in the local bath house and pool if you prefer a more modern atmosphere.

The local art gallery and movie theater provide you with light entertainment and there are some fabulous eateries and bars in the township.

The bonuses of this region is it is quiet and gay friendly, however, it's not New Hope or Provincetown. 'There's no gay bars, and that's not the focus here,' said part-time local Michael Dennis of Washington, who has lived in the town since 1996. 'But it's a diverse community where people enjoy being together and feel comfortable.'

On the real estate front, homes in the region are selling for around $175,000 and fixer-upper 'river rat huts' and hunting shacks sell for less than $100,000. Typically, a 3-bedroom house that is in 'move-in condition', on one acre will set you back $150,000.

Vacation homes are in the $250,000-$350,000 price range with listings over $500,000 rare.

There is also a 1,200 home resort community and spa planned for the region in 2009-2010 and 25% of home sales in the region are to second-home buyers.

So, if you are looking for a mountain view, healthy outdoor activities and plenty of space, Berkley Springs may be your home-away-from-home as well.

Regional Real Estate Facts: With a population of 701, Berkley Springs is a tranquil and scenic alternative to cit life, and perfect for second-home buyers looking for an escape. Typically, buyers are from Washington and Baltimore or those individuals or couples interested in art and New Age Healing. -- nytimes.com

Main Story Source: New York Times (2008) A Mountain Town Where Mineral Waters Flow; available online at http://www.nytimes.com

Picture Source: nytimes.com

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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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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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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

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!

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

© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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

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