What is the most descriptive word for CBL's newest lively creation? Mall obviously does not work, emporium didn't have that special ring to it, nor did "shopping center (or centre)", although several news sources call the CBL creation a Shopping Center. The Promenade is so much more than shopping.
I vote for Promenade PowerPlaza (there's only one thing missing for it to be a genuine plaza. See if you can figure out what it is...). I guess you could think of me as a Promenade Stalker. I am interested in the progress of the Promenade and expect positive long range and long term effects; as are many others in the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities.
Now for some fun... The other day between showing appointments I had time to visit the Promenade, reminesce--and soak in the excitement of pre-opening. on the other side of Hwy 67/15 is an established shopping/dining area. Locals were using "D'Iberville Walmart", Sangani, D'Iberville Lowe's as landmarks. Now this special intersection is becoming known as the highway between the Promenade and D'Iberville Walmart (at least by some folks who constantly give directions:-)
Note the Waffle House located right behind the sign. This road is a sign of progress. It may look plain to you, but its awesome to me.
So, you take exit 46B so you are headed North (away from the beach), take the first left past the intersection at I-10/I-110 (which miraculously turns into hwy 67/15). Now Hiring.
I remember when a Target in the MS Gulf Coast was simply a wish. Of course I visualized placing it in Long Beach...
Thank you for visiting. If you have your mind set on working at the Promenade location and want your home nearby, give me a call. I am confident I can help you move in the right direction. 228-806-5568 .
CAL North Biloxi communities are located 4 easy highway to highway miles away. I time myself frequently at 4 to 5 minutes without breaking speed laws. Students in this area attend all D'Iberville schools. We have new townhomes, flats and duplexes ranging from the low $600s up available for 6month and 1yr + leases.
Please see my other blogs located at CAL Team for more local information.
*Note: I hope we will have CTA transit service stopping at the Promenade and at the intersection of Lamie Bridge Road and N. Highway 15. That could be helpful for shopping and the work force. Perhaps someone reading this would help make it happen...
As a REALTOR and Leasing Agent for CAL Realty, Inc., my focus is with the Avondale development, N. Biloxi and Quail Creek Cove, as well as some interesting duplexes on Deer Creek Rd and Janus rd.
I usually end up driving the road from I-10/I-110 (exit 46B) one or more times a day through the week, and usually on weekends as well. For example, this Saturday, a Holiday week end, I had three showings on Quail Creek Cove. I expect a 100% close ratio. The property showings were for both SRAP and Non-SRAP Lease Candidates.
I do a LOT of driving the Gulf Coast--I can't think of an easier commute to the Interstate, while still living in a peaceful area that feels a bit like country--than the communities of North Biloxi.
So, everyday I pass by the Promenade Power Center. I am excited and grateful for the new jobs that will be available. Many employers are hiring now. Check the links below for updated information. I have also noticed that some of the individual businesses are now listed in a web search for Promenade Diberville.
If you are thinking of moving to Mississippi, or if you just want to live near the Promenade for work purposes, please contact me, I will make it my personal mission to help you get settled whether you need to lease or buy.
Actually, if you are moving anywhere in Harrison County I can help you or refer you to an agent that takes your relocation seriously. (I have been so focused on North Biloxi, I forget I can help with other areas:-) .
Other progress I noticed in my commutes: The Walmart at Pass Christian is due to open soon. Yippee! I live in Long Beach. The Holdiay Inn Express at Long Beach will be opening soon as well.
More jobs will become available as local employees shift from one store to another to save time and money with their work commutes. Stay tuned for more information...
Someone has been running a Huge ad in The Sunherald rolling out the Neighborhood Rental Restoration Project. I can't help but wish that the entity paying for or sponsoring these ads could devote a tiny portion to advertising the ongoing SRAP Program and the new homes awaiting certified SRAP Rental candidates..
Generally, we introduce the SRAP from scratch. Occasionally we have SRAP Certified Rental Candidates contact us via the MDA office. So many potential candidates are not aware of the program--its unbelievable. I am thinking of doing a pre-recorded introduction to play for SRAP candidates.
My personal vested opinion:-), for every ad soliciting new investors--the MDA should also place a Rental Candidate information ad.
The NRRP ad states that "...According to a recent housing study, more affordable rental property is needed in the lower three coastal counties (South of I-10)." I cringe to think this program could be based on "Hud" Telephone surveyors. Who did they talk to? Did they perhaps go out and count the vacancies south of I-10? When was this study performed? Was it before or after the flurry of building?
Read carefully to make sure you can handle less than the maximum rental rate for the NRRP. Undoubtedly many investors will get in on this program. You will have competition. Be ready to be better and/or more competitively priced. You will likely find that the Government is your biggest competitor. You may also find that investors who are not in the program will lower their rates to stay competitive with the hud/mda programs; which in turn causes you to continually lower your rates.
The NRRP program may work great for some investors. The program requires a minimum credit score of 580. Please, perform your own due diligence, or hire an accountant and attorney before jumping in. It is likely a good idea that you start attracting rental candidates well ahead of your deadline.
The reason I chose to place specific guidebook links here when I could tell you to go to the parent site is because I am stressing the importance of the guidebooks. Even more so, I stress reading them and analyzing them.
I advise talking to current investors south of I-10 and see how things have been going for them.
The area I primarily serve is North Biloxi. Take exit 46B from I-10. Drive two miles North on 67/15 past Walmart and the new Promenade Shopping area. Take the North Hwy 15 exit. Drive two miles North. Avondale is on the left. All N. Biloxi showings begin with an orientation at the first townhome as you turn into Avondale.
The first 10 townhomes are all set aside for SRAP Certified Candidates. The other town homes are also reasonably priced but are not in the SRAP program. Take a peak at these townhomes by clicking here.
We still have Avondale Duplex homes and Quail Creek Cove Flats available for SRAP Certified Rental Candidates. Remember that N. Biloxi students attend all D'Iberville Schools. Harrison County provides school bus transportation.
August was a great rental month. Several SRAP homes have new occupants in Avondale, Quail Creek Cove and Quail Creek Circle. September is well on its way to topping August. CAL's September special with participating investors is: 1st month free/Zero ap fee.
Fortunately, we do not have to choose whether what we do is more about Real Estate or People; I think we all know the essence, the bottom line; the nitty gritty of real estate is "people". Most often we are thinking of the people rather than ourselves. If you have been a real estate professional any time at all, you know that to be true. You probably also know that in the "people" category you pay the least attention to yourself.
Most Real Estate Professionals come with families (gasp...:-) . Recently I experienced an intervention of sorts. I learned that family members thought I was working too much. Obviously I had let my passion for serving Investors and rental candidates get totally out of hand. How do you back off, though? I don't think it is possible to give less. However, I did make a vow to remember to schedule in important family events. A chief complaint is that I spend too much time on the computer. So, I am backing off of non-essential writing, other than when the last family member is asleep, or if I happen to wake up at 3AM as I did today and find my family still sleeping.
Once when I woke up around 3AM, our house was on fire. I thanked God when I woke up at 3 this morning that my house was safe, and all family members either breathing deeply or snoring. I made a pit stop by the coffee pot and found the following reminder from my 16 yr old, Skye. "Mom, do you know anyone that would like to sponsor me for the Choir Walkathon?" Well, off the top of my head, No. However, I put us down for $2 a mile or $20. The walkathon is tomorrow; with a packed real day I can't see lining up sponsors last minute as something I can do successfully. I will be coordinating 3 to 4 new leases, the results of ongoing work. I may be weak minded; but I have got to focus on work.
One thing about being a Long Beach Concert Choir Mom is that the parent association comes up with a year packed full of fund raisers. For instance, I may not do a great job at helping get sponsors for the Walk a Thon (Sponsors just let me know the $ or cents they want to contribute to Skye's 10 track walk. You can pay later:-); but I still have time to get myself together for Christmas Wreathes (you may turn in your order now:-); they are beautiful, Christmas with Santa...
Now I know many Real Estate Professionals have kids, and we can't all contribute to all of them. Still, in recognition of the fact that we are Real People, with Real Families--I would like to know about your fund raisers. I would also like your tips on living a more balanced life if you are actively involved in Real Estate as a "Field Agent" (Field Agents get the fun part of the job, working with Rental or Buyer Candidates, showing homes, photographing homes, placing ads).
Following are styles of homes available in the North Biloxi D'Iberville schools area. This area has easy access to shopping, including the new Promenade Shopping area to be open in October. Entertainment and many major employers are also within easy commuting distance.
2 bedroom, 1 and 1/2 bath townhomes, approx 1026 sf. All homes include a new refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, disposal and have central heat and air.
These townhomes are leasing at the special rate of $675 mo no utilities paid, or $795 Water and electric paid.
We have a variety of SRAP designated duplexes below $800.00 mo. Some Landlords will offer utilities paid at $995. This decreases your move in cost by not having to come up with deposits for Coast Electric and the City of Diberville.
Some people confuse SRAP, Section 8, Low Income Housing. SRAP homes are not subsidized to the renter, SRAP designated homes are not rent paid by the government. However, some landlords will accept Section 8 vouchers. Also, once you certify by income with the SRAP program, as long as you are in the same home, you do not have to re-certify. So, its okay to improve your financial standing without fear of having to move.
The above are 3bedroom 2 bath townhomes reserved in the SRAP Plan.
Should you find that you make too much money to qualify for SRAP, CAL Home Specialists can still find you a nice home at a reasonable price.
In my humble opinion the SRAP program has been confusing to the people who need it most--mainly because of a lack of information for rental candidate; i.e., the public at large.
After stopping by the office in Biloxi, Skye and I decided to visit the Tea Party before scavenging the Edgewater Mall for the Shoe Mission. Following are photo highlights. These are publicly expressed sentiments of some who attended the Tea Party. This is simply a portrayal of what I saw.
No matter what is going on; or who says what--I love the people of our country. My daughter and I were leaving the Tea Party when we passed by the gentleman above. She remarked that she like his shirt. I said, "Can we get a photo?" He said sure, then told Skye she should be in it with him." Of all the photos I have taken, I believe this depicts the beauty of life in the United States. Idealism stretching across generations and making immediate friends of strangers.
Again, I simply recorded some political statements. I do not necessarily agree with all as it was put. Also, by submitting this record of the Biloxi Tea Party, I am in no way making a political statement regarding the CAL Group, my employer.
One last observence--my soon to be 16 year old daughter was quite frustrated that she was not old enough to sign some petitions. I wonder how many teens there are across the U. S. who are much more savvy than we think--and whose enthusiasm to get involved is thwarted.
If anyone knows of teen oriented political groups, please inform me. I think we might need to at least listen.
PS: End of story--After visiting Edgewater Mall, we still did not find her specific Converse All American Light Sneakers. So much for shopping local. I guess we will have to go online.
Saturday, July 18th, 2009--From Shoes to the Tea Party and in between... Part 1 of 2
This morning's mission: Find a new pair of Converse All American Light Sneakers to replace:
Can you imagine? Not a store carried what a teen wanted.These are her favorite shoe. Nothing else will do. When I picked this pair up for a photo shoot, Skye warned me: "You better not throw them away!"
Then my thoughts turned to the opening of the Promenade. Along with the Promenade comes a:
Yippee! (Photos of outdoor advertising in Seminary, Mississippi.) Although we already have some good shoe stores. Whose to say that the Watermelon Patch would have Converse All American Lights in women's size 7 1/2? They could end up like the other stores. NONE. Hey, we can go online ya know. There is just something ultimately interesting about a shoe store called Watermelon Patch.
Skye and I decided to do a full circle and stop by Avondale to check on a couple of properties,then stop at the office in Biloxi, winding up at the Edgewater Mall on Hwy 90 to hopefully eventually give the shoe story a happy ending.
Incidentally, our North Biloxi properties are only 4 easy breezy miles from the I-10/I-110 Intersection. I am sure you have heard of the Promenade Power Shopping area scheduled to open in October...Well, this special intersection is already well endowed on the NE side of the intersection with super stores like: Walmart, Lowes and various other retailers, hairstylists, and dining of all types. Both sides of the intersection have gas stations/convenience stores and nice hotels.
North Biloxi properties are in prime position! (Guess where my area of focused responsibility is?) :-) Yep, you guessed it.
The CAL Realty Group has properties spread throughout Harrison County, however. My personal focus is North Biloxi. Except in personal referral circumstances, I generally pass inquiries outside of North Biloxi/D'Iberville to one of my CAL PALS that know their areas better than I do.
One of the really neat aspects of working with CAL is the versatility. Currently we have an Inventory reduction $ale. Though I represent the owner, the buyer can't help but come out ahead in the Town Home/Duplex market.
If you are moving to the area, it will benefit you to give me the 1st chance at helping you get settled. If you want to rent awhile before buying--CAL has an excellent "Nesting" program. As long as you buy or build within the CAL Group--you can get from 20% up of your rent returned to you, depending on your plan.
I represent several investors that have homes set aside in the SRAP program, or Small Rental Assistance Program. These investors can help you get back on your feet in new homes with lower than hud defined market tental/lease rates.
A word about SRAP... As prospective resident you only have to qualify once. If you do better next year, its ok. According to my SRAP Source, you do not have to qualify again as long as you stay in the same home. This can work to your advantage if you expect a boost in income. Please do not think of SRAP as Section 8. The programs are not the same. SRAP does not pay any of your rent, your rent is not subsidized--taking time to qualify simply opens up wider choices for you with some aggressive rental rates set aside for folks at the income levels above. Please note that you should be budgeting approx 30% of your income for rent, or CAL qualify with your income a minimum of 2.5 times the rental rate. Hey--call if you have questions.
I have found that many people with substantially higher incomes are attracted to the SRAP ads. Though I cannot give you SRAP rates--tour our residences. Most investors are competitive and offer move in specials. We should be able to meet the needs of both hourly workers and management of I-10/I-110 businesses.
Satisfied that my we were in good shape for the new resident due in next week... we then stopped by the office quickly then decided to stop by the Biloxi Tea Party. See Part 2
A client of a client of mine is an investor planning to get her real estate license soon. She is not going the Career REALTOR or corporate route, rather licensee/investor route. So, we were wondering if anyone at Active Rain in the Houston Area would have suggestions for a broker match. . Of course a broker strong in investing would be a good start.
The weekend of Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14 we are focused on the open house in Gulfport's Westbury Community. However, we split our staff so that we can attend showings in other communities as well.
(I will have opportunity to get better Westbury photos this weekend).
This Saturday, June 13 Open house from 10Am to 4 PM at our newest community in Gulfport-Westbury. Westbury is in a great central location off 5th street at Cowan Lorraine. Access to HWY 90 is a breeze. The owners visited yesterday and left us with some very competitive lease rates. This location in Gulfport maks an easy breezy commute for the SeaBee Base, Keesler AFB, and major casinos. Even if you work a casino at Biloxi's East side, the commute is still easy because of Beach Boulevard access. Shopping? Another easy breezy connection. You are not far from EdgeWater Mall and LOTS of shopping right up the street at the intersection of Cowan and Pass Road.
My Lease Buddy's will be handling Saturday while I do showings North of I-10 for Avondale, Quail Creek Cove, and Deer Creek.
Tomorrow, Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 I will have the pleasure of introducing folks to Gulfport's Westbury. Sooo, I hope you meet up with me if you're in town. If you have any acquaintances looking for a lease situation, or a lease to build situation please point them in my direction. By the way, the CAL Group offers a referral bonus to licensed brokers, and we promise to take excellent care of your referrals. ...If your referral completes the Lease to Build program, you are also compensated on the build side.
If you are not a licensee, we cannot pay you for referrals, sorry. However, we are able to offer a rent discount to current resident's who introduce us to an acquaintance that moves in. Other than great rates and move in specials, we are currently offering a vacation package for this month's move ins.
So, Meet me here: or here or at Westbury Sun from 1P to 4 PM.
If my schedule doesn't work for you--We work as a team, so please see one of my Leasing Associates. Of course I will meet your schedule daylight to dusk, 7 days a week--by appointment. (...Noooo, that doesn't mean I work 24X7, I schedule my time around real estate needs).
Utilities for these communities: Avondale, Janus Road, Deer Creek Road, Quail Creek Cove and Quail Creek Circle (and other nearby communities represented by other agents):
Coast Electric: 228-388-3109 It will run you $290 between deposit and meter fee to get turned on. I have heard from residents that electric is running around $80 mo in the townhome and varying from $110 to $250 for the duplex.
D'Iberville Water: 228-392-2310 (Investors/Out of Area Owners talk to Shelia).Water and Sewer are billed together. After paying your initial deposit of approx $150. This bill averages $30 according to the customer service department.
Advantage Disposal: This service is contracted by Harrison County and billed with the Owner's taxes. New residents simply call and request your trash bin to be delivered. (For non-dumpster type communities).
Now, for a bit of site seeing:
The above from the Trail walk at the College, Long Beach
Quail Creek Cove Townhome Kitchen.
Avondale/Patel Townhome Kitchen
The other side of an Avondale/Patel Townhome
Typical upgrade kitchen found in the Deer Creek/Janus Rd Duplex-Flats.
All CAL managed properties come with a Stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. All come with washer/dryer space-hook ups . Many will include a washer and dryer.
Are you excited? If you found me, you are most likely thinking of moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I remember the excitement, anticipation and concerns about relocating. Therefore, I try to convey "slice of life" moments with photo-blogs and single photo uploads. My area of focus is Harrison County, MS. Distinctively, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Long Beach at this time.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
on the other side of Hwy 67/15 is an established shopping/dining area. Locals were using "D'Iberville Walmart", Sangani, D'Iberville Lowe's as landmarks. Now this special intersection is becoming known as the highway between the Promenade and D'Iberville Walmart (at least by some folks who constantly give directions:-) 
Now Hiring.
I remember when a Target in the MS Gulf Coast was simply a wish. Of course I visualized placing it in Long Beach...
We have a variety of SRAP designated duplexes below $800.00 mo. Some Landlords will offer utilities paid at $995. This decreases your move in cost by not having to come up with deposits for Coast Electric and the City of Diberville.
Yippee! (Photos of outdoor advertising in Seminary, Mississippi.) Although we already have some good shoe stores. Whose to say that the Watermelon Patch would have Converse All American Lights in women's size 7 1/2? They could end up like the other stores. NONE. Hey, we can go online ya know. There is just something ultimately interesting about a shoe store called Watermelon Patch.
then stop at the office in Biloxi, winding up at the Edgewater Mall on Hwy 90 to hopefully eventually give the shoe story a happy ending.
. Of course a broker strong in investing would be a good start.
or here 
or at Westbury Sun from 1P to 4 PM.
Quail Creek Cove Townhome Kitchen.
Avondale/Patel Townhome Kitchen
;)
;)
