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.