cgrand

i took the scenic route home saturday from the long beach launch, and found myself staring at dozens of beachfront or beach view empty lots. i realize these used to be people's homes, and certainly can empathize with those that got katrina'd...but are there values to be had here?

anyone in the know over there as far as lot prices and restrictions?
i have wanted for a while to have a weekend getaway that my family would use...the duck camp does not offer much to the female contingent

what's the word?

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pugnacious3333

I think the owners of beachfront property are probably holding out for the market to go back up, maybe sell to developers. I'm sure there are plenty of good deals to be had on some of those inland lots. Timber Ridge, in Pass Christian may be a good place to look. There are lots on the water, with access to bay st. louis, then the gulf.

The problem with building right now is that you have to build way up (I want to say 14' above sea level) and factor in very high insurance rates.

Someone correct me if i'm wrong about any of that.

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cgrand

most i saw had for sale signs...before i call a realtor i wanted to do some research. where can i look up the residential bldg codes?

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pugnacious3333

I'd go directly to the source and speak with people at the code offices. I do know that all of MS has adopted the international code standard.

http://co.harrison.ms.us/departments/code/index.asp

http://www.cityoflongbeachms.com/

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CarltonWhitfield

I live in Pass Christian and can vouch for the high insurance rates and costs of building elevated structures. The elevation requirements in Harrison County is 16' MSL, but the incorporated cities may be more/less strict. The City of Pass Christian has adopted 'smart code'. Not sure about the other cities along the coast.

As for beach front land values, even though the market is down, many property owners still value their property based on pre-katrina/pre-recession values. It is extremely expensive to rebuild/insure homes south of I-10. Pug is spot-on about looking for homes in Timber Ridge. You can find some really good deals on new/renovated homes.

Personally, and I do not want to discourage you or others wanting to invest and help in the regrowth of this wonderful area, but hindsight being 20-20 and knowing the cost associated with insuring my new home/the lack of progress and growth in Pass Christian, I would have kept my waterfront property and moved until prices realigned and became more reasonable.

cptnjimusa

Home Owners Insurance is the problem if you can even get it you will pay through the nose.

jtburf

Save your money and rent 6-8 weekends a season...

Sheryl and I are back in the Bay house mode and even here the prices are crazy...

John

BOOMER

I've got 3 lots right off 603 at Bayou Lacroix. No camp since Katrina and my taxes have doubled on the property!