If you’re desiring to sell a house, it’s a usual idea that in doing it on your own is cheaper. There is no need to have an agent, ergo there’s no agent fees. At times, however, it may be learned that it is still more convenient to have an agent close by. Their knowledge is vaster and probably more utile. However, not most individuals can pay for a broker. As such if it can’t be evaded, below are means to profitably sell your asset by yourself.

What Add-Ons Can Do
If planning to put your house on the market, you must be knowledgeable of the features you can set up to your property which can help make the price go higher. However, you should also make wise decisions on this aspect. Not every add-ons are best ideas. For instance a landscaped garden with a mini pond may cost thousands to install yet will just put in only less than half that price to the possible market price. This is not a great decision. The costs are much greater than probable earnings. Thus, it is better to find things that can help increase the market price while not costing too much.

Look with The Buyer’s Eyes
Because you are the owner of the home, you are already used to all things in the house. A window under repair may mean not even a thing to you because it’s been existing all the while. Yet, for home shoppers, this is not the case. But, when trying to put your house on the market on your own, try to see with the eyes of the buyer. This doesn’t mean you need to remove all private things in the home. These stuff give a feeling of comfort to the property. You only have to maintain everything clean and welcoming for a home shopper. All that is broken should be fixed and the things that necessitate restoration should be paid due tending.

Study How to List Your Property
Not hiring your own broker means that all things, from the smallest part to the biggest possible aspect should be attended to by you. This indicates you will have to put your house on list on your own also. However, before doing that you must learn how to successfully list your property. Check all possible websites where you can advertise your property without any fee or for an agreeable value. Also, inquire publishing houses of periodicals about their advertisement prices. If you can pay for it, have your property listed as soon as possible.

Aesthetics is Essential
Just like the way a woman applies make up on her face, your property should be made pretty not just internally but also outside. No home shopper would ever look inside a property donning an ugly façade. Ergo, clean the outer parts of the house. If there’s a garden, make it beautiful with shrubbery and a small lanai. If there is a veranda with chipped paint, repaint it. Furthermore, if there is a broken car in front take it somewhere else it or park it somewhere else in the mean time.

Honesty is the Best Policy
The final tip that house owners who want to put their property in the market must know is that there is nothing that attracts a shopper more than an honest marketer. Ergo, it is good to be truthful regarding all information|| on the property. If the buyer asks a question, tell everything there is. It is better than having the terrible truth exposed a few minutes before the closure of the sale. Be frank.

Frank is an expert in [http://rentinmakati.com/]Rent Makati properties. He can also assist you to [http://rentinmakati.com/rent_office_space/]Makati Office Space and more.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Putting-Your-Property-On-The-Market&id=3718143] Putting Your Property On The Market

Home owners trying to sell their home often have their guard up against real estate agents trying to get their business. The initial contact is important in gaining the business of the owners as you do not want to be one of those “other agents.” When making the initial contact your ultimate goal is to contact the FSBO seller using a low-pressure, trust-building tactic and secure an appointment to tour the home. You want to make the seller believe that you potentially have a buyer but you want to check out the house for yourself before you bring in your client. During your initial call, if the seller responds with, “We don’t want to list with a real estate agent.” You might say something like, “It is not my intention to list your home. I would simply like to put your home on my FSBO inventory list. If that is ok with you, may I come and view your home?” The initial contact is a friendly, no-pressure contact where your ultimate goal is for the seller to allow you into their home.

Once you have gained face to face access to the FSBO seller your next step is to tour the home, build trust, and ask for any possible referrals the FSBO may have. During your tour of the home you want to build a connection with the seller. This can be done by giving advice on how to better show the home, perhaps offering advice on how to stage the house, or how to add warmth to a room. By doing so you build a connection with the owner and show them that you are not in it to gain a listing. Upon leaving the tour, you should have some sort of marketing packet prepared. You can slip it in by saying something like, “Thank you so much for showing me your home, I wish you the best of luck in your sale. I have prepared one of my reports that might help you sell your home.” This packet can contain information on marketing strategies, neighborhood data, or simple real estate facts, but most importantly your contact information. This packet with your contact information is your slick way of making a name for yourself and potentially gaining other clients. Finish off your tour with a statement like, “Well Mr./Ms. Homeseller, I’m hoping for a win-win here. I can provide you with information to help you sell your home, and I hope that in return you will refer any buyers not interest in your home to me. Is there anything else I can do to help you?” With a statement like that you leave the lines of communication open and in return the FSBO may market your name.

Your third step in the process is dropping off an item of value. In this step you are dropping off some sort of incentive or a small token of appreciation to the FSBO seller to build trust and maintain contact. These days people responds to incentives, gain the trust and business of someone by offering them something like a gift certificate to dinner or even a free vacation. By you offering something of value, you keep the line of communication alive. “Good morning, Mr./Ms. FSBO. I thought you might be able to use this. How are things going?” No matter what response you get you want to ask the seller if there is anything you can do to help get their house sold. Most likely the FSBO hasn’t been having much traffic through the house and some consideration of hiring you is going through their mind. The item of value is your way to show the client you value their time, and you are willing to do what it takes to help them move the house. Even if you don’t get the listing right away you are maintaining lines of communication and even possible leads. There is a great resource widely used for Marketing Incentives listed at the bottom of this article.

Your last step in the process is touching base with the homeowner. The objective is simple, “touch base”. At this point in they are starting to feel the pressure of selling a home without an agent, and it’s your job to make another contact to see how things are going. Offer them your help once more. With an 80% failure rate, with all the other three steps successfully completed you might be getting their business soon. Contact them saying “Good morning, Mr./Ms. FSBO. I was just calling to see how things were going? Is there anything I can do to help you?” If you get a “no” make sure to say something along the lines of, “Ok, well, thanks again for your willingness to send me your referrals. Good luck!” If you feel a little more aggressive you could also say, “I’ll be in the area next week. Would you like some information on…” If the FSBO has not moved their house by now, keep the pressure on them. Continue making the contacts and offer them your help. With continued perseverance you main gain the listing on your next call.

Michael Rausa….Is a successful realtor from San Diego CA. He specializes in listing bank owned properties & short sales. He also works with real estate investors and bargain buyers. Recently he created a website focused on helping realtors improve their marketing efforts. To access the incentive marketing site referenced in the article go to rel=nofollow http://realestateabc123.com/cmi

Rausa Real Estate Consulting http://realestateabc123.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Steps-to-Working-With-FSBO-Sellers&id=3737223] 4 Steps to Working With FSBO Sellers

Since January 2009 it has been a legal requirement for anybody selling or leasing a commercial property in the United Kingdom to obtain a commercial Energy Performance Certificate (commercial EPC) before placing the property on the market. Many people have undergone the intensive, expensive, but relatively brief training programme to become UK Government accredited Commercial Energy Assessors and have set themselves up in business. Some of these people were already involved in commercial property in one way or another, as Chartered Surveyors, Architects or Building Services Engineers. Others were attracted to the new profession by unfounded claims of a shortage of Assessors or simply fell into it because they had been made redundant during the recession and ‘needed something to do’.

In consequence, the market has become crowded and commercial EPC prices have fallen dramatically. Most people requiring an EPC remain only vaguely aware of the new requirements and continue to regard EPC’s as a ‘necessary evil’ or at best a ‘tick box requirement’ which their solicitor insists on. In consequence the main and sometimes the only consideration when procuring a commercial EPC is price. Unfortunately, this reality has been rather exacerbated by the requirement for Commercial Energy Assessors to have their EPC’s audited on a regular basis. This auditing requirement is supposed to ensure the quality and consistency of EPC provision, but whilst going some way to achieving this aim it has also contributed to a widespread belief that a commercial EPC is just a piece of paper and it doesn’t matter who provides it.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that Commercial Energy Assessors should not be audited, but I do believe that the fact that the only bar to joining the profession is basically the cost of the training is an issue which needs to be addressed and a factor in the failure of commercial EPC’s, so far, to become a significant part of the decision making process of most people when buying or leasing a commercial property.

It is time for people in the new industry to prove their worth and to do so by adding value to their services. Too often, the Recommendations Report, which accompanies every commercial EPC is simply ignored and left to gather dust. The real value in commercial EPC’s should be at least as much in the Recommendations Report as in the EPC itself, but the Recommendations Report tends to be an afterthought on the part of the Commercial Energy Assessor and an irrelevance as far as the person commissioning the EPC is concerned.

More attention needs to be paid to the Recommendations Report because, once a decision has been made to acquire a commercial property, this is the piece of paper that really matters to the purchaser or the new tenant – they need to able to take steps to improve the commercial EPC rating so that they can show to future purchasers or tenants that they have added value to the property. Of course, they will also benefit over time from reduced energy costs.

The future for Commercial Energy Assessors is in showing how they can help people to reduce costs in their businesses and add value to their commercial properties. This is what will make the difference in the market for commercial EPC’s in the long term, rather than simply price. When people choose a firm of Commercial Energy Assessors accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or one of the other leading professional bodies within the wider property industry, they should be confident that the service provided will add value to their business so that the cost of the EPC becomes less of a defining issue.

Brian wrote this article for NCEA: National Commercial Energy Assessors who are a leading firm of RICS accredited Commercial Energy Assessors providing [http://ncea.co.uk]Commercial EPC’s throughout the UK.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Commercial-EPCs&id=3712450] Commercial EPC’s

Straw bale home construction is an astonishing new development in the new era of humanity. Based in going back to our roots, the idea is not 100% new, it is just new to this day and age. A combination of straw bale wall building techniques, earth plasters, rainwater cisterns, natural heating and cooling, generating electricity from sunlight will combine to create a energy efficient home and building with a beautiful finish.

It is not stock just in straw bale building, it goes beyond the imagination, and is generating all kinds of great ideas for natural energy generating systems to provide us with true hope for a better greener future. Investing in new renewable energy technology is the clue to the final push that science needs.

North American families are creating fossil-fuel-free homes that are being heat for just $4 a day, with the help of geothermal pumps and valves.

Zero-carbon footprint homes, use the public service company to storage the sun rays that will be used during cloudy days, permitting the homes re-sell the excess sun power to the company, during summer days when solar power generation is the greatest. This technology seems suitable for any home and it will help keep the buildings power consumption under control.

Solar thermal panels are composed of three parts: a solar thermal collector, a fluid system to move the heat from the collector to its point of use, and a tank for storage. Solar thermal panels are particularly cost-effective for heating hot tubs and swimming pools, which require huge amounts of heat.

On the other hand, the other power generating technique known as Photovoltaics, is widely available in thin strips of silicon sliced up and glued onto glass, which generates electricity when the sun shines on them. As of now, it seems that PVs or Photovoltaics, life span appears indefinite.

Of course all of this new ideas are costly, because we have not worked to develop pro-pertly to be able to generate the products now, and have to start to produce the technology now. Still this new ideas are full of hope and opening the doors to a new age.

Even though not many of us have the monetary facility to acquire this products, there are things we can do to help reduce global warming, while they may seem insignificant, they are important and necessary and we should start somewhere. A few things we all can do to help, are simple and require minimal efforts, changing lights bulbs to compact fluorescent, which will help save two-thirds on energy costs, while cutting carbon emissions.

Reducing plug loads, it is recommended that when not in use, all appliances be unplugged to reduce the large amounts of electric power they consume even when they are just turn off.

Finding a weatherization contractor, who can measure and audit things like the amount of air that runs through your home and offer solutions for adding insulation, caulking and sealing windows. The local utility company is a good resource to find someone to perform this service. We can all help in the quest for renewable energy and conservation, let’s all do our part.

Loving Mother Nature is to listen to it, read more about gardening and plant information at; http://www.JesseANaturesTalk.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Building-Ideas-With-Renewable-Resources&id=3716015] Home Building Ideas With Renewable Resources

When you enter East lake, you quickly feel like you are home. Just a walk through the streets will have you experiencing warmth and comfort. Some people say there is just something in the air and something in the water that makes everyone so friendly.

It all started in 1986. The East lake neighborhoods were first built on 3,200 acres of land located just south of San Diego in the city of Chula Vista. The vision behind the creation of this community was to provide residents everything a family could ever want or need in just one area. This includes schools, business centers, recreational parks, community centers and stores. We had a clear vision to create a community that has everything a San Diego home owner could want.

Above all the mission of this neighborhood is to maintain a community where residents would feel safe. It sustains a healthy environment that is serene and promotes happy active family lives with it’s many quality of life features.

The great benefit is that it is just far enough from downtown San Diego that residents feel close enough to the city to have some fun and yet separate enough to reside in a peaceful surrounding. East lake is the epitome of convenience. It is also located just minutes from the freeways that connect you to downtown San Diego, Lindbergh International Airport, Los Angeles, and Mexico.

Living in East lake is like living in the country. Every year since 1997, it has been voted San Diego’s best new home community in The San Diego Union-Tribune reader’s poll.

There are always new neighborhoods being built which makes this community better and better as the years go by. East lake Vistas and The Woods by East lake are two more fabulous neighborhoods that are the result of years of development and design.

Real estate in East lake is compromised of single-family homes, condos, duplexes and million dollar homes located in one of eight neighborhoods. EastLake Greens, EastLake Trails, EastLake Vistas, EastLake Woods, The Gates at the Woods as well as EastLake Hills, EastLake Shores, and EastLake Summit.

There is a wide range of prices and styles. Homes start from $300,000 and go up to over $3 million. Most Eastlake homes were built with ultimate care to the desire of its owner. There are still new homes available. Even the homes built in the 80’s and 90’s are built of excellent quality.

Rob Presley is a 20 year San Diego Real Estate Expert with over a billion dollars of San Diego Real Estate Sales, Financing, and Construction experience.

http://www.prestigerealtysandiego.com

To view all Eastlake Homes for sale visit: http://www.prestigerealtysandiego.com/Premier/branches/southbay/eastlake/Eastlake.html

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Always-Feel-at-Home-in-Eastlake&id=3733959] Always Feel at Home in Eastlake

Risking money on a building aspect that stays on environment friendly structure standards and efficiency in performance is an intelligent and mature choice. If taken into consideration, it may be concluded that with regard to the worth, environment friendly and energy efficient buildings are actually the best decisions today. Becoming environment friendly, especially in the architecture field is becoming ever more popular as the years go by and it is foreseen to go further to the highest point of the selection in the near future.

Being aware the devastation effected by climate change, warranting that many are joining in reducing the bad effect of mans acts on nature has become a natural need by many governments. In some countries incentives on tax are distributed to individuals who rise to the challenge by utilizing green materials and operating by environment-friendly construction habits. In majority of parts of life today green living is the main subject, in common life, career, and in architecture. For this reason, constructing environment-friendly infrastructures for commercial and residential motives has become an attractive prospect to investors. For buildings which were constructed conventionally, the means to get into the what is in is via hiring lay-out experts who specializes in environment-friendly structures. By doing such an infrastructure or branch may reach its entire environment-friendly efficiency. A structure with an effective environment-friendly area can lower and lessen the probability of being close to poisonous materials, and gives a guarantee that non-renewable energy and materials are preserved.

As regards construction of environment-friendly infrastructures, an environment friendly building agent will see to it that the construction procedure uses resources with the least damaging effect on the environment. The expert must as well do whatever that is needed to warrant that the building is being done while protecting wildlife, plants, air, soil, and local water. When designing an environment-friendly structure, it is vital to take into consideration the lifestyle of the probable inhabitants of the structure. It is good to ensure that the structure provides travel options, such as walking, mass transit, biking and alternative fuels. Creating design features that may make the life non-conformist commuters more effortless is just an appropriate and responsible need.

Aside from using construction resources that are approved to be environmentally friendly, it is also good to put in the same resources in the internal decorations and pieces of furniture. If there are materials which are not biodegradable, such as plastic and rubber, this may be used to make home decorations. The existence of modern creators made it an effortless job, producing numerous items that are created out of recycled materials. Though rubber and plastic may be considered as more effective as they do not wear and tear out, they arent as good to nature as some materials. It is best to utilize them as recycled home items rather than have them tuck together in landfills. It lessens the need to create biodegradable plastic.

While its a common idea that making a building into effectively eco-friendly is very costly, it should be remembered that this is only true many years before. In this day, building of green structures or turning traditional ones green has become least expensive because of the inventions in the construction field. In truth, the cost of constructing a traditional structure is really like the cost of green buildings. The better information there is that after the primary expenses released for the creation of the structure, the efficiency of the structure and the reusing capability will turn the price cheaper, resulting to multiple funds in comparison to traditional structures. Businessmen and companies are very much likely to put in money on these eco-friendly buildings with the knowledge that it will increase their funds more than a traditional structure might.

Considering the long-term expenses on energy and maintenance, utilizing environment-friendly resources and energy effective products will surely raise the profitability of a building. As the trend does not stop to rise to the top of the popularity list, the state rewards will increase as well. It is will be easier to know that the building will presently be spending for itself.

Frank Jeffries is an expert in [http://rentinmakati.com/]Rent Makati properties. He can also assist you to [http://rentinmakati.com/rent_house/]Makati House and more.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rise-of-Eco-Friendly-Commercial-Buildings&id=3746209] The Rise of Eco-Friendly Commercial Buildings

At first glance the concept of a luxury prefab home might seem like an oxymoron. How in the world can we associate luxury with prefabricated structures built with processes that would seem to value economy and simplicity over custom originality?

But let’s take a closer look. Ultimately isn’t luxury, whether we are referring to luxury prefabricated homes or a classic woman’s white blouse, synonymous with a language of elegance that often has less to do with the cost of base materials, individual components or assemblies than with the overall impact of the design? This is not to say that basic materials are irrelevant, just that creativity, regardless of that with which it is given to work, can rival effects achieved by the use of high-end materials.

Here is a case in point. We have all seen the glossy travel magazines featuring gorgeous villas in Bali or Phuket or other exotic locations in Southeast Asia. Very often the design of these houses employs a so-called open floor plan, which means fewer walls, as well as high ceilings supported by columns or minimal framing. The end result is a wonderful airy feel to these homes, where the line between inside and outside is blurred a little and one can feel close to the lush equatorial greenery which is such a big part of life in these latitudes. You can imagine walking across immaculate marble flooring while soft rain falls feet away from you, over early morning coffee.

Do you consider as you observed this luxuriant scene that the marble in the floor of the Bali villa was very likely sourced from a quarry on a nearby island for 1/20 the cost that one would pay for the same stone in New York City? Or that the thatched, conical roof was done by a local specialist for a price that would make you blush?

Villas such as this may or may not employ prefabricated construction techniques, but it might help us rethink what a luxury home is, prefab or not. The point is that in this case elegance was achieved not by sheer cost of materials, rather it was a functional simplicity that fit the landscape. Similarly, it’s easy to imagine homes that make use of prefabricated construction techniques which leave us as impressed by their overall design impact as do structures that employ materials and techniques that simply cost more. Certainly mobile homes or modular homes are not as irrevocably low-end as they used to be; it’s quite easy today to find builders of luxury prefab houses that are absolutely worthy of the term.

I would contend that, as people who have means are often very environmentally conscious, we can expect to find prefab techniques that use less in the way of volume of raw materials and also energy, to become more desirable over time. Architects should relish the chance to do much more with less, or at least less waste, extending especially to luxury prefab homes.

Tom Mullaly has always appreciated well-executed [http://prefabricatedstructures.net/]prefabricated structure design, and believes that applications for prefabricated construction will continue to grow, whether in designs emphasizing economy and functionality or gorgeous [http://lovinahotels.net]bali hotels with construction that elegantly incorporates green or environmentally-friendly elements.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prefabricated-Luxury-Homes---No-Longer-an-Oxymoron&id=3738533] Prefabricated Luxury Homes – No Longer an Oxymoron

There is a misconception that when selling your house for sale by owner you are risking your personal security and that you are safer having agents bring their clients to your house. From my personal experience, I would say nothing could be further from the truth.

Whether you are selling your house for sale by owner or listing it with an agent, keeping your relative privacy and security is generally a matter of common sense.

There is a misconception that when selling your house for sale by owner you are risking your personal security and that you are safer having agents bring their clients to your house.

From my personal experience, I would say nothing could be further from the truth.

As a buyer, I’ve looked at properties in many parts of the country. It’s not unusual for me, while on vacation, to call an agent and ask to see some houses. I have NEVER once had an agent ask for so much as my driver’s license before they’ve taken me around. I’ve never had an agent ask me for a prequalification letter let alone preapproval. I guess I have an honest face, but frankly, I’ve been surprised at this. I think most agents are so excited to have a warm body to take around they haven’t thought far enough ahead to see that they could be totally wasting their time.

On the flip side, when I’ve sold houses, I’ve been amazed that agents are showing my houses to clients who haven’t got two nickels to rub together, let alone could qualify for a loan. What a waste of time – for the agent, for the “buyer” and for me.

Here are some basic safety precautions everyone selling their house should take whether selling FSBO or using an agent.

HIDE YOUR VALUABLES – When getting your house ready to sell, this would be a good time to pack up any antiques, collections, family heirlooms, valuable artwork or electronics. Even if buyers have no malicious intent, accidents do happen. So anything you treasure should be out of sight and reach.

Make sure you have well hidden your personal valuables such as jewelry, checkbook, purse, and wallet.

Turn off your computer when anyone might be looking at your house to prevent snooping. I would go as far as hiding your laptop. I don’t know about you, but if someone walked off with my laptop that it would be a truly bad day.

NO WALK-INS – Whether you are selling FSBO or have an agent, expect that buyers will ring your bell and want to come in right then. For many reasons, not just security, I would say no. You don’t need that kind of stress and you don’t want to show the house when you are in the middle of dinner. If they are really interested they will understand and make an appointment to come back. Letting them in makes you seem desperate which is never a good position for negotiating a deal.

APPOINTMENTS – If you list with an agent, they should be keeping track of what agents are showing your house and who they have brought through. If you are selling for sale by owner, you have someone else with you if it would make you more comfortable when you are showing the house. Have your cell phone on and nearby, and have the potential buyers sign in and show you their driver’s license before you show them around.

SET UP YOUR COMMUNICATIONS FOR PRIVACY – You can retain your privacy and security by never giving out your personal email or phone number.

Set up a free email account just for the same of your house. Use Google, Hot mail, or Yahoo. You can even use your address as your email address, such as 123MainStreet@gmail.com. Once you start advertising online you will surely get junk emails. After you have sold your house you can simply delete that email address.

If you have a spare phone line designated this line for the sale of your house. Better yet, get an inexpensive or even free separate line with Vonage or Skype. Use this line temporarily for the sale of your house and disconnect it after you’ve sold it.

Use this line to promote your house. Record a message describing your house in glowing detail, tell them where they can find the online listing, give directions, and tell them to drive by. When they’ve done all these things, then you can talk to them.

This will let you talk only to people who are truly interested in your house and eliminates wasting time with listing agents and “tire-kickers”.

Real estate investors have a saying that “people that buy are people that drive by”.

Follow these few simple precautions and use common sense and there is no reason that selling your house needs to compromise your privacy or security.

Deane Alban is a real estate investor and creator of the first “FSBO 2.0″ home selling system. Today’s technology lets frustrated homeowners bypass their realtor and even do a better job. Learn how with “The Truth About FSBO” – a “total realtor replacement” system, the only one that offers vital personalized support. Sign up for free daily “FSBO 2.0″ Selling Tips at http://TruthAboutFSBO.com/today.htm and start using the power of 2.0 today!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-You-Safe-When-Selling-For-Sale-by-Owner?&id=2972244] Are You Safe When Selling “For Sale by Owner”?

The 5 bedroom home is listed for 2.25 million pounds or a bit over  4 million dollars US.

Except for the dining room, the walls are white or pale cream, so new owners could easily make their mark. The Chapmans’ style is bright and colourful with lots of flowers – whether real ones in vases, patterned roses on the red curtains and blinds in the kitchen toning with the red and pinky tiles over the range, on the bedroom curtains or in large cheerful paintings on the walls.

They’ve put a new pale oak floor in the hall and kept the original oak floor in the dining room. On the top floor they have three bedrooms and a large bathroom put in when they arrived, and they’ve just added an en-suite bathroom to the main bedroom on the first floor.

The Chapmans reckon they spent up to £350,000 renovating and decorating the house.

West Hill Road is lined with homes in a mix of styles including a Sixties apartment block, 1930s villas and, at the far end, a line of houses like the Chapmans’, all with views over London from the top floors.

And boy will that make a difference in the quality of life 10 years down the road. Instead of congestion that will squander the beauty, they will have quality and organized development.

I have has the opportunity to live in a smart growth community. Our county has insisted on 5 acre lots in most of the county and the towns and cities tend to have very organized and restrictive housing criteria with lots of greenbelts and open spaces. And it is wonderful.

Some may dislike this approach but watching the rest of Metro Atlanta explode and have a hodgepodge of housing built around it makes me see the logic and appreciate the housing appreciation that goes along with it.

Longtime residents and local officials who want to guide growth, but not hinder it, say they believe that Jasper will benefit from developing later than other parts of the South. Having watched their neighbors, particularly Beaufort County, become overwhelmed by growth that spilled over from Hilton Head, Jasper officials say, they saw what was coming and got together to set some ground rules.
“In areas like ours, where people are starved for development, they’re willing to give away the farm,” said Kevin Griffin, assistant city manager of Hardeeville, who has an advanced degree in urban planning. “But we’ve really tried to get ahead of the growth, rather than being five years behind and having to catch up.”
More than two years ago, local leaders from Hardeeville and Ridgeland got together with county officials to collaborate on a shared growth plan. A five-mile radius was drawn around Ridgeland, and another five-mile radius was set around Hardeeville, delineating where development could occur according to local zoning laws.
Any landowners who fall outside of each town’s boundary and want to build have to petition to be annexed, and if approved, pay for the installation of sewers, water, and roads. After extensive research, the joint planning committee determined that every new residential unit costs about $6,200 in services.
“People talk about smart growth, but this is more like fiscal growth,” Mr. Griffin said. “We don’t say you can’t develop here; it’s a pay-to-play environment. Suddenly, that cheap land doesn’t seem so cheap anymore. But the good developers, the ones who want to be stewards of the land, they are the ones who can adjust their plans and create a quality product.”

‘Smart Growth’ in South Carolina – New York Times.