Texas landscapes of our

American Farmland Trust Texas region Texas Special Report Going, Going, Gone: The impact of land fragmentation on Texas agriculture and wildlife The Texas of legend, and of our memories, is a land of vast, wide open spaces. The reality, however, is that over the last 30 years, the average size of land ownership—the average acreage of land holdings—in Texas has been shrinking dramatically. A March, 2003 report from Texas Cooperative Extension of the Texas A&M University System and American Farmland Trust, entitled Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century [ More ] , assesses the extent of land fragmentation in Texas and identifies predictors that warn of areas around the state most at risk for fragmentation. The report also examines how effective a purchase of development rights program may be in stemming the tide of land fragmentation in Texas. ( More information on PDR in Texas) Going, Going, Gone: The Impact of Land Fragmentation on Texas Agriculture and Wildlife summarizes some of the findings of that report, by discussing the effect of land fragmentation on our citizens, wildlife, farming, ranching and water supplies. This 12-page study also outlines recommendations made by American Farmland Trust with an eye toward conserving family lands and the Texas landscapes of our memory. To accommodate new landowners, the vast farms and famous Texas ranches are being rapidly splintered into smaller and smaller pieces. Each year since 1970, about 1,000 new farms and ranches have been established in Texas. At the same time, the total area devoted to agricultural uses declined by almost 3 million acres. That's 33,000 more farms and ranches on 3 million fewer acres. This process is part of a trend known as land fragmentation. ( Look at a map of Texas' most fragmented counties) Those new "ranchettes" are typically too small for traditional farming, ranching or forestry. But that's fine with most new landowners who have limited interest in working the land. Instead, they want a place where they can escape the crowds and noise of urban life. They want to do a little hunting, explore the countryside, own a few cattle and reconnect with the spirit of the old West. One recent survey of new landowners by the Texas A&M University's Real Estate Center found that 80 percent of buyers said that finding land for non-agricultural uses, like hunting, fishing and other recreation were "very important" motives for their purchase. Sadly, this rush to embrace the land may be ruining it. Thousands of new "ranchettes" are gobbling up open space and degrading wildlife habitat, while at the same time depleting and polluting scarce water resources. The most vivid examples of this phenomenon can be found in the more populous eastern half of the state and on the outskirts of just about any major city. From 1992 to 2001, over half a million acres of farm and ranchland in twenty-five Texas counties were converted to land uses other than agriculture. While this loss due to "urban sprawl" was primarily confined to the fringes of our major metropolitan areas, the fragmentation of agricultural lands into smaller ownerships has occurred in areas that have not been affected by urban sprawl. Fragmentation is starting to eat away at large ownerships even in areas such as the Trans Pecos and South Texas, which seem the very definition of "wide open spaces." This fragmentation is likely to continue in some of the most rural areas of the state where natural amenities such as recreation potential and scenic beauty are in high demand. Texas Rural Lands: Trends and Conservation Implications for the 21st Century examined the issue of land fragmentation and its impact on land uses across the state and found that this phenomenon is rapidly transforming Texas. The changes often go unnoticed by the average Texan, but those close to the land see the consequences. Things are changing. Follow the links below to view the rest of the report. Or download a PDF of the full report here . Look at the Texas Land Trends interactive report here . For more information on both reports, contact: Bob Wagner American Farmland Trust 1 Short Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-586-4593 Texas Regional home page AFT's Press Release on Going, Going, Gone Fragmentation study overview New Breed of Landowners Ranches and Wildlife Water Worries A PDR program for Texas Recommendations Charts and Graphs 1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 info@farmland.org 202-331-7300 202-659-8339 (f) [ << AFT Home ]

real estate loan fraud

Inman Real Estate News - Loss from real estate loan fraud soars to $1 billion FBI launches mortgage fraud-fighting initiative Loss+from+real+estate+loan+fraud+soars+to+%241+billion FBI+launches+mortgage+fraud-fighting+initiative %3ca+href%3d'http%3a%2f%2fwww.inman.com'+target%3d'_blank'%3eInman+News%3c%2fa%3e 2005-12-16T00%3a00%3a00.0000000-08%3a00 49246 HOME | NEWS | JOIN | PRODUCTS | CONFERENCES | ADVERTISE | ADVICE | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SUBMIT A TIP Member Resources Members Home Search Inman News Content Warehouse Cartoon Database Weekly Newsletter Special Reports Audio Files Inman Blog Feedback Connect Registration Audio Conference LETTERS TO THE EDITOR There's no denying real estate bubble Re: ' Worst-case scenario for housing next year ' (Dec. 28) Dear Editor: I have been a real estate investor since I was 19. I am now 54. To deny a real estate bubble is to ignore the obvious market fundamentals. Obviously, there are different factors in different markets, but as a longtime investor/Realtor/broker there is no logical argument against real estate prices declining 10 percent to 30 percent in the "hot markets." The South Florida condo market will be a blood bath. The median income cannot buy the median house in most markets; interest rates will continue creeping up; speculators have driven prices to insane levels and when the going gets rough they will walk from a lot of residential properties. Most "hot" areas are becoming alarmingly overbuilt with residential inventories rising; lenders have ticking time bombs in their ARMs, negative equity and interest-only mortgages. Do your homework. Be wary of those whose opinions are tainted by the fact that they or their company have a stake in this insane market continuing. Michael H. Mosieur Mosieur Business Brokers Re: ' America closes doors to architectural expression ' (Dec. 26) Dear Editor: This is one of the most insightful articles I've read in a long time. We might add, "And what are we doing to our children as we worship at the altar of the mundane?" Years ago I read that about 1,000 children were tested for creativity just prior to entering kindergarten. Eighty-five percent of the children tested "creative." Twelve years later the same group was tested, and only 35 percent of the students tested "creative." What happened to the children along the scholastic way, and does the country even care? Where's the outcry? Isn't the creativity of our generations one of our most precious resources? It's been said that we're only one generation away from losing our freedom. Could it be that with escalating offshore competition in view, and stultifying U.S. scholastic models utilized, that the above advisory could also apply to our economic freedom? A. Bruce Belfield III Associate real estate broker Hurricane, W.V. FREE website content! Make Inman.com your homepage Get the Inman News Toolbar Link to Inman News Consumer News Commercial News Real Estate Articles from Inman News Already a Member? Log in below to view full story: User ID: Password: Lost Password? Loss from real estate loan fraud soars to $1 billion FBI launches mortgage fraud-fighting initiative Friday, December 16, 2005 Inman News To read this article, become a Member of Inman News now! JOIN NOW TO BECOME AN INMAN MEMBER 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Group discounts available First Name: Last Name: E-mail: User Name: Call 1.800.775.4662 x128 8am - 5pm Pacific Time to order by phone or to get a discount group membership for your company or colleagues. View News Article Sample Hear Sample View Newsletter Sample Connect Info View Audio Conference Schedule Back Top © 2005 Inman News Home | Privacy | Editorial | Legal | Site Map

Buy Home

Business for sale | Businesses For Sale | Buy a business or sell a business on BizBuySell for brokers listings by email find a buyer advertise about us site map With over 35,000 active businesses for sale, BizBuySell is the Internet's largest and most heavily trafficked business for sale exchange. Start here to buy an established business for sale. 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Canada Caribbean Mexico/C. America Europe South America For more options, use Advanced Search Other business types to search... Asset Sales Franchises Start Ups Real Estate Search All Business Categories Search by Ad No. Sell Your Business Post an Ad Reach the largest pool of buyers anywhere. List your business for sale with a confidential ad. Start Here Find a Buyer Search the 'business wanted' ads for potential buyers looking for your type of business. Search Now -- Manage Your Ad . Email Address Password forgot password? Buyer Tools Price a Business Analyze comps before you buy or sell. Set up an Email Alert Get notified of new business listings automatically. Buyer's Bulletin Board Post a 'business wanted' message to reach sellers. BrokerPages Directory Find a local broker to help you buy. Established Business Real nice motel Vermont Motel in excellent condition Search Franchises Automotive Business Opportunities Business Services Child Related Cleaning and Maintenance Computer and Internet Food and Restaurant Health, Beauty and Fitness High Capital Franchises Home Based Businesses Home Services Low Cost Franchises Retail Franchises Sports and Recreation Travel and Lodging Franchise Home Page Site Map Spotlight Franchise The business brokerage industry is an innovative field experiencing phenomenal growth worldwide. As an industry leader, the expertise we offer our franchise owners is of tremendous value. Join in our success, and go into the business of buying and selling businesses. See Details LoopNet Acquires BizBuySell . BizBuySell has been acquired by LoopNet, the operator of the largest online exchange for commercial real estate. LoopNet has over 315,000 commercial real estate listings that are searched by more than 1,000,000 registered members. Visit LoopNet to search its commercial real estate listings. -- terms & conditions privacy policy about us contact us © 2005 BizBuySell.com® All rights reserved.

Sell House

Question: How do you prepare a house to sell? español Put My Century 21 to work for you, simply register your email address and create a password. Once you're registered, you'll be able to • save property descriptions • store your search criteria • file agent information • build a custom library Find out more or register now! Already registered? Sign in . Learn about Real Estate Selling Pricing the House to Sell Question: How do you prepare a house to sell? Question: How do you prepare a house to sell? Answer: Doing whatever you can to put your house's best face forward is very important if you want to get close to your asking price or sell as quickly as possible. Short of spending a lot of money, here are several ideas for making your home show better: * Sweep the sidewalk, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and clean debris from the yard. * Clean the windows (both inside and out) and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking. And speaking of paint, if your home was built before 1978, new federal law gives a buyer the right to request a lead inspection. If you think you might have some problems, do the inspection yourself beforehand and make any fixes you can. * Be sure that the doorbell works. * Clean and spruce up all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. It's especially important that the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. * Organize closets. * Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work. Get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords. * Make sure the house smells good: from an apple pie, cookies baking or spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. Hide the kitty litter. * Put vases of fresh flowers throughout the house. * Having pleasant background music playing in the background also will help set your stage. c 2000 Inman News Features All Rights Reserved -- ©2005 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. All rights reserved. Information appearing on this site has been produced by or obtained primarily from Century 21 Real Estate LLC and its representatives and from CENTURY 21 franchisees. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the broker information, sales associate information, listing information or other information provided by our franchisees appearing on or through this site. Such information has been provided by independent third parties who are solely responsible for such content. Certain conditions and restrictions apply to System promotions. Terms and Conditions of Use.

real estate investing, and

Preconstruction Real Estate Investments-Virgin Islands-Myrtle Beach Condos for Sale-Investing in Preconstruction Oceanfront Condos and Condominiums" Preconstruction Real Estate Investment Real Estate Pre-Construction Condos Myrtle Beach Condos New Construction Myrtle Beach HOME PRECONSTRUCTION PROPERTIES INVESTORS SELLERS HOME BUYERS OUR AGENTS MLS SEARCH MLS NUMBER SEARCH INVESTMENT NEWS HELPFUL RESOURCES CONTACT US Bahama Island Resort Pier Watch Villas Cherry Grove Tower Cherry Grove Villas I Cherry Grove Villas II Diamond Cay Marina BVI South Beach Villas Ocean Drive Villas Myrtle Beach Villas II Preconstruction Real Estate Investments The Resort at Cherry Grove Manor - 1, 2, 3, 4 Bedrooms Available - Floorplans and Renderings Coming Soon If you've decided to invest in preconstruction real estate in Myrtle Beach ormany other areas, you've made a wise decision indeed. Homes and condos on the beach are breaking records in sales. New construction is soaring and investors are buying before the costs of Myrtle Beach real estate increase to equal other beach resorts. Our experienced agents at Oceanfront Real Estate Company specialize in helping youto find that perfect real estate investment project, and in the sales and development of new homes and luxury vacationing condos. Pre-Sale Real Estate and Condos Browse our Featured Listings and view our choice properties. You'll find the newest Myrtle Beach Pre-Construction condo projects for real estate investment opportunites. From oceanfront real estate to water-front marina projects on the Intracoastal Waterway,and even Jost Van Dyke real estate in the British Virgin Islands, we can advise and assist you in finding the best pre-selling investment real estate with the most potential for high return. Investment Real Estate - Myrtle Beach & Other Resort Areas Real Estate Investment Property is the most highly sought and frequently misunderstood methods of increasing your net income and retirement savings. The fantastic new pre-sale opportunities that we offer will insurethat you put your money in the most innovative and potentially high income-producing oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach and other spectacular resort areas. Knowledge and experience are the keys to making wise decisions in real estate investing, and in finding the new properties as soon as they become available. For more information on the presale process, read our information onthe INVESTORS page, or call us and let us explain it to you. With a combined background of100 years of experience in real estate, our investment savvy team can help you to find your dream vacation condo, or supplement your retirement income with a vacation rental property that produces years of profit and equity. You can trust Oceanfront Real Estate Company to guide you in building your financial security! Oceanfront Real Estate Company Specializing in Preconstruction Real Estate Steve McIntosh, Broker in Charge 414 Sea Mountain Hwy Cherry Grove Section North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 Toll Free 1-866-372-6952 (843) 663-1101 EMAIL US! Resorts and Real Estate Agencies Myrtle Beach Vacations Guide! Sarasota Real Estate Sarasota Homes Los Angeles Real Estate Los Angeles Photographer The Real Estate Blog Burbank Real Estate Myrtle Beach Golf Packages Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations Las Vegas Real Estate and Homes Siesta Key Real Estate New Preconstruction Resorts Arizona Golf Vacations-Las Vegas Golf Clearwater Florida Real Estate Tucson Real Estate Real Estate Blog Myrtle Beach Condos Hawaii Real Estate Preconstruction Condos Columbus Ohio Real Estate Bay View Resort Condos Tucson Luxury Homes Vacation Home Real Estate Investments Oak Island Realty Ocean Isle Real Estate Oyster Harbour at Holden Beach River Bluff Estates at Holden Beach SeaScape at Holden Beach Shallotte Real Estate Real Estate Marketing Web Design for Realtors Henderson Real Estate New Myrtle Beach Condos Myrtle Beach Golf Packages Myrtle Beach Golf Austin Homes Canmore Real Estate-Banff Real Estate Sarasota Florida Real Estate Las Vegas Golf Homes Pasadena Real Estate South Carolina Real Estate Boca Raton FL Real Estate Florida Real Estate New Homes for Sale Costa Rica Vacation Rental Virgin Islands Vacations Real Estate St George Utah Real Estate Stuart Florida Real Estate Raleigh-Cary Real Estate Myrtle Beach Condos Hawaii Real Estate for Sale San Diego Real Estate Las Vegas High Rise Condos Prince Resort at Cherry Grove Pier South Myrtle Beach Real Estate Southport Real Estate St James Plantation Real Estate Sunset Beach Condos Sunset Beach Real Estate Sunset Harbor Real Estate Tampa Real Estate Orange County Real Estate - MLS - Realtor Timeshare Sales We're listed at Real Estate & Mortgage Roanoke Biz2Biz An Roanoke business to business marketplace and advertisement opportunity. Real Estate Agents & Realtors Investment Real Estate Real Estate Web Design and SEO by Myrtle Beach Web Design