http://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Which_areas_of_Rankin_County_MS_have_the_worst_h-21164I need to retire to the Brandon MS area, but I am really concerned about the problems I've heard about with slab foundations and Yazoo Clay. If I buy a nice home, I won't be able to afford dealing with the cost of subsequent foundation problems. I need to locate in an area of the County that doesn't have Yazoo Clay. Is there any such area?en-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Home_Seller-Temple_TX-719372/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Home_Seller-Temple_TX-719372/We have left our home state of Mississippi due to a defective house and I can only warn any buyer of new homes in the Madison area that the foundation and houses may not be as the City approved them. According to one former City official a new foundation doesn't even have to be approved by a qualified engineer. The Mississippi Home Warranty Act is difficult if not impossible to enforce. The Board of Contractors is not sympathetic to the home buyer who gets a lemon. We lost over $150000 buying a new house in Madison and took 3 years to repair and sell it. The City won't help you if you do find problems with a new home you purchase. Our advice if you have to live in Madison county live outside the City and rent if you can. Rentals can be found at any time. This message may save you from the heartache and the financial disaster that I encountered in Madison the City. If you do still want to buy a new house then our advise in to get the builders name and go to the courthouse in Canton and find out how many lawsuits have been filed against the builder and read each one carefully then go to the Board and Contractors files and read carefully any complaints filed their. Then if you still want to buy ,get a full code inspection done on the house because it may or may not meet the building codes adopted by the county or city. They flip plans so beware and can make changes from the approved plans. Buyer be very aware when buying a new house in Madiosn Mississippi.Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:40:53 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brandon_MS-296323/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brandon_MS-296323/I relocated from the MS Gulf Coast to the Brandon/Reservoir area, and have had first-hand experience with Yazoo Clay! Like you, I had heard about foundation problems, primarily with homes around the Ross Barnett Reservoir, for years. There are issues in both Madison and Rankin County. I've heard of "shifting soil" as far north in Oktibbeha and Lowndes County, as well. It is difficult to advise you to avoid entire neighborhoods. I recommend structural reports on any property where settlement appears to be an issue. A home inspection does not address structural or termite problems, but defers to the specialist in that field. There are many areas that I have never heard of any foundation problems. Just make sure you do your "due diligence" and have the property thoroughly inspected.Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:34:18 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brandon_MS-197425/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Brandon_MS-197425/Foundation problems can happen just about anywhere, but the areas in Rankin County that are sort of known for their foundation problems are the reservoir areas such as Castlewoods, Bellegrove and areas like that. Also, keep in mind that a contract on a house can be written contingent upon you being 100% satisfied with the home inspection and/or engineer's report. If I can help you with your house hunting, please let me know!Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:20:05 -0700http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Other-Brandon_MS-148563/http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Other-Brandon_MS-148563/I live in the Crossgates/Eastgates area, just a few miles outside the City of Brandon off of Hwy 80. Convenient to shopping, medical, government, and good schools. There are homes in the subdivision that range from 30 plus years old to brand new and I was told before I bought here that the foundation problems are LEAST severe in this subdivision. My home was built in 1991 and I bought it in 2006. The foundation was solid when I moved in and still is. It has been through Katrina winds and survived well. My neighbors are not having any reported problems and I haven't seen any foundation repair trucks in the area. Good luck on your house hunt.Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:08:34 -0800