Visionary, Speaker and Management Consultant
Chairman and CEO of RealtyU Group of Companies
Thirteen-time Author incl. Swanepoel Trends Report 2008
Thanks to Carmen Multhauf who sent me this great contribution via email: I think we are already seeing that sales are moving away from outlying areas and coming back to city center or at least to suburban center. This began even before the energy crisis when our new Gen X generation decided that family time was more important than spending hours on the long commute. Housing design began to include "courtyards" to substitute for the backyard. Entertainment centers in the home eliminated the living room to give more space to the family gathering place whether it is to be in the kitchen portion, the media portion, the electronic (computer) portion or other family choice place to be together. Interestingly, as the the urban centers revived, they also attracted the retirees who wanted the theatre district and restaurants within walking distance. The second car is going away for retirees. The energy crisis has just exacerbated the pressure on real estate sales in the outlying areas. Your other comment about the effect on municipalities is well taken. The tax structure will see changes. The sales tax will move away as shopping centers start to close. More and more sales are internet driven. Already the foreclosure crisis has squeezed the tax income from the cities. And how will the cities affect transportation corridors and public transit. The comments I hear often are "once I get to the train station how do I get to my final destination?" We need a plan that remembers to include lifestyle in the vision. And finally, we have seen brokerage practices change. Advertising dollars are being re-directed. Brokers must create technological tools for their agents (the average age being 51 years old and not quite as techno-savy). Office meetings are becoming dinosaurs. But, communication needs to be fostered albeit in the impersonal manner that the Millennials are choosing with networking sites. The brokers will need to have webinar office meetings. So, thank you for always making us think. I enjoy reading your insights. Carmen Multhauf, Broker/Owner Training and Broker Services ( TABS) email : admin@tabs4ce.com website: www.tabs4ce.com
The results were posted on Saturday and can be viewed on the Real Estate Trends Group Community page at http://www.inman.com/community/groups/real-estate-trends
Erika PS: Goomzee came 4th and just missed a medal. It was close. Stefan
