On Monday Bosshardt Property Management got eight of us back from the NARPM national convention. We started implementing our plans to further improve our organization and enhance our customer and client services. Settling back in from an event like this can be pretty tumultuous at best. Lots of changes in store!
On Tuesday, at the Bosshardt Realty Services Sales Meeting, we broke out into a raucous debate when Alarion Banker and Elite Gainesville Mortgage man Mike Jones told us that area appraisers are now using foreclosures in their appraisals where they previously would ignore them. "In the final analysis, foreclosure sales are driving market prices. Combined with short sales, they represent almost 40 percent of our deals now," said Jones. Look for real estate prices to fall. Jones also mentioned that Gainesville is one of the few areas left in the nation denoted as a "severely declining market." Only a month ago or so we asked how low will prices go.
Wednesday, the Gainesville Sun published an article that the "Big Chill" might be back in Real Estate. Based on Tuesday's discussion, this was no shock. "It's all about supply and demand," said Craig Wilburn. "We still have three times the supply we did back in 2002." Wilburn has moved his own personal forecast for a bottom and recovery out to 2011. Yikes!
Speaking of Craig Wilburn, it seems the marketing event has returned to Real Estate. On Thursday, Craig had all of us out to a new listing of his in Balmoral. The event was co-hosted by Two Men and a Truck, Aaron Bailey Photography, American First Mortgage, and Bosshardt Title.
I met the owners of Two Men and a Truck and the name should be Two Men, One Woman, Two Sweet Kids, and a Truck. Nice folks. I bet the most common question those kids hear is, "Do you get to drive the truck?"
Kim Bosshardt of Bosshardt Title had chocolate macaroons from Too-Jays there. Craig had a blackjack table manned by Gator voice-man Tom Collete. Wilburn gave away numerous door prizes. Harold Monk with Gator Wine and Spirits played bartender and served a fruity wine tasting. Wilburn called the event a "tremendous success. We had 50 to 60 people in attendance. Realtors in attendance said that the house was showcased well and would be the first home they showed to their buyers. Most people commented they couldn't believe the home was priced under one million."
On Friday, we awoke to see Realtor and Koppers Activist Cindy Harrington on Page 5A of the newspaper. The online article is here, but the black and white print photo is even more chilling I think. I've cut this one out and plan to frame it. My first thought was "Wouldn't you be afraid to tell this Realtor no deal? " Good for you, Cindy!
By the way, if you didn't believe that Google was now indexing Tweets in their searches, just Google "Bosshardt and NARPM" and see what comes up first. Have a great weekend and Go Gators!
