It's a great time to buy in Florida

[Ohio Girl]

Stumbled across this site.

http://media.floridarealtors.org/greattimetobuy/SuccessStrategies/Mar-article-1.asp

[sowalgayboi]

I've been hearing this same ad on XM Radio, almost word for word. I love that each time they play it the ever so wonderful line of "It's a great time to buy" plays.

[scooterbug44]

The realtors ARE telling the truth:

It IS a good time to buy*

























*If you're a realtor getting a commission! :biggrin:

[seaside2]

The realtors ARE telling the truth:

It IS a good time to buy*

























*If you're a realtor getting a commission! :biggrin:

Hail yes, it's always a good time for someone else to buy, if you are the realtor getting the check!!:floor::funn:

[beachnut1]

Everyone who's waiting for someone to tell them the bottom has hit is a chicken. Dont be a chicken, if its a good deal buy it! The entire panhandle is having a 50% off sale and theres a very good possibility that if you wait 12 months you will miss this sale.

I'll be honest The - pan handle almost broke me. I had millions in property and then the downturn hit. I sweat it out, cold called hundreds of developers accross the country peddling all my property and I managed to sell it all off. I just recently bought a home in the area because these prices are below builder cost and you dont have to be a harvard grad to figure the economics out - that wont last forever. YEs, there will be more sold under cost, foreclosures, etc, but when those are gone, their gone.

[sowalgayboi]

The funny thing is that everyone seems to assume that once the slump is over we'll suddenly be back in the 04-05 market of rediculous highs. Even if you don't buy right now, I believe it will be quite some time before you see any record breaking.

[SHELLY]

Now is the best time to buy Elk too: http://www.wapiti.net/news/bestTimeToBuy.cfm

A fine heifer bred to Korean Gold for $3,100. A daughter of Dakota Pride bred to King for $3,700. These are just 2 of the incredible deals at the Kansas 2000 Select Elk Auction that left consignors feeling dismayed and buyers feeling giddy with joy.

What's going on here? Was this a fluke? Is it time to panic? Or is it time to get out the checkbook and make some quick deals?

The elk markets fluctuate just like all other markets do. As your stockbroker will tell you, "The wise investor is the one that buys low and sells high." The only reason NOT to buy animals right now is if you are afraid that their value will never rise again. But elk are NOT emu. There is real demand for multiple elk products.

The recent article by Bob Johnson titled Fluctuating Velvet Prices tracked the price of velvet back to 1970 and clearly demonstrated that velvet prices rise and fall. Remember that velvet has been in demand for centuries. It is not a fad on the wane; the price is simply reacting to the poor Asian economy. Knowing that velvet prices last year were very low, it follows logically that breeding stock prices would show softness as some folks hit the panic button and others fear to purchase. All indicators are that velvet prices will make a decent comeback this summer. When they do, breeders will consider their stock to be much more valuable than they currently do.


The elk industry is poised on the brink of incredible growth.

The velvet "crash" last year has actually been a very positive force for our industry long term as it has prompted the creation of new domestic marketing efforts that will bear fruit in the next few years. A small handful of velvet processors has grown to a fistful and cottage vendors are springing up all over. A new documentary about elk farming is being aired on television. Now available in bookstores is a new book that explains in very simple and understandable words WHY velvet works.

The other elk markets are also benefiting from the wakeup call generated by last year's low velvet prices. Trophy bulls have been selling well as demand from hunting reserves continues to grow. The meat market is being tested. Its maturing can only help to further stabilize prices in all markets. Implementation of the Elk Quality Assurance Plan, scheduled for February, establishes the standard of "quality" and moves the industry closer to legitimacy in the eyes of the consumer as it ensures product safety. It signals the maturing of the industry.

There really has never been a better time to buy! Don't wait until next year - unless you want to buy high.


-------------------------------------------------------------

(I think Yun also shills for the Elk Association in his spare time. He just replaces the word "elk" with "real estate" and the word "velvet" with "Florida".)
.

[scooterbug44]

Holy crap!

Once the banner flashed the "semen for sale" I :leaving:

I like my Elk to be free range in the Rockies, then harvested by Papa Scooterbug!

[sowalgayboi]

Holy crap!

Once the banner flashed the "semen for sale" I :leaving:

I like my Elk to be free range in the Rockies, then harvested by Papa Scooterbug!

It's a great time to buy! :funn:

[Ohio Girl]

The funny thing is that everyone seems to assume that once the slump is over we'll suddenly be back in the 04-05 market of rediculous highs. Even if you don't buy right now, I believe it will be quite some time before you see any record breaking.


very good point.

[SHELLY]

It's a great time to buy in Canada!!

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=d905a8a1-8ec9-4f83-a109-90258db991e1

EDMONTON - Don Campbell couldn't believe a recent scene among wannabe real estate investors at the corner of Yonge and Bloor streets in Toronto, site of a planned condominium complex.

"People slept there overnight for four nights," said Campbell, president of the Calgary-based Real Estate Investment Network and author of 51 Success Stories from Canadian Real Estate Investors. "A sign up above read '$500,000 to $1.3 million,' although you could go across the street and buy something very similar for $425,000. Then the developer had the gall to paste a six over the five to make it '$600,000 to $1.3 million,' and the crowd cheered, saying 'Look, it's going up.' There was even a fight in the line.

"When you line up around a block with 200 people to buy the condo in the sky that doesn't exist yet, put $20,000 down and plan to sell it as soon as it's built, look in the lineup and tell me how many people have the exact same mentality. Then all you need is for one guy to panic and drop his price to get out, and the average price in the whole building goes down, and you're completely at the whim of somebody else. You should only line up for U2 tickets."

--------------------------------------

We all know how this story is gonna end :cool:

---------------------------------------

.

[ktschris]

It's a great time to buy in Canada!!

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=d905a8a1-8ec9-4f83-a109-90258db991e1

EDMONTON - Don Campbell couldn't believe a recent scene among wannabe real estate investors at the corner of Yonge and Bloor streets in Toronto, site of a planned condominium complex.

"People slept there overnight for four nights," said Campbell, president of the Calgary-based Real Estate Investment Network and author of 51 Success Stories from Canadian Real Estate Investors. "A sign up above read '$500,000 to $1.3 million,' although you could go across the street and buy something very similar for $425,000. Then the developer had the gall to paste a six over the five to make it '$600,000 to $1.3 million,' and the crowd cheered, saying 'Look, it's going up.' There was even a fight in the line.

"When you line up around a block with 200 people to buy the condo in the sky that doesn't exist yet, put $20,000 down and plan to sell it as soon as it's built, look in the lineup and tell me how many people have the exact same mentality. Then all you need is for one guy to panic and drop his price to get out, and the average price in the whole building goes down, and you're completely at the whim of somebody else. You should only line up for U2 tickets."

--------------------------------------

We all know how this story is gonna end :cool:

---------------------------------------

.

:cool: Good advise

[SHELLY]

:cool: Good advise

Yeah, even moreso considering it's coming from the author of "51 Success Stories from Canadian Real Estate Investors."

If you'll excuse me, I've got an appointment with an Elk Salesman.


http://www.elkusa.com/graphics/gotelkcircle2.gif




/

[sowalgayboi]

So, it's a good time to buy, eh?

[Geo]

I have a question for Shelly et al:

When is a good time to buy here?

I don't mean- predict a date/time. I mean- what universes need to be lined up for you to personally think it really is a good time to buy?

What would make you stop ribbing the agents for saying it is a great time to buy and actually utter this phrase as well?

Pls turn sarcasm and negativity off before you post...

Thanks.

GW

[Bobby J]

:popcorn:

[kurt]

Proof

http://www.sowal.com/080125-097.jpg

[beachmouse]

When monthly mortgage costs for a non-exotic loan are within 25% of what it would cost to rent a similar property.

[Geo]

When monthly mortgage costs for a non-exotic loan are within 25% of what it would cost to rent a similar property.

My interpretation of this is-

It is a good time to buy when the sales price isn't much more than what it would cost to rent...

or in other words-

When the price is right...

Is that what I am hearing?

This makes a lot of sense to me if I am in the market to purchase rental property in the area. But what if I am looking for a primary residence in SoWal? Would you not agree that there *could* be an excellent buying opportunity irrespective of rental price to sales price ratio?

[Joefromseagrove]

Geowickey,
On another thread I presented some very discouraging news about the market as a whole in Sowal. I have disagreements with the "It's a great time to buy" slogan that NAR continues to spend my dues on. I know it is designed to help those sitting on the fence make a move. I meet people all the time that are looking for the bottom. If you remember what real estate was about before the flip fest such aswhen you bought your first home, you probably thought of purchasing your home as an investment in your life and not so much a move to improve your bottom line. I am a firm believer that you shouldn't put your life on hold over this stuff. If you are like most of the people I meet, you probably purchased/moved here because you had had enough of the daily grind and were going to enjoy your time on earth here and NOW, and you were willing to live your life by your own rules. Make sure you are aware of the market that your entering but understand that this market will correct when people see their investment as an investment in their life or their family's life and not so much as a bottom line move. People need to stop looking at others and outside data for answers and ask themselves, "Is this the right thing for me at this time?"

[Ohio Girl]

In my opinion, I'm not sure that it's the feeling that people are waiting for the bottom to hit but more of getting the selling price correct. In my little pea brain, I can't possibly see the justification of someone trying to sell a 600 square foot house built in the 70s for 399K near Lake Powell. I mean come on. That'll buy you a nice, little McMansion where I'm from.

[SHELLY]

I have a question for Shelly et al:

When is a good time to buy here?



When it fits well within your financial comfort level; when it meets the needs of your family; when you don't give a crap about its "investment" potential and you don't feel inclined to ask a third party for their opinion/permission.


.

[Joe Mammy]

Ding Ding Ding!! Was that the bottom bell? More here... (http://thewiredagent.com/pulse.html)

[Bobby J]

It all reminds me of the draw bridge theory. I got mine, and the bridge is going to close up for the rest of you. Don't buy here! The taxes are too high! The insurance is too high! Florida is a mess! Don't trust anyone! Sharks are everywhere! Prices are too high! Planes drop out of the sky!!! Hurricanes everywhere! Too low! Too high! Mortgage fraud! Government keep your nose out, or Florida will sink into the gulf! Now Starbucks! These damn blue signs! Help! You better not come here, lord knows you could get malaria! Have you not heard of the wild hogs! Also look out for the Newberry Gangs! :blink:

[Bobby J]

I forgot the rip tides! Sorry!

[sowalgayboi]

I have a question for Shelly et al:

When is a good time to buy here?

I don't mean- predict a date/time. I mean- what universes need to be lined up for you to personally think it really is a good time to buy?

What would make you stop ribbing the agents for saying it is a great time to buy and actually utter this phrase as well?

Pls turn sarcasm and negativity off before you post...

Thanks.

GW

IMO the reason we rib the local agents about the "Now's the time to buy" slogan is that it seems to be used as a blanket statement for anybody who got a little bored and said to themselves, "Hmm, I wonder what a house would cost, should I stop renting" etc. My problem with it is the fact that each home purchase is different and should be looked at differently by each person. Now is the right time to buy can apply to different people in many different situations.

[Geo]

Geowickey,
On another thread I presented some very discouraging news about the market as a whole in Sowal. I have disagreements with the "It's a great time to buy" slogan that NAR continues to spend my dues on. I know it is designed to help those sitting on the fence make a move. I meet people all the time that are looking for the bottom. If you remember what real estate was about before the flip fest such aswhen you bought your first home, you probably thought of purchasing your home as an investment in your life and not so much a move to improve your bottom line. I am a firm believer that you shouldn't put your life on hold over this stuff. If you are like most of the people I meet, you probably purchased/moved here because you had had enough of the daily grind and were going to enjoy your time on earth here and NOW, and you were willing to live your life by your own rules. Make sure you are aware of the market that your entering but understand that this market will correct when people see their investment as an investment in their life or their family's life and not so much as a bottom line move. People need to stop looking at others and outside data for answers and ask themselves, "Is this the right thing for me at this time?"

Now we're getting somewhere! Thanks Joe. This is exactly where I was hoping this would go even if it only for a brief moment (when SHELLY swims on over)...

******************************
EDIT- SHELLY and others have posted some very reasonable remarks while I was typing this. Kudos to you all. Now back to what I originally wrote-
******************************

I bought a little over a year ago (January 2007) using the following criteria:

-I loved it
-I could (just barely) afford it
-The same place on the same block sold for $200K more two years earlier

I considered then (and now know) that I could have gotten it for cheaper if I waited 6 months to a year. But I also considered that a year could go by and the prices *could* have gone up and then I would not be able to afford it...

And I considered then that if I waited 10-15 years to move to the beach from the midwest that I would likely be better off financially and in a position more along the lines of what SHELLY would recommend. But I also considered that it is possible that I would be even less able to afford it then if the market appreciated at a rate proportionally higher than my expected gains...

So we went for it. We jumped. And I gotta be honest- SHELLY's remarks scared the hell out of me when they started to come true. But when I am having a beer watching the sunset, when I am playing with my kids in the sand, when I am walking my dog at sunrise and sunset-

I know it was a great time to buy...

[TooFarTampa]

It all reminds me of the draw bridge theory. I got mine, and the bridge is going to close up for the rest of you. Don't buy here! The taxes are too high! The insurance is too high! Florida is a mess! Don't trust anyone! Sharks are everywhere! Prices are too high! Planes drop out of the sky!!! Hurricanes everywhere! Too low! Too high! Mortgage fraud! Government keep your nose out, or Florida will sink into the gulf! Now Starbucks! These damn blue signs! Help! You better not come here, lord knows you could get malaria! Have you not heard of the wild hogs! Also look out for the Newberry Gangs! :blink:


:floor::floor::floor:

[Bobby J]

Now we're getting somewhere! Thanks Joe. This is exactly where I was hoping this would go even if it only for a brief moment (when SHELLY swims on over)...

I bought in January 2007 using the following criteria (man, I am setting myself up here):

-I loved it
-I could (just barely) afford it
-The same place on the same block sold for $200K more two years earlier

I considered then (and now know) that I could have gotten it for cheaper if I waited 6 months to a year. But I also considered that a year could go by and the prices *could* have gone up and then I would not be able to afford it...

And I considered then that if I waited 10-15 years to move to the beach from the midwest that I would be likely be better off financially and in a position more along the lines of what SHELLY would recommend. But I also considered that it is possible that I would be even less able to afford it then if the market appreciated at a rate proportionally higher than my expected gains...

So we went for it. We jumped. And I gotta be honest- SHELLY's remarks scared the hell out of me when they started to come true. But when I am having a beer watching the sunset, when I am playing with my kids in the sand, when I am walking my dog at sunrise and sunset-

I know it was a great time to buy...

WoW! He gets it! Good stuff! :clap:(I hope it is ok for me to be happy that you bought something. I am an agent)

[TooFarTampa]

Geowickey: As CCK's tagline says, "If you are lucky enough to live by the sea, you are lucky enough." :D

[SHELLY]

Ding Ding Ding!! Was that the bottom bell? More here... (http://thewiredagent.com/pulse.html)

Joe,

I've looked at the price reductions on the pending list for homes and condos in Destin--many are 10's-of-thousands lower than the price the previous owner paid (um, borrowed).

I then looked back over some of your wiredagent posts--here's an excerpt from Feb '06:

"Last month Legendary Developer's visionary Peter Bos held a large "state of Destin real estate" presentation at the Okaloosa Island convention center. He urged local realtors to convince their clients to hold onto their property if at all possible if they were considering selling. He believes that with the development of the new Harbor Walk will come increased property value for all Destin homeowners. He is responsible for the successful developments of Regatta Bay, Sandestin and The Commons Shopping Mall. Although he is shrouded in controversy from conservatives who do not wish to see any further development, he is a true visionary and I tend to agree with him- at least about Destin property continuing to gain value over the next few years.

What do you think of the "true visionary" Peter Bos now?


.

[SHELLY]

And I gotta be honest- SHELLY's remarks scared the hell out of me when they started to come true....

;-) Made you stop and think :D ....my job is done.


.

[Joe Mammy]

Joe,

What do you think of the "true visionary" Peter Bos now?

.

I believe he was right in telling realtors to pass along to possible sellers to wait if it all possible instead of selling now (although I didn't see Legendary taking anything off of the market). He was trying to say that it would be a few years before we would see any appreciation (I think). The inventory explosion was a recipe for disaster for sellers (not so bad for buyers).

I'm looking forward to the new Harborwalk Village as much as anyone and I'm bullish on Destin. I'm not crazy about Gilligans becoming Emerald Grande Phase II.

And I will be celebrating my heritage at McGuires on St. Pattys day, cursing EG for spoiling the view from their upstairs deck along with all of my green clad brethren.

[sowalgayboi]

Joe,

I've looked at the price reductions on the pending list for homes and condos in Destin--many are 10's-of-thousands lower than the price the previous owner paid (um, borrowed).

I then looked back over some of your wiredagent posts--here's an excerpt from Feb '06:

"Last month Legendary Developer's visionary Peter Bos held a large "state of Destin real estate" presentation at the Okaloosa Island convention center. He urged local realtors to convince their clients to hold onto their property if at all possible if they were considering selling. He believes that with the development of the new Harbor Walk will come increased property value for all Destin homeowners. He is responsible for the successful developments of Regatta Bay, Sandestin and The Commons Shopping Mall. Although he is shrouded in controversy from conservatives who do not wish to see any further development, he is a true visionary and I tend to agree with him- at least about Destin property continuing to gain value over the next few years.

What do you think of the "true visionary" Peter Bos now?


.

He should be okay unless Emerald Grand falls in the bay.

[livingiSoWal]

I believe we bottomed out when the inventory has reduced somewhere around 20% from the peak, vacancy rates are down, and the price sq/ft across the board is at $xxx.xx. Thats for me to know. But hey we have hit 2 of the three lets see how the spring turns out with occupancy.

[Bobby J]

I believe we bottomed out when the inventory has reduced somewhere around 20% from the peak, vacancy rates are down, and the price sq/ft across the board is at $xxx.xx. Thats for me to know. But hey we have hit 2 of the three lets see how the spring turns out with occupancy.


Vacancy rates? Why would that play with your feeling of bottom?

[livingiSoWal]

When the occupancy rates go up the owners have cash flow to cover the deficit. We need to be in 90% percent range on this rate i figure.

[SHELLY]

He should be okay unless Emerald Grand falls in the bay.

From your lips to God's ear.

.

[SHELLY]

I believe he was right in telling realtors to pass along to possible sellers to wait if it all possible instead of selling now.


He was telling Realtors to convince their clients not to sell Jan 2006.

Wasn't that around the same time he was pre-selling THE™ Fugly Condo?

Enjoy your beer at McGuires--if you need to defuel, I know a place close by


.

[sowalgayboi]

He was telling Realtors to convince their clients not to sell Jan 2006.

Wasn't that around the same time he was pre-selling THE™ Fugly Condo?

Enjoy your beer at McGuires--if you need to defuel, I know a place close by


.

THE™ Fugly Condo has become a great landmark for directions. I just tell people that if they see the big piece O' Disney they have gone to far, should start looking for Hog's Breath on there right, or FWB is only a few miles away.