The View from Here
A Message From Michael Saunders
My good friends:
With the economy challenged from every conceivable direction, it certainly is much more
gratifying than usual to see the huge amount of traffic jamming our downtown streets and
backed up on such busy thoroughfares in our marketing area. With all these cars, many of
them sporting out-of-state license plates and obviously caravanning to our favorite beaches
and retail zones, one needn’t look at a calendar to be reminded that we’ve entered the
peak weeks of tourist season.
Of course, it’s too early to know how this season will measure-up to previous years, but
I for one am overjoyed to see this many visitors out and about, thawing out and enjoying all
we have to offer. Their business has never been more deeply appreciated by all of us who
operate independently owned stores, businesses, boutiques and restaurants; because much of
the money spent in these establishments remains in the community to re-circulate and nourish
other local businesses.
In this issue of Saunders@Home we look at how targeted local spending helps cushion us
from some of the more predictable fallout of the broader national recession. We also expand
on why now is an excellent time to be a Realtor®, and why today’s real estate agent is a
profile in proficiency and professionalism. Read on to find out why.
Meanwhile, if purchasing a first or second home is on your radar screen for 2009 we hope
you will rely on Southwest Florida’s largest independently-owned real estate company to
accomplish all your important goals. Why is now an excellent time to consider such a move?
Prices haven’t been this low since 2001, interest rates continue to flirt with historic
lows, call volume to our appointment center has rarely been higher, weekend open houses
are drawing like never before; and the best-priced homes in the most coveted locations
are selling out fast. As if to prove the point, Florida’s existing home sales rose in
January, making it the fifth consecutive month that sales activity has increased in
year-over-year comparisons; according to the latest data just released this week by the
Florida Association of Realtors® This as the inventory of available homes continues
to steadily erode. Clearly, the savviest buyers have bided their time long enough;
and have chosen to act while prices are low and the best selection of homes and locations
is still on the menu.
Whether you live here, go to school here or are just down for a visit, please get out and
support the businesses and cultural institutions that make Southwest Florida the Gulf Coast’s
most unique destination.
Cordially,
We would love to hear your comments and suggestions as to what you would like
to read in the weeks and months ahead. Please email them to me, care of
editor@michaelsaunders.com.
Meanwhile enjoy our eleventh issue.
Did You Know?
Our office in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Sarasota is
staffed by an elite team of real estate professionals with
extensive knowledge and expertise in our area’s three Ritz-Carlton
properties. Contact 941.364-8884 or visit michaelsaunders.com for
more information. |
Soft Landing In Pardise
No one seems to agree exactly when this latest recession began, precisely how long it will last; or how painful it will be in the final analysis. But there’s plenty of evidence...
View entire article.
Skill Sets
At first blush, it sounded a bit bizarre to hear a woman on the radio remark that now is an excellent time to be a Realtor...
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entire article
Mortgage and Title
With the new year, many financial services companies are welcoming
new customers and team members to their organizations...
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Meal Deals
Courtesy of
SarasotaMagazine.com
When we moved down here 12-plus years ago, summers were so slow we began to refer to them as the “THREE for ONE days of summer.” The restaurants were practically giving meals away, and there were...
View entire article.
Contact
Michael Saunders
& Company®
100 South Washington Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34236
EMAIL
888.552.5228
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