Home Prices in Ft. Myers Florida and the USA

HOME PRICES IN Florida and THE USA...we are all reading about what individuals have to go through to get a loan, and the problems that were created decades ago.  I remember in the late 80's and mid 90's how WELL we were all doing, not just in real estate BUT IN ALL areas...and today...here we are.

 We are reading about the increase in sales prices and sale activity, and then we are hearing that "don't get excited" from the Washington Post to the New York Times.  Who really runs this market?  The news papers or the citizens of this country? 

In the Ft. Myers area, our local news is reporting a 9% increase in sales price, and we are seeing it.

Being in this business for 18 years, I saw this coming in 2004!  In Florida, homes were increasing at a rate of $5,000 a month on new construction!  How dumb was that? 

We will wait to hear more bad news this week with the unemployment numbers, which will put everyone in shock and awe, but stop and think, the numbers will reflect the CENSUS workers that are now released.

But, what are the individuals that own businesses doing?  Are they hiring? Or are they just going with the skeleton staff that they had to go with during the height of the recession? Have you been at the grocery store at 9:00 P.M. in line, with 15 others, and only one check out?  Have you been at a restaurant and waited 20 minutes for your order, and can't find your or even one server?  Been on hold with your Doctor's office waiting to make an appointment?  Been in the emergency room, which is full and only ONE check in person?  Ah...recession......

NOW WAIT, yes the recession is still on, ( heck we had to bail out the banks, the sky was falling) but what are WE as Realtors doing about it ?  Probably nothing, just saying the market is down, buyers are being picky, loans are hard to get.. blah blah blah. 

 Remember, this market (real estate) possibly went in the toilet, because of us?  Were many of us, placing individuals with loan officers that can pull bunny's out of the hat?  Just to get the deal?  Were was our ethic's?   

 Thank goodness for the programs we did have in the past for first time buyers!  All of my previous clients are still in their homes and not facing short sale or foreclosure and these are NOT in Florida, they are in the Gary, Indiana/Chicagoland area!  Yes, you read it correctly GARY! 

They were not buying the home or homes to just buy them and flip.  They were with trained indivuduals that placed them into loans that fit their budget not their dream.  Yes, many did receive goverment backed programs, for which they deserved, they paid for the programs with their taxes.   But unfortunately a some individuals ruined this system.

Purchasing a home, brought growth to communities, it brought employment, it brought LIFE.  So, when you hear all the bad that is going on, reflect and reflect.  I remember that old saying of 'trickle down economics" I think we have to get back to it, and not wait for a knight in "Shining Armour" to come and save the day.