I had a most interesting conversation this morning about the state of our local economy. This conversation would not normally have stuck with me as strongly except for the comment made by a member of the group. The comment?
"Well just what does economic development have to do with Real Estate? Houses and businesses are different!"
I must have looked like someone just stomped on my foot because the woman sitting next to me reached over and asked if I was all right. I truly was speechless - and if you knew me you would know that most people think that that is not possible - ever.
After giving my brain time to digest this most incredulous statement I had to come back at her. I couldn't stand it!
Me: "How can you say that? Do you really not have a clue?"
Her: "They are not related. What's the big deal?"
Me: "The 'big deal' is that if an area does not have businesses, also known as a tax base, then there are less people that want or need homes. If they don't want or need homes, then we are obsolete."
Her: "That doesn't make sense!"
Me: "It makes perfect sense. Call it the ripple effect, call it trickle down economics, call it whatever you like, but it does make sense. If you owned a store and all the people moved from your community, would that not have an impact on your business?"
Her: "I would just move the store!"
Me: "I think I'm done here. This is going nowhere fast. Please join me at our next independent economic development coffee klatch. I'd like for you to meet some folks."
Now, is it just me or does anyone else see this is being totally blind to what happens to areas when the business/mfg/industrial base leaves? The worst part is that this person is a Realtor and has been for more than 20 years!!!!!! I am still stunned by the ignorance (I don't know a better word for it) and arrogance to think that a poor economy has no effect on real estate.
Perhaps I am just a little too dedicated to making my city a success. Perhaps I am delusional. Perhaps....
Oh well, if I am all those things, then I'm going to be even more so. Without our input, as an industry, and our involvement there would be a reverse effect on whether businesses wanted to locate in our areas. It goes along with that old kids song....the knee bone's connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone's connected to the hip bone....
Comments(6)