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Are you Marketing "Smart Growth" ?

By Michael Ross

Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

April 10, 2007 10:52 AM

Smart growth? What is that? It is a hot term used by many city and town planners to send a clear message that we approve of new real estate developments and the economic growth for the community. Consumers like to know that a prospective property has been well received by local government agencies. This VALUE is priceless for a Realtor.

Realtors that can convey the message of a "smart growth" community make it easier for themselves. Ask your local planning boards or building departments if areas under construction have had a "smart growth" analysis which talks about increasing the tax base, employment opportunities and the ability of the municipality to borrow money to improve the community.

This will help you when it comes to buying and selling property in your market.

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Lucky Lang

Premiere Plus Realty Marco Island - Marco Island, FL

Marco Island & Naples Florida Real Estate

Michael,

I've never heard of this and I've been involved on city commissions for over 20 years. I now serve on the Davenport Levee Improvement Commission and have been a commissioner for over 8 years. Are you familiar with the term T.I.F.? It stands for tax increment financing. It sounds similar to what you're talking about as it creates an incentive for development in a particular area.

Thanks,

Lucky :)

Apr 10, 2007 11:37 AM

Cynthia Sloop

Community Association Manager - Indianapolis, IN

It sounds reasonable enough. Don't chambers usually know about this stuff? I found some interesting things out from reading the minutes of one of the homeowner associations.

Apr 10, 2007 12:33 PM

Michael Ross

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Beverly, MA

North Shore of Boston

Lucky, What we are seeing in the Greater Boston markets are TIF programs with the "smart growth" approvals by city and towns. Many developers are looking to build in and around cities or towns close to active railroad lines to promote access, convenience, and make it attractive to consumers.

In Beverly, MA we have close to 200 new condo units as part of the smart growth program all within 5 minute walk to MBTA commuter rail to Boston, 8 minutes to Rt 128 which is the major travel corridor and a local bus line. The City approved these large "smart growth" projects because it was a win win for everyone involved and real estate sales in these projects are close to sold out!

I like it.

Apr 10, 2007 01:20 PM

Sounds too good to be true! Where do I sign?

Seriously, do you have any literature on this? I'd really like to see more details for our community.

Apr 10, 2007 01:42 PM

Are you Marketing "Smart Growth" ?

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Michael Ross

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