Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on December 22, 2009
Celebrating the holidays in a tough economy is enough to unleash the inner Scrooge in all of us. It’s disheartening for many of us to not be able to give to our loved ones in the abundance we’re accustomed to.
Happily though, even the darkest cloud has a silver lining. This year’s harsh economic climate, though by all accounts improving steadily as we hurl headlong into 2010, affords each of us the priceless opportunity to reconnect with the true meaning of the holidays and the spirit of giving.
Just before Christmas, we came across an emotional gift guide authored by Jack Levine—founder of the 4Generations Institute in Tallahassee and one of Florida’s best-known child advocates who was named Floridian of the Year in 1990. It lists 20 intangible gifts to give to those who deserve special recognition for simply being who they are, doing what they do, and for the important role they play in our lives and communities.
No money, fancy paper or colorful ribbons are required to give the very gifts that ultimately touch their recipients’ hearts the most. All you need are equal measures of understanding, compassion, love and commitment. Better still, these are gifts—such as volunteering regularly at your favorite charity— that can be replenished all year long, thus extending the spirit of the holidays into every day of the New Year.
So with a brand new decade just a few days away, here is Levine’s 20-item emotional gift guide to help get it started in the best possible way:
- To yourself….respect, confidence and faith.
- To a friend….a heartfelt and caring spirit.
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Posted by Matthew Haber on May 12, 2009
Headlines of an article posted online today from the Sarasota Herald Tribune website…
“Sarasota-Bradenton Posts Nation’s 7th Biggest Home Price Drop”
…and what good news it could be for the homebuyer!
Let’s take a closer look at some other “dropping” statistics, but positive ones. In April of 2008, Trendgraphix reported that Sarasota County had a 14.6 month supply of inventory based on current listings and pending properties. April of 2009 showed a drop of that number to a 7 month inventory or a 52% “drop.” What does this mean? It means that buyer confidence in the local real estate market is returning. It means that buyers are moving off that fence. They are taking advantage of pricing that is correcting itself from the runaway inflation of years like 2005 where the annual appreciation of homes exceeded 30% due to a lack of inventory and frenzied investor buying. This is the statistic that we need to be creating the buzz about. This change in inventory is a positive trend that every prospective buyer should know and heed. It is a true sign of a market that is in the process of a healthy correction. (more…)
Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on November 26, 2008
In a just recorded podcast, Michael Saunders discusses the importance of the international buyer with Harold Bubil, Real Estate Editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. With equal doses of realism and her trademark optimism, she talks about the expectations of the international buyer. It is all about value, value, value!!!
To listen to Michael Saunders interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, please
"CLICK HERE".
Then click the icon immediately below the word ‘healthy’ in the title once you arrive at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s web site.
