Is Opportunity Knocking?

The quarterly UNF sponsored LEIP Line is out, and does not paint a rosy picture, although statistics for Northeast Florida tends to put us ahead of the national data. For example, local stocks outperformed the DOW, and unemployment remains below nine percent. Much of the malaise is centered on the uncertainty of the upcoming presidential election with investors holding on to cash due to fear that the future will not change for the better. The following is a quote from Dr. Mason's commentary: "The U.S. economy thrived for two centuries based on private sector initiative and innovation based on quality education and entrepreneurial spirit. We desperately need to return to those ideals – and the sooner the better."
It has generally been accepted that the commercial real estate market follows the residential market, and from all indications the latter is slowly but steadily improving. A leading salesperson with Watson Realty Corp. recently informed this writer that the price of housing is trending upwards and the "great deals" are harder to find, clearly suggesting the bottom is behind us. And, on a recent trip to the Keys, the leading residential broker/salesperson for the Upper Keys said she is presently enjoying her best year "ever" with many investors taking advantage of the deflated prices for vacation/resort housing there.
CBC Benchmark has also experienced an increase in investor interest and is presently assisting several high wealth clients locate excellent investment opportunities. We believe the bottom of the commercial real estate market is also a thing of the past.