editor’s note
Real Estate Rebound… Really? I
n June 2006, only the third edition of Spacecoast Business, we focused on Brevard’s real estate industry. Speaking to local experts, their outlook at that time was the market was “cooling off” and was set for “an adjustment.” They predicted Brevard real estate appreciation would slow from double-digit annual growth to “a more reasonable 4% per year” and felt there were plenty of encouraging trends to maintain the Space Coast’s positive momentum. Yikes! Fast forward to today. While I’m glad
I didn’t bet the homestead on those cautiously optimistic predictions, the past four years might be described by many homeowners in slightly harsher terms – especially if you’re upside down on your mortgage, tapped out on a home equity line of credit, or even worse, were forced to put property into foreclosure. Despite the downturn in the real estate
Josh Field
market for the past few years, innovative and persistent local developers, realtors, designers, construction companies, and others in the industry have managed to persevere, and in some cases, gain market share and even grow revenue and profit. By identifying niche markets and opportunities, being creative, sticking to their core competencies, and taking some risk, a handful of local organizations
and individuals are finding success in a less-than-friendly market. Starting with Christopher Burton Homes
on page 30, this month’s edition takes a look at some of those companies that have toughed it out and are forging forward – companies like The Viera Company (p. 34), Tanner Construction (p. 50), Shelter Mortgage (p. 52), Balda Development (p. 54) and MAI Design (p. 56). We also sat down with real estate
entrepreneur Kirk Kessel (p. 60) to find out what he thinks is necessary to succeed in this challenging market and what to expect going forward. While many of our real estate experts
continue to hold out hope for a gradual recovery in the local market starting later this year, the looming layoffs at KSC, the possible blow to tourism due to not only the end of the shuttle program but now the oil spill crisis in the gulf, and the tenuous economic conditions in Europe now affecting world money markets, suggest we may still be in for a few more rough quarters. So for now, just be glad to have a roof over your head and a paycheck coming in. Oh, and speaking of which, be sure to check out Frank Huston’s article on page 80 about surviving a disaster …it’s hurricane season again! Stay positive,
Favorite Quotes From This Issue: “I believe in the growth
and development that is
happening here, and I feel it is a good area to be in right now.”
Shelter Mortgage [ p. 52 ]
“Our mission is to beautify Brevard County; while also conserving the natural
resources of our community for generations to come.”
Balda Development [ p. 54 ]
“Now is the time for
leaders of character to rise, bringing HOPE
through proven, time- tested principles.”
Vision, Jeff Piersall [ p.70 ]
“What is unmistakable is
the plethora of genuine real estate opportunities in the Brevard market today.”
Stirling Sotheby’s
International Realty [ p. 78 ]
8]JULY2010
spacecoastbusiness.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100