REAL ESTATE 101 Part VI, New Direction
Hallelujah, the elections are over. The voters have spoken. Leaders have been chosen, and you are probably wondering what this has to do with the real estate market? The answer is an awful lot.
At the national level, decisions and policies will need to address our dismal economy. Bank bailouts, unemployment due to job losses, budget deficits, and two wars are just some of the problems that must be addressed in order for the real estate market to recover. At the state and local level there must be a continuation of the efforts to reduce spending, lower taxes, and increase the attractiveness of living in our state and more specifically our county.
The Gulf County Commission needs to set aside their personal agendas. They need to shift the focus from their specific district and work together for the betterment of the entire county. Tough choices must be made. Taxing and spending must be reduced. The citizens, businesses and property owners in Gulf County are among the highest taxed in the state. When the real estate market went in the tank, property values declined. This typically would mean a reduction of revenue for the county and that county spending would be reduced. Unfortunately that is not what occurred. The Gulf County Commissioners raised the mill rate to maintain its policies of tax and spend like money grows on trees. Excessive taxing and spending discourage people from moving here. Businesses that are relocating will find more affordable alternatives are available than setting up shop in Gulf County. Businesses currently operating in Gulf County and citizens will continue leaving to areas that provide better opportunities and incentives than they get here.
Gulf County is a jewel. Low crime rates, pristine beaches, and mild winter climate, friendly, honest people, make Gulf County a destination that is attractive to businesses and relocating people. Unfortunately, overtaxing and spend politicians that operate like a hyena feeding frenzy on the carcass of a wildebeest discourage people and businesses to consider Gulf County as a destination. Now is the time for a change in direction and policies. Tax breaks for residents and businesses will encourage more people and businesses to come to Gulf County. Lower taxes and more opportunities will also help to keep the businesses and people currently here from leaving. It is not rocket science, which is a good thing since three County Commissioners are definitely not of the intellect to be considered rocket scientists. If we are going to have a recovery in the real estate market, it is essential that our local politicians show that they are in touch with reality. They are going to have to make some tough decisions. Reductions in personnel and benefits, postponing projects, consolidation of resources, shelving equipment purchases, in effect they will need to adjust to the economy just like the rest of us have. A few years ago we were flying high. Steaks on the grill, a hummer on every street, construction projects everywhere, and life was good. Today we are lucky to have a tuna sandwich and hope that we can afford gas for our pinto. New construction is almost nonexistent. Have you noticed any new businesses starting up? How many jobs have been created? Check the want ads in The Star. Not many from what I see. This situation can and will improve if our local leaders actually lead in a new direction instead of following the same path that has gotten us to this point. Next week I will be writing about selling property. Should you sell now? What are the pros and cons of using a real estate professional versus selling it yourself, etc.?
If anyone has something that they would like discussed, please feel free to call me (850) 647-2473 or email: pelicanwalk@gtcom.net. I would like to thank Tim Croft and The Star for giving me this opportunity to educate the public on the intricacies of real estate. I hope that the readers find it informative and interesting.
