Whenever “year-end journalism” like TIME’s piece on the 00′s hits the news stands, our computer screens and mobile devices it is cause for reflection. Was this decade truly bad (even though it technically does not end for another 12 months) or have we been conditioned by our news media to focus on agendas somewhat removed from our own?
There is the sense that we share a collective American Experience, and we all mourn when tragedy befalls our nation. But we end up retreating to our own lives, our own families and situations. Americans are more likely to pay attention to football games than get caught up in world affairs.
As Thanksgiving is on our collective minds this week; best wishes to you if the decade has treated you well. If you have suffered, may the final year of this decade and the next decade bring you plenty to celebrate.
The Private Communities Newswire Poll is still taking votes, even if we are still waiting for a real estate market recovery. Results thus far show we are an optimistic bunch.
There are so many ways to set sail, and in second home hubs like Florida there are smart choices available for people who do. One good idea is to select a private community or a gated community where boats are central to the amenity experience. Being able to hop on your boat for a sunset cruise after a round of golf can make for an ideal day with family and friends.
Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, Florida
Fractional sailing is catching on these days and it makes sense for the same reasons fractional second home ownership makes sense for some. Sophisticated buyers of second homes do their best to get the most for their money and if you sail a little or a lot, a private community is the kind of place where these experiences await.
As with any list, the debate begins about which places don’t make the cut or get the attention that Chambers of Commerce across America love to see and promote. The Forbes Traveler list online has some scenic photos that only tell part of the story. A place can be beautiful, but that does not guarantee that luxury housing will hold its value there. Geography can influence a second home purchase far more. Human geography like jobs, health care, education and retirement.
An example would be the lovely 90210 ZIP code in Southern California, where not much has changed to make luxury home values rise since that 2008 BusinessWeek story by expert real estate writer Prashant Gopal. Not even a hit TV show can boost prices for a ZIP code these days.
It should be expected that, with video-enabled buyers and sellers, the way we find our ideal places to live, relocate or get a second home could be forever changed. Instead of lists, more and more Americans are going to be doing what Coldwell Banker “On Location” is doing with some of its research to motivate buyer interest based on life’s changes. College towns were a recent focus of the peppy video productions the firm has been posting and sharing on the Web.
So, who is it we trust anymore, when it comes to making a real estate investment that will be good for our lives and for our wallets? The best bet is to open those avenues of research, from news reports to social media and cross-examine the common wisdom. Oh, and remember that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. We welcome comments about your favorite places right here.
