Have we reached the bottom of housing prices? Or are we looking down the road to more drops? That question is becoming easier to answer.

Many real estate investors, especially those who are buying real estate purely for investment purposes, are continually asking me this question. Is it time to buy? Have we finally hit “rock bottom.”

Real estate prices have continued to drop over the last few years, after reaching an all time high a few years earlier. Those investors looking for the best deal have been waiting for what they believe is”rock bottom” in order to make a purchase they can later profit from because prices are so low right now.

Finding rock bottom can be tough in a down economy. In the first place, market conditions vary pretty dramatically across the country. So, it’s pretty certain that some areas have already reached the bottom, while others may not reach it for several more months.

It does seem, however, that many markets are on the way back up. There’s no guarantee that they’ll stay that way, but as we see the job market improve, some areas of the country are definitely seeing the real estate market stabilize, and even creep us slightly.

Certain areas, like central Florida, which were particularly hard hit, are benefitting more than other areas from the recent slight improvement. There are so many factors that affect the housing market, and job market, along with business growth are two of the most important. Central Florida markets like Orlando and surrounding suburbs are rebounding more quickly because the area is growing so quickly. Orlando is ranked as one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, and it is also one of the areas where businesses are relocating in record numbers These two factors have contributed to the recent stabilization of Orlando’s market. If you’re in the market for a vacation home, a second home or a primary home in this part of the country; you should move fast.

There are other areas of the country, just as hard hit as Florida, which have not yet started to recover. Southwest cities, like Phoenix, continue to see home values decline. While Phoenix prices may still look high to Easterners, at $188 per square foot, the market in Phoenix has seen significant loss. That $188 per square foot is down 40% from its high.

So, as you can see; there are no sure answers as to whether or not the market has bottomed out. It would appear that in some areas, we have seen the bottom, while in others there will be more decline.

It’s important to evaluate the market you’d like to buy in very specifically. A qualified realtor in your area can help you make a good guess as to whether prices in that particular area have reached their low.

It is certain, however, that the economy as a whole is showing signs of recovery; though that recovery is surely slower than we ever expected. There will continue to be ups and downs in the markets, but the general trend is showing upward. Your chances of buying at bottom or near bottom prices are getting smaller and smaller. So, if you want to make a real estate purchase; there’s no better time than right now. Trying to anticipate and wait for the rock bottom could cause you to miss out on a great buying opportunity that’s right in front of you.

Google stops showing all real estate listings in map view. Google Base is no more.

Google started a real estate search and gave customers the ability to find properties for sale or rent directly from Google Maps back in June of 2009. Similar to property searches found on many real estate websites, but with a very minimal feel, Google offered the basic functionality to view listings. Less than two years later, Google has decided to discontinue the product. Most of the decision lays with the Google Base API, which is also phased out.

Google explained the decision to discontinue the product:

“In part due to low usage, the proliferation of excellent property-search tools on real estate websites, and the infrastructure challenge posed by the impending retirement of the Google Base API (used by listing providers to submit listings), we’ve decided to discontinue the real estate feature within Google Maps on February 10, 2011.”

Because Google experienced low adoption rates and never put the resources necessary to compete with improving real estate websites, it never took hold. In the past, we as Realtors had to compete with Google for traffic because it’s listings were integrated into the map view.  Now that Google is no longer integrated Google Base into maps, my fellow local Realtors can use this to their advantage and increase traffic to their websites.

With 85% of all property searches beginning online (and a large majority starting on Google), this is a major breakthrough for independant real estate agents.More than ever, we need to separate ourselves from the syndication outlets by positioning ourselves as the local experts.

Are you looking for great Orlando area syndication tools? Are you looking for a Florida Real Estate Brokerage that wants to promote you online and provide you with leads? We care about your success, and we give you an excellent website -for free- on day one. Contact Jen Dollar online, or at 407.330.4884 to make an appointment about your future in real estate in Central Florida.

For info straight from the source, read Google’s official announcement.

If you're looking for commercial real estate, many great opportunities exist throughout Central Florida. The Orlando area has a growing commercial real estate scene with access to affordable office and retail space.

Most of the news we’ve read about the real estate market in recent years has been pretty depressing. But, the news is actually quite exciting for Central Florida when it comes to commercial real estate.

Did you know that recent reports have ranked Central Florida at ninth in the nation for new commercial real estate construction? It may seem surprising, but it’s true.  In addition, occupancy rates in the downtown area of Orlando, the largest metro area in Central Florida increased in the fourth quarter of 2010 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. So, while the vacancy rate still remains in the high teens for the area, the occupancy numbers are increasing, which means that, over time, we’ll see more competition for the office space that is available.

Central Florida has also been ranked third in the nation for growth in commercial inventory. So, it’s clear that the Orlando metro area and surrounding Central Florida counties are getting ready for something big.

Commercial real estate in this area has been growing for several years. We probably have Mr. Disney, in part, to thank for that. After moving much of his empire to Central Florida, he not only helped improve the economy and the tourist industry here, but he also gave other businessmen the idea that Central Florida was a great place to locate their own businesses. At first, this commercial growth expanded primarily to other businesses similar to Disney’s: those in entertainment and tourism.

But, in the last few years, we’ve seen an influx of new businesses in Central Florida in all segments of the commercial market. Many companies are finding Central Florida a great place to move their businesses because of the family friendliness of the towns, the wonderful weather, and because of how welcoming the area has been to new businesses. That’s right; growth often leads to more growth, as businesses see an area like Central Florida responding to the needs of the business community.

Growth In Luxury Housing Helps Orlando Area Office Space

Another positive trend that has contributed to the growth in the commercial real estate market in Central Florida is the growth of the luxury home market. All the trends are related. As the entertainment industry began to move into central Florida, it brought with it many celebrities and other highly paid business people looking for luxury homes. As the luxury home market grew to accommodate these residents, it created even more need for businesses in the area, to provide goods and services for these high-end neighborhoods.

So, if you’ve been one of the many people who believe that all the news in the real estate market is bad news; think again. The Central Florida commercial real estate market is growing and continuing to provide a bright spot in an otherwise dull market.

So, if you’re a business owner looking for a place to move your business; don’t forget Central Florida. The area offers everything your employees could want in a place to live, making it easy for you to attract the very best talent. And, the market is ready and waiting with commercial and residential properties for your business and your home. Contacting a knowledge Central Florida area commercial realtor is important because of the many differences that exist among commercial and residential real estate, like for example zoning.

Looking for commercial real estate in the Orlando area? Realty Executives has commercial real estate specialists that will help you find the perfect spot for your business – and we’ll get you the best price. Search Orlando area commercial real estate now!

Contact Realty Executives to get started on your search for commercial real estate.

Dave Brewer Realty and The Perfect Home Guide are now merged with Eastshore Investment.

Eastshore Investment, LLC would like to announce the merger of its subsidiary, Realty Executives Seminole and Dave Brewer Realty, Inc. The announcement of the merger was made the morning of February 1, 2011 and received an overwhelmingly positive response from both the sales agents of  Dave Brewer Realty and the agents of Realty Executives.

The merger is truly a win-win transaction. Both organizations have similar core values, culture, and vision but each complements the other with the types of benefits that they can provide to their agents and clients.

Dave Brewer Realty has long been the publisher of the popular real estate publication The Perfect Home Guide which features high end properties in Seminole county. Subsequent to the merger, the distribution of the magazine will be expanded to encompass the additional Eastshore Investment companies:

Realty Executives Central Florida, located in the Dr. Phillips area in south Orlando;

Realty Executives Orlando, located in Longwood, Florida.

With the expansion of the The Perfect Home Guide into the these markets it is expected to become the premier real estate magazine in the Central Florida area.

On a local level Realty Executives has embarked on its own technology initiative to assist its agents in marketing their properties and generate business locally and throughout the world. The recent release of www.realtyexecutivesfl.com provides a powerful lead generation program that benefits agents, home sellers, and homebuyers.

Each agent of Realty Executives, including the Dave Brewer agents, now have their very own fully functional lead capture system that helps:

• Agents generate new listings and new buyers.
• Exposes agent’s existing listings to a worldwide audience.
• Provides a fully functional IDX platform for buyers to search area real estate.

Along with the merger, Dave Brewer agents will now enjoy the full benefits of association with an internationally recognized real estate franchise — Realty Executives International — with over 11,000 total agents, in 700 offices, in 24 countries, Realty Executives is a true international company. Now Dave Brewer agents will be able to leverage the power of an international referral network to market their listings and generate additional business.

With the merger between Realty Executives Seminole and Dave Brewer, the combined efforts of the Eastshore companies represent nearly $100 million worth of sales volume over the past 12 months, which ranks the organization:

#2 in Lake Mary

#6 in Seminole county

#11 in the 4 county area consisting of Osceola, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

(Ranked by total sales production for 12 month period prior to February 1, 2011, Realty Executives Seminole, Realty Executives Central Florida, Realty Executives Orlando, and Dave Brewer Realty, Inc.)

Read the blog article here: http://www.realtyexecutivesfl.com/blog/realty-executives-and-dave-brewer-realty-join-forces.html

Realty Executives and Dave Brewer Realty Join Forces

Eastshore Investment, LLC would like to announce the merger of sales forces between its subsidiary, Realty Executives Seminole and Dave Brewer Realty, Inc. The announcement of the merger was made this morning and received an overwhelmingly positive response from both the sales agents of  Dave Brewer Realty and the agents of Realty Executives. Read the rest of this entry »

In case you missed it, the attached article about the quality of education around the country ranks Florida #5 out of 50 states.  Wow, what a boost for us in the real estate business!  Quality of education is a key factor in the decision process for business and for individuals looking to re-locate.  Another positive for us!!!  Florida Schools

Job Description

We are looking for aggressive sales associates who are interested in a career selling real estate.  We will provide you will all the tools needed for your success; we need you to go out and make the deals happen.  We are investing thousands and thousands of dollars a month into our technology platform and we are giving it away to our Executives for FREE!!  Our competitive commission structures, technology platform and training and education classes cannot be touched by other brokerages.  We are a family owned and operated company looking to invest in your potential.  We do it all for YOU!  We hope you will consider becoming a valuable member of this exclusive team and we invite you to learn more about our company and the exciting opportunities that may await you with Realty Executives.  Please call me directly 407-252-3762 or email at jenniferdollar@realtyexecutives.com

Company Description

Our family has been involved in Commercial and Residential Real Estate for the past 30 years. We currently Own and Operate three Realty Executives Offices, RE Seminole in Lake Mary and RE Central Florida in Dr. Phillips and RE Orlando in Longwood. We have over 70 Executives working in our offices, but we are always looking to add talent to the team. Currently we are looking to add about 5-10 Executives in our Lake Mary office and 5-7 Executives in Dr.Phillips and 5-10 in Longwood. We have a steady stream of incoming leads from our state of the art lead generation program as well as incoming consumer calls on our REO properties. If you are looking to be part of a growing team of professionals, please contact me directly at 407-252-3762.

Benefits of Using the TagManager Technology:

• Link On-Site Shoppers to Information Instantly
• Connect Buyers to Your Mobile Site
• Link Print Advertising to Your Online World
• Allow a Buyer to Search Online
• Share In-Depth Information to Potential Buyers
• Built-In Analytics and Reporting Capabilities

Check out this VIDEO on the new Smart Tag Technology: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrEgOJIJn4E

Realty Executives International is First National Franchisor to Launch Microsoft Tag Technology… Link to forbes.com article below:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/businesswire/2010/11/02/businesswire147949190.html?partner=email

Realtors Create Strong Personal Brands Online to Stay Ahead of Evolving Real Estate Buyer and Seller Trends Nov. 3, 2010 (Marketwire) — PHOENIX, AZ — (Marketwire) — 11/03/10 — Realty Executives International, Inc. announces the launch of Executive and Broker Web Platforms, individual real estate agent and broker websites designed to enhance “personal brands” online through the use of social media and indexed listing pages to increase organic search rankings. The Executive and Broker Platforms are another component of the company’s overall Technology Initiative which plans out to 2020 led by the Realty Executives International Chief Technology Officer Darrell Smith. He is notably the co-founder of one of the top ten most downloaded apps in history. “We understand the importance of investing in our Executives’ (real estate agents) technology future,” states Rich Rector, owner and Executive Chairman of Realty Executives International. “Our proprietary Executive and Broker Platforms are not your typical real estate websites.” Realty Executives developed the Executive and Broker Platforms with a focus on organic development of leads through a long-term consumer focused web presence. Over the course of the last 24 months, Smith and his technology team have evaluated thousands of real estate and various industry websites from independent blogs to massive listing aggregators. After comparing traffic rankings, traffic sources, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and customer quality, Realty Executives concluded that to be truly effective, technology needs to drive traffic and awareness not only to real estate agent listings, but to agents themselves. “The Executive and Broker Platforms promote personal brands, in addition to listings, so our Executives and Brokers can be recognized as knowledgeable thought leaders for their specialty, experience and perspectives,” adds Glenn Melton, chief executive officer of Realty Executives International. “Without a personal brand that people can recognize online, Realtors will not be on the radar for consumers to find.” Executive and Broker Platforms are now available throughout the Realty Executives International network. For more information, visit www.realtyexecutives.com/signup or contact Andrea Kalmanovitz at andrea@alchemyaz.com. About Realty Executives International, Inc. Realty Executives International, Inc. is one of the fastest growing real estate franchises in the United States, with nearly 11,000 sales associates and approximately 700 franchises. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has offices in 24 countries: United States, Africa, Australia, Bahrain, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Honduras, Israel, Kuwait, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Romania, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Publications like Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines have recently ranked Realty Executives International as a leader in the real estate industry based on franchise growth, management stability and financial soundness. For additional company information, call (602) 957-0747 or visit www.RealtyExecutives.com. (Source: Market Wire ) (Source: Quotemedia)

“Recognizing Our Valuable Executives”

 Traditonally, real estate companies recognize their key agents only by the sales volume that they generate.  Nothing else matters!  We have given some thought to also recognizing Executives at each of our 3 offices who may or may not be in the top 3 in production, but who are supportive of our company in many different ways.  For instance we have agents who attend our meetings regularly, take advantage of the seminars that we offer at reduced costs, who support our title company, who support our mortgage affiliated company, who offer support for new executives and in some cases actually mentor them.  We have executives who volunteer their time to make ORRA a better service organization, while others are constantly selling our merits to other agents by encouraging them to join our organization.  Others volunteer in the community to give something back!

 We call these executives our “Most Valuable Players.”  Each quarter we would like to recognize an executive from each office and invite them to join us for dinner to thank them for all of their help!  In addition we will submit information about the recognition and the dinner to the local print media to get publicity that will be seen by your customers and clients as well as your friends and family.  It will be a wonderful way to assist you in self-promotion.  We’ll be announcing the names for the current quarter shortly!