Bowden’s MARKET BAROMETER
Vol. XX / #6 – February/March 2012
BMB is an “Insider” news forum that puts 30 years of hands-on, boots-on-the-ground consulting experience behind its headlines and commentary.
Inside this edition . . .
Barometric Beat - Homes are being marketed via coupons, Justin Timberlake is refining golf marketing, President Obama is covering Al Green, and the Republican Party is stealing the (side) show. It’s a brand new year and our industry continues to advance through the recovery process, which seems to have actually started in a variety of markets . . .
Current Climate/Housing Highlights – Real time indicators and year-over-year trends for the economy and housing. The stock market responded optimistically on a good January jobs report that represented the 24th consecutive month of job growth and the strongest in nine months. The number of housing markets showing improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 metros in 31 states and the District of Columbia – and much more.
Trends In . . . Ski Resort Demand - In the early 2000s, ski areas were averaging approximately 40 million visits annually, on average, with no signs of growth. But the number of facilities rose in 2010/11 and the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported that US ski areas hosted 60.54 million skier/snowboarder visits in 2010/11, the second best season on record. One of the most interesting demographic shifts flies in the face of conventional wisdom: The trend in recent years toward an older skier/ snowboarder population. This article provides an in-depth discussion on the indicators that will change the development footprint of this development genre.
Golf Gallery – The golf business in real time: Industry conditions, event, trends, and networking opportunities. Architectural, acquisition, management and disposition activity are prolific. Only in this issue, The Club Corner features commentary by Glenn Gerena, a partner at Greenberg Traurig specializing in club development and operations: “Lowering Membership Price without Lowering Membership” is a must-read for private club owners and operators.
The Bulletin Board - A synopsis of current industry announcements, new developments and housing products, business trends and strategies, builder happenings, sales activity and achievements, acquisitions and property prospects, and hospitality industry momentum.
Regional Trends – The Sunshine State - The state of Florida has been referred to as “ground zero” relative to the US housing crisis. The biggest headlines were in 2009 when the Sunshine state lost more people than it attracted. But in fact, the state has grown 19% since 2000 (1.6% per year, on average) and in spite of home price depreciation one of the highest rates of foreclosures in the nation, the Sunshine State appears to be on track for a relatively speedy revival.
In Their Own Words – Making Workouts Work by Bill Lee - Our interview this edition is with Bill Lee, President of Madison Residential Advisors and a specialist in workouts and restarts of distressed properties. Bill’s insight comes from decades of consulting work and his interview a necessary read in today’s housing environment.
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