Good news maybe?

Saw this in the Bradenton Herald this morning and hoped it meant good news for 2011:

"Region among housing recovery leaders" (Bradenton Herald)

The catch-22 for our area is that often housing = jobs.  So while the analysts say we need more jobs before the housing market improves, we might actually need more houses (or more demand for homes) before the job market improves.  Where's that chicken and did it come before or after the egg?

In any case, we're glad to see signs of improvement in the housing market!

Mortgage drought in SW Florida?

I came across this article in the Herald-Tribune today:

Mortgages drying up in SW Florida (Herald-Tribune: October 8)

It reminded me of a recent job that is now on hold due to a buyer's financing being denied.  It seems like the one case we saw was part of a larger trend maybe?  I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for everyone to have a home lined up for purchase ... the buyer is excited ... the seller is ready to go buy another house ... that home's seller is ready to go ... the movers, realtors, decorators, remodelers etc. are all ready when  *boom*

the whole deal falls through ...

It's a domino effect and I hope it can be stopped before it builds any more momentum, we've seen enough of this stuff for the past few years!  Have you been affected by this?  If so, write in a comment to let us know about your experience?  Are you a banker who could shed some light on this trend?  Hit me up!