When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters–one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity. ~ John F. Kennedy

The financial crisis of the last few years has offered some incredible opportunities to revaluate our priorities, and I’ve seen this played out in our Sarasota community. While people may not have been able to choose the external financial climate, they have been able to choose how they respond to it. And many peoples’ responses have been to make changes for the better, whether in health, real estate or any other area of their lives. View my video below for my take on lessons from the last couple years:

But despite improvement in the property market, the job market, and the lowest interest rates in sixty years, negative thinking still abounds. I read a headline this week that, despite figures to the contrary, peoples’ perception is that we’re in another recession.

In today’s instant gratification, media driven, sensationalist world, we are often making decisions based on hearsay and rumors when in fact the numbers say something different.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”~ Henry David Thoreau

My own local perception is that there seem to be more people out and about (and spending money) than last year. So I decided to ask three local businesses to get some real information about how their numbers look in comparison to 2010.

• Our favourite grocery store:
Numbers are up, sales are up. They’re not sure exactly why, but customers seem happier and in a better place.

• In one of our favourite local restaurants:
Sales are about the same level as this time last year. The regulars are still regulars and still place the same orders. Revenue has increased from new streams including outside catering.

• At the dentist:
Patients are showing up for their regular cleanings, however some are putting off bigger ticket items like fillings, and crowns. While their practice is growing there are patients that have left Sarasota because of a better job market elsewhere.

Just from this anecdotal information from a cross section of local businesses, it can be concluded that things are stable if not improving.

What Does That Mean for the Real Estate Market Here?

It remains difficult to make a bold generalization about Sarasota’s economy, but there are steady date points to support that it is improving as is the real estate market.

Chinese wisdom and JFK notwithstanding, the best conclusions must be made based on what is right for you and your family in the present, and opportunities chosen accordingly. One thing the last few years has certainly given me the opportunity to reflect on is that — crisis or no crisis — quality of life is ultimately the most important thing.