Da or Nyet? Governor hypes Florida real estate in Russia
Off on his high-profile glad-handing trip to Europe, Gov. Charlie Crist made a pass through Russia to ask our oil-rich, ex-Communist friends to buy Florida real estate. The Florida Association of Realtors hitched along for the ride.
“The Governor has brought much needed visibility throughout Europe to Florida’s commercial and residential real estate market,“ said John Sebree, Vice President of Public Policy for the Florida Realtors Association. “Investment capital is flush and our market is clearly being seen as one of value to its Russian investors.”
It wasn't the only purpose. During a meeting with Maxim Kalinin, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in St. Petersburg, he also pushed for greater Florida exports into Russia.
“The potential for Florida business in Russia can hardly be overestimated,” Crist said. “I am proud to represent the Sunshine state in the earliest stages of what will surely become a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Governor Crist is one of the first state leaders to visit St. Petersburg, Russia, since President Bush and Former President and Current Prime Minister Putin announced the US-Russia Business Dialogue earlier this year.
During a previous stop in the United Kingdom, Florida Realtors lobbied for a renewed British invasion of Florida, selling the benefits of home ownership in the Sunshine State with the depreciated dollar.
(Un)Real Estate offers a peek at the housing market usually reserved for insiders. While it focuses on the Tampa Bay area, it won't neglect dipping
into the rest of Florida and beyond. Its goal? Simple: To help you keep a roof over your head without losing your shirt.
I can see Govn'r Charlie now...
Please, come to Florida! Buy our real estate, and then pay higher property rates than we do! It's just that simple - what could be easier?!
-- This message brought to you by Save Our Homes, FAR, and Amendment 1: always looking for more out-of-state suckers to pay our taxes.
Come! Buy! Pay more taxes than us!!!
Posted by: Florida - Paradise Lost | July 21, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Maybe we should have them read the July 21, 2008 issue of TIME magazine. Florida State of Doom and Gloom. Nobody will buy here then!
Posted by: David | July 22, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I can see Govn'r Charlie now...
I bet he forgot to tell them about our high insurance costs.
Instead of save our homes, many are now saying save our jobs! What a sad situation we have in Florida and in the Tampa Bay area as the housing bubble greed is now costing the area many well paying jobs.
Posted by: Fuzzy Bear | July 22, 2008 at 10:39 AM
This is a link to the Time article that has been mentioned in other posts:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1821648,00.html
Admittedly, it takes a very pessimistic view of Florida. And I absolutely agree with most all of the points. However, I would rather not just agree with the article, draw the shades in my rental unit, and murmur insults at developers, realtors and politicians. I will instead be a voice for positive change in Florida. Yes, Florida has lost alot in the last few decades. But it is still a great place and we can save it by voting for smart policies and politicians, being smart consumers, and educating ourselves on the truth of what is going on in our State.
Posted by: Grant | July 22, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I love this blog.
Posted by: Tampa Commercial Real Estate | July 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I love this blog.
Good way to hear the feedback of your potential customer base or the feedback from those who provide economic information to commercial customers.
Posted by: Fuzzy Bear | July 23, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Tax and insurance will not decrease. Couple that with your so called "smart politicians" and we will have no jobs, little if any new businesses, and tumble weeds blowing in the foreground of oil rigs on the horizon.
Posted by: | July 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM