The Recovery Continues
Realty World-Freewheeler‘s sales volume in the first quarter of 2010 surpassed the first quarter of 2009 by 49% and we expect this increase to continue. Throughout the Upper Keys the sales volume was up 14%, the number of transactions was up 44% but the average sales price still fell more than 20%. It is hard to determine the effect of the foreclosures and short sales on the market but with Freewheeler handling the Freddie Mac foreclosures in the Keys, I can see a marked increase in the number of foreclosure listings.

Upper Keys Residential Sales Analysis


Throughout the Keys the absorption rate was reduced to 32 months from 52 months.


Construction Update
Lateral Sewer Connections in Key Largo and Plantation Key have kept Freewheeler‘s construction crew busy this quarter. It sounds easy; just dig a trench from the home to the street. But often the sewer pipes are not where they are said to be, there are water and power lines to contend with and finding septic tanks often means digging up more yard than we want to. When you connect, help us out by locating septic tanks and underground power and water lines. Check on the plans of the home if you are not sure and don’t forget to mention water and power going to the dock, yard lights, gated, etc.

Pictured is Chuck Wheeler digging away.

Vacation Rental News
Brandi and I recently attended the annual conference of the Florida Vacation Rental Association in Orlando. There was so much information regarding so much technology that “my eyes glazed over." We decided to tackle one project at a time, beginning with travel insurance and Trip Advisor. More often, families are requesting travel insurance, which covers much more than I was aware of. In addition to the obvious health reasons, it can cover hurricanes, job loss, and a volume of circumstances. Trip Advisor is a really neat tool which previously did not address Vacation Rentals. Now through their affiliate, Flip Key, we can advertise Vacation Rentals and log vacationer reviews. Trip Advisor is a very popular site and I urge you to check it out. Both of these programs will enhance our rental program and should be online soon.

Freewheeler Agents Contribute to Plantation Key School
Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem solving opportunities for students. Problems range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. The team consisting of 5 middle school students and one 4th grader placed first in their division for their Halloween theme for the Return to the Gift of Flight problem. The team worked for five months on the idea, including the construction of six flight plans, a skit, costumes, and scenery. Amy Lindback of Freewheeler was one of the coaches who took the team to the State competition in April and they placed 7th out of 17!

PKS Odyssey of the Mind Team 2009-2010

CHEERLEADING WITH THE PLANTATION KEY GOLD SQUAD
Freewheeler‘s Michelle Sorrell coached a squad of 20 girls ranging in ages from 6 to 13. They recently went to the Miami Meltdown and the South Florida Sizzler competition bringing home 2nd place trophies in both competitions. In addition to 2nd place, this team also won the Most Spirited Award at both events.

PKS Gold Squad Cheerleaders 2009-2010

Quotes of the Quarter
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." ---Warren Buffett

"When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before." ---Mae West



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