by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The 11th annual First Coast Real Estate Economic Outlook Conference featured a real estate market forecast: It should only go up from here.
The forecaster and bearer of good news was Dr. Henry Fishkind, an economist who spoke during the event at the Hyatt last month.
Fishkind gave the audience his encouraging news during his in-depth forecast for real estate growth in Northeast Florida.
“It is sad, it is painful, but it is not getting worse,” said Fishkind, explaining in his forecast that 2006 was a low point in the real estate market and the market should rebound in 2007. Fishkind stated that the market should stabilize over the next year, which he says will help the economy.
Fishkind also believes 2007 will be a great year for commercial and industrial properties and was enthusiastic about how Cecil Field is progressing.
“It’s really coming to life,” said Fishkind, who admitted to gasping when he first heard the former Naval base with its large workforce was closing, but now likes the direction it is going, “It’s going to be a real plus for this community.”
Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and Dr. Edward Gordon, author of “The 2010 Meltdown”, also spoke during the event that was attended by over 700 people. CCIM Candidate Development Chair Norman Gregory was the 2007 conference chairman.