Things that make you think when you want to be different — tidbits, conversation starters and things that make you look smart:
It’s always reassuring when an optimist gets backup to support their positive statements. So far this month, there has been good news for all of us. More jobs were filled and nothing is better for consumer confidence than jobs. It was the largest increase in jobs in five years, though we still have 8.5 percent unemployment.
What struck me was the excitement caused by the stock market. I wouldn’t consider myself a player, but I do follow news and when Fortune 500 companies make news, news about growth and increased sales, I take notice.
One in particular drew more interest than others and had me delving into their plans. Caterpillar, Inc. The 87-year-old United States company, is the largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. It employs over 150,000 and in 2011 boated $60 billion in revenue. That’s a lot of jobs and a lot of work. Granted, much of it is in construction going on elsewhere in the world, but it is comforting to know they are employing lots of people.
Now with their application to the local economic development commission, it seems Caterpillar plays to enlarge its Work Tools division right here in jacksonville and add 40 jobs. These skilled and unskilled jobs would provide openings in an area of West Jacksonville with an unemployment rate of 20 percent, according to one census tract.
We also have learned that EverBank seems to be moving forward with its initial public offering. Although they haven’t released how much stock they will sell, or when, the required filing update would indicate they plan to move forward. The local bank soon will have its name on the AT&T Tower to accompany its Riverside Avenue headquarters and the stadium.
Be clear: I am not an analyst. But I can read. Recently, the reports from CSX and others would indicate some industries are contributing in a big way to recovery.
Take Landstar Systems, the local trucking company. Their stock rose to a new high recently with fourth quarter earnings up 40 percent higher than analysts had forecast. They expect that growth to continue though 2012.
According to the annual report filed with the securities and Exchange Commission, International Baler, another local company that’s in the baling business, had a 44 percent increase in sales in 2011.
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One statistic that’s less noticeable is the divorce rate. Don’t know if it’s high or lower, but there’s a feeling that it’s dropping because people who are considering taking that unfortunate step didn’t have the wherewithal to have two abodes, and are hanging in there.
When the economy turns, one will seek new lodgings. That may mean a home sale.
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Despite a decline in home sales in December — and it was just 2 percent off the previous December — home sales overall increase for the third year in a row, according to the state real estate association. The 2011 gain was a healthy 8 percent.
Condo sales were up 15 percent, although with a slight drop in price.
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The city of Jacksonville held its first online tax deed sale at the end of January. A tax deed sale is for properties offered for sale to the highest bidder in order to satisfy delinquent property taxes.
This was the first time anyone with a computer could participate in the sale. In the past, a couple of hundred people would gather in the courthouse’s jury selection room and bid. Now, they can stay at home and bid.
In this sale, there were 112 transactions and it was done between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., much quicker than in the past. The Clerk of Court’s office assisted by providing a dozen computers in the courthouse and its annex.
A tax certificate is a lien for unpaid real estate taxes, penalties and any related costs. There is more interest in sales lately because of the rise in interest to buy foreclosed homes. It is one way to pick up properties for resale or rental.
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Speaking for foreclosures, there were 6,471 pre-foreclosure filings in 2011, a 37 percent decline. Actual foreclosures were down 39 percent.
— Jim Bailey is publisher of Realty/Builder Connection and president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. He can be reached at [email protected].