If anyone should be rooting for Shad Khan and local business and political leaders to mine new jobs and investments as a result of the Jacksonville Jaguars game in London, it is those of us in the real estate and building industries.
The latest pronouncements from those who went on the late October economic development trip are full of optimism.
Jerry Mallot, executive vice president of the JAX Chamber and president of JAXUSA Partnership, is not known for making statements of hyperbole.
So it got my attention when Mallot said recently that he expects results from the trip within six months that will create 500 jobs.
If that happens, some of those jobs will be filled by people living in Northeast Florida. But, it most likely means that Jacksonville will get some new residents who will be looking for homes for their families.
And, you know how it works. If Jacksonville lands two companies, that success is likely to lead to others — especially if the two pioneers to Jacksonville from England are pleased with their decisions.
Given the Jaguars record, it could be easy to be cynical about the notion that playing football games in London is a way to lure new home buyers to Jacksonville.
But, that would be wrong.
There's no doubt having Khan, Mayor Alvin Brown and other leaders go there is important for Jacksonville, including over the next three years when the Jaguars return.
Perhaps most important among them is Khan, who as owner of the Fulham Football Club in the English Premier League has an entry card with England's business leaders.
Not many cities get to walk into London with someone with Khan's credentials and pitch their hometown – and then be able to pitch it again and again and again.
We all had high hopes that the Jacksonville Super Bowl would lead to significant job growth and all that comes with that.
But, we were disappointed, in large part I think, because when the Super Bowl was over, people were still unaware of Jacksonville.
Now, on the coattails of Shad Khan, we can correct that.
If that happens, no industries will reap more benefits than ours.
Buyers use old school and new school options
There are two weapons you better have before going into battle if you are a Realtor.
According to an annual survey from the National Association of Realtors, 89 percent of new homebuyers use websites and 51 percent use yard signs.
With an increase in people looking to buy, and a declining inventory, make sure your website is first class. You also need to load up on yard signs.
Use of the Internet by people buying homes has increased significantly over the last 10 years, up to 92 percent compared to 71 percent, according to the survey.
The report also said, "The Internet does not replace the real estate agent in the transaction. In fact, buyers who used the Internet were more likely than those who did not use the Internet to purchase their home through an agent."
While the survey said 76 percent considered websites "very important" when looking for information, agents were close behind at 68 percent.
Perhaps just as important, 71 percent said agents are "very important" for their "usefulness."
Real live agents are still essential.
— Jim Bailey is publisher of Realty/Builder Connection and president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. He can be reached at [email protected].