Greg Snow - Southwest Florida Real Estate Expert provides real estate services to Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands

"Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio, a nation turns it's lonely eyes to you", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Graduate_(soundtrack) brings back myriads of memories from the 1960's. This reference to the once rock solid American image we relied on brings to my mind the once rock solid profile of an individual whom would be buying property in Lee County.  I am afraid that "Say it ain't so Joe,en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoeless_Joe_Jackson - 116k - Cached is our only real hope of a return to the early part of the first decade of our 21st century. What I really mean to say is 'The times they are a changing",www.bobdylan.com/albums/times.html - Cached

Let us look at our aging baby boomers (OMG, I am one of them). Take the 55-65 year olds, nearing what should be their retirement age(s). Many will still want or need to work, and may be stranded until real estate values recover. Probably would feel more comfortable in mixed age, active, urban "feeling" town centers. The younger boomers in their peak making money years (46-54) got really hosed with non rising income and loss of home equity which means "when" they are able to sell and buy, they will be searching in similar communities as the older boomers.

The 85-88 million Generation Y (why not?) may be disinterested in the American dream of home ownership. These tech smart ones may rent forever or finally choose a "smart", green, energy efficient, close-in community to lay their weary heads down. Then, the over 40 million immigrants whom favor "clustering" in multi -generational, larger homes, if they can afford them, in community conscious neighborhoods.

These are are "new" buyers. Could mean we are heading for "urban", rather than "suburban", purchasers.  Be prepared as they used to say in the Scouts:)