Note: I originally wrote this post in May, 2008. Funny how things have a way of repeating themselves. It still makes sense to buy Midtown Atlanta Real Estate if you work in Midtown Atlanta, Downtown or parts of Buckhead…you can walk or ride the MARTA train to work!
I’ve been thinking about this post for a couple days. Then, when I saw the gas price at my local Quik Trip jump $.16 in just two days from $3.59 to $3.75, I said, “Self…we gotta do something about this. What is another question.”
Well….for one thing, we don’t go for any Sunday drives in our classic car anymore. (Actually she has other issues…but we won’t go there today!) But, I think she makes 10mpg, maybe……Sorry Wilma, you’re staying in the driveway for now.
Then, I read an interesting story on Yahoo this morning about a man who is not buying any gas for 31 days! Check out the story! He’s riding a bike 18 miles roundtrip to work! Good for him!
I actually have 3 cars, and a pickup. The convertible is not moving, I only use my truck once a week to pickup things, my Mercedes is not moving, and my Sonata is the only car that gets driven.
Buying Midtown Atlanta Real Estate , or moving is not a decision that is made on a whim. But I have to wonder, what will it take for the real estate consumer to make a living change, and move closer to work. Atlanta now ranks #1 in the worst commuting times in the U.S. (Not a rank we are proud of…at least not me!) Will it take $6 a gallon gas to change people’s minds and the way we conduct our lives? Apparently NOT!
The New York Times ran an article last week on Gas Prices and Mass Transit! IN New York, the transit authority reported ridership up by more than 5% for the first 3 months of the year! Denver, out of all places, up 8% in the first 3 months!
Hmmm….that train is looking pretty good right about now!
But for us REALTORS, kinda hard to show property on a train, right? Well yes, but for someone like me that does mostly urban areas like Midtown Atlanta, I make a point to show my Buyers HOW CLOSE they are to a MARTA station!
As for my own personal use, I think twice about going to the office from my house (I have a condo which is walkable) unless I have to.
And you can bet, that Buyer is qualified before they get in the car and I show them any Midtown Atlanta Real Estate!
(Climb up on Soap Box) Everyone should not buy gas for ONE DAY! Just ONE DAY! See what happens to the gas price. (Climb off Soap Box)
I’m thinking people will dump the SUV before they will sell their house. But then again, as I ride down the freeway with that SUV next to me with the New Car tag on it, I’m thinking….you don’t get it do you?
Gas Prices and Real Estate…it’s effecting us now, and for sometime to come!
Anyone want to go bike shopping with me? Or maybe a Moped?
