Is All Real Estate Local -- Or Global?

Opportunities vs. Problems... "The faster the future arrives -- with all its weird new technology, disruptive economic models and shifting alliances -- the more opportunity there will be."

That's Rich Karlgaard urging readers of his Forbes column (May 8, 2006), Digital Rules, to focus on future opportunities, not present-day problems. And you can read more of his comments at his daily blog.

Better yet, attend Realcomm Dallas, June 25-27 (see registration discount below), where Karlgaard will deliver the keynote address. His message is that our economy (and the real estate market) is inextricably linked to global economic forces, which we ignore at our peril.

According to Karlgaard, the hyper-competitive world economy will demand extreme efficiency, resulting in better business processes and directly impacting real estate transactions, management and facilities.

One of Karlgaard's heroes is Jim Owens, CEO of Caterpillar. You might not think of this Midwestern manufacturer as global, but you would be wrong. In 2005, "approximately half of all sales were to customers outside of the United States" (Cat web site). According to Owens, "We've also become a major British manufacturer, a major Brazilian manufacturer and a major Chinese manufacturer -- just to name three of the 40 countries where we have a presence." (Wall Street Journal, Apr 17, 2006).

So even if you're a broker in Peoria (Cat's headquarters), you're likely to be affected by global winds of economic and technological change. ... BTW, who did the Caterpillar deal in China?

Realcomm Discount... Save $70 off the Early Bird rate of $595 (valid until Monday, May 1!). Register with the PikeNet code. Here's how. Go to Realcomm, click the Conference tab and then the "Register Now" button. Click the "Promo" button and enter RC06PIKE1 (that's "zero six"). Questions? Call Janice Young at 760-736-2627. Thanks!

-- Peter Pike