Florida brokerages staff up for opportunities

From the South Florida Web site: South Florida’s real estate ranks, thinned by the market collapse, are starting to increase again as brokerages anticipate an upturn. Some struggling part-timers left the business as the boom times faded, and others near retirement exited gracefully.

Those who hung on are sharpening their swords in preparation for renewed opportunities. Home sales are once again on the rise, but different strengths are needed for a market characterized by lower prices, fewer buyers, and rising foreclosures. Companies like Flagler Development are taking advantage of the down economy to recruit talented brokers and train them to leverage market opportunities. In the last six months, the firm has hired four people, taking advantage of cutbacks at rivals such as CB Richard Ellis.