Keith Knutsson

A 1987 graduate from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, Keith Knutsson, a Tampa, Florida-based real estate professional and entrepreneur, has extended his relationship with the University by serving on the Alumni Advisory Board. Established in 1919 as a school of economics and business administration, the Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, is widely recognized as a world-class business school. The Goizueta Business School received its current name in 1994 when it was renamed for the late CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, Roberto C. Goizueta, a much-admired Atlanta-area businessman recognized for business values and principles that helped shape today’s corporate leaders. Emory’s Goizueta Business School, from where Keith Knutsson earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, developed its M.B.A. program in 1954 and, in 2009, added a new Ph.D. curriculum in Business Administration and a new Real Estate course of study. Keith Knutsson’s alma mater offers one of the largest and most tailored mentoring programs among top business schools, bringing the global perspective to the classroom. A flagship program, the Goizueta Mentoring Program and the Goizueta Alumni Entrepreneurs Network utilizes the success of Emory graduates like Keith Knutsson to share their business acumen and international experiences. Keith Knutsson splits his time between business and giving back to the community through relationships with the Goizueta Business School Alumni Advisory Board and various other organizations. The Founder and Managing Director of Integrale Capital Partners has accrued more than 20 years’ experience in the European and U.S. real estate markets and a notable academic background. As President of the International Pathways Foundation (IPF), Keith Knutsson provides scholarships to college graduates seeking to study abroad. Mr. Knutsson’s effort supports the advantages of studying abroad, having had that experience himself as a student at INSEAD in Paris, France, where he earned an M.B.A. with honors in 1991. Additionally, when Keith Knutsson works internationally, he meets with IPF student candidates to provide guidance. Mr. Knutsson assists Aging Solutions, Inc., a healthcare coordinator for the needy in several Florida counties, in ensuring the provision of the highest-quality guardianship services to the physically or mentally disabled. In addition, Keith Knutsson serves on the Board of Directors of Tampa’s Inner City Fund; advises on relationships and services to international real estate investors for Coast to Coast Real Estate, Inc.; and has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Ronald’s Burger Burger, Inc., a new fresh hamburger franchise concept.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

THE CURRENT HOUSING MARKET

In January of this year home sales fell to their lowest level in the past 18 months. Higher mortgage rates and prices have caused a shortage of properties for sale. Sales of previously owned homes fell by 5.1%, and the median sales price in January was at $188,900 which is a 10.7% increase from last year (WSJ, Home Sales Fall to 18-Month Low Amid Low Inventories). The housing market has turned to a marketplace for investors looking to strike it rich on foreclosing properties. The amount of homes being sold has dropped significantly not only due to increased prices, but also more severe weather nationwide, forcing a whole new array of insurance expenses.  Ack of supply is also a large constraint on the market. In January there were only 1.9 million homes on the market, a number only seen for 3 months out of the last 12 years (WSJ, Home Sales Fall to 18-Month Low Amid Low Inventories). Construction of new homes also remains near its lowest level in 50 years. Builders completed fewer than 570,000 new single-family homes last year, down from an average of 1.1 million from 1990 through 2003 (WSJ, Home Sales Fall to 18-Month Low Amid Low Inventories).  Economists worry that if the number of houses does not increase, the still recovering housing market will face a rough road. Keith Knutsson, real estate consultant writes on the matter of the current housing market.