The Story of Bernie Glieberman: A Journey Through the Housing Market
Novi, Michigan – The housing market is like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs, and no one knows this better than Bernie Glieberman, the founder, president, and sole stockholder of Crosswinds Communities. Starting his home building company way back in 1971, Bernie’s journey is remarkable. After cutting his teeth in his family’s construction business, he took the leap and established a company that’s developed over 10,000 homes since its inception.
A Bold Leader Makes Quick Decisions
Being the sole shareholder has its perks, and Bernie is quick to point out one major advantage: he can make decisions on the fly. “I don’t have committees to deal with,” he says, explaining that his ability to move fast has been crucial. It’s about making bold moves without needing consensus. For instance, when a site in Florida needed to change its lot size, he made the call overnight. “I didn’t need a whole lot of people to make a decision,” he shares.
With over four decades in the industry, Bernie has weathered downturns before and has learned what it takes to navigate tough times. “I have the benefit of the past to follow,” he notes. And that experience has proved advantageous, especially during the challenging times in 2006 when the whole market felt the squeeze.
Bright Sides Amid the Gloom
So, how is the market looking for 2007? Bernie sees a glimmer of hope. “I see some activity all around the country,” he says. Although Florida hasn’t bounced back yet, places like California and Arizona are showing signs of life with traffic and inventory levels improving.
Adapting and Evolving
Adapting to the market is key. Given that the Detroit area faced significant challenges earlier than the rest of the nation, Bernie’s team had already shifted into a more conservative mode. “We just translated it elsewhere,” he explains, referring to their willingness to adjust product specifications, lot sizes, and even pricing strategies to stay afloat. What worked in the tough Detroit market became a lesson that was applied elsewhere.
Playing It Safe
Bernie’s business approach can be summed up in one word: conservatism. They’re making smart purchases but are careful not to dive deep into risky land acquisitions. With some sites in Michigan and significant positions in Arizona, California, and Texas, they’re treading carefully. “We did not buy a lot of land in the last year and a half,” he explains, stressing that they haven’t walked away from any options. “The stuff we own is at very good prices,” Bernie adds confidently.
Shifting Marketing Strategies
When it comes to attracting potential homebuyers, it seems discounting is out, and valuing community is in. Bernie notes, “We’re getting off the discounting.” The focus now is on highlighting neighborhoods, schools, and overall value. “People are now smart enough to know to look at value,” he observes, marking a shift in strategy.
Advice from the Expert
With all his experience, Bernie offers some sage advice for his colleagues in the industry. “As long as they keep the balance sheets in line, they will be fine,” he insists. His confidence in their ability to rebound speaks volumes about the resilience that’s required to thrive in this market.
Florida’s Weak Spot and Michigan’s Stay
And where does he see the weakest market? “That would have to be Michigan,” Bernie acknowledges, but he doesn’t seem discouraged. “We can make money,” he reassures, emphasizing their longstanding reputation and presence in the state. “There is not much competition with the publics,” he explains, asserting his belief that they can succeed by focusing on their established name.
Beyond Homes: A Passion for Cars
Outside of the home building scene, Bernie has a unique passion: collecting antique automobiles. Among his prized possessions is a stunning 24-carat gold-plated DeLorean. He also boasts a collection of four other classic cars, showcasing that even in a tough business, there’s room for personal interests and hobbies.
As Bernie Glieberman continues to navigate the wild ride of the housing market, it’s clear that his experience, adaptability, and passion will guide Crosswinds Communities towards a bright future.
