Israeli Prime Minister to Cut bureaucracy, corruption in building sector

"There are young couples who are now stuck, and there are people packed in the narrow strip of Hadera, Gedera, and Jerusalem at astronomical apartment prices. These are the land prices because there is no land. As a result, more and more young couples are living with their parents. Israelis consider an apartment as a lofty dream for which they must mortgage their lives in order to achieve. We're taking steps to change that" said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In other words, prices are set by market forces(the theory of demand and supply) but at least these proposed reforms will ensure that many prospective buyers will consider enlarging their homes rather than selling and buying bigger ones, hopefully these measures will then stabilize prices somehow.
The reform, beginning with the new planning and building law, aims at improving the transparency and accessibility of all planning and building applications, as well as setting deadlines for the granting of permits and aims to shorten and simplify planning and building licensing procedures, while improving the quality of construction.
Netanyahu said that Israel was in first place on the number of computers per household, but 120th in time needed to obtain a building permit!.
"End the system of planning and building commissions' meeting behind closed doors. Everything will be displayed on the Internet. We want transparency. We'll set up a special Police unit to fight corruption in planning and building." He added.

Israel's Minister of Finance: The Israeli economy is on the road to recovery

The positive indicators quoted by the Minister include, among others:

The large rises on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and other global stock markets

The 1% annualized growth in Israel during the second quarter of 2009

Higher direct and indirect taxes collected in June

The rise in the Bank of Israel's State of the Economy Index

The improvement in the industrial production index and production in the commercial sector

The professional Licensed Realtor

A broker's commitment is to serve his clients in the process of buying, selling, renting and/or managing their property.
This requires a thorough knowledge of the market, strong negotiating skills, ability to settle last minute disagreements, promptness and reliability.
A good agent can provide to potential home purchasers accurate and fair pricing based on current market trends.
He analyses statistics on past and current sales in order to provide a fair estimate of the actual market value of a particular property for sale and prepares an optimum marketing plan including best advertising channels for the particular home in question, in addition to useful tips on how to best display the home for sale.
He is able to provide critical information regarding neighborhood demographics and other relevant information. This will save the buyers invaluable time, and ensure that they don't buy in an area not suitable for them. (This is crucial especially for Olim!)
Sometimes the "chemistry" between the parties is just simply not there (cultural differences usually add to this) a professional broker uses his diplomacy and tact to avoid unnecessary friction between the parties, which in his absence could lead to one party refusing to deal with the other, resulting in the cancellation of a deal.
A good agent will work with the lawyers on both sides so that the contract can be signed promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Finally, a professional broker will attend the contract signing just in case there is a dispute at the last minute; and if the argument is not of a legal nature (like closing date or payment terms, etc.) lawyers do not like to get involved.