Turning a Bad Economy into a Good Time for Home Improvement
In many areas of the country, homes are taking twice as long as national averages to sell. Why the wait? Chalk it up to buyer confidence, realtors say it isn't there. Many homeowners who were considering selling before the economy began its downward spiral are now putting their money back into their homes. And they're getting a lot of help, from contractors with more time on their hands to home builders who have turned to maintenance, repairs, and home improvement because they aren't building homes.
Major retailers, like Lowe's, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others, are still suffering from weak outlooks. But there's a silver lining in all that bad news.
How Homeowners Can Benefit from a Weak Economy
Here are a few tips for how to benefit from our struggling economy as a homeowner:
- Network. We all know other homeowners who have worked on home improvements. Ask to talk to their contractors, and research them online. Discounts are just a little research away.
- Shop. Major retailers are closing stores, leading to major discounts and clearances. Take advantage on materials like flooring, fixtures, and hardware.
- Plan. Even the most experience homeowners encounter challenges with home improvement projects. Talk to professionals about your plans and make sure your improvement idea leaves your sanity and budget intact.
A good first step? Research. Use this site to find out how other homeowners are investing in their homes during what has quickly become a bad time for many industries but a good time for home improvement.
Sources
http://www.kcentv.com/?p=3950
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB123361371699740809.html?mod=googlenews_barrons
