Hello world!

It’s a beautiful morning, the sun is shining, the birds are singing….It’s a great time to remodel!! 

Spring always brings with it a renewed energy and vigor concerning our homes.  Maybe we are inspired by the freshness of the spring air or the scents of the newly blossoming flowers, but it seems this time of year always motivates us to look at our homes with a questioning eye, asking ourselves, what can we improve, what can be made better?  Invariably, many homeowners revisit thoughts of improving their outdated baths, their well-used kitchens, or improving their family’s living space.  But, with all the uncertainty the economy has fed us over the last few months, many homeowners are asking themselves, “Is it a good time remodel?”  

All signs point to yes—for many reasons.  The downside of the economy has brought with it an upturn in the essential elements of remodeling:   quality materials and skilled craftsmanship.  Today’s homeowner has unprecedented choices in highly durable, stylish, and environmentally friendly products. There continue to be amazing technological developments in products ranging from paint to flooring materials—all of which  provide the homeowner with exciting alternatives to making their home safer, easier to maintain, and more energy efficient.  The availability of skilled craftsmanship is higher, too.  Professional remodelers have been taking advantage of advanced learning opportunities through their memberships in national trade associations like NAHB and NARI, resulting in new and more efficient methods of construction from which homeowners can benefit.

Financially, the climate is good too!  The woes of the real estate market have borne some of the lowest, and I mean lowest, mortgages rates history has ever seen—not to mention low rates on equity lines of credit. Many banks base their home equity rates on the WSJ Prime Rate.  As of this writing, the WSJ Prime Rate is 3.25%  !    The Prime Rate hasn’t been this low since 1955– the year Elvis Presley made his first TV appearance and  McDonalds  first opened its doors!    Incredible! 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has brought forth dramatic opportunities for tax credits, based on a homeowners’ smart choices in improving the energy efficiency of their homes.  Investment in replacement windows and doors or heating/cooling systems can be very favorable to a homeowner’s  tax situation, not to mention their monthly energy bills.  And remember, too, that a home is still one of the most important investments that will be made in a person’s lifetime.  It always makes sense to update/maintain your investment to insure it has the greatest chance to retain, and likely enhance, its value. 

Finally, and probably most important, is the intrinsic value home improvements can make for your family.  Updating a kitchen or a bath, adding a porch or sunroom, or finishing a basement can provide value well beyond the financial aspects.  Like spring, home remodeling brings with it a breath of fresh air and gives a home, and its family,  new life.

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