Since January in Spokane we have seen some significant trends that indicate that people are starting to explore the idea of buying or building or sprucing up their home. At the Builder’s Blocks where we feature custom builders and their quality subcontractors giving buyers the opportunity to see the builders work we have seen the number of people viewing our videos grow significantly indicating that either people are finally waking up to the BB in general or just getting some ideas or dreaming a bit. Either way it indicates the market is stirring.
The Builder’s Blocks started the last week of May 2010 and like most anything new, there was an adjustment period as people go introduced to a new medium for viewing homes. But even through the winter months, we have steadily increased in viewership and starting in January our builders/subcontractors saw the number increase significantly. So far the reporting for February (results are always 2 week in arrears) we have already surpassed January which was a record month.
Is the market about to turn around? I am not convinced of that. There is every indication that we still have a ways to go. But that does not stop people from looking and reigniting the dreams. And not just looking but starting to look for answers. What are their options? What is there available out there? What might they have to spend to get their home ready for market? What homes are selling in our area and for what amount and what does that mean in relationship to their home? What steps can they take today to get ready for making a move in the near future?
I have talked with several real estate agents in the past few days and even they are saying the same thing – there is something in the air. Could it be people getting anxious to leave winter? Spokane has a number of Home type shows that actually started in February with several more coming over the next two months so there is most likely a natural tendency to start thinking about the house and maybe some sprucing up or exploring ideas for those needed repairs. But based on the past couple of years there is something more going on here. There is definitely a change in the activity and maybe, just maybe, builders will be able to get some of that spring back.
I enjoy spending an hour or so every Sunday watching HGTV and some of the Interior Decorating Shows. I especially enjoy one that has a designer come in to spruce up a home that has been listed with little activity and it is amazing how different the homes can look with very little investment. In fact, there is a budget set for each “spruce up” at $2000 and yet once they are done you would think that they spent in some cases $10-20,000 for new granite counter tops and all new furniture and yet with a little bit of paint, a slip-cover or two and some simple drapes one can completely change the make up of a room very economically.
Often it is the clutter alone that needs some attention since we all seem to hang on to “stuff”. Clearing some of that out makes the rooms look larger and helps people to visualize themselves living in the home and specifically how they could make a particular room work for them and their family. But it never hurts to give a little facelift even if it is just you and the kids. Change can be good for everybody.
Is it that time of year? Maybe so! Spring IS in the care.
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