Ocean City, Maryland developer has engineered a stimulus package in an effort to ignite local slumping luxury resort real estate market. Rivendell Condominiums, their most elegant waterfront condominium community in Ocean City, MD, is kicking off the spring selling season with unprecedented offers specifically targeted to “buyers-on-the-fence.”
The developer, Buccini Pollin Group, Inc. has created this stimulus package specifically to appeal to prospective resort condominium buyers. This limited-time offer (the next ten-homes sales only), includes reducing prices to “bare bottom” lows, paying closing costs, and offering seller financing up to 90%. …

The current economic climate and depressed housing market are causing people to spend more on home improvements, according to the latest figures from Sainsbury’s Finance.
The lender made an estimated 425,000 loans for home improvements in 2008 – a 53% increase on loans in part or wholly for home improvements compared with 2007.
Read full articel…’Improve not move’ proven.

This article on a recent home improvements show illustrates the trend in the industry. Retailers and contractors need to be aware of consumers perceptions and how those affect their purchase behaviors. While the incomes of most consumers has not changed, their willingness to spend has been severely cut back. This article shows a tendency towards the efficiency end of the spectrum, instead of what are perceived as extravagances. This is where the marketing focus for the residential construction industry needs to shift for the short term.
The economy stayed on consumers’ …

As the correction in housing continues, the remodeling industry is suffering right along with other sectors. Shrinking home equity is causing many people to scale back or put off home improvements, while other homeowners are struggling just to make their mortgage payments.
“Earlier this decade, the ability to borrow against equity created by rising home prices fueled remodeling activity, as well as broader consumer spending,” said Nicolas P. Retsinas, director of the Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, in a news release. “Now that prices have softened, owners cannot finance …

Pests are never welcome in any home or working environment; not only are they unsightly, but they carry diseases as well. The summer season creates the perfect environment for an influx of insects such as flies.
Many over-the-counter products promise a solution to pests by eliminating the symptoms of infestation, instead of focusing on the root of the problem. Since rodents and insects have been around from the beginning of man, many myths and old wives tales have been developed.
Read Full Article…Setting the record straight on myths regarding pest control this …

A study of natural pest control on conventional and organic farms in the southwest has found no difference between the two systems.
The team, led by Professor Jane Memmott at the University of Bristol and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), has shown that caterpillars are attacked by parasites to the same degree on both conventional and organic farms.
Bristol University | News from the University | Pests.

A squirrel expert, Matthew Vining, from Wildlife Pest Control come out on Christmas eve. He plugged all the holes, leaving a one way door so the remaining inhabitants could make their way out and not return. This service cost $570 but it was quiet up there on Christmas eve.
Squirrels and The Hartford insurance: both headaches for homeowner – George Gombossy | CT Watchdog.

Home builders and remodelers are squinting down the tunnel of 2009, looking hard for a bright spot at the end. Exhibitors at the upcoming Milwaukee Home Improvement Show are counting on minor remodeling projects and small upgrades to see them through the year.
Read Full Article…Your old house made new – JSOnline.

For homeowners thinking about a refurbished kitchen, that extra bathroom or a new deck, this may the year to act because the tax man will help with the bills. The program covers a variety of projects, including renovations to houses, cottages and condos. In addition to major work such as rebuilding a kitchen or bath, or finishing a basement, it covers a lot of smaller upgrades.
Read Full Article..The Canadian Press

An “energy lab” model home built by Brookfield Homes near Winchester, Virginia, includes a wind turbine and solar panels. Such energy efficiency features gain popularity as buyers try to stretch their dollars. Frugality is finally showing up in new home developments.
Read the Full Story Here: The Peninsula On-line
Increase your home’s energy efficiency with an insulation upgrade