On, HGTV's "Design Star" on Sunday night (August 9, 2009 episode), host Clive Pearse introduced the designers' challenge by saying, "In today's economy, people are not moving, they are improving." He went on to introduce the task of turning two California familes' garages into additional finished living space, therefore adding on to their existing homes and saving them from having to sell and move into larger homes.
Much of our real estate work right now has consisted of advising clients on home improvement projects that will add value and/or space to their existing homes, if they do not want to try to move in the current economy. Though it is a great time to buy a new home and move up (if one can afford to), many are waiting out the economic downturn, unwilling to take a big loss on the sale of their existing home, even to get a great deal on the purchase side.
Does this sound like you?
If you answered yes, I ask you, where do you find your contractors?
The best piece of advice we can give you, if you are using this time to improve your current home and wait out the economy, is to always seek out referrals to contractors and service providers from friends and family who have used their services - or of course, another great referral source is your REALTOR®. At The Gebhardt Group, we keep a detailed list of service providers who have excellent service records for us and for our clients. Each name on our list we have either used in our own personal homes or we have received from our clients who have recommended them highly.
Avoid the frustration of poorly done work or contractors who don't finish the job - get a referral from a trusted source - ask around your office, your friends, your neighbors, your REALTOR®. Your home is your biggest investment - don't allow just anyone to work on its improvements!
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Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
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Photo credit: "Hammer" - Posted to flickr.com by Darren Hester on November 22, 2007
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