This afternoon, I had the pleasure to meet with a building designer in Branford, Connecticut to talk about real estate and design trends. Like all small business owners, we are both being impacted by the economy, both local and national. Rather than having a gripe session, we had fun thinking creatively about the future for our businesses. We mused about reinventing ourselves virtually, and innovating to meet the needs of the next generation of customers. I know there are millions of conversations just like ours, occurring throughout our nation. Creative people will always find a way to overcome obstacles. Our economy was built on this.
Our discussion turned towards a new trend in house building: Smaller, brighter, greener and safer; utilizing new sources of energy for utilities. The company is designing a concept house for the future. We spoke about people returning to old fashioned ideas of thriftyness and buying "just enough". I am proponent of just enough, particularly when you work with clients who relocate periodically. While the company designs custom mansions and enormous additions, they are interested in designing homes that will fit nicely in a small lot and blend seemlessly into an established neighborhood. These homes would be priced competitively and be more affordable to maintain.
Like you, I have been thinking alot about the economy, particularly with the stimulus package just passed. Our leaders are struggling to break the back of this recession. The list of programs grows longer, but the obvious may be getting overlooked. Housing (indirectly) got us into this recession, and housing is going to get us out of it. People still want to buy houses, and they will do it, if banks lighten up a bit and start lending again. The problem wasn't with mortgages, it was with bad mortgages with outlandish fees, interest rates and terms. If we can build a new home at a good price point, people will buy it. It's time to think creatively, collaborate and share our ideas. Let's get this economy rolling.
Comments(0)