Are people buying, waiting, or just pulling their hair?

Photo Credit: cambodia4kidsorg

If you’re looking to buy a house, you’ve probably had your share of frustration. You might have even been caught up in a few bidding wars that left you discouraged. Or perhaps you’re one of the 100 million Americans who no longer believe that owning a home is a realistic way to build wealth.

There are a lot of mixed feelings when it comes to homeownership. So what’s the buzz out there? The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) released the results of a recent survey (taken during May & June) and it looks like nearly half of this country is anti-homeownership. People no longer believe in the American dream of building equity as a means to financial security. (more…)

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Talk about taking back the streets! Developers are cashing in by purchasing cheap multiple properties in a row and transforming them into upscale condos. This process is known as gentrification, and it’s changing the face of San Francisco as we know it. Urban professionals are flocking to the newly gentrified neighborhoods to design their own personal live/workspaces & artist lofts (and give the rest of us something to drool over).

The number of newly renovated condos in San Francisco skyrocketed since this trend began. Not only has it allowed developers and contractors to put their unique stamps on neighborhood styles, it’s offered young professionals a blank slate for creating their own interiors.

The trend among condo-dwellers in SF is minimalist, yet comfortable with a touch of luxury. The hard lines are softened by earthy tones, dark woods, art deco accents and distinct landscaping.

The result is uninhibited wide open space and gorgeous natural light, like this police precinct-turned-artist’s live/workspace. (more…)

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The construction industry is NOT dead!

Limping a little, perhaps, but not dead. According to Remodeling Magazine, the slack in the construction industry caused many job losses this year and last, but it seems to finally be slowing. In May 2009, nearly 60,000 construction jobs were lost. While this is an astounding number, it’s also promising, considering that it was double that just the month before. Many remodeling company owners report that they are seeing an increase in workload this year. However, they are doing much more to market themselves to their communities than ever before.

Photo Credit: Re-New Magazine

McAdams Builders, in Kirkland, Washington, for example, held an open house to invite the public into their new showrooms and offered an ice cream social as an incentive to check it out. The owner, Len McAdams, also noted that he’s been writing a monthly article for a local newspaper to draw attention to his company. (more…)

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