Ed Winslow, President of Metrocrete, just wrote an e-book, The Professional Contractors Guide to Prospering in Niche Markets. After working for years in decorative concrete and coatings, Ed found that most contractors just took business where they got it, with no business plan. That’s where The Guide comes in. Ed and I discussed his book in more detail:

Tell me about your book and who it’s written for.

“I started my real estate career in 1987 with CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate. They taught a very specialized system to brokers. The system was based on product and geographic specialization. The system worked in every market. In 2000 I started investing in Real Estate and added a design/build business. I got into decorative concrete and coatings as an inexpensive curb appeal solution to rehabbing properties. I found that most contractors just took business where they got it, with no business plan. The book is written for any trade within Real Estate. I use Case Studies in The Guide of decorative concrete applicators, but it’s written for every contractor. I’m considering writing a version for Real Estate brokers.”

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There has definitely been a large amount of discouraging economic news lately; especially concerning the housing market. It would stand to reason that many homeowners would just buckle down and sit tight, avoiding any unnecessary spending. You may be surprised to discover that the contrary is actually the case. According to a recent article released by Market Watch, homeowners actually tend to remodel more during a down economy.

They surmised the following reasons for this unexpected behavior.

It is difficult for homeowners to sell their homes.

They realize this, and are looking for improvements that will make their homes more appealing and competitive with other homes on the market.

When unable to sell their homes, some people opt to improve the one they have to better accommodate their family.

If more space is needed, they add an addition, or they try to improve the areas that made them try to sell in the first place. (more…)