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…)

You’ve come this far, and with the right focus, the job can and should be yours. If much of your contact with the homeowner up to this point has been through the telephone, it’s especially important to represent yourself professionally in person. It’s never too early to begin demonstrating your expertise; the homeowner will likely thank you with a signed contract. At this point, though, your focus should be on selling yourself and building rapport. Here are some easy tips to follow for the big day: (more…)