It’s hard to read the news without hearing about ways that government agencies are trying to boost economic conditions (and spirits) with different types of incentives. From the “Cash for Clunkers” program to tax credits for first-time home buyers, there have been some good ideas. While much of the Economic Stimulus package appears on a slow-track progress (typical of the legislative process), there are incentives that homeowners who are considering selling or remodeling might want to investigate. On the one hand, separating your home from the pack is a good idea as the market becomes a little more competitive and sellers begin to reclaim the advantage. On the other hand, whether or not you’re thinking about selling, tackling a home improvement project to make things more comfortable will be welcomed by all family members.

The News That Turned

For real estate experts, there were long periods of discouraging news. Among the biggest was the key indicator of list price versus final sale price. With an overwhelming majority of homes going under sale price quarter after quarter, the numbers are turning the other way. The discrepancy in most markets is minimal. In places like California, buyers with a bargain on their mind are being forced to go above the asking prices. Either some crafty pricing is at work or some of those Stimulus Package efforts are starting to seem effective. One of the big winners is the $1500 tax credit being offered for homeowners who switch to energy-saving home renovation projects. Whether it’s window replacement for poorly insulated spots around the house, or appliances that do double the work for half the energy, the time has certainly been ripe for these changes.

A New Boom?

The last thing homeowners want to hear about is an impending boom. Everyone knows that for any boom there is a bust somewhere behind it. However, in the case of home prices, the numbers are starting to look like health is possible. Some experts believe the credit for first-time home buyers (a Stimulus tactic) has something to do with the turn of events. Sellers who are looking for ways to make their home stand out as the market shifts need look no further than their kitchen and bathroom. The classic “attack zones” of any sale process are still king, whatever market comes. That means cleaning up the fading cabinets in the kitchen and putting a new face on bathroom tiles and fixtures. With the amount of headaches facing first-time buyers right now, the strategy for making a home AEAP (“as easy as possible”) has never been more timely.

The Right Timing

With real estate it’s always about timing. With repair projects it’s quite similar. As the cost of living has stayed generally flat, manufacturers are offering their best prices in years. As the tide turns, the deals will start to disappear.

Ask for a free Sears Home Design Consultation and tackle your repair projects while the incentives last. Sears kitchens can turn any home around and put it on the top of a realtors’ list.

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