A recent Bloomberg Business article
reports that both Lowes & Home Depot experienced fourth quarter profits that beat revenue projections by the most in six quarters. So what does that mean to the housing market?
Consumer Confidence
Lowe’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Niblock said,
“Consumers are feeling better about their jobs, their wages and certainly feeling better about the value of their home, they are re-engaging in projects that they have put off.”
Sales to professional contractors have increased significantly as well, and were a driving factor in the quarter. Home Depot’s Chief Financial Officer Carol Tome calls this a
“sign of health. If they are putting more items in their basket, it means they have work coming at them.”
Home Values Rising
In a quarterly consumer survey conducted by Lowe’s since 2007, the percentage of respondents who said that the value of their home is rising increased to its highest value ever, at 50%.
Whether Americans are finally adding that man-cave they’ve always wanted, or renovating a master suite, an increased confidence in the value of one’s home often sparks homeowners to invest in big-ticket projects.
The
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
reports that the median price of an existing home (for all housing types) rose year-over-year for the 35
th consecutive month.
Not all who are renovating are planning on staying in their home. The Demand Institute
reports that
“nearly half of American households plan to move at some point in the future.”
For those who are planning on listing their home this spring, spending the time and money needed to update that 1950’s bathroom or kitchen can fetch higher prices in today’s market.
Bottom Line
Meeting with a local real estate professional can give you insight into the small (or big) improvements your home could use to draw the highest price and return on investment this spring.
Now that the market has showed signs of recovery, some sellers may be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional.
Real estate agents are trained and experienced in negotiation. In most cases, the seller is not. The seller must realize their ability to negotiate will determine whether they can get the best deal for themselves and their family.
Here is a list of some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate if they decide to FSBO:
There has been some who have been voicing doubt as to whether or not the younger generations still consider buying a home as being part of the “American Dream”. A recent 
