Housing and Labor Day

As hard as it is to believe it is Labor Day weekend – the unofficial end to summer.

This Labor Day, AAA is predicting that 34.1 million Americans will hit the road and travel at least 50 miles this weekend, making it the busiest Labor Day in the last four years.

Part of the reason for this increase in travel is actually – housing.

According to the AAA study, consumer confidence is increasing as their home values increase. With the improvement in the housing market, consumers feel that their largest asset, their home, is more valuable. This increase in confidence leads to more spending and this weekend – more travel. 

This is just another piece of evidence that points to the importance of the housing market in our overall economic recovery.

Will you be traveling this Labor Day?

Rainy Day Home Maintenance

It's been a wet summer.

Don't let those rainy days get you down. There are some great home maintenance items that can be done when the weather has you trapped inside.

• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed
• Clean out dryer vent
• Make an itemized list of valuables, electronics, etc in case of emergency. Take photos and get model information.
• Read through the instruction manuals on your home appliances and systems

Then relax and enjoy the sound of the rain!

What home maintenance items do you like to take care of on a rainy day?

Housing Market Still Improving

According to a report by the South Carolina Realtors based on July 2013 figures, sales across the state of South Carolina increased by 21%. Home prices increased by 5% to a median price of $163,063.

The number of available homes and standing inventory has dropped to a 9 month supply of single family homes and 9.5 month supply of condos. A six month supply of homes is considered normal.

As the economy improves and consumer confidence increases home sales continue to rise. This bodes well for the future of the SC economy and housing industry.

Mark Your Calendars

Paradime Construction will be at the 2013 Home Improvement Show, August 16-18 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The 19^th annual show will feature exhibitors in home improvement, remodeling, construction and related industries. In addition to the exhibitors, there will be seminars all weekend long, door prizes every 20 minutes of the show, and more!

Come see us at booth #188!

Find out more about the Home Improvement Show at Columbiabuilders.com

Buying Power

If you've done any research into buying a home you've probably come across the term "buying power". Simply put, "buying power" is your ability to maximize your money when purchasing a new home.

Interest rates greatly affect your buying power. Historically speaking, today's interest rates are extremely low. This means that the money you pay in order to
borrow money for your home is much less than it was in the past. With lower interest rates your monthly payment is lower and you can afford a more expensive home than you could before - thus your buying power has increased.

Interest rates are going to slowly rise and as they do it will erode some of your buying power. Now is the time to buy, before rates go higher!  You'll be able to afford more home than you thought possible while the interest rates remain low.  They won't be this low forever so don't miss this opportunity to maximize your buying power!

Green Products vs a Green System

Today there are "green" products at every store you visit. While some of those products may be worth the extra money, it's important to understand that individual green products are not necessarily the answer to making your home more energy efficient.

Homes are a system of connecting pieces and parts that work together to form a home environment.  I is important to construct a home that works together to promote a healthy and efficient environment. 

Paradime Construction understands that there is a science and an art to home building. We won't encourage you to purchase the latest "green" products unless there is a true value to your home system.

Many of the new green products available today have the ability to increase the efficiency and comfort of your home. Just make sure you do the proper research to insure that these products will work with your current system and not against it.

Keep the heat out of the kitchen!

Grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen area cool and cut down on those high summer utility bills. To help out all the summer grill masters here are some easy and quick recipes to keep the heat out of the kitchen this summer. Click on each recipe header to view the full recipe and instructions.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Pork Chops

Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple