I attended our local Realtor Board weekly marketing meeting yesterday, and in the "tech-minute" the person speaking shared two websites that I found both intriguing and a little scary. Some of you may have already found these as an interesting resource for information on our Mortgage and Building Industry - but if you have not - check them out.
Basically, this website is tracking all the companies that have "imploded" in this roller-coaster market - and those that are at risk, and then it shares those that are strong. It's actually full of some great information - and the word "implode" does not mean the company is gone for good - they could be in restructure mode or filed for protection.
The sister site: http://builder-implode.com/
This is a website for builders - where it lists those that have "imploded." It is a little sad to see some bigger names on the list of the Builders, and they give a caution for those that are at risk now - with some big names on there!
For both these websites I was amazed at how many companies have been impacted by the boom and bust (and that means jobs lost as well) and yet we did have a huge glut of companies taking advantage of the market boom that evidently could not sustain their situation. I know the REO market in our area is at 39% in some regions - and in other parts of the country it is not as much.
As a Stager I know my services are more in need than ever to get houses sold, and the new challenge seems to be helping Sellers that may already be at their minimum or close to it as far as equity to pay for this service that will help them sell faster and at the best price - whatever that is. To me - not Staging is putting so much more $$ at risk - versus investing a few hundred to a thousand dollars to present a house for buyers. Just because there is a ton of inventory out there does not mean it should not be presented well - to stand out from the crowd.
- Jennie
Jennie-
I agree with you that our services are needed now, as much as or more than ever. It seems to be a tough sell because of fear. Those that are at risk of losing their home are having trouble putting out the money for a smart investment (that will pay for itself and then some). I would like to say to them "Beg or borrow the money to stage, just do it".