If there is one silver lining to the recession, it's that goods and services are generally more available and affordable than they have been in a long time. It's easier to get a seat on that plane to New York, The Barcelona Chair you've been coveting is in stock in your preferred color and contractors from painters to plumbers will actually return your phone call and be eager to set up an appointment to give you an estimate.
Welcome to the flip-side of The Great Recession.
Case in point: I am preparing a listing to go on the market where the tenant moved out June 1st leaving dead trees in the patio planters and carpet that suffered, not only from a St Bernard puppy, but an exploding can of black acrylic paint. In the space of one week I was able to get the dead trees removed and replaced, the offending carpet banished and swapped with pristine broadloom and the unit staged, fluffed and ready for it's close-up. And all for about 20% less than what it would have cost me a year ago.
The take-away ?
Now is a fantastic time to invest in customizing and embellishing your Downtown home. Yes, the developer's finishes are perfectly acceptable but contractors are ready, willing and able give you a bid and make your house your home. Whether or not you wish to add built-in bookshelves, replace the derivative lighting and mirror in the bath or invest in hardwood floors, chances are you will get a competitive bid and someone ready to start work immediately.
The best part ?
If you make informed decisions and choose your upgrades well, your home will become a custom lair tailored to your needs and will feel less like it just came down the assembly line. In future, when you decide to sell, your condominium will stand out against the competition and reflect pride of ownership.
Just try to avoid polka dots, gold leaf and neon accent walls.
Monday, June 8, 2009
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