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 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.