Why decorating your home now makes more sense than ever The reason is that the real estate migraine (which has been given to everyone) changes a house from an ATM and makes a get-rich-quick scheme to a “safe harbor” and its piece of the world. Your home today should be viewed as your personal space and invested in it for the reason of your enjoyment and not because there is a financial multiple in the dollars you spend at the time of resale!
As we all intellectualize what a home means to us in the new real estate reality of recent years, there is an overwhelming truth. Your personal residence … is just that … a residence, a place to escape the worries of the world, a place to enjoy and enhance to suit your personal taste and style, and a place where you live longer. that stands between real estate investments and the drying of ink in sales contracts.
If you accept the concept of a house, it is a residence and not a dollar printing machine. The money you spend on improving and modifying it to suit your personal pleasure becomes a smart and wise investment. Your return is paid with peace of mind, and its ultimate effect on resale value and your own return on dollars spent is no longer the most important issue. That makes this time (or really any time) a great time to invest in, upgrade, and decorate your home.
With all the care that exists in this complicated world that we all share, your home and its improvement creates peace, enjoyment, creative pleasures and the best return on investment of all … what is your happiness! If you agree with a new way of looking at your home, the question centers on the timing of redecoration right now in today’s economy. This is an unprecedented time to get great value on any home improvement you do. Low retail prices, great contractor value, and if you choose to decorate in the used and vintage styles, there are more products available at better prices than ever!
The economic pain that exists everywhere has brought new merchandise and sellers to market. Major flea markets and swap meets have desperate vendors bringing previously “untouchable” treasures there to sell at prices they would never have considered before. The typical antiques dealer is “cash-strapped” and is also more flexible than ever. Many antique stores and shopping malls are closing and the “Going Out of Business Sales” are definitely worth a look. The remaining long-term antique stores will be healthier (and probably less flexible than now) due to the huge decline in available antique selections due to the massive exodus of full-time and part-time dealers during this economic downturn.
While this is not the time for “irrational spending” and “conspicuous consumption”, this is the right time to turn your “safe harbor” into one that provides you with substantial benefits simply by enjoying the thrill of creation and the ultimate benefit of your pride and pleasure in your home and the time you spend there!
Finally, the slow economy makes this a good time to invest as well. Sales are everywhere, prices are falling like a brick, and your dollar is going further than in a long time. There are more quality contractors available and negotiable than at any time in recent times. Don’t spend foolishly, but don’t hesitate to take advantage of the care your home needs (or you want) and let your dollars go further, not as an investment option, but as a personal improvement expense that will pay dividends on your happiness.
