Home Investments While Cocooning

People are definitely skittish about the stock market right now. House market predictions are still a bit shaky, with many people losing their homes to foreclosure. Those that are not underwater are digging into their homes, like it was a safety bunker in World War I. Instead of upgrading and trading a home at a time when few homes are selling, many have chosen to take a different route: Maintaining the value of their current homes.

Out With Large Remodeling In With Small Fixes

Contractors are still out of work because many people are putting off those large house remodeling projects. However, companies that specialize in fixing small items like plumbing, roof leaks, drafty windows, and all manner of small home repairs are seeing a jump in business. That’s because people are spending more time in their homes cocooning and want to maintain them in the best condition possible, for when the market finally turns around.

Home Gardens Are Hot

Investing in a few fruit trees and edible landscaping, or a vegetable garden, are very hot trends right now. People have a bit more time to tend a garden and it can be a worthwhile investment in learning how to feed a family on a budget for less. It can also be a great selling point when the market does turn around and people start to trade up.

Greening Their Homes

If you aren’t aware of it, now’s the time to find out about the perks for homeowners in the stimulus package. If you are replacing an old furnace, adding some solar panels, or learning how to conserve water, there are a multitude of savings being offered by utility companies and the Federal government. Investing to green your home can return money in savings in utilities and taxes at the end of the year.