Wall Street:Zip — Homeowners:10

"The stock market may have just had its worst period in 15 years,” said Matt Plaskoff, “but long-term mortgage rates are below six percent, so appreciation rates are driving the investment potential of homeownership.”

Supporting Matt’s position, David Seiders, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) chief economist recently said, “The Federal Reserve’s most recent move to lower short-term interest rates appears to be helping to support consumer sentiment.” In fact, the housing sector is currently, and will continue to bolster the economy well into next year.”

Equity conversion and refinancing have made remodeling, worth $330 billion dollars a year, a realistic option for many homeowners. The largest segment of the remodeling market was in high-end specialty projects of $20,000 or more, and these dollars were spent to improve an existing kitchen or bathroom, or, on an addition to the home.

Housing has performed much better than many other investments in the last several years, making remodeling an ever more popular way for Americans to not just add space and comfort to their lifestyle, but add value to the family portfolio.

“We’re truly excited about what the Plaskoff team has to offer our clients today,” Matt said. “Its an exciting time in our industry, and the clear winners are those who place their trust in us.”

And never has there been more, or better quality materials from which to choose. Today’s remodeler can install windows that really don’t leak the cold breath of winter, and they can make available tile selections from the finest sources in Italy and Spain, as well as marble cut to fit in China, and assemble in place at value points unheard of 10, or even five years ago.

“We’ve come a long way in the past 15 years,” Matt said. “Imagine what the next 15 will bring.”

Holiday Card Contest Winner

This year’s holiday card contest was won by Alexa Ottenstein, age 10. The young artist won a $100 gift certificate from Toys R Us, and her art was featured on Plaskoff’s 2002 holiday greeting card.

• Thanks to Ron and Penny Sue who referred Jill and Josh Berman of Pacific Palisades, CA.
• Thanks to Jennifer and Jin Lee who referred Bob and JoAnn Tod of Hidden Hills, CA.
• Thanks to Dr. Stephen and Bette Wexler (and Wexco International) who referred Ms. Aguilar of Los Angeles, CA.
• Thanks to Gary Kress for his repeat business.
• Thanks to Jerry Pransky and Francoise Gerard for their repeat business.
• Thanks to Carl Lewis for his repeat business.
• Thanks to David Shall and Susan Corzilius for their repeat business.
• Thanks to Anna and Neal Eigler for their repeat business.

Thank you to everyone who has referred others with whom we are currently discussing projects. We’ll keep you posted and acknowledge you here, in our newsletter, when they have signed contracts.