Where is the Building Business Headed?

Yesterday we had our first inquiry in 6 months about a prime building lot we have for someone's dream home. The lot is in the Winton Woods City School District, a great district caught in the middle of Ohio's state funding mess. On Tuesday, after 3 previous levy attempts, the voters finally passed a tax levy, assuring the district that academic and extracurricular activities can continue uninterrupted.
Perhaps the inquiry about the lot was a result of a more certain future for the district. I can understand the hesitation if you are investigating a new neighborhood and wondering about community support for the schools. Perhaps the gentleman felt the time is now right to start the house hunt. Maybe it was the passage of the levy. Maybe he sold his existing home because of the first-time buyer tax credit. Maybe he now feels comfortable that his own job is secure.
It's hard to say what motivates buyers that the time is right. It's particularly difficult to predict a rebound in the housing market when existing inventory is so high. However, another boost may come soon for the housing business with the expanded tax credit awaiting President Obama's signature. Maybe that will be just enough to tip the scales for our potential lot buyer and he can move closer to building his dream home.

Welcome to my Blog

I've decided to start a blog for those interested in new homes and remodeling in the Cincinnati area. Building Images, Inc. was started in 1988 by my husband Barry Cooper. We entered the homebuilding business at a time when mortgage interest rates were in double-digits. We've seen the economic boom that followed, and most recently we've seen the bottom fall out of the housing market. However, within the last month or so, we sense renewed housing activity. From a national perspective, we see tiny signs of improving economic indicators. From a personal perspective, we know 3 young friends shopping for their first homes. Even more directly, we have had more telephone inquiries about our building and remodeling services in the last month than we had in the prior 12 months!

With all that said, it seems like a good time to start a blog. I anticipate having lots to say as housing starts its upswing. Feel free to add comments or ask questions if we can help with your new home or remodeling projects.