Flat dollar discount or percentage?

I'm wondering which is more likely to catch your eye? A flyer offering a flat $100 off or a coupon offering 10% off. We're looking forward to the "Sold on Springfield Township" event on September 20 as a way to market our building and remodeling services, and I'm preparing some marketing material. This event is an all-day house-hunting affair sponsored by Springfield Township. It starts with an overview of the community, and then folks will fan out to visit open houses throughout the township. There will be prizes and free food, and each participant receives a "goodie bag." Our Building Images flyer will be in the "goodie bag." Since the main focus of the event for Building Images will be our remodeling services, I'm planning to include the coupon. I'm picturing the recipient as either a homeowner who needs to fix-up a home to sell, or someone looking to buy an existing home that may need some renovations to fit their needs. Which would you prefer? $100 off or 10% off?

Remodel or Move?

If you've decided your home no longer fits your needs, you might be thinking about moving. Maybe you need more space for the kids or a home office. Maybe you've outgrown your closets. Maybe the baths are just plain "dated." You're probably tempted by all the "For Sale" signs and all the indicators that it's a buyer's market. It's true that you might find a great deal on a house that fits your needs. Then again, it may take months of house-hunting to find the perfect match. Once you find the house and agree upon the price, you have to find the right lender that offers the right mortgage option for you. In the meantime, you have to sell your existing house...and you know that can take months. Then once you take possession of the new house, you will probably decide to do a few things to it...painting, new carpet, etc. And then you have to pack! All that "stuff" that has to be moved...And don't forget the psychological strain of leaving your neighbors, school, or familiar community. All of this while time passes...It wouldn't be unusual for 4-6 months to go by before you can actually close on both houses and move.

On the other hand, think of remodeling your existing house. You could have a room addition, new baths, new kitchen cabinets, or flooring upgrades, and you wouldn't have to uproot the family. You wouldn't have to pack! And often, you can use an existing home equity line of credit to finance the remodeling so no complicated loan applications or appraisals are necessary. In many cases, it can be quicker and easier to make changes to your existing house. Consider not only money, but also time and effort when deciding whether to remodel or move.

Aging in Place

Barry's meeting on Saturday got me thinking. He presented a proposal for a room addition to a middle-aged couple who have an older parent living with them. They want to build what traditionally has been called a "mother-in-law" suite. We've been hearing this more and more all the time...multi-generational living is becoming quite common.

Of course, Grandma doesn't always want to come live with the family. She often prefers to stay right at home. In fact in a recent AARP survey, 79% of participants said they wanted to "stay in their current home for as long as possible." I'm thinking that our Senior Safety package might be just what folks need to help retirees "age in place." Some simple, relatively inexpensive renovations can give everyone a little peace of mind.

Consider these remodeling possibilities for the seniors in your life:

• Add a railing so that stairs have railings on both sides.
• Add an additional, lower peephole to the front door.
• Add wood transition strips between rooms that may have changes in floor height to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Add a small shelf near the exterior door to place packages, groceries, or keys.
• Consider new appliances that make accessibility easier for someone in a wheelchair or with a walker.
• Add recessed lights to make reading easier.
• Add grab bars or a walk-in shower with seat for added safety in the bath.
• When exterior steps become difficult, replace with a ramp.