September 3, 2010
September 2, 2010
August 31, 2010
Remodeling Magazine
Full-Service Remodelers
by: Jim Cory
F
ull-service remodeling companies offer general contractor services in renovation projects ranging from whole-house remodels to handyman jobs such as changing out doorknobs. Many of those on this list have a long-term history in their markets, and have been able to survive the downturn in residential construction by drawing on relationships with past clients.
“We put a lot of emphasis on relationship-building,” says Jason Larson, president of Lars Construction, an $8.6 million San Diego–area company and number 16 on the full-service list. And, he says, we’re “willing to spend more time at more unusual times of the day” to persuade prospects to become customers.
Murphy Brothers Contracting, in Mamaroneck, N.Y. — number 32 on the list — has also found that these days it’s necessary to “offer [people] options,” according to director of new project development Michael Murphy. Five years ago, he says, “[remodeling contractors] were blowing people off. It was the land of milk and honey.” Now many companies have changed just about every part of their operation, except for a commitment to quality construction.
Click here for more information and to read the full article
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/remodeling/2010-remodeling-550-full-service-remodelers.aspx
July 20, 2010
Louisville Realtors sales up 26 percent in June in last boost from tax credit
It marks the 12th straight month of improving sales compared to a year earlier.
The Southern Indiana Realtors Association, a smaller group, reported 308 sales last month, up from 300 a year ago.
The "true test" of how the market is holding up will be July's sales figures to be released in about a month, said Louisville Realtors President Linda Gibson Cecil.
That's because sales closed as of July 1 are not eligible for the credit -- save a few buyers who had contracts before April 30 and are taking advantage of a last-minute extension from Congress to complete their deals.
Nationally, sales of newly constructed homes plunged 33 percent in May, the Commerce Department reported.
So far that's been the only indication of how the market is performing without the tax credit. The Commerce Department records new home sales when contracts are signed, whereas Realtors groups wait until the closing.
In Louisville, sales are up 29 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2009, and the median sales price during that time was $135,000, up from $129,900.
Cecil said she expected June sales to be boosted by the tax credit, as they have been the last few months, but "I didn't expect us to be up that much."
Reporter Chris Otts can be reached at (502) 582-4589.
The original article can be found at:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100719/BUSINESS/7190357/Louisville+Realtors+sales+up+26+percent+in+June+in+last+boost+from+tax+credit
July 1, 2010
Best Cities 2010: 10 Best Cities for Education
Nine of Louisville's schools have been awarded the Department of Education's blue ribbon distinction, revealing the top-notch quality of schools in this education-friendly city, which also boasts a 75% graduation rate.
Education rank: 4
High School graduation rate 2008: 75%
Blue Ribbon Schools, 2003-2009: 9
Blue Ribbon Schools per 100,000 people: 1.62
NEAYC-accredited preschools: 6
NAEYC schools per 100,000 people: 1.078
NAEP State proficiency reading, grade 8: 267
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 15.8
Total Expenditures Per Student: $10,791
View the full article at
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/Mom/Best-Cities-2010-Best-Cities-for-Education/4/
