It’s the beginning of January and we’ve just come in from raking leaves in 70-degree weather! After what seemed like months on end of gray clouds, the sun is shining. Our fall pansies are still saturated with bright color and some over-ambitious crocuses are peeking out of the ground. All in all, we feel like the sun¬–bright and optimistic.
The National Association of Realtors reports pending home sales and existing home sales continue to increase, new home starts ticked up a bit in November, employers are beginning to hire again and mortgage rates are still exceedingly low, is encouraging too.
This brings a sense of renewal for our region. Not to discount that rocky times may still be ahead and the snow will come to cover the early spring blooms, but overall we believe we have the strength to weather the bumps and detours.
How will your renewal unfold? Will you brighten your home with an improvement project? This year outside improvements offer the best return on your dollar. Projects that are energy efficient, such as siding, entry doors, windows and kitchen upgrades with money-saving appliances are cost effective. We love outdoor living, even when the St. Louis region is shrouded in humidity. Decks and patios are real pleasers, increase living space and welcome potential buyers to your landscaping.
We’re also invigorated about the landscaping and what is to come in a few short months. The Missouri Botanical Garden will help with month-by-month garden tips to get you up and running, while the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Grow Native! program has excellent resources on how to incorporate native plants in your landscaping plans. Not only do you honor Missouri traditions with native plants, you’ll also save money on watering and the time spent in your garden during the oppressive heat in July and August. We have learned a lot during the past few years. From that knowledge we can look forward with a sense of promise, and yes, hope for renewal this year.
