Why is TLC bringing back Trading Spaces when they should be bringing back Trademark? I think Trading Spaces should have been cancelled after their first episode aired. Sadly, that show makes fools out of people who are truly good designers (I have seen some of their work outside of the show and they are not doing the crap they do on that show). Anyway...TLC really should put Trademark back on and give them a real chance instead of moving their time slot around and changing the name mid season. Come on TLC!!! I hope to see the Trademark team back soon....I MISS THEM!
Is it possible with the large drop in property values (over 10% in the last year I believe) and the crash of the home financing market, that there are many less chances of making the significant profit flipping houses that makes the show so viable? And that encouraging people to flip houses in this economic market is tantamount to propagating bankruptcies??
I can see the show now...
"We bought the house in 2005 for $350,000 and invested 75,000 in new bathrooms, a new deck, and general decorations. We hoped to get $500,000 return.
Well, checking the comparable properties in the area, similar houses are now down to around $310,000 and some of your investments, while attractive are purely personal taste so we think you'll only see a 50% return, so if I was to put this house on the market, I'd price it at...
The one positive you have going for you is that unlike other business ventures is you still have your initial investment in property and barring some disaster your property value will eventually increase. I think what is playing hell with all the markets right now is an upcoming Presidential election in which there will probably be a Democrat elected but with no clear candidate chosen as of yet. If the past in any indicator, Property values will rise after the election like they did after the 1992 election. I'm not saying it's just because a Democrat is in office but rather it will be because new leadership after a stagnant eight years will bring confidence back into the markets. At least for awhile.....