And with the increased property valuations come higher property taxes. Ours just went way up and property taxes went up about 70% over the last few years. Although property taxes are still not that bad here, some states are worse.
EVERY industry is starving for workers right now. Look at all of the shortages....pickles, computer chips, certain refinery products. Just In Time (JIT) inventory is a killer for many industries right now. Many companies will not recover from what is happening.
It’s way too late to stand up. Politicians haven’t run this country for a long time, the big corporation have. The existing pay which give the average worker in total about 18 bucks an hour through government subsidy and covid, just to stay home. They are running small business(their competition) out of business. It will eventually collapse and those at the top will probably flee the country.
We bought our current home in early 2019 but are considering selling in our areas hot market. Most houses in our area sell the first day on the market and usually at more than asking price. Due to the market and additional living space we created by finishing the basement we could probably sell for 50% more than what we paid. We are considering selling and building a smaller home and shop on a 2 acre lot we own about 90 miles from here. My job is now remotely working all but 2-3 days a month. Our new place would be paid for when completed. This would allow me to retire at 62.
Plywood and OSB ply is up around 300-400%+. 7/16th OSB Ply was 9.90- 10.10 per sheet here last February now 36.59 each. Zip board don't ask
Good luck.....how far off is 62 for you ? A year could be eternity right now and the changes ..... Peace WildBill
Yes Fred.....retirement is great but a lot of those here on V* will be working till they die...... Peace WildBill
It seems many economists were way off some stock market predictions over the past year or so. With many people working remotely now, there's reduced transportation and food costs, allowing people to save more money. Most of those working remotely don't have dedicated work area, leading to increased home renovations to create such a space. Which in turn leads to greater demand for building products. I've read the lumber and forestry industry was hit fairly hard by COVID, exacerbating the problem. Let's face it, people in general are quite good at adapting over time. I loaded at a peat moss producer yesterday who can only operate 6-7 months per year here. They usually have a large stockpile over the winter months which keeps them shipping until they begin producing in spring. They shipped steadily through winter ultimately running out of product 5 weeks ago. That's never happened before. They're expecting to be just as busy, or busier in 2021. More people have started home gardens, causing garden centers to be busier. Who would have thought that?? I'll get to work 3-4 days/week running up there for loads. Easy money for me. The housing market here is relatively stable, but the past 12 months have been crazier than usual. Homes in my neighborhood are in high demand. Most typically sell within a few days above asking price. Real Estate agents constantly send out ads begging for your listing. I receive 2-4 per week. I'm wondering when they'll begin knocking on doors looking for a listing. Not selling anytime soon as it's cheaper to stay in my home than renting a similar apartment. My home's value has increased more than 60% since I built it 14 years ago.
In short the game is rigged. The people pulling the puppet strings of the economy must laugh their butts off.... Ive been following this fellow for 4 years and it’s paid off with solid investments. He also explains the current issues and solutions: https://x22report.com/
Just in case you guys think this is a North American thing.... the housing markets in Australia and in New Zealand - two of the best coronavirus fighting nations on the planet - have gone ballistic in the last six months. With both island nations shut to international tourists, farmers and cafe/bar owners cannot get ANY workers. The economies of both are recovering faster than anyone predicted. Jobs are there but no one wants them. Home owners are sitting back and laughing, while those trying to get into their first own home are panicking and stampeding......
March 2009 to April 2021. Stock market goes from approximately 6,500 to 34,000. A 423% increase. The Federal deficit alone is now 99% of GDP. Pundits used to suggest 70% was a big problem. Think about the homeless crises and where that's going to go. With an additional 2 million illegal immigrants (in addition to the 1 million legal we take in each year), and the housing prices going where we have previously discussed. Anybody see a problem there? Mix in an already very divided nation that often doesn't want to work unless it's a career in rapping or gaming, is plagued by substance abuse, exhibits authority issues, watches 4 hours of mind bending TV per day, and elects a seemingly ineffective government over and over. Simply untenable. Absolutely unsustainable. Only a fool would discount the inevitable. OP, you can safely count me in the concerned camp. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going off the grid and have a modest shelter to dig and fill with 223's, gold bars, canned yams, and back issues of Musclecar Review. I jest, because there's no where to hide when the house of cards falls.