Excerpt:
In the current economic climate, more and more families are finding it harder to afford that annual vacation. As finances become tighter, the family vacation is one of the first luxuries that end up being sacrificed. It is no wonder that many hotels and vacation facilities are seeing a decline in visitors at present and some of them are struggling to continue trading.
Nearly 90% of bed and breakfast hotel owners are resident on the property and very often the letting rooms are an integral part of what was their family home. Because of this they do not have to consider some of the increasing rents that some slightly larger establishments are currently suffering.Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Bed-and-Breakfast-Trends&id=1444775------------------------------
Excerpt: For the most part, property owners have no control over the movement of the millage/tax rates once they are established. However, there are ways for hotel owners, lenders, and asset managers to take a proactive approach and closely review the assessed valuations of the hotels in their portfolios. Since market values form the bases of property tax payments, it is important to understand hotel values in this period of volatility. As a percentage of total revenue, property taxes for the hotels in this sample inched up from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 3.7 percent in 2008. If no action is taken to revisit the reasonableness of the tax assessment, hotel profitability will suffer further this year.
Source: http://www.bnbwire.com/trends-detail-sid-38240.html
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Excerpt: In year-over-year measurements, the industry's occupancy fell 17.9 percent to end the week at 52.6 percent (64.1 percent in the comparable week in 2008). Average daily rate dropped 12.5 percent to finish the week at US$96.60 (US$110.36 in the comparable week in 2008). Revenue per available room for the week decreased 28.1 percent to finish at US$50.85 (US$70.76 in the comparable week in 2008).
Source: http://www.bnbwire.com/trends-detail-sid-38233.html
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Excerpt:
I plopped down my bag in the room at Pinehurst Inn, a bed and breakfast on an old spacious estate in Bayfield, and surveyed my surroundings. Outside the window, flowers bloomed on an expansive lawn. Wicker chairs with plump cushions flanked the fireplace. A quilt and billowy pillows topped the high bed. And the bathtub sported more jets than a military air show. I knew I was going to like it there.
Then I looked around for the little plastic bottles of pampering products I so enjoy _ the luxurious shampoos and lotions I like to stash in my bag and call on to reproduce that vacation feeling back home. There was none. Instead, a ceramic liquid soap dispenser made by a local potter sat by the sink, and in the shower a wall-mounted contraption held lavender-scented soap and shampoo.
It was the first indication _ and one of the only _ that I was not at a typical bed and breakfast. I was at a green inn.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association recently launched a "Green Best Practices" resource guide on its Web site, and it quickly became one of the most visited places there, said Jessica Soklow, the association's manager of media relations. Clearly, the environment is on the minds of hoteliers, and for good reason. According to the Travel Industry Association, more than half of all U.S. adults say they would be more willing to select a hotel that demonstrates environmental responsibility.
"Putting the 'eco' in front of your name gets attention," said Ted Martens, director of outreach and development at Sustainable Travel International, a nonprofit organization that educates travelers and travel providers about conservation.
Source: Westenberg, Kerri. "Touting eco-credentials is hot marketing trend for hotels." Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)03 Nov. 2008, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 20 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
For the millions of pet owners, who prefer to travel with their pets, the hassle of finding places that will accept them is over. The staff at BringYourPet.com
( http://www.bringyourpet.com/ ) does all the scouting around necessary to find the best pet-friendly places in the USA and abroad, thus creating an excellent travel resource for pet owners. Pet-friendly hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condos, cabins and resorts are able to better generate incremental revenues. BringYourPet.com has put into place a unique plan that takes all the work out of finding pet-friendly properties.
Although pet-friendly lodging has been an increasingly popular trend in the past decade, it still takes time and energy for pet owners to locate places available to them for travel. That time can be better used by visiting http://www.bringyourpet.com/ and having instantaneous solutions at the click of a mouse. No longer are travelers subject to second-rate accommodations. BringYourPet.com makes every effort to list upscale accommodations for both travelers and their beloved pets.
Source: " Pet-Friendly Hotels Reach Niche Market During Tough Economic Times." PR Newswire08 Jan. 2009, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 20 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
Smaller portions with lower prices, the growing popularity of luxury desserts, smaller wine lists that closely match the food, sustainable foods with seafood leading the charge, more “green” restaurants, and more local vendors with “farm fresh” offerings.
Because of the wide number of choices available to consumers, they’re buying more prepared meals and eating at home. Consumers are also more value conscious today, and discretionary income is under pressure like never before - and restaurant sales reflect this. The restaurant industry in general will see a sharp downturn in key sectors.
Source: http://www.nationalrestaurantconsultants.com/top_trends
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Excerpt:
Restaurants may be facing the toughest New Year in recent memory, but opportunities are still present for operators that know how to focus their efforts where it really counts-on the consumer. The coming year will see even more of a 'buyer's market' than 2008, making it especially essential for restaurants to recognize and respond to consumer preferences.
Source: http://www.restaurantnewsresource.com/article36304.html
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Excerpt:
“The restaurant industry is both innovative and resilient,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the Association. “In the year ahead, the industry’s sales are projected to continue to increase, with a total economic impact that exceeds $1.5 trillion, yet at the same time, the industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the economic recession and elevated food prices. Americans will continue to rely on restaurants as a key part of their lifestyle as the industry provides the food, value and service customers seek. Nearly half of consumers’ food budget will be spent in restaurants, rewarding the continued responsiveness and innovation that our industry provides to budget-conscious Americans.”
Source: http://www.restaurant.org/pressroom/pressrelease.cfm?ID=1725------------------------------
Excerpt:
2008 was an extremely difficult year for the restaurant industry. Many Americans were trying to save money by going out to eat less, so restaurants were looking for new ways to attract diners, comments Maria Caranfa, Director of Mintel Menu Insights. Many foodservice establishments focused on providing targeted value, the exact food people wanted at prices they could afford.
This year, Maria Caranfa expects 2008 s downsizing trends to continue as restaurants find new ways to stretch a dollar: Mini Food Maxes Out Mini food was the runaway trend of 2008, states Maria Caranfa. Fun and frivolous, yet reasonably priced, mini foods offered the perfect balance between sensibility and satisfaction. Mini burgers dominated the mini trend: Mintel Menu Insights reports that 28 restaurants added mini burgers to their menus last year. But mini sandwiches and bite-sized desserts were also popular, spotted on restaurant menus ranging from casual to fine dining.
Source: Mintel " The Biggest Things on 2008 Menus Were Small." Drug Week 13 Feb. 2009, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 21 Feb 2009
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AARP – Profiles of Long-Term Care and Independent Living 2009
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/d19105_2008_ats.pdf
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Excerpt:
Using this data, AAHSA's contractor prepares quarterly OSCAR reports that offer AAHSA members and state affiliates a comprehensive overview of survey deficiency trends on regional, state, and national levels.
The reports can help nursing home members identify areas of strength and weakness in the state. State associations can also used these quarterly reports to develop tailored educational outreach programs, workshops, and training sessions for nursing home members. This data can also be useful in meetings with state-level regulatory officials and can be helpful in comparing the trends in facilities and/or trends of an entire state to the rest of the country.
Source: http://www.aahsa.org/section.aspx?id=6692
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Excerpt:
The nation' leading organization for assisted living providers today hailed the growing trend towards Home and Community Based Care as a positive step towards improving choice in long term care for America' seniors.
Richard Grimes, President and CEO of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), said the findings of the AARP Public Policy Report, A Balancing Act: State Long-Term Care Reform, show that the desire of most seniors to remain close to home as they age is propelling a strong trend away from institutional care.
Although the report showed that a disproportionate share of Medicaid funds, some 75 percent, still pays for nursing home care, the report demonstrated that a strong consumer preference for options is driving states to shift dollars towards other forms of long term care, including assisted living and other community-based settings. The report, like others, shows nursing home census is declining as the census in assisted living communities rises. Assisted living costs about half as much as nursing home care and 43 states and the District of Columbia have sought waivers from the federal government to use Medicaid funds for assisted living services for Medicaid-eligible seniors in their states.
Source: "More Choice for America’s Seniors." States News Service 15 Jul. 2008, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 21 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
The assisted living industry is booming as it caters to a new type of elderly customer -- wealthy seniors who are unable to continue living at home, yet do not require the intensive medical care provided in nursing facilities. A newly published report from Kalorama Information 'Long-Term Care Markets,' details the transformation occurring in this $67.5 billion segment of the long-term care market and the factors that should lead to over 12% annual growth through 2012.
Several factors are contributing to this boom: the elderly population is growing at double or triple the rate of the overall U.S. population; today's seniors want to remain active and as more of them retire with increased net worth, they can afford upscale assisted living facilities offering a broad range of amenities; facilities continue to open specialized communities that provide care designed for residents with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Unlike other long-term care facilities, assisted living is almost completely supported by private payments and residents typically meet the costs by selling their primary residence.
Source: "Wealthy Seniors Spur Growth in Upscale Assisted Living Market." Market Wire 12 Aug. 2008, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 21 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
In the United States, aging baby boomers are living longer, more active lives, and they're transforming assisted-living design and construction. They want facilities that remind them of residences rather than institutions. .
"There is a desire for familiarity," says Richard Anderson, principal at RNL of Denver, which designed the second phase of Holly Creek in Centennial. "They want a space to meet their physical needs but are also looking for something that reminds them of home."
Owned by Christian Living Communities, Holly Creek is a senior-living community that offers 132 residences, below-grade parking and a vaulted, one-story common gallery. The units feature open living spaces, balconies and generous bedrooms and closets.
"Despite being a large community, it has features that make it home-like," Anderson says. "There are gardens, courtyards and putting greens."
Source: Chryss, Cada. "Trends in Assisted Living." Colorado Construction 01 Sep. 2008, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 21 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
Nursing home residents, beds, and occupancy rates have remained nearly constant in the last five years, even though the older population has increased, according to Across the States 2009, Profiles of Long-Term Care and Independent Living, a new state-by-state report from the AARP Public Policy Institute.
Specifically, the report finds that spending for long-term care services is not a primary force behind escalating Medicaid costs. The report shows that on average, Medicaid funds spent on home and community-based services (HCBS) can serve three older people or adults with disabilities for each resident in a nursing home.The population age 85 or older the age group that is most likely to need long-term care services is expected to increase by 74% between 2007 and 2030. As the baby boomers turn age 85 between 2030 and 2050, the age 85+ population will skyrocket by another 118%.
The report emphasizes, however, that family caregivers remain the main providers of long-term care services in all the states and nationwide. By providing personal care and even health care, family caregivers help to contain costs by delaying or preventing the use of nursing home and hospital care.
Source: "Elders Saying No to Nursing Homes." States News Service 03 Mar. 2009, Section: Business. Lexis Nexis. University of Texas at San Antonio, John Peace Library. San Antonio, TX. 21 Apr 2009
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Excerpt:
Homeowners Want Energy-Efficient, Eco-Friendly Home Improvement ProductsTwo surveys reveal increased demand for home upgrades that may cost more up front but save in the long run.
According to the latest NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI), homeowners want energy-efficient upgrades. Thirty-three percent of remodelers polled said that their customers are leaning toward energy-saving improvements, such as low-E windows, spray-foam or fiberglass insulation, and high-efficiency HVAC system in their homes. The RMI is a quarterly gauge of remodeler perception of the current and future residential remodeling market; and it also includes questions that pinpoint market trends.
Seventy-three percent of remodelers surveyed by the NAHB say they installed energy-efficient windows in the past few months. Insulation replacement upgrades (in enclosed walls and roofs) were made by 65% polled while 27% said they insulated foundations and 52% installed insulated exterior doors. Fifty-six percent of those polled said high-efficiency HVAC systems were in demand. Energy-saving kitchen appliances were installed by 47% of those polled and 46% said water-saving faucets and fixtures were put in.
The NAHB RMI results are similar to those from a poll sponsored by fiberglass door manufacturer Plastpro, which revealed that 73% of 700 homeowners surveyed said they are willing to pay more for eco-friendly and energy-efficient home improvement products. The Plastpro survey, which was administered by the Opinion Research Corp., also revealed that 89% of those polled said they would be willing to pay more for products that reduce heating and cooling costs and 86% of homeowners felt knowledge about environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products was a key factor in the hiring process of a remodeler, builder, or contractor.
Source: http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/news/homeowners-want-energy-efficient-eco-friendly-home-improvement-products.aspx
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Excerpt: New Survey Reveals Homeowner Attitudes, Preferences Regarding Remodeling Projects
The fall 2008 Remodeling Sentiment Report, a semi-annual survey of 5,000 U.S. homeowners, reveals how the amount of equity homeowners have in their property affects their remodeling plans. Homeowners participating in this most recent survey reported an average of more than $190,000 of home equity and average home values of $390,000, up from $140,000 and $342,000 respectively in the previous survey. The increase in home value and equity from respondents indicates that homeowners who have less home equity or who are living in lower-value homes have put their remodeling projects on hold, while homeowners with more financial resources are moving ahead.
The sampling of U.S. remodeling permits shows a decrease in planned remodeling spending of almost 15 percent in the first half of 2008 versus the first half of 2007. Homeowners who choose to remodel their homes may find this is a good time; with new home construction at low levels, more materials and labor are available for remodeling than several ago, resulting in shorter project schedules and often lower project costs.
Key findings from the fall 2008 survey include:
- 84 percent report that the possibility of a recession is affecting their remodeling plans.
- 81 percent plan to start their home remodel this year.
Regarding cost saving efforts, homeowners report they are planning:
- Not to hire a general contractor 34%
- To use economy materials 10%
- To do some of the work themselves 65%
Other findings from the fall 2008 Remodelormove.com Remodeling Sentiment Report:
Homeowners are:
- Excited about remodeling 48%
- Dreading remodeling 11%
Homeowners' plans include:
- Kitchen remodel 55%
- Bathroom addition 49%
- Bathroom remodel 49%
- Addition of one or more bedrooms or den 39%
- Enlarge or add a garage 19%
- Finish a basement 13%
Although this may feel like a risky time to remodel, that may not be the case. By carefully preparing and following "A SMART Remodel" strategy, homeowners can minimize the risk and maximize the results.
Source: http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/nws_ind_nws_trends/article/0,2624,HPRO_26519_5939096,00.html
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Excerpt: Donna Shirey’s home remodeling business aims to become greener to weather the recession
When Donna Shirey cooks, she always follows the recipe precisely. She uses a similarly methodical approach in running her home remodeling company, Shirey Contracting Inc. While many small businesses take an ad hoc approach to management, Shirey has specific systems and processes in place for everything from hiring employees to making sales to building a house.
That approach has worked well for Shirey in the more than two decades since she came on board her husband’s small contracting company. The Issaquah-based business, with a focus on green and energy-efficient building, had revenues of about $4.6 million last year. Shirey Contracting, like the rest of the construction industry, has seen a decline in business this year. The National Association of Home Builders’ remodeling index fell to its lowest level ever in fourth quarter 2008, and future expectations were even worse. Meanwhile, Shirey is serving as vice chair of NAHB’s Remodelers Council, and will be chair in 2010.
Meanwhile, Shirey and her husband, Riley, are building their own “Zero Energy” house, which will be both their home and a demonstration project for builders and homeowners. The house is meant to generate as much energy as it consumes. It will have solar photovoltaic panels, a solar hot-water system and a wind turbine, and will be highly energy-efficient, with energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. It will also incorporate one of Shirey Contracting’s signature building methods, the use of SIPs, or “structural insulated panels.” These panels, two pieces of oriented-strand board with a foam core in between, minimize heat loss to the outside, said Stan Price, executive director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.
Shirey said she’s learned a lot from Builders Association classes and speakers, including how to calculate profit margins and overhead and how to set prices. That education has been critical, she said. “When you come up in the construction industry, you never formally learn management skills,” she said.
Source: http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/04/20/smallb1.html?b=1240200000%5E1813470
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Excerpt: Green Homes Here to Stay
As most real estate or energy experts would agree, green is no longer a trend among “tree huggers.” Not just about saving the Earth, it’s also about saving energy and money. “If you budget between 10 percent and 15 percent more for the cost of your house for energy efficient features, those features will pay for themselves virtually overnight,” Sailors says.
According to a survey released by the U.S. Green Building Council and McGraw-Hill Construction, 78 percent of homeowners earning less than $50,000 a year say they would be more inclined to purchase a green home. The survey also showed that lower energy costs are increasingly demanded by and available to home buyers at all income levels, and going green was the top reason cited by survey respondents for remodeling their homes.
More than 80 percent of respondents said they believe that green homes are not just more economical, but offer better and healthier places to live, and almost half, or 44 percent, of homes renovated between 2005 and 2007 used products chosen for their green attributes.
Source: http://seattle.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2009/03/16/focus2.html?q=energy%20efficient%20home%20remodeling
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Excerpt: Green by the Numbers
Green building continues to grow as the nation wises up to the need to change how we use our limited resources. Every day, the mainstream media showcases breathtaking green houses and technologies on the cusp of adoption, such as retooled garages with plugs for cars, wind communities, and revolutionary materials that will change how houses are built. While that coverage serves a great purpose in keeping green top of mind for buyers, it’s always prudent to assess hard facts: Where does green building stand today and how are builders doing who have embraced its tenets?
In this collection of infographics, we give you a snapshot of sustainable building in 2008. The survey, which we did in concert with Reed Business Information, records the responses of builders, architects, engineers, and other building professionals to see what green looks like from their perspective.
Source: http://www.greenbuildermag.com/News/1108GB_Survey.pdf
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Excerpt: Energy Efficient Roof and Help from the Recovery Act 2009
The Federal income tax credits are part of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”. An energy efficient new roof entitles you to claim a tax credit for 30% of the cost of the materials (not installation cost) for your new roof, up to a total maximum credit in a single year of $1,500. There are hundreds of roofing options for any type roof that meet the requirements to qualify for the tax credit. A complete list of list of qualifying roofing materials is available at the EnergyStar web site. You will find everything from insulating, highly-reflective coatings that can be applied to flat roofs, to roofing tiles made in a variety of colors and styles that offer both insulation and durability for homes in the south, southwest and beyond, to new longer-lasting and more efficient asphalt shingles, to new foam insulated metal roofing systems.
The cost of the new materials will also be higher. For example, you might expect to pay about $4,500 for traditional asphalt shingles, plus $600 for removal of the old shingles. Replacing a roof with cedar shakes might cost three times as much. A new metal roofing system would probably cost about $14,600 (including removal of old shingles). But this cost would be recovered very quickly.
Consider:
- You take a $1,500 income tax credit
- You increase the value of your home by $10,000
- You have no roof maintenance cost ever again
- You don’t have to worry about leaks or the cost of repairs
- You can finance the cost at a super-low interest through a state-sponsored loan program
- Your electric company (only available in some states) gives you a credit of $0.12 per kilowatt hour during air conditioning season
- Your state gives you a break from sales tax and a $500 rebate
- You save $13,500 because you don’t have to replace the roof at years 12 and 24
- Your air conditioning cost will probably be 20% less
Based on all of these factors, and on the many ways the decision to install a new energy-efficient roof will save money, you will recover the entire cost of the new roof in less than ten years! And all the while, you will enjoy greater comfort, less worry, and the knowledge that you are helping the environment.
Source: http://www.remodelormove.com/content/article/article.cfm/remodel/energy_efficient_roof_and_help_from_the_recovery_act_of_2009
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Excerpt: It’s Not Easy…
These days, the remodeling industry is abuzz with talk of the "green" revolution. To be sure, there is much cynicism surrounding the movement - some respondents to this month's survey dismissed the trend as "hype" - but many industry leaders have embraced green remodeling as the way of the future, not simply a passing fad.
Most remodelers seem to be taking a cautious but active approach to incorporating sustainable building practices into their business. Jobsite recycling has become increasingly common, with 73% of respondents reporting that they either always or frequently recycle metal. Significantly fewer respondents said they recycle other materials such as glass, wood, and plastics, but more than half of remodelers surveyed say that they at least "sometimes" take part in the practice. More advanced green building practices, though, are still relatively rare. For example, nearly 70% of remodelers reported never doing blower door testing to determine a home's air leakage, and just 3% claim to regularly perform the tests.
Unsurprisingly, the numbers drop significantly for installations of more advanced green products (74% of respondents say they never install solar water heaters). But when it comes to using "green" insulation - a practice that remodelers can undertake as standard operating procedure without a client request - most respondents have not taken the opportunity to be proactive. More than 20% reported never using green insulation, and the majority of remodelers use it only sometimes or rarely.
But remodelers are not solely to blame for the relatively slow adoption of green building practices. Half of respondents said that there is too much confusion over which products are truly green, and that when it comes to the bottom line, clients just aren't willing to pay for it. Another 41% admitted that they're just not yet knowledgeable enough about green building to institute the practices - a challenge more easily overcome as industry standards and green certification programs are established.
Source: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/remodeling/reader-panel-its-not-easy.aspx
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