March 2, 2026—9-10---The Report Card Show---Show 51-24

-----From the Blackburn Studios—in Downtown Sioux Falls—Become a Blackburn Protected HOME----

LEARN MORE at Blackburn Basement Repair.com

((((MUSIC—THIS OLE HOUSE))))))

((((YEE-HAH---I’m Bill Zortman and after a three day HOME SHOW Weekend we are back---picking up the pieces from the Convention Center and Looking at the REPORT CARD Grades---for the first two months of 2026----))))

   It’s was Teddi Mueller that helps us get 10-12 of their sponsors and vendors in our Friday 9-11 Show---just 2 hours before the doors swung open for the first of the Friday, Saturday, Sunday hours with 270 Vendors in Place-----we enjoyed our time with them---and sharing with our audience---who we are sure—took advantage of all those in place answering questions—and even providing a place for our young people to enjoy as well.

   Teddi---you were there—you set it up----and one of those that works our Report Card Show ---Todd Boots was there as well---

   Between the two of you tell our audience what the crowd saw once they got in the Convention Center----

---------------Teddi------------------Todd---------------

   New---most popular-----questions being asked-----attendance ---and how many already looking to next year?

---------------Teddi------------------Todd----------------

   With the Home Show still in our memories----we have new numbers out this morning from Neil King----who not only shares the trends they are seeing for Sioux Falls----but getting results of each month out quickly so the Report Card Show---on the 1st Monday of the month—can report what we have seen----and the direction we seem to be going-

------------------Neil----------Teddi-------------Todd--------------

---when we come back---we’ll check in with others looking at the numbers for the first time-----and later the bankers---and yes even the merchants---for our first Real Estate Show for March 2026

9:15/00—KELO Commercials

9:16/30---Report Card 2

----Yes the first numbers are out for the Report Card Show---for January and February---

Tony Bachman----and Craig Wynia are with us to discuss what they are seeing on the street----and what they expect to see—as we turn towards spring.

Tony---------Neil----------------Craig------------------

Report Card Show is about TRENDS we SEE—Trends we feel—how it will reflect on the marketplace.

As for trends I can speak to what has been happening over last 3 days. The nice temperatures have contributed to people thinking about moving or buying a home. We’ve seen an increase in open house traffic and the number of open houses on a weekly basis which is also helping people make decisions too.

We have had 548 new listings, 289 listings sold, 421 listings pending, 318 open houses

Over last 15 days 267 new listings---103 listings pending-our team help 9 open houses over the weekend with total of 47 visitors.

One of the reasons is Home Affordability is at a 4-year high, along with prospect of interest rates lowering in 2026 buyers and sellers are feeling a lot more confident in moving forward—es pun intended.

Other reasons people are wanting to become homeowners, security and stability, ability to customize their living space and build wealth.

Another trend we’ve seen nearly 1 in 5 new homes being built are townhomes, due to affordability and many have Homeowners Associations for townhome owners convenience.

When we come back---we’ll check notes from Tony Bachman and thoughts from Craig and Neil----

9:16/00—KELO Commercials

9:17/30---Report Card 2

   Welcome back to our Report Card Show for March 2nd---and yes it covers the first 59 days of 2026-----

   Tony Bachman---has been part of the show for a long period of time---and he works the logic—he works the Q & A----and looks at the figures and gives us a read-out on just where we are---and where we are going-

    In our Report card shows at the top of the month---what do you see Tony after 8+ weeks into 2026?

   Craig ---how about you----

   When we come back----we’ll check the Bankers---and the Kelly’s are married but have different directions they share with you—that follows Fox Business News on the half hour----

9:29/00—KELO Commercials

9:30/30---fox biz news

9:32/30----Report Card 3

   Our It’s YOUR Business Show has become a “Cannot Miss” situation for many of our listeners---and those that are licensed or employed in the business…

   One of the reasons is that we have the leadership of the Home Builders and the Real Estate Association---as well as really the first couple of financial home banking.

   Dave Kelly and his wife Kelly Kelly-----they take us different directions as we do our Report Card Reporting---and if there is something breaking on the financial side---they call—we learn—and share with you our listeners---

   Dave—Kelly----tell us what you are seeing today---following the first Home Show for 2026---here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota---and neighboring states-----that always come to play when buying and selling housing---and yes all the repairs that go along with it---

--------------Dave----------------

--------------Kelly-Kelly--------

What you both see ahead of us---as we head towards---spring and the warmer months in 2026-----

94% of US Homeowners have undertaken a major renovation project in the last  5 years

Annual Activity rates—

2024—54% of homeowners renovated

2023---56% of homeowners renovated

2022---58% of homeowners renovated

Popular Projects

--Bathroom Remodels make up 37%

Interior painting is 33%

Heating/AC made up 30%

Renovations have surged due to an aging housing stock. Nearly 50% of US Homes were built prior to 1980

Future: 58% of homeowners plan on further renovations within the next 5 years

Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovations is an excellent type of financing. We can do just about anything with that product.

Many times we are also looking at a 20 year loan product rather than going back to a 30 year product because many people that are renovating are in their 40’s+

If you are 62+--the HECM is an excellent product to help with renovations. Using your home equity to improve your home and payments are optional!

Older homeowners –55-74 are largest group renovating—they make up nearly 60% of renovating homeowners according to the Houzz Study

Bathrooms and kitchens –why wouldn’t you use a HECM loan to improve your home? You gain the advantage of improving your home and improving the value of your home and value of your home!!

-----------when we come back---we’ll check with some of the vendors that make their living and mark working with home owners---and making sure everything is market ready----and ready when and if you decide to move---sell-----and complete a chapter in your live-----

------------Dave--------Kelly-Kelly-------------

  Little know facts our listeners really need to hear from the first couple of home lending---

-------------Dave---------Kelly-Kelly-------------

  Just ahead---we’ll listen to those that work the retail side of home merchandise----and yes the reactions from not only those staying in the homes---but those that are looking to buy and improve it----

  All a very important side of buying-selling---and satisfying those interested….

9:44/00—KELO Commercials

9:45/30---Report Card Show 4

   One of those that the trip for us to the Home Show---with Todd Boots---he looked at what was being merchandised---considered what he was doing---and had the opportunity to talk with others working the Home Show---and those attending---for what they saw---what they wanted—and what they found---

 --------------Todd Boots-------------

   Tell our audience what you do-----your thoughts on the home show---and did it change your mind on the market-place---and what 2026 will bring for buyers-sellers—and merchants alike---

---------------Todd----------------------

   Steve Swenson------Joe Hanson-------Jerry Berg-----------and-Teddi Mueller-----and

   Anything change your mind on what buyers and sellers are wanting in 2026?

   Trending-----those you employ---easy to find---tough to keep---what would you say—is the case in 2026?

    When we come back we’ll put a wrap on the February Report Card Show---and get you ready for hour 2----with a look at the Farm Auctions---and what County Supervisors and leaders are thinking for this area and around the neighborhoods for our communities in 2026---

9:55/55---KELO Commercials

9:57/25---Report Card 5

Wrap---preview---Remodelers Show is next  Monday…

Our time is up –thank you for yours.