LETTER FROM MATT WEBER

FROM MATT WEBER

It feels like an understatement to say we live in turbulent times. The economy is struggling, energy prices are sky-high, war has broken out overseas, and it’s difficult to know what to count on.

How do you plan for the future, if inflation outpaces your wage gains, and your money simply doesn’t buy as many groceries as it once did?

THERE HAS BEEN A 20 PERCENT RISE IN HOUSING PRICES RELATIVE TO THE OVERALL INFLATION RATE SINCE THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC.

A contracting dollar can make it tough for folks to pursue the American dream of owning a home, especially as mortgage rates climb and housing affordability drops. In fact, there has been a 20 percent rise in housing prices relative to the overall inflation rate since the onset of the pandemic.

That’s bad news if you’re shopping for a house but a silver lining if, like most Home Improvement and Repairs readers, you are a homeowner. Congratulations! Your house has increased in value. There’s an old adage about a house being someone’s single biggest investment, and that may prove to be truer than ever.

It’s a good time to reassess your home in light of its increasing value and do what it takes to protect the investment. Our magazine covers a lot of cosmetic upgrades and improvements, but that shouldn’t overshadow the need for fundamental maintenance. You should always keep a close eye on everything from the house foundation to the rooftop, conducting routine inspections and completing those boring tasks such as caulking and painting, cleaning off mold and mildew, removing rust, and sealing doors and windows.

Maintenance chores aren’t always interesting to read about, but they’re certainly important

to your home. Spend some time protecting your biggest investment, and your work is bound to pay off in the future.

PUBLISHER JEREMY HOLLINGSWORTH jeremy@HIRpub.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MATT WEBER matt@HIRpub.com ADVISORY BOARD JIM BUTTERS RANDY STEPHENSEN DUSTIN SCHWAIGER RICHARD HAMILTON CHIP LOVELADY MARK CLEMENT EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS CARTER SWIFT TOM MATTHEWS

COPY EDITOR DIANE WEBER AD DESIGN/COORDINATION SPECIALIZED MEDIA SERVICES, INC. ads@HIRpub.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SHANNA QUIGLEY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR WESLEY GLASSCO wesley@HIRpub.com ONLINE/SOCIAL MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GLORIA BERRIO

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