Harvard University News

Home Improvement Market Poised for Growth, Spurring Continued Expansion of TheHomeMag

CAPE CORAL, Fla., July 16 PRNewswire — Despite the foreclosure crisis, sputtering economy and slumping housing market, home improvement is a growth business, according to home improvement publishing franchise TheHomeMag. The company continues to expand as franchisees recognize pent-up demand for home remodeling born out of an aging housing stock, homeowners who are choosing to renovate because they can't sell their homes in the current market, and an expected boom in upgrades to properties acquired out of foreclosure. Consider:

— Approximately 25 million homeowners undertake some type of home improvement project each year, according to research from Harvard's Improving America's Housing 2007. Television lifestyle shows centered on luxury amenities are also inspiring homeowners to invest in upgrading their living environment.

— Over the next 18 months, foreclosures will likely peak with many foreclosed properties being acquired and in need of some remodeling. In addition, Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts a 'healthy recovery' in older home remodeling, energy efficiency retrofits and rental stock improvements when the economy gets back on its feet.

— Two-thirds of homes are now at least a quarter-century old, with a growing number reaching the age where improvements are needed. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that major components such as the roof, windows, and plumbing fixtures have a useful life of 20-35 years.

— Sales of home improvement products will grow at an average rate of 6% annually over the next four years, reaching $381 billion in 2012, according to forecasts by the Home Improvement Research Institute.

With this combination of factors, TheHomeMag is experiencing a 180% year-to-date growth rate in the number of operating locations. Over 5.5 million magazines are currently mailed monthly, with a projected jump to 25 million (over a quarter of a billion per year) by 2012.

"This is a time of opportunity for home improvement-related businesses like ours. All the signs point to a gold rush of sorts for home improvement products, contractors and other service providers," said Chris Goebel, President of TheHomeMag. "That's why we continue to grow: our franchisees realize that a poor housing market can mean a strong renovation market."

The franchise model allows each franchisee to focus solely on sales consulting, customer service and business management. Design, production and distribution are handled by the franchisor, enabling franchisees to be successful without prior publishing experience.

About TheHomeMag

TheHomeMag is the leading resource publication for the home improvement industry. Each issue delivers remodeling inspiration to homeowners through visual advertising. The magazine links homeowners directly to qualified, reputable contractors, reaching the right audience for their advertisers through a constantly evolving targeted distribution list. For more information about purchasing a home improvement publishing business, contact http://www.thehomemag.com.

Contact: Chris Goebel 239-549-6960 chrisgoebel@thehomemag.com

SOURCE TheHomeMag

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