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In This Issue
Home Remodeling Spending Set to Accelerate
RH Peterson Launches Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert
remodel
Home Remodeling Spending
Set to Accelerate
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

An improving housing market and record low interest rates are driving projections of strong gains in home improvement activity through the end of the year and into the first half of 2013, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.    


The LIRA suggests that the seeds for what appears to be a very robust remodeling recovery have been planted, with annual homeowner improvement spending expected to reach double-digit growth in the first half of 2013.

 

"After a bump in home improvement activity during the mild winter, there was a bit of a pause this summer," says Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center. "However, the LIRA is projecting an acceleration in market activity beginning this quarter, and strengthening as we move into the new year."


"Strong growth in sales of existing homes and housing starts, coupled with historically low financing costs, have typically been associated with an upturn in home remodeling activity some months later," says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center. "While the housing market has faced some unique challenges in recent years, this combination is expected to produce a favorable outlook for home improvement spending over the coming months."

 

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The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) is designed to estimate national homeowner spending on improvements for the current quarter and subsequent three quarters. The indicator, measured as an annual rate-of-change of its components, provides a short-term outlook of homeowner remodeling activity and is intended to help identify future turning points in the business cycle of the home improvement industry. 


The LIRA is released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University in the third week after each quarter's closing. The next LIRA release date is Jan. 17, 2013.    

 

More information about the LIRA (FAQ, etc.)   

RH Peterson Launches
Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA

Robert H. Peterson is expanding their line of premium fireplace products with the introduction of the Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert. The addition represents a new product category for the company and a new option for homeowners seeking an efficient gas-heating appliance while maintaining the realism and beauty of a wood fire.
Peterson
Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert.
 "We are thrilled to add the Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert to our line-up of Real Fyre products," said Jerry Scott, vice president of Sales and Marketing. "Consumers today are seeking ways to save money without sacrificing quality. The Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert provides an efficient way to warm the home while enjoying the charm and allure of a wood fire."

Fireplace inserts have gained popularity over the years for their convenience and efficiency. The fully insulated units are installed directly into an existing wood-burning fireplace and use no room air for combustion, generating efficiencies of up to 82 percent, which results in greater heat output.

The Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert is a natural extension of the Real Fyre brand, leveraging Robert H. Peterson's long history of manufacturing one of the most realistic gas logs on the market. The unit will be available in two sizes - 30 and 36 in. Features include a ceramic glass front to radiate heat into the room; Fyre Starter remote control for on-demand performance; interior light; adjustable speed blower system combined with adjustable flame height control to regulate heat; louver-less, clean face to mimic a real wood-burning fireplace and a Charred American Oak log set specially formulated to mirror the beauty of a wood fire.

A choice of brick styles and fire screens will be available. As with all Robert H. Peterson products, the Real Fyre gas insert is made in the USA using stringent quality standards and the most advanced technology.

"Thorough research and a rigorous development process were instrumental in creating what we believe is the finest direct-vent insert product on the market," said Robert Dischner, vice president of Marketing. "The combination of the specially-designed Charred American Oak logs with the vibrant flame presentation and glowing embers provides a realism that can rival any wood-burning fire."

The Real Fyre Direct-Vent Gas Insert is available at RH Peterson dealers nationwide. Visit the website or contact Amy Bortz at (917) 863-8482, abortz@rhpeterson.com.