Archive: October, 2012
I've been asking those in the know today whether Hurricane Sandy might affect the noticeable recovery now under way in the housing market.
Jed Kolko, chief economist for the real estate search engine Trulia, said that a significant part of the economic impact of major hurricanes like Sandy is damage to homes and other buildings.
"There will be an urgent need for construction to repair damaged buildings and other infrastructure," he said. "Rebuilding after disasters typically adds to economic growth, which will provide jobs for construction and repair workers at the same time as people are struggling to rebuild their homes or find a new place to live."
If you live inland, it isn't too late to take some steps to try to keep hurricane damage to a minimum.
If you have a sump pump and the sump is still dry, you might test the pump.
Pour about five gallons of water into the sump pump at about the speed water from your basement typically enters until the pump starts. Do not pour in more water than the sump will hold. The punp is likely to start when the water reaches about one foot from the top of the sump.
Alan J. Heavens of The Inquirer chats at noon Monday, Oct. 22, about real estate and home improvement.
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