Hello Homeowners!

This week we are taking a look at:

• Committing to make your home better in 2026

• News and Articles

• December maintenance

2026 Homeowner New Years Resolutions Ideas

A new year is a great excuse to make a few smart upgrades to your home.

The best improvements aren’t flashy remodels—they’re changes that quietly make your home more comfortable, durable, and enjoyable every day.

Here are three simple resolutions homeowners can consider for 2026.

1. Control Humidity for a Healthier Home

Too much humidity is one of the most common hidden problems in homes. High moisture levels can lead to musty odors, mold growth, wood damage, and even higher energy bills. Too little humidity can also cause many problems.

In 2026, resolve to measure and manage humidity. Start with a simple humidity monitor and aim to keep indoor levels as close as possible to 43%.

Depending on your home, this might mean upgrading bathroom exhaust fans, sealing air leaks, or installing a whole-house or basement dehumidifier. You may also need to install or improve your winter humidification system.

High end custom woodworking shops shoot to keep all of their in-progress work in rooms as close as possible to 43% relative humidity. They know that this is the middle of the typical range (low 30’s to low 50’s) that most homes experience throughout the year.

The payoff is better air quality, improved comfort, less potential damage to your homes finishes, and fewer long-term repair issues.

2. Add One “Everyday Luxury” Feature

Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive—or complicated. Choose one small upgrade that improves daily life.

This could be a digital wall calendar that keeps the family organized, warmer and better-designed LED light bulbs, instant hot water from a recirculation system, or cleaner drinking water with a reverse-osmosis filtration system.

Each of these ideas are relatively easy to install, and inexpensive.

These upgrades are relatively affordable, quick to install, and deliver enjoyment every single day.

3. Take Control of Water Around Your Home

Water is the number one enemy of homes. Poor drainage can lead to foundation problems, basement leaks, and expensive structural repairs.

Make 2026 the year you direct water away from your house on purpose. Upgrade clogged or undersized gutters, extend downspouts underground, and improve grading so soil slopes away from the foundation.

These projects aren’t glamorous—but they protect everything else you’ve invested in.

A Better Home, One Smart Decision at a Time

You don’t need a major renovation to make your home better in 2026.

By controlling humidity, adding one thoughtful luxury, and managing water around your home, you’ll improve comfort, protect value, and reduce future maintenance headaches—all year long.

3 Tricks Billionaires Use to Help Protect Wealth Through Shaky Markets

“If I hear bad news about the stock market one more time, I’m gonna be sick.”

We get it. Investors are rattled, costs keep rising, and the world keeps getting weirder.

So, who’s better at handling their money than the uber-rich?

Have 3 long-term investing tips UBS (Swiss bank) shared for shaky times:

1. Hold extra cash for expenses and buying cheap if markets fall.

2. Diversify outside stocks (Gold, real estate, etc.).

3. Hold a slice of wealth in alternatives that tend not to move with equities.

The catch? Most alternatives aren’t open to everyday investors

That’s why Masterworks exists: 70,000+ members invest in shares of something that’s appreciated more overall than the S&P 500 over 30 years without moving in lockstep with it.*

Contemporary and post war art by legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and more.

Sounds crazy, but it’s real. One way to help reclaim control this week:

Skip waitlist.

_{*Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investing involves risk. Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd}

Interesting News and Articles

Article #1 - The Wild World of Homeowners Insurance

“It's wild that regular people with almost zero experience in any of this are instantly forced to take on the immense challenge of rebuilding their home”. Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance is going through a lot of challenges throughout the US.

Article #2 - Tax Credit for Property Taxes Paid

The state of North Dakota offers a $1,700 tax credit to reimburse homeowners for property taxes paid in the state.

Article #3 - NIMBYism

“Connecticut has the tightest housing market in the United States”. The state of Connecticut has passed a law to deal with “Not In My Back Yard” development issues.

Maintenance List For December

Home maintenance you can tackle in December.

See the links for ideas and instructions!

1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Replace batteries as needed.

2. Check/Change Furnace Filter.

3. Clean out your gutters/downspouts.

4. Run ice through your garbage disposal.

5. Clear leaves and sticks from yard.

6. Lubricate garage overhead door springs, rollers and pivot hinges.

7. Replace furnace humidifier pad.

A Dedicated Home Dehumidifier

About the Author

I’m Adam Rich, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Real Estate Salesperson in the state of Ohio. I help discerning homeowners like you take control of the complexity behind your home.

With a background in engineering, property management, construction, and real estate investing, I specialize in helping understand the systems that make your home work.

Whether you're planning major renovations, systems upgrades, assessing long-term maintenance, or just want to get a handle on your home’s true condition, I deliver expert-level answers in clear, practical language.

Ready for Expert, Unbiased Advice?

Whether it’s a one-time consultation or an ongoing relationship, I offer homeowners peace of mind through clear insights, practical planning, and calm expertise.

I am available to consult on home maintenance and improvements, new construction decisions and options, real estate investing or purchases, real estate engineering matters, and other home systems matters.

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions.