BUSINESS AND MONEY
Steve Arnett 11, Mar 4 mins
4 mins
The Ritz Herald
© Goldstone Contracting Inc.

For many homeowners, roof maintenance often takes a backseat—until an issue arises. However, neglecting regular roof inspections can lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Recognizing this, Goldstone Contracting Inc., a veteran-owned and family-operated roofing company, is stepping up to assist Maryland homeowners with free roof inspections. With over two decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and transparency, helping homeowners identify potential problems before they escalate.

Goldstone Contracting proudly serves homeowners across Gaithersburg, MD, Silver Spring, MD, Baltimore, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD, Annapolis, MD, Bowie, MD, and Crofton, MD, ensuring that residents in these communities have access to reliable roofing solutions.

The Importance of a Free Roof Inspection

A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting a home from the elements, but many homeowners are unaware of the early warning signs of roof damage. Goldstone Contracting’s free roof inspections provide a thorough assessment to detect issues such as:

  • Leaks and Water Damage: Undetected leaks can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and expensive interior repairs.
  • Storm and Hail Damage: Even minor storm damage can weaken a roof’s structure and shorten its lifespan.
  • Aging or Damaged Shingles: Missing, cracked, or curling shingles can compromise the integrity of the roof.
  • Structural Weaknesses: Inspections can reveal problems that may not be visible from the ground, preventing future costly repairs.

By identifying these issues early, homeowners can take preventative action, avoiding major repairs or replacements down the road.

 

Insurance-Paid Roof Replacements – A Cost-Effective Solution

Many homeowners may not realize that their homeowner’s insurance policy could cover the cost of a new roof if the damage is due to storms, hail, or other qualifying…

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2 mins
Veregy Approved as Contractor in New York Solar Incentive Program
The Ritz Herald
This approval encompasses both the Residential & Nonresidential and Commercial & Industrial programs, enabling Veregy to offer enhanced solar solutions across New York State

Veregy, a leading decarbonization company, has proudly announced its approval as a participating contractor in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) NY-Sun Incentive Program. This significant endorsement allows Veregy to provide enhanced solar solutions through both the Residential & Nonresidential and Commercial & Industrial programs, marking a pivotal step in expanding solar energy accessibility throughout New York State.

Achieving this status involved a rigorous application process, during which Veregy successfully demonstrated compliance with all necessary program requirements. As a participating contractor, Veregy is committed to adhering to NYSERDA’s stringent quality assurance standards for projects that receive NYSERDA incentives.

“We are honored to be recognized by NYSERDA as a participating contractor,” stated Caleb Benham, Senior Account Executive at Veregy. “This approval reflects our commitment to delivering top-tier solar solutions and our dedication to supporting New York’s clean energy efforts. We look forward to empowering more organizations with sustainable energy options through the NY-Sun program.”

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2 mins
© Łukasz Nieścioruk
The Ritz Herald
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“We expect that auto sales in February should recover mildly from the January 2025 result, but sustained momentum seems tough to come by, given the swirling economic and policy conditions facing auto consumers and automakers alike,” said Chris Hopson, principal analyst at S&P Global Mobility. “While pricing, inventory and incentive trends are seemingly moving in the right direction, respectively, to promote new vehicle sales growth unsettled buying conditions will likely continue to push against any consistent upshift for demand levels.”

The S&P Global Mobility US auto outlook for 2025 reflects sustained, but more moderate growth levels for light vehicle sales. Vehicle pricing levels are expected to decline but remain high; interest rates are expected to shift further downwards, but inflation levels are anticipated to remain sticky. New vehicle inventory should also progress, but careful management is expected as well. Combined with…

U.S. Home Prices Show Slower Growth in October 2024, Led by New York With 7.3% Annual Increase
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7 mins
The Ritz Herald
© Paulo Silva
S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index records 3.9% annual gain in December 2024
By / Deputy Editor, Investing and Corporate News

S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) announced the latest results for the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices, revealing a 3.9% annual gain in U.S. home prices for December 2024. This marks a slight uptick from the previous month’s 3.7% annual increase, indicating a consistent upward trend in the housing market.*

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, which encompasses all nine U.S. census divisions, has demonstrated robust performance with the 10-City Composite rising 5.1% year-over-year, a modest increase from 5% in November. The 20-City Composite also reported a positive trend with a 4.5% increase, up from 4.3% the previous month.

Among the 20 cities tracked, New York led the way with a significant 7.2% annual increase in home prices, followed by notable gains in Chicago and Boston, which saw increases of 6.6% and 6.3%, respectively. In contrast, Tampa faced a downturn, registering the lowest return with a decline of 1.1%.

On a monthly basis, the pre-seasonally adjusted U.S. National and 20-City Composite Indices both experienced a slight drop of 0.1%. The 10-City Composite Index also recorded a minimal decrease of 0.04%. However, after seasonal adjustments, all three indices revealed a month-over-month increase of 0.5%, showcasing resilience in the housing market.

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3 mins
© Laura Tancredi
The Ritz Herald
Corporate philanthropy leaders adjust focus amid US policy shifts: increased emphasis on economic opportunity and education

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According to Andrew Jones, Senior ESG Researcher at The Conference Board and the report’s author, this change signals a strategic adjustment rather than a withdrawal from the goals of advancing gender and racial equality. “Companies are now integrating these goals into wider frameworks that align more directly with their core business objectives, encompassing workforce development, technical training, and financial empowerment,” Jones explained.

As U.S. corporate philanthropy evolves, a notable geographic realignment is also taking shape. Executives indicated a marked increase in support for philanthropic initiatives focused on the U.S., closely followed by Canada and Mexico, while highlighting a desire to scale back efforts in China.

Key findings from the survey reveal the following thematic shifts for 2025:

  1. Increased Focus on Economic Opportunity and Education: Executives are prioritizing these themes more than before, reflecting a need to address the…

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Kellett / RH
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