Maryann Misiolek, based in Hummelstown and Hershey, Pennsylvania, outlines recent housing, remodeling, and volunteerism insights and what they mean for everyday decisions.
HERSHEY, PA / ACCESS Newswire / December 30, 2025 / Maryann Misiolek, owner and operator of MarDav Enterprises, says the biggest shifts she sees right now are not flashy. They are practical. They show up in the age of homes, the cost of repairs, how hard it can feel to "time" a big decision, and the way communities rely on people who quietly show up.
Below are four recent trends and research insights that help explain what many individuals are experiencing, plus simple next steps that turn the data into action.
1) The housing market is still short on homes
Freddie Mac estimates the U.S. housing market was undersupplied by 3.7 million units as of Q3 2024, pointing to a shortage that affects both rentals and homes for sale.
What it means in plain language: when there are not enough homes, choices shrink and competition rises. That can push people toward staying put longer, renting longer, or buying a home that needs work.
Misiolek often frames big life goals around long timelines rather than quick wins. She puts it simply: "Time is on your side. Invest early, work hard early so that you can be financially and personally stable when you reach your 40s and can relieve the pressure and enjoy the life you have created."
2) Homes are getting older, and repairs are becoming a bigger part of life
Multiple housing sources report the median age of U.S. owner-occupied homes is about 40 years.
An older housing stock typically means more upkeep: roofs, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and the "hidden" systems that determine whether a home feels stable or stressful.
What it means in plain language: even if you are not planning a full renovation, maintenance is now a major part of household budgeting. For many families, the most realistic path is not a dream project. It is a steady plan.
Misiolek's approach to long projects centers on the basics: "consistency, dedication, financial prowess, perseverance, building a network of people you can trust and not being afraid of getting your hands dirty."
3) Remodeling spending is staying high, even as people stay cautious
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard reports remodeling is expected to continue "slow but steady" growth, with total homeowner remodeling spending projected to reach $524 billion in early 2026, described as a new record high.
What it means in plain language: people may delay moving, but they still invest in the home they have. Some projects are about comfort, but many are about keeping a home functional and safe.
Misiolek links this mindset to how she defines a good life, where work supports what matters instead of consuming it: "I work to live, not live to work."
4) Volunteering is rebounding, and community help is becoming more visible again
U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps data show 28.3% of people age 16 and up formally volunteered through an organization between September 2022 and September 2023, a rebound from the pandemic-era dip.
What it means in plain language: more people are looking for real-world connection and practical ways to contribute. In many communities, volunteer groups are not "extra." They are essential support systems.
Misiolek, who serves as chairperson of Helping Hands at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, often returns to a straightforward standard for impact: "doing the right thing, even when no one is looking."
Your next 7 days: 7 actions you can take now
Do a quick housing reality check. Write down your current housing goal (stay, rent, buy, renovate) and the top two constraints (cash flow, time, location, repairs).
Start a "40-year-home" maintenance list. Even newer homes need systems thinking. List what you know you need to handle in the next year (roof check, HVAC service, plumbing inspection, safety items).
Create a small "repair buffer." Set a first target that is realistic (even a modest weekly amount) and separate it from spending money.
Pick one room or system to learn. Watch, read, or talk to a pro about one home system (electrical panel basics, water shutoffs, insulation, ventilation). Knowledge reduces panic later.
Make one trust-building outreach. Ask one neighbor, friend, or local contact for a referral to a reliable contractor, inspector, or realtor who knows older homes.
Do one community shift. Sign up for a single volunteer block, even if it is just one hour. Put it on the calendar.
Choose one consistent habit. A short daily habit (walk, stretch, or 15 minutes of planning) is a low-cost way to build confidence through follow-through.
Your next 90 days: 5 longer actions that build momentum
Set a simple housing plan with dates. Choose one milestone per month (inspection, budget review, project list, savings target) and treat it like a real appointment.
Build a "people network" for hard moments. Identify 3 to 5 trusted people you can call for advice (money, housing, repairs, community). Add names and what each person is "for."
Create a renovation decision filter. Separate projects into (a) safety and systems, (b) comfort, (c) resale. Spend on (a) first.
Make your time goal visible. If you want more family time or lower stress, define what "work to live" looks like in your week, then protect it.
Commit to one ongoing volunteer lane. Pick one cause or organization and show up consistently, even at a small level. Consistency is often more useful than intensity.
Pick one step from the next 7 days list and start now. Small actions, repeated, are how confidence gets built, whether you are planning a housing move, stabilizing your finances, or looking for a better rhythm in everyday life.
About Maryann Misiolek
Maryann Misiolek is a real estate investment professional based in Hummelstown and Hershey, Pennsylvania. She is the owner and operator of MarDav Enterprises, a real estate investment firm founded in 2001 and incorporated in 2007 by Misiolek and her husband, J. David Misiolek, focused on rehabilitating properties and managing rentals across Central Pennsylvania. She also serves in volunteer roles connected to St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, including chairperson of Helping Hands and a member of the finance council.
Media Contact
Maryann Misiolek
info@maryannmisiolek.com
https://www.maryannmisiolek.com
SOURCE: Maryann Misiolek
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
