Reuters reported that home prices closed out 2012 with the biggest annual gain in more than six years while sales of new homes spiked in January, the latest sign that the long-suffering housing market is on the mend and recovery is on track. WIN Home Inspection, one of the nation's leading home inspection franchises with 172 locations in 28 states, is experiencing this firsthand.

A positive trickle-down effect is occurring for many service-centric brands that cater to homes as a result. Housing is expected to contribute to a fifth of the economy's growth this year, thus creating a ripple effect within the economy. Home inspection businesses, moving companies, and lawn-care businesses are helping to ignite growth by continuing to add locations and service capacity by providing jobs for individuals in need of work.

"For us, it's all about the dream and the data," says WIN Home Inspection President, Steve Wadlington . "The American Dream of home ownership is very much intact, and the data supports this opportunity for a lot of people. Our business grew 17% in 2012, and our franchisees are expanding service capacity into 2013.  With mortgage rates south of 4% for 15 consecutive months, we're seeing economic history in the making."

In addition, WIN Home Inspection is helping to fuel the economy's growth and job creation with focused growth on new business owners in its strategic markets.  "Our business model has low capital startup costs, low fixed costs, high margins, and requires no brick and mortar.  It's a proven success model," says Wadlington. "Central to this effort is our 'WIN for America' Award program, which offers up to 100% license fee waiver for qualifying veterans, along with individual business planning. We are proud to give back to those who have served."