Highlights from HBAGC
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Peter Schwartz
Chief Executive Officer
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Today is my first day back in the office after having attended the International Builders Show. I am happy to report that the industry is alive and well, although it was a serious topic of discussion at all of the meetings and functions that I attended. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and the industry should begin the process of rebounding later this year. As the liaison of the Executive Officer Committee to the Housing Finance Committee at NAHB I spent a lot of time in meetings helping to formulate additional policies and strategies to combat the credit and liquidity challenges that face our industry’s ability to finance growth and sales. Three of the six major points we covered include: extending the increase in conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernizing the FHA to assist first-time and moderate-income buyers, and consideration of a broad range of tax credits to stimulate home sales and help reduce the inventory of unsold homes on the market.
Kudos to the NAHB Build PAC (Political Action Committee) Board of Trustees for their remarkable decision to cease funding of federal legislators until such time as they have corrected some of the problems that plague our industry and economy. This action took a great deal of courage and I applaud them for sending a clear message to the government that strength and numbers cut both ways. This is extraordinarily significant, especially in an election year. The Build PAC board will meet again in spring to determine whether or not congress has begun to adequately focus on our industry’s issues to warrant the support of the millions of dollars that Build PAC has historically contributed annually to campaign coffers. View the official statement from NAHB President Brian Catalde here.
Speaking of what’s next for the home building industry-don’t miss our annual Market Forum on February 21st. View more information or register online here.
Members: Complimentary VIP Tickets to the Chicago Home & Garden Show are now available on the Members page after you log in.
Member Benefit of the Week: Customized Shipping Discounts for NAHB Members
NAHB has made it easy for members to save on all types of shipping services - Yellow Transportation, Roadway Express, DHL, USF & New Penn. Whether you ship envelopes, packages, or heavy freight, these carriers have a solution. To take advantage of your NAHB member benefits, or to find out how much you can save on your next shipment, call your shipping benefit consultant, Rondell Lewis, at 1-800-MEMBERS (636-2377) Ext 1436. For more information about the Shipping Discount Program, visit http://www.1800members.com/new/NAHB.
Gently Used furniture needed for HomeAid's Breakthrough Project. Office furniture and accessories needed to furnish a newly renovated facility in East Garfield Park, Chicago to be opened in February. HomeAid is a 501c3 charity and donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please email nashton@hbagc.com for details. www.homeaidchicago.org
Is there an issue impeding your development? If so, chances are that it also affects others in the home building industry. Contact the Attainable Housing Alliance at 630-932-2304 and let us help you be part of the solution. Visit us on the web at www.ahabuilder.com.
Visit the Plan Review Workshop at the Midwest Builders Show & Conference and bring your plans and projects! This workshop offers dynamic, one-on-one sessions with nationally experienced architects ready to offer you free professional advice. For more information, please visit www.MidwestBuildersShow.com.
If you are planning to stay in Rosemont during the show, please reserve your room at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare by Friday, February 22, 2008 to receive the discounted rate.
Please click here for more information
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