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A Message From a Candidate for NAHB Vice President/Secretary

My message to you today is a call to action. I need your support in the upcoming election, so that I can do my part to keep our industry strong and vibrant. We are threatened with major changes to our mortgage delivery system, as well as to the primary advocacy for affordable housing within our federal government’s structure. These ill-advised changes to a mortgage finance system that is the envy of the world could create a lending crisis we haven’t experienced since the credit crunch of the late 1980s.

In recent months, the White House has promoted a plan to move oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from HUD to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Of even greater concern, this plan has expanded to include recommendations that Congress strip HUD of its crucial, fiscally based housing overview responsibilities.

As GSE’s (Government Service Enterprise), Fannie and Freddie enjoy a favored status within the government and financial markets. This status provides the structural agility to succeed in all kinds of financial climates, utilizing a wide variety of lending institutions and delivery systems. This agility benefits our industry because these GSE’s respond quickly to the constantly changing needs of our buyers. Tampering with Fannie and Freddie could unravel many of the significant gains our industry has made over the last decade, particularly those that have helped us reach historic levels of homeownership.

These moves are not in the best interests of current and future home owners; and therefore, not in our best interests as home builders. Without HUD as our advocacy partner at the Cabinet level, how will we maintain the consistent focus of our federal government on affordable housing and its contribution to our economy?

We have not been offered a seat at this table, to participate in decisions affecting the future of our nation’s home builders. Incredibly, many sectors of our industry are complacent in this White House driven agenda. This is just not right. We can take comfort that the potent industry voice of the National Association of Home Builders will be heard, both in Washington and at home. We must and will withstand pressure from the Administration, making certain our demands are heard and acted upon.

Those who urged my candidacy for NAHB Vice President and Secretary know of my history of speaking up for what’s right, whether or not it’s politically correct. I pledge to you that if I am elected, I will work with the other Senior Officers and staff to stay focused on the critical housing issues of the time — those that affect your future and mine. Let me know your thoughts at bcnahb.com.

Thank you,

Brian Catalde,

Candidate for Vice President/Secretary

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