President Bush flanked by HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

Bush Plan Aims at Helping to Stabilize Housing Market

A plan announced last week by President Bush to limit foreclosures by working with key mortgage lenders and investment firms to freeze interest rates for five years on certain subprime mortgages will help set the stage for the industry recovery that is expected to materialize next year.

"The Administration's plan to help struggling borrowers stay in their homes is one of several steps that can help stabilize the housing market and reassure consumers and investors in the mortgage market," said NAHB President Brian Catalde, a home builder from El Segundo, Calif. "We applaud this action and urge Congress to follow up quickly on pending legislation that would provide additional help in easing the credit crunch and restoring confidence in the marketplace." ...

Strong Housing Demand Points to Better Times Ahead, Harvard Says

Beyond the current cyclical downturn in the nation’s home building industry, strong underlying demand for housing should produce a healthy resurgence in residential construction, according to a report published last month by the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies.

According to the projections of the analysts who worked on the study, sustainable demand for housing is conservatively measured at 19.5 million for 2005 through 2014 — or an annual average of 1.95 million. ...

The 25th anniversary edition of The New American Home — at IBS.

IBS to Feature 25th Anniversary Showcase Home, Carville, Matalin

The New American Home will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the 2008 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando by showcasing a 6,724-square-foot, Plantation-style home.

In addition, James Carville and Mary Matalin, the renowned husband and wife political analysts and consultants, will be the keynote speakers at the show’s grand opening ceremonies.

Set for Feb. 13-16 at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center, IBS also will feature more than 1,800 exhibitors and 300 education seminars covering every facet of the home building industry, including special sessions on green building. ...