Builders Say Ending Tax Credit Could Halt Home Sales Gains

Home builders in hard-hit markets in Arizona and Nevada voiced concern last week that the tentative signs of a housing recovery they have started seeing in recent months may disappear with the expiration of the $8,000 housing tax credit for first-time buyers on Dec. 1.

With the tax-credit deadline for home closings only a few months away, the builders said that they don’t expect to receive much additional mileage from the current housing stimulus measure, adding that progress in turning around home sales could come to a halt unless the credit is extended for one more year and expanded to cover all eligible buyers of a principal residence. ...

Builders Urged to Enlist the Public in ‘Revive Housing’ Push

Home builders can encourage their communities to help revive housing and the economy by urging Congress to extend and enhance the first-time home buyer tax credit.

Builders can enlist members of the public to support the “Revive Housing, Restore America” campaign by directing them to NAHB’s new consumer Web site. Located at www.ReviveHousingNow.com, this page tells consumers why stimulating housing will help restore the economy, how to contact their federal lawmakers and what to say when they do. ...

Sign Up for Rooms at IBS as Low as $32 With August Registration

Industry professionals who register for the 2010 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas by Aug. 31 can take advantage of NAHB's red hot deals on housing — featuring hotel rooms for as little as $32 a night. IBS will be held Jan. 19-22.

IBS, the largest building  industry tradeshow in the country with more than 175 educational sessions, is the single, most important industry event of the year.

Early registrants can also take advantage of other NAHB deals, including complimentary four-day exhibit hall passes that are available to members who register by Dec. 11. ...

NAHB to Shut Down Operations Aug. 24-28

As a cost savings effort, NAHB will be closed for business for eight days in 2009. Under the plan, NAHB will shut down its operations for the final week of August (Aug. 24 through Aug. 28) and the three days prior to the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 23, 24 and 25).

In addition, all staff compensation will be cut by a commensurate amount. NAHB President Jerry Howard reported to the NAHB Board of Directors in May that, “this shutdown plan, along with other cost-cutting measures that have already been adopted, is being implemented to help the association save millions of dollars.”

During this shutdown, NAHB staff contacts will not be in the office or generally available via phone or e-mail. Staff members will answer any messages received during the closure when they return to the office and normal business operations are resumed. ...

Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31

Nation's Building News will not be published on Aug. 24 and Aug. 31. Regular weekly publication will resume Sept. 8.