Green Demo Home Floor Plans at IBS Aimed at New Market

Four demonstration homes at next month’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas will point builders in a new direction for the housing market where prospective buyers will be shopping for more affordably built homes that deliver on energy efficiency and better overall performance.

Although they are unique, all of the homes appearing at the IBS will be able to eventually qualify for NAHB’s National Green Building Certification by racking up needed points in features that promote energy-, water- and resource-efficiency. ...

Senate Health Care Bill a Threat to Home Building Industry

A last-minute provision in the Senate health care bill targeting the construction industry is certain to derail the fragile housing recovery and threaten the solvency of countless small home building firms.

The provision unfairly targets small construction industry firms by requiring them to provide health insurance if they employ more than five workers — the same mandate required for big businesses. Meanwhile, all other small businesses — with the exception of the construction industry — would be exempt from providing mandatory health coverage if they employ 50 workers or less. ...

Attendees Say IBS Gives a Big Boost to Their Business

What happens at the IBS in Vegas definitely does not stay in Vegas.

When thousands of builders and other home building industry professionals descend on Las Vegas Jan. 19-22 for the International Builders’ Show, attendees will take away information and relationships that will help benefit their businesses for years to come. ...

IRS Clarifies Home Buyer Tax Credit Ambiguities

The IRS has clarified its position on two scenarios that have arisen with the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit and creation of the new repeat home buyer tax credit. 

With the addition of the second tax credit, there may now be a situation in which two unmarried buyers purchase a residence together where one qualifies for the $6,500 repeat buyer credit and the other qualifies for the $8,000 credit. According to the IRS, they must allocate the tax credit in a reasonable manner. The repeat buyer cannot receive a tax credit higher than $6,500 and the total amount claimed by both buyers cannot exceed $8,000. For example, the repeat home buyer could claim $6,500 and the first-time home buyer could claim $1,500. Alternatively, both buyers could claim a $4,000 tax credit. ...

Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published During the Holidays

Nation's Building News will not be published on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4. Publication will resume on Jan. 11.

Have a happy and warm holiday season and a Happy New Year.