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Week of January 12, 2004

Front Page

President's Message

* 2003 – A Year to Remember

Housing Forum

* Saving Open Land Is All About Density

Housing and Economics

* Home Sales Slip in November, But Record Expected for 2003

Multifamily

* EPA Revises Water Submetering Policy
* Multifamily Stock Index Poised for Record High

Business Management

* Eight Ways to Drive Internet Leads and Sales

Research

* Newly Modified ANSI Square Footage Standard Available

Building Quality

* Research Center Program Promotes Building Quality

Seniors Housing

* Developing a Strategic Plan for the 55+ Market Niche

State and Local

* Eight Honored for Advancing Housing-Friendly Initiatives

Builders Show

* Show Registration Available On Site Only
* HUD to Announce Top 10 Home Building Technologies

Housing Finance

* Fed Report Underestimates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Contribution, Builders Charge

Small Builders and Remodelers

* A Good Home Show Booth Can Drum Up Business

Building Systems

* Online Reports Provide Information on Concrete Homes

Labor

* Florida Builders Showcase HBI’s Project CRAFT Program

Building Products

* Pella Displays Latest Innovations at Builders’ Show

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* A Message From a Candidate for NAHB Vice President/Secretary
* Stanton to Lead NAHB Legislative and Political Operations
* Indiana Builder Named an Entrepreneur of the Year
* One Home at a Time, Mississippi Builder Putting Working Families on the Road to the American Dream
* Log In this Month to Enter to Win a Free Palm PDA
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

A Message From a Candidate for NAHB Vice President/Secretary

WOW. Twelve months ago, who envisioned that 2003 would be the year with more single-family housing starts than any year in our nation’s history? As we celebrate our astonishing success, we must maintain the vigil of collective preparedness, staying ahead of changing fiscal policy and economic conditions that adversely impact our industry. Just as our federal government has given us the benefit of low interest rates, so can this same great body take away other critical components to our success.

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.


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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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