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Week of August 9, 2004

Front Page

* Workers in the South Singing Housing Affordability Blues
* Achitectural Graphic Standards Available at BuilderBooks.com
* Pedestrian-Friendly Project Mixes Homes, Shops and Offices in North Carolina
* Housing Snapshot

President's Message

* Please Take the Time to Help Us Solve the GLI Crisis

Housing Politics

* Bill Would Allow Businesses to Fax Clients Without Written Consent
* Zero Downpayment Bill Introduced in the Senate
* House Bill Boosts Section 8 Appropriations, Cuts Other HUD Programs

Housing and Economics

* Commerce Department Urged to Stop Dragging Its Feet on Eliminating Lumber Duties

Construction Safety

* OSHA Considers Requiring Employers to Pay for Employee Personal Protective Equipment

Codes and Standards

* Wanted: Volunteers to Serve on ICC Code Development Committees
* HUD Releases Draft IBC Report for Public Comment

Multifamily

* Multifamily Stock Index Hits an All-Time High

Small Builders and Remodelers

* The Importance of Good Design: A Remodeler’s Perspective
* Home Owners Creating the Ultimate Spa Experience

Business Management

* Tech Talk: Process Integration Levels Your Playing Field

Environment

* Anti-Growth Arsons Reported in the West

Smart Growth

* Washington Post Examines Imbalance Between New Jobs and Housing

Seniors Housing

* Active Adult Housing Most Expensive in Aspen, Colorado
* Former Go-Kart Racing Facility Converted Into Successful Seniors Apartment Community
* Enter the 'Best of Seniors Housing' Awards Competition
* 20 Club Forming for Seniors Housing

Building Quality

* Conference to Focus on Using Industry Performance Standards to Improve Business

Labor

* Job Corps Funding Receives a Boost in the House, But Labor Initiatives Fall Short

Building Products

* Paper Attachment System Improves Finishing Sander

Builder's Engineer

* Over-Engineering — Wind and Earthquake Design

Building News Coast To Coast

Association News & Events

* Sign Up for 2005 Committees and Councils by Sept. 3
* Save on DELL™ Computer Products
* Awards Programs Deadlines
* Calendar of Events

NBN Back Issues

 

Zero Downpayment Bill Introduced in the Senate

Shortly before the Congress adjourned for its summer recess, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduced S. 2753, “The Zero Downpayment Act of 2004,” which would help working families realize the American dream of owning their own home.

S. 2753 is the Senate counterpart to H.R. 3755, a bipartisan measure introduced earlier this year by Reps. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) and David Scott (D-GA) to authorize the secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to insure zero downpayment mortgages for single-family detached homes, condos, co-ops, manufactured housing and four-unit buildings.

Currently, the FHA requires a 3% minimum downpayment under its single-family program.


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A top legislative priority of NAHB, the measure addresses one of the biggest obstacles facing families aspiring to become home owners — the ability to assemble enough funds for a downpayment.

The Zero Downpayment Act of 2004 would allow families who seek FHA-insured loans to include the downpayment in their loan amount. These borrowers would still have to meet FHA credit qualifications and would pay a slightly higher annual interest rate to cover the cost of the program. Borrowers would also be required to receive counseling to ensure they are ready for the financial responsibilities associated with homeownership.

“This legislation provides a wonderful opportunity for those Americans who are on the edge of homeownership to begin building better lives and neighborhoods all over the country,” said Smith.

To read the legislation, click here, and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left.

For more information, e-mail Greg Brown or call him at 800-368-5242 x8421.
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