NBN Online for the week of March 7, 2005

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In This Issue:

Front Page
• NAHB, Realtors State Housing Finance Reform Position
• Ohio Latest State to Pass Notice and Opportunity to Repair Law
Layouts for Living
• Floor Plans for Living Big in Narrow Spaces
President's Message
• NAHB Is Your Business Partner
Politics & Government
• Bill Would Extend Terrorism Insurance Provisions
• House Passes Bill to Improve Job Training
Business Management
• Manage Your Time, Make More Money
Tips
• Builders' Tip: Fitting Stair Treads
Seniors Housing
• First Seniors 20 Club Explores Issues of Growing 50+ Market
Multifamily
• Tenants 'Best Buyers' in Condo Conversions
Remodelers
• Speaking Spanish Will Make a Difference to Your Bottom Line
Education
• Countrywide New Sponsor of NAHB University of Housing
• Education Calendar
Sales
• Satisfied Customers Can Help Build Your Brand and Business
Construction Safety
• St. Louis Builders Join With OSHA to Improve Safety
Regulation
• North Carolina Builders Win School Impact Fee Case
Codes and Standards
• Framing Guide Shows How to Meet Code
Legal
• Court Rejects Anti-Growth Zoning Restrictions in Northern Virginia
• Information About Current Use of Arbitration Requested
Green Building
• Builders Embrace Schwarzenegger Solar Roof Proposal
Workforce Housing
• Affordable Homes Aimed at Workers in Trenton
Women's Council
• Tools Becoming Safer and More Efficient
Labor
• Lowe’s Helps HBI Job Corps Grads Pursue Housing Careers
Building Products
• Fanfold Underlayment Reduces Air Infiltration
Coast to Coast
Association news
• NAHB Spring Board Meeting Set for April 11-17
• Get GM Discount Pricing on More Than 80 GM Vehicles
• Help Tsunami Survivors Rebuild Their Homes
• Subscribe Your Employees to Nation’s Building News
• Robson Seeks Office of NAHB Vice President and Secretary
• Calendar of Events

Top Story

NAHB, Realtors State Housing Finance Reform Position

As the legislative reform of the nation’s government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks — moves forward on Capitol Hill, NAHB and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) last week issued a joint statement of principles in support of stronger regulation that will boost confidence in the nation’s housing finance system.

The two groups sounded their opposition to “efforts to privatize, withdraw federal support, reduce the capacity or in any other way diminish the ability of the GSEs to provide low-cost housing finance.” The statement was distributed to members of Congress.
[MORE]

Lumber Prices Provided by Random Lengths
Framing Lumber Composite $ 428 up $ 1
OSB Composite $ 463 up $ 3
Southern Pine Plywood Composite $ 522 down $ 2
With Permission from: RandomLengths.com

Layouts for Living

Floor Plans for Living Big in Narrow Spaces

The Farmington — Mitchell & Best Homes
(www.mitchellbesthomes.com)

Full-sized Living on a Narrow Lot: Neatly wrapped in a home designed for traditional neighborhoods and empty nesters

Indoor Conveniences: The Farmington has more than enough flexible space to go around ― a full 3,137 square feet of living space in a home just 38 feet wide — a first floor master suite with a deluxe master bath and split closets, two-story formal foyer
[MORE]
 

Ohio Latest State to Pass Notice and Opportunity to Repair Law

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has recently signed into law notice and opportunity to repair legislation that enables home owners and home builders to settle construction defect disputes

[MORE]

Housing Snapshot
Interest Rates  
  30-Yr. Fixed: 5.79% 15-Yr. Fixed: 5.33% 5 Yr. ARM: 5.17%
  1 Yr. ARM: 4.14% Libor (3 months): 2.96% Prime: 5.5%
Housing Starts*  (January 2005)
  Total: 2.159 million Single: 1.76 million Multi: 399,000
Home Sales*  (January 2005)
  New: 1.106 million Existing: 6.81 million  
Median Home Prices  (January 2005)
  New: $199,400 Existing: $189,000  
* Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate

 

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