NBN Online for the week of September 4, 2006

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
NAHB, NAACP Hope to Shrink Minority Homeownership Gap
The Wrong Sub Can Seriously Disrupt Your Job
Free NAHB Video Shows Members How to Deal With the Media
Play Free Builders' Pro Football for Prizes and Fun
Share Nation's Building News With Your Staff. It's Free.
Coast to Coast
Slower Housing Market Spells Project Delays
Housing Forum
Letter to the Editor: Investors Are Not Gamblers
Politics & Government
Builders Step Up Push for House Storm Water Bill
Economics & Finance
House Price Appreciation Slows in Second Quarter
Mortgage Rates Drift to Lowest Point Since April 6
Tips
Builder’s Tip: A Methodical Approach to Blocking
Business Management
Feds on Lookout for Invalid Social Security Numbers
50Plus Housing
What Do Boomer Women Want From Builders? Lifestyle.
Multifamily
Rentals on the Rise as Condo Market Settles Down
Mary Anderson Receives HCCP of the Year Award
Katrina Recovery
KB Home First Big Builder to Return to New Orleans
Education
Want to Know More About Designations? Ask an Expert
Education Calendar
Sales
Enter The Nationals Sales and Marketing Awards by Sept. 29
Green Building
Entry Period Underway for Green Building Awards
Regulation
New Regulatory ‘Listening Sessions’ Scheduled
Legal
Ask the Lawyer: About When the Clock Starts for Employees
Labor
Popular HBI Superintendent Courses Coming to IBS
Building Products
Web Links Builders and Buyers During Production Cycle
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV & DIY This Week
Association News
September Is Associate Member Appreciation Month
Take the Solveras Savings Challenge and Save; or Make $50
GM $500 Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
Find Key Employees Through the NAHB Online Career Center
Fall Board Meets Sept. 13-17 in Salt Lake City
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Feds on Lookout for Invalid Social Security Numbers

Work site enforcement of U.S. immigration law by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), appears to be increasing — and thousands of dollars in fines already have been levied on some builders.

The stepped-up enforcement includes determining whether or not employees’ Social Security records are valid and experts say employers may need to update their recordkeeping as a result.

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that an employee’s Social Security number is not recognized as valid or appears to be inaccurate, it sends a “no-match” letter to the employer.

The DHS announced in June a proposed interim rule that includes directives to employers for dealing with “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration.

Through the interim rule, DHS is clarifying the procedures an employer would have to take after receiving a “no-match” letter, as well as deadlines for responding to the letter.

The interim rule also establishes non-compliance with the rules as possible evidence of employer disregard for immigration and employment law.

The 60-day comment period for the proposed interim rule ended last month.

For more information about the interim rule and steps employers can take to update their I-9 recordkeeping procedures, click here. (This information is available on the “members only” side of the NAHB Web site.)

Also, for information on human resources issues for builders, also available on the “members only” side of the NAHB Web site, go online to www.nahb.org/biztools.



NAHB Has More Than 250 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably

Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages (available to members only) for instant access to more than 250 timesaving, moneymaking and cost-cutting business resources to help you run your business more profitably. Get guidance on accounting and financial management, business strategy, computers and information technology, customer service, human resources and more.

Resources are added weekly, so bookmark www.nahb.org/biztools to go directly to these vital business management resources.

Local and state home builders associations can link directly to www.nahb.org/biztools from their Web site and give their members instant access to these resources. It will make your HBA's Web site the place to go for the information and guidance that members need to succeed.



Subscribe to NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source

NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source is your monthly electronic guide to the hot issues and emerging trends in home building business management. You’ll find practical advice, tricks of the trade and sound business guidance — all delivered monthly, straight to your desktop, in a quick and easy-to-read format. Business of Building e/Source is available free to NAHB members and their employees.

To subscribe, visit www.nahb.org/BoB on the Members Only side of the NAHB Web site.



NAHB Technology Solutions Directory Now Online

NAHB’s Technology Solutions Directory — an easy-to-use directory that enables builders, remodelers, contractors and other industry professionals to find information on software and IT solutions and services for their businesses — is now online. The directory is sponsored by the Business Management & Information Technology Committee

Software and technology solutions providers interested in being listed can sign up for:

  • Enhanced Listing — Listing includes company name, URL, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number, company/product description, company logo. Click here for more information.
     
  • Standard Listing — Listing includes company name and phone number. Click here for more information.


For more information, e-mail Wil Heslop at NAHB.

The Technology Solutions Directory is solely for educational and informational purposes.  Nothing in the directory should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the listed software, IT service or the software/IT vendor.  The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained in this directory.


 

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