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

Letter to the Editor: Investors Are Not Gamblers

Dear Editor:

Reading your Aug. 21 NBN article on “Investors Coming Back to Haunt Florida Builders,” I have a problem with referring to the numerous buyers who made deposits on properties with no intention of completing the purchase as “investors.”

Let's be honest, these people are speculators, not investors. A real estate investor is someone who adds value. A speculator is a gambler who believes in magic and hopes the price of the property he purchased grows in proportion to the size of his ego.

I work with investors to seek out properties we can acquire and improve, and, yes, eventually sell for significant profits in which I share. To avoid the kinds of situations described in the article, we don't take offers from speculators and we require buyers to be owner-occupants of the property. When the market shifts we share the pain, and smaller margins, of other builders, but our approach minimizes the shock.

Kirk Knight
Gallagher & Lindsey Inc. Realtors®; Alameda, Calif.


 

Sponsored by
McGraw Hill
Construction

 
 
> Find and manage projects right from your desktop.
> Get your company listed in the new McGraw-Hill Construction Directory.
 
 

Sponsored by
Freddie Mac

 
 
> CEO Syron Puts Housing and Economic Trends in Perspective, Rejects Charge of Systemic Risk
> The GSEs and Housing Affordability: A Necessary But Not Sufficient Condition
 
 

Sponsored by
NAHB

 
 
> GM NAHB $500 Exclusive Offer
> Great DELL Products and Great Prices
> Save Up to 30% on UPS Shipping