NBN Online for the week of October 16, 2006

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Builders Work With Lenders to Heat Up Sales in Chilly Markets
FEMA Gives Systems Builders Chance to Help Rebuild Gulf Coast
Play Builders' Free Online Pro Football Game. Don't Miss Out.
Share Nation's Building News With Your Staff. It's Free.
Coast to Coast
All Crashes Should Be So Good
Economics & Finance
U.S. Builders Seek to Open Up Lumber Trade With Russia
Builders Can Earn Income From Settlement Service Referrals
More Home Softening Noted in Report to Federal Reserve
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builder’s Tip: Using a Tape Measure as Fish Tape
Business Management
SBA Puts Federal Compliance Resources on One Web Site
'How to Thrive in Changing Market' at Custom Builder Symposium
50Plus Housing
55+ Population to Head 40% of U.S. Households by 2012
Multifamily
Enter Pillars to Be 'Best of the Best' in Multifamily
Building Systems
Design, Trends, Codes Are Hot Topics at BSC SHOWCASE
Sales
Ten Ways to Cope with Housing Market Changes
Hispanics Less Likely to Respond to Internet Banner Advertising
Commercial
Diversifying? Some Basics About Light Construction
Education
Want to Know More About Designations? Ask an Expert
Education Calendar
Environment
Clean Water Permit Confusion Stalling Building Projects
Green Building
Tech Set Lists Features to Make Kitchens Green
Workforce housing
Commuting Costs Outweigh Savings From Remote Housing
Workforce Housing Built on Site of Former Training School
Labor
Housing Endowment Wins Award for Service to Youth
Building Products
Joint Compound Keeps Drywalling Dust Down
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV & DIY This Week
Endowment
Enter Awards Programs for Community Contributions
Endowment Offers Student Grants to Attend IBS
Association News
GM $500 Off Exclusive Offer for NAHB Members
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
Take the Solveras Savings Challenge & Save; or Make $50
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

SBA Puts Federal Compliance Resources on One Web Site

'How to Thrive in Changing Market' at Custom Builder Symposium

Advanced registration for the 2006 Custom Builder Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort in Nevada on Oct. 27-29 is closed. Onsite registration at the hotel is available beginning Thursday, Oct. 26. 

Industry veterans who have been there will discuss how to thrive in a changing market at the 2006 Custom Builder Symposium Oct. 27-29 in the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort, Nev.

Onsite Registration Is Available Beginning Oct. 26

Advanced registration is closed. Onsite registration is available beginning 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the North Lobby of Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort.  

Custom builders Tom Stephani, Mike Holmes and Paul Montelongo will lead the interactive discussion during a luncheon session on Saturday, Oct. 28, continuing it during roundtables later that day.

The symposium features 17 world-class education sessions; a practical take-home workbook packed with tips on marketing, management and customer service; and plenty of networking opportunities.

NAHB Custom Builder of the Year to Be Named

This year, NAHB's first Custom Home Builder of the Year will be named during a dinner and awards ceremony at the symposium.  

“This award is the first of its kind,” said Mary Schroeder, chair of the symposium subcommittee. “What makes the award so special is that it will be presented to an outstanding custom home builder by his or her peers.”

The celebration will showcase the winner's achievements in constructing one-of-a-kind homes as well as recognize the recipient's leadership in the profession, industry and his community.

To register for the dinner, e-mail Marcia Childs at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8388.

Top-Notch Presenters

The symposium will include an impressive lineup of top-notch presenters on topics that matter now, including:

  • Business and Succession Planning
  • Ten Can’t-Miss Tips for Improving Your Business
  • Eliminating the Most Common Pitfalls in Trade Relationships
  • Building for and Selling to Multicultural Customers
  • Boosting Your Profits Through Upselling
  • Proven Ways to Gain an Edge Over Your Competition
  • Cost-Plus vs. Fixed-Price Contracts
  • Financial Management Made Simple
  • Construction Defects and Mold
  • Business Exit Strategies
  • Must-Have Technology for New Homes
  • Six Steps to Service Success
  • Copyright Law and Building Plans


Hotel Update

Symposium accomodations at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas Resort are sold out. Additional hotel accomodations are available at the MonteLago Village Resort, which is less than three minutes away from the Hyatt Regency, and also along the shores of Lake Las Vegas.

A free shuttle bus will be available between the MonteLago and symposium activities.

To reserve a room at the $189 a night conference rate, call the hotel at 866-787-1945 and reference NAHB or Code 1034WA.

To learn more about the Custom Builder Symposium, go to www.nahb.org/custom.



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.



Survive Changing Markets

Bill Webb, MIRM, shows you how in “Sweet Success in New Home Sales,” available through BuilderBooks.com. This book provides powerful techniques for selling more homes and making more money in leaner times. This book lays out the proven approaches for crafting and delivering sales excellence.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.



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.


 

Sponsored by
Freddie Mac

 
 
> The GSEs and Housing Affordability: A Necessary But Not Sufficient Condition
> Freddie Mac Keeps America's Eggonomy Stable. Enroll In Eggonomics 101
 
 

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
NAHB

 
 
> Custom Builder Symposium - Oct. 27-29
> Building Systems Councils Showcase - Nov. 5-8
> State & Local Government Affairs Conference - Nov. 9-11