NBN Online for the week of March 19, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Builders Testify on Housing Finance System Reform
‘Buy Now’ Advertising Assistance Grants Going Fast. Apply Now.
Some States Emerging From Housing Boom's Dark Shadow
Share Nation's Building News With Your Staff. It's Free.
Coast to Coast
Where the Wolf Comes Knocking: Areas Already in Economic Distress Feel Rise in Housing Foreclosures
Politics & Government
Tax Relief Aimed at Preserving Affordable Housing
Bills Would Help Enlistees Qualify for Affordable Housing
Economics & Finance
Subprime Loan Uncertainties Erode Confidence of Builders
Eye on the Economy: Recession Not Imminent
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders' Tip: Making A Grit-Free Cap for Pneumatic Tools
Design
Vintage Bathtub Folds Up Like a Murphy Bed
King Kong Would Recognize America’s Favorite Building
Regulation
How to Overcome NIMBY Opposition to Your Project
Austin ‘McMansion’ Ordinance Squeezes Home Owners
Sales and Marketing
San Diego Web Site Gives Buyers an Edge
Building Systems
NAHB IBS Show Home Exterior Eats Smog, Is Self-Cleaning
NAHB Offers Educational Resources for Concrete
Multifamily
Market Realities, Emerging Trends at Pillars Conference
Remodelers
NAHB Remodelers Enter Rulemaking Advocacy Fray
New Award Recognizes Aging-in-Place Remodeling Projects
Apply for the NAHB Remodeler of the Month Award
Education
Education Calendar
Green Building
Bank of America Initiative to Address Climate Change
Legal
District Court Upholds Pygmy Owl De-Listing
Workforce housing
Terwilliger Gift to Bring $130 Million for Affordable Housing
MacArthur Grant to Support Study of Impact of Housing
Labor
Students Meet Potential Employers at IBS Job Fair
Building Products
Decorative Concrete Provides a Cutting-Edge Look
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV and DIY This Week
Endowment
Challenge/Build/Grow Initiative Proposals Due by April 16
Association News
1973 NAHB President George Clarke Martin Dies at 85
Get Free 'April Is New Homes Month' Resources Online Now
GM Business Choice, Lowe’s Team Up to Reward NAHB Members
Office Depot Deals: Music to Your Ears
Lock in 2006 Visa/MC Processing Rates. Offer Ends March 31.
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

San Diego Web Site Gives Buyers an Edge

A new online resource to help potential home buyers take advantage of the current buyer’s market was launched recently by the Building Industry Association of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Realtors®.

The new site (sandiegohomeownership.com) provides consumers with valuable information about the housing market and how to buy a home in San Diego. It is part of the BIA’s ongoing “Campaign for California Homeownership,” which was created in 2005 to help promote public policies that help increase homeownership opportunities for all Californians.

“Housing market conditions have changed, and there is a significant amount of confusion in the marketplace” from widely diverging viewpoints of economists and the media, said Scott Brusseau, president of the BIA. The new Web site, he said, “provides neutral information in a consumer-friendly manner to ease that confusion. Hopefully, this will help San Diegans make sound decisions about purchasing a home locally.”

“San Diego’s economy is strong and diverse, with a low unemployment rate,” said David Cabot, president of the San Diego Realtors®. “Interest rates are still near historic lows and there are a variety of homes of all types available. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American way of life. The general public has more access to information about the home buying process and Realtors® are available to guide consumers through this major life transaction.”

The “Making the Buyer’s Market Work for You” campaign by the two groups also includes local radio and television spots that promote the benefits of homeownership and direct consumers to the Web site.

The Web site includes links to home builders and free new-home locating services.



Subscribe to Sales + Marketing Ideas Magazine for Cutting-Edge Information

For additional cutting-edge sales and marketing information, subscribe to NAHB’s Sales + Marketing Ideas magazine (www.smimagazine.com). 

Click here to learn about membership benefits of the National Sales and Marketing Council and the Institute of Residential Marketing.

 

 



‘Building Your Home: An Insider’s Guide’ Available at BuilderBooks.com

Building Your Home: An Insider’s Guide,” available through BuilderBooks.com, gives home buyers who are planning to build a new home first-hand, up-to-date information about what to expect, the questions they need to ask, and the opportunities and options available at each stage of  the building process.

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

 



Earn Valuable Sales and Marketing Designations Through IRM Programs

The Institute of Residential Marketing (IRM) offers four designation programs for sales and marketing professionals:  

  • The MIRM and CMP designation programs for new home marketing professionals
  • The CSP and MCSP designation programs for new home sales professionals


For more information on these designation programs, click here.

Want to Know More? Ask an Expert

You also can ask designation holders questions about obtaining a designation, specific courses, case studies and more. "Ask An Expert" is available on the NAHB Web site by clicking here.


 

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

 
 
> GM Business Choice and Lowe's Team Up to Reward NAHB Members
> Office Depot: Music to Your Ears
> Lock in 2006 Credit Card Processing Rates by March 31