NBN Online for the week of May 28, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Bid to Require Fire Sprinklers Defeated at Code Hearings
ICC Hearings Decide on CO Alarms, Foundation Wall Anchors and More
2007 National Membership Day Sets New Record, 11,845
$1.2 Million Still Available in ‘Buy Now’ Grant Funds, Apply Today
Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published June 4 or June 11
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: Personal Outdoor Living Space As You Like It
Coast to Coast
America’s Most Overpriced Home Markets
Housing Forum
Letter to the Editor: Snow Shovels in Miami
Letter to the Editor: Don't Reward Illegal Immigrants
Politics & Government
House Approves Sound GSE Regulatory Reform Bill
Immigration Bill Provokes Flurry of Amendments
Tax Credit Reforms Needed to Spur Affordable Rental Housing
New Law Suspends HUD Investor Approval Process
Tax Breaks, New Minimum Wage, Katrina Relief in War Bill
Economics & Finance
New Home Sales Up an Unexpected 16.2% in April
New Jersey Tops in Property Taxes, Louisiana Among Lowest
Eye on the Economy: 2007 Housing Outlook Weakens
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: A Temporary Extension for Table-Saw Tops
Sales
A Coastal-Inspired Upscale Getaway Near Washington, D.C.
50Plus Housing
Retiring Boomers to Hasten Search for New Tax Revenue
Register Onsite for the 50+ Housing Symposium in Denver
June 1 Deadline for NAHB/AARP Livable Communities Awards
Multifamily
Builders Upbeat as Rental Demand Outpaces Supply
Financial Viability of Affordable Housing Threatened
Custom
Register for Custom Builder Symposium in Naples, Fla.
Education
Education Calendar
Design
Sustainable Communities on Design Institute Tour
Orlando HBA Redecorates Guest Room in Ronald McDonald House
Green Building
HBAs Pursue Green Marketing to Boost Consumer Interest
Green Standard Committee Preparing for July Meeting
Environment
Seminar Helps Builders Comply With Stormwater Rules
Regulation
Flood Maps Being Redrawn With ‘Unscientific’ Data
Codes and Standards
Changes to Building Envelope Standard Raise Concerns
Construction Safety
OSHA Appeals Ruling Against ‘Multi-Employer’ Citations
Consumer Deck Safety Effort Includes 10-Point Checklist
Legal
Register for Upcoming Construction Law Seminar
Disaster Relief
Residents Warned to Prepare for Busy Hurricane Season
Workforce housing
June 14 Symposium Looks at Safeguarding Homeownership
Building Products
Dow Foam Filler Used for Water Features and Insulation
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV and DIY This Week
Endowment
Endowment Funds ‘Building Communities of Our Own’
Operation Forever Free Honored For Helping Injured Veterans
Association News
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Spring Board Meeting Set for June 5-10
Free NAHB ‘Homeownership Month’ Kit Available Online
NAHB Career Center: For a True Competitive Edge
Save 30% on Biz Forms and Checks
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

House Approves Sound GSE Regulatory Reform Bill

Immigration Bill Provokes Flurry of Amendments

Tax Credit Reforms Needed to Spur Affordable Rental Housing

Tax Breaks, New Minimum Wage, Katrina Relief in War Bill

New Law Suspends HUD Investor Approval Process

The Senate last week approved H.R. 1675, the Preservation Approval Process Improvement Act of 2007. The measure, which passed the House last month and is expected to be signed into law shortly by the President, is designed to make it easier to invest in affordable housing by easing overly burdensome filing requirements to participate in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.

To ensure that they are reputable and will honor their legal, financial and contractual obligations, participants in HUD programs, including FHA mortgage insurance, are required to submit information through an electronic reporting system on their previous business with the department.

H.R. 1675 will suspend this mandatory process until HUD makes changes to a draft of the regulations it has proposed for the filing requirements.

HUD’s proposal contains onerous filing requirements for passive investor participants and establishes additional conditions under which participants can be prevented from taking part in its programs.

To read the bill, click here and enter H.R. 1675 in the box at the center of the page.

For more information, e-mail Claudia Kedda or Scott Meyer at NAHB, or call them at 800-368-5242 x8352 and x8144.



BuilderLink Connects Builders With Members of Congress

BuilderLink, an updated national grassroots program that will provide opportunities for NAHB members to connect more frequently with their members of Congress, is set to be launched on Wednesday, June 6 at the 2007 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

By developing local grassroots activities that bring NAHB members and their members of Congress together throughout the year, BuilderLink will build on the momentum generated by the annual NAHB conference, which is expected to draw more than 1,000 builders to Capitol Hill to share their concerns on housing-related issues with their representatives and senators.

BuilderLink will pinpoint members of Congress who have the most influence over priority housing issues and link them to the NAHB members living in the areas they represent. As constituents, NAHB members are in a unique position to directly communicate with their federal lawmakers on the impact of their decisions on housing.

Whether conducting a local visit, writing a letter or making a phone call to a member of Congress, BuilderLink will provide the resources NAHB members need to advocate a pro-housing message.

For more information on BuilderLink, click here, or e-mail Molly Murray at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8470.


 

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 NAHB $500 Exclusive Offer
> Biz Forms and Checks: 30% Off for NAHB Members
> PAYCHEX®: Solutions From Hire to Retire