NBN Online for the week of July 2, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Immigration Bill Dead for Now, But Reforms Still Needed
Study Finds Wide Range of Estimated 2007 New Home Prices
Almost $1 Million Available in ‘Buy Now’ Grant Funds, Apply Now
Coast to Coast
A $135 Million Home, But If You Have to Ask…
Politics & Government
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Bill Introduced in House
House Debates Extending Terrorism Risk Insurance
Economics & Finance
New Home Sales Continue on Downward Path in May
Housing Affordability Improves Some in First Quarter
S&P Housing Price Index Down for 17th Straight Month in April
Extent of Lending Pullback Damage for Housing Unclear
Housing Slump Seen Beginning to Pinch Consumer Spending, Jobs
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Using a Biscuit Joiner to Patch Wood Flooring
Building Quality
Hot Spot Training Stops Creaky Bedroom Floors in Florida
Business Management
‘Benchmark Your Business’ Takes Business to a New Level
50Plus Housing
New 50-Plus Research Available Online for Members
EPA Launches Active Aging 'Healthy Communities' Awards
Multifamily
New Rules Proposed for Tax Credit Utility Allowances
Remodelers
Remodelers Take Recruitment 'Road Show' to Colorado
Building Systems
Take Builders Survey About Systems, Attitudes, Trends
Enter the 2007 Brick in Home Building Competition by July 31
Commercial
Apply for 2008 Commerical Building Awards of Excellence
Education
Education Calendar
Codes and Standards
More Challenges Ahead on ICC Wall Bracing Requirements
Green Building
Orders Brisk for Free Green Building Guidelines Book
Riverside Provides Incentives to California Green Builders
Software Provides Data on 230 Building Products
Mushrooms the Secret Ingredient in Organic Insulation
Green Bricks Made of Power Plant Coal Ash Move Closer to Market
Environment
Tighter Air Quality Standards Would Push Up Building Costs
Sales
Raise Awareness on the Web, Harness the Power of Blogging
Labor
HBI English Training Part of Industry Alliance With OSHA
Building Products
LP Radiant Barrier Sheathing Lowers Attic Temperatures
Poll Finds Home Owners Can Do More to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV and DIY
Endowment
Endowment Awards $25,000 in 'Challenge' Grants to Six HBAs
Association News
Builders Establish Memorial to Virginia Tech Victims
‘Building Homes of Our Own’ Earns National Honors Again
Dell Summer Sizzle: Get Double Discounts Through July 31
Free Public and Media Relations Resources for Members, HBAs
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Get One Month Free Credit Card Processing With Solveras
Get Free CD of Customer Service Forms From Biz Forms and Checks
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

NAHB-Produced Programs on HGTV and DIY

The NAHB Production Group produces weekly television shows on HGTV and DIY for consumers. The following is the latest lineup:

"Rock Solid" on DIY

Episode: "Outdoor Bar and Grill"

• July 4, 12:00 p.m. ET/PT
• July 4, 6:00 p.m. ET/PT
• July 5,  9:00 p.m. ET/PT
• July 6, 1:00 a.m. ET/PT
• July 6,  9:00 a.m. ET/PT
• July 7, 11:30 a.m. ET/PT

 

Do-it-yourselfers can now install their own outdoor stone kitchen with the help of a unique stone kit. In this project, DIY's professsional stone-masons, Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico, turn a plain backyard barbecue into a distinctive outdoor kitchen.

 

"Assembly Required" on DIY

Episode: "SIP Homes — Possibilities"

• July 2, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
• July 3, 2:30 a.m. ET/PT
• July 3, 10:30 a.m. ET/PT

 

A Vermont build crew deals with unexpected delays before it even begins constructing a house made out of structural insulated panels (SIPs). Can the crew get the job done in just four days? The Murphy family in Massachusetts wants to build an architect-designed house on top of four 20-foot tall retaining walls. Will SIPs work with their complex design? Also, an ambitious Virginia couple re-lives their do-it-yourself SIPs home build adventure. 

Specials on HGTV

"2007 International Builders' Show"

• Aug. 19, 5:00 p.m. ET/PT
• Aug. 21, 11:00 a.m. ET/PT

 

HGTV is on location with NAHB at the 2007 International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla. to give viewers an inside look at the latest innovations in building materials, techniques and styles.

"Hot Grills, Cool Patios"

• July 15, 5:00 p.m. ET/PT

 

HGTV takes viewers inside the 2007 Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Expo for a look at all the latest products and trends for the great outdoors — just in time for summer. Chi-Lan Lieu and John Sencio host.


"International Consumer Electronics Show 2007"

• Aug. 5, 5:00 p.m. ET/PT
• Aug. 9, 11:00 a.m. ET/PT

 

Get plugged in for a behind-the-scenes look at the newest, hottest electronic gadgets unveiled at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Our hosts take you right onto the convention center floor to test drive new MP3 players, check out home entertainment systems, play musical lamps and look at enormous LCD TVs.

"Outdoor Living Expo 2007"

• July 5, 11:00 a.m. ET/PT
• Aug. 24, 11:00 a.m. ET/PT

 

See the latest essentials in pool, spa and backyard living as HGTV scours the annual trade show and looks through the offerings of 800 companies to bring you the neatest new ways to splash, relax, steam and grill. The show tour features something for everyone who wants to maximize their outdoor lifestyle.

HGTV Seeking ‘Dream Home’ Builder/Architect Teams

HGTV is seeking developers, builders and architects to create the 2008 and 2009 dream homes for the network’s Dream Home Sweepstakes. To learn more, click here.

About the NAHB Production Group

The NAHB Production Group is a full-service, self-contained, media production unit creating programming for cable television, broadcast television, non-profit, museum and corporate clients. Productions range from magazine format shows for general audiences to museum-installation videos for specialized use.

The production group includes award winning journalists, writers and photographers with experience in broadcast, documentary and corporate television.



NAHB Kit Gives Builders Back-to-Basics Tips in Cooling Market

With the current cooling of the nation’s housing market expected to persist into next year, NAHB has developed a comprehensive online toolkit geared to providing association members with information that will help them prosper in today’s changing business environment.

To access the “Back to Basics” toolkit, you must be an NAHB member and have a login to www.nahb.org. To create a login, go to www.nahb.org/login or click on the log-in button on the main menu bar of the NAHB Web site.

For assistance, call the NAHB Member Service Center at 800-368-5242.


 

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