NBN Online for the week of July 30, 2007

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Mortgage Credit Standard Tightening May Be Near an End
Builders Abandon Business as Usual to Weather Downturn
$500,000 Still Available in ‘Buy Now’ Grant Funds, Apply Today
Coast to Coast
How Hard Will Tight Credit Hit?
Housing Forum
Just the Right to Build a House in California Can Cost $200,000
Local Land Use Controls May Violate the Fair Housing Act
Politics & Government
Pennsylvania Town's Immigration Law Overturned
Traffic Congestion Getting Worse on State Highways
City Mayors Pursue Climate Protection Efforts
Economics & Finance
New Home Sales Slip in June as Demand Slackens
Proposal to Lower Conforming Loan Limits Draws Fire
Study Shows New Housing Pays Its Way in California
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: A Tool to Find Circle Centers — Spot On
50Plus Housing
Earn the CAASH Designation One of Two Ways
Multifamily
Action Needed on Proposed Carried Interest Tax Hike
Remodelers
Plan to Attend the Remodeling Show in Las Vegas
Building Systems
Learn How Others Build, Take PCA Builders Survey by Aug. 3
Sales
Improve Your Closing Style: Little Things Mean a Lot
Enter The Nationals Sales and Marketing Awards by Sept. 28
Education
Education Calendar
Green Building
Green Building Conference Seminar Proposals Due Aug. 10
Safety
‘Safety Program’ Saves Lives, Protects the Bottom Line
Workforce housing
Decent Housing Improves Children's Health, Education
Building Products
Owens Corning Tells Home Owners How to Save Energy
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Stuard Scholarship Fund Announces 15 Winners
Association News
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Special Offer for NAHB Members on the Dell ATG D620 Notebook
Get One Month Free Credit Card Processing With Solveras
Introducing the Hertz Green Collection. Reserve and Conserve.
Get Free CD of Customer Service Forms From Biz Forms and Checks
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Plan to Attend the Remodeling Show in Las Vegas

NAHB Remodelers who wish to learn about the latest technical skills and business practices should plan to attend the 2007 Remodeling Show, Oct. 10-12, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

In 2006, the Remodeling Show featured more than 80 courses in five different educational tracks in the traditional conference program alone.

The CAPS and CGR classes below are part of the pre-course offerings at the show: 

  • Sunday, Oct. 7
    9:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.

Working With and Marketing to Older Adults*
Seventy-seven million potential customers are waiting to hire your company. Baby boomers are approaching retirement age, while their parents have retained their own homes later in life than any previous generation. As a result, communities specifically designed for older home owners constitute a growing segment of the remodeling market. Learn how your firm can identify and serve the needs of an aging population. This course gives you techniques to use when marketing to the older adult population. You’ll learn to recognize the housing needs of older adults and how to communicate the best remodeling options to them.

  • Monday, Oct. 8
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Design/Build*
When well managed, a full-service building or remodeling business can increase profits and maximize customer satisfaction. If you’ve ever considered running a design/build operation, this course shows you how to assess the challenges ahead. Learn how the few and the bold have benefited from implementing a design/build strategy and how to make your own design/build business a success.

  • Monday, Oct. 8
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Home Modifications*
Most older adults would prefer to remain in their own homes for the rest of their lives. You can help your customers achieve that goal. Physical limitations often force older people out of their homes when sensible remodeling could preserve a cherished way of life. This course teaches the relevant codes and standards, depicts common barriers and demonstrates how to redesign living areas for safety and comfort.

  • Monday, Oct. 8
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Introduction to Project Management* (New Summer 2007)
Do you have an understanding of the project management process? Is your company’s project management process efficient and effective? What are your customers’ expectations of the management of their project? Answer these questions and more in this course. Topics include: project management duties, tools and management of trade contractors. This is a “must” for builders or remodelers who are ready to take their company to the next level. Stay ahead of the competition by serving your customers with a high-quality project management process that is a reflection of your company.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Business Management for Building Professionals*
Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge. This course will give you a solid foundation in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing/directing and controlling. By using case studies and sample forms, your instructors give you practical and applicable tools for management success.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Construction Contracts and Law*
Protect your business against legal problems with well-written contracts. Because many construction or remodeling companies are too small to hire legal staff, it's important to understand basic contractual law. This course provides a step-by-step explanation of how contracts help keep customer and supplier relationships positive, resolve problems and lower the risk of lawsuits. You'll learn about required and optional wording, warranties and arbitration procedures. Special emphasis is given to reviewing contracts for unfavorable provisions.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
    1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

PREP: Your First Step to CGR*
Course Fee: $195
The PREP is the required first step in the process of becoming a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR). It is a three-hour, 130 multiple-choice question assessment that measures a candidate’s knowledge in five core areas of remodeling business management:

    • Marketing and Sales
    • Business Administration
    • Design, Estimating and Job Costing
    • Contracts, Liability and Risk Management
    • Project Management

Candidates do not pass or fail the PREP. Results determine the course of study for CGR candidates and will count as one CGR course.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
    9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sales & Marketing for Remodelers*
To survive and thrive in today’s business environment, a remodeler requires a constant supply of leads and clients. This course will help you build a positive reputation and contented customers in your community.

  • Friday, Oct. 12
    9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

PREP: Your First Step to CGR*
(See course description above for Oct. 9.) 

Course Fees

    • NAHB member: $185
    • Non-NAHB members: $235, unless otherwise noted

*Note: Attendance at all pre- and post-conference courses will be limitted to 50 registrants per course, so register early.

For Information and to Register

For more information about the Remodeling Show, or to register for pre- and post-conference courses, visit www.theremodelingshow.com.

 


 

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