NBN Online for the week of March 10, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Congress Urged to Act Soon to Shore Up Housing, Economy
Housing Finance System Reform Needed to End Mortgage Crisis
58 Members Honored for 50 Years of Service to NAHB
NAHB ‘Weathering the Economic Storm’ Videos Now Online
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: California Project Proves Green Can Be Affordable
Coast to Coast
Subprime Alternative: FHA Reform Deal Close
Housing Forum
Letter to the Editor: Bring Back First-Time Buyers
Politics & Government
Eco-Terrorism Against Street-of-Dreams Homes Denounced
Florida Looks at Crackdown on Copper and Metal Thefts
Government Affairs Awards Deadline Is March 21
Legislative Conference Coming at a Pivotal Time for Housing
Economics & Finance
Conforming and FHA Loan Limits Increased
National Sales Tax Would Be a Setback for Housing
Eye on the Economy: Housing-Directed Stimulus Still Needed
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Fine-Tuning an Aerosol Insulation Nozzle
Business Management
Builders Told to Work With Lenders to Resolve Problems
Builders Get ‘Hands-On’ Software Knowledge at IBS
Improve Business Operations With ‘Cost of Doing Business Study’
Submit Comments by June 1 to Update ‘Performance Guidelines’
Sales and Marketing
Asking for the Sale the Key to Successful Selling
Safety
Newer Employees More Likely to Suffer Fatal Injuries
Technology
Integrating Green Home Technologies Grows Margins
50Plus Housing
Football Great Manning to Kick Off 50+ Housing Symposium
Help Rebuild New Orleans at 50+ Housing Symposium
Multifamily
Builders Less Confident in Rental Apartment Market
Register for the Multifamily Pillars Conference on April 1-3
Remodelers
Three Easy Steps to Go Green Remodeling
Commercial
Enter NCBC 2009 Awards of Excellence Competition
Education
Boost Business Skills During National Designation Month
Education Calendar
Environment
Tighter Smog Standards Could Raise Home Building Costs
Single Lot Permits Would Improve Stormwater Regulation
New NAHB Tool Provides Storm Water Compliance Tips
Green Building
IRS Announces Rule Changes for Energy Tax Credit
Labor
Students Battle in Construction Project Competition at IBS
Building Products
Trane Air Conditioners Use Self-Charging Technology
Honeywell Bullet-Proof Fabric Used in Hurricane-Resistant Curtains
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Endowment Doubles IBS Student Scholarships for 2009
HBAs: Challenge/Build/Grow Proposals Due by March 28
Association News
Philadephia-Area Builder Bernard Drueding, Jr. Dies at 86
New: Register Online for Spokesperson Training
April Is ‘New Homes Month,’ Free Promotional Toolkit Available Online
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Private Offer
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
Introducing the Hertz Green Collection. Reserve and Conserve.
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

Builders Told to Work With Lenders to Resolve Problems

Builders Get ‘Hands-On’ Software Knowledge at IBS

Submit Comments by June 1 to Update ‘Performance Guidelines’

Improve Business Operations With ‘Cost of Doing Business Study’

 

The “Cost of Doing Business Study, 2008 Edition,” available through BuilderBooks.com, enables home builders to compare their business operations with like-sized builders across the country so they can fine-tune their businesses and boost profits.

The study analyzes several operational business categories ― including volume, operation type and land vs. no land costs ― and enables builders to identify their strengths and weaknesses, increase efficiency, set realistic budget targets and improve business practices.

About 300 NAHB builder members participated in the study by providing data about their operations.

The 2008 study is the latest of 15 such studies conducted by NAHB since 1970.

In addition to using the study’s findings to help improve their businesses, builders can also use them in discussions with potential lenders when negotiating more favorable loan terms or interest rates.

To view or order the “Cost of Doing Business Study” online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.



NAHB Has Nearly 300 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 nearly 300 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.



Free NAHB Kit Gives Builders Back-to-Basics Tips to Navigate the Slowdown

What was once expected to be a relatively mild housing slump following three years of record new home construction and sales has given way to a significant downturn.

To help members navigate the uncharted waters of this slowdown, NAHB has compiled a comprehensive “Back to Basics” online toolkit — the best of the basics, the tried and true and the truly new. To access the toolkit, click here.

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.

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


 

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> GM NAHB $500 Private Offer
> Save Up to 30% on UPS Shipping
> Introducing the Hertz Green Collection