NBN Online for the week of March 31, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
In the News, Atlanta Builders Promote Housing Turnaround
Beyond the Slump, Outdoor Home Features Seen as the ‘In’ Trend
Coast to Coast
Jumbo Loans Are Reborn, But Terms Are Stiffer
Politics & Government
Plan to Attend the 2008 NAHB Legislative Conference
Economics & Finance
New Home Sales Drop Shows Need for Congress to Act Now
OFHEO Decides Not to Lower Conforming Loan Limits
NAHB Helping Members Comply With FHA Marketing Requirements
NAHB Prevails in Keeping Vital Census Data on Housing Markets
Attend or Watch the Construction Forecast Conference on April 24
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
Builder’s Tip: A Tangle-Free Way to Unroll Electric Cable
Business Management
Tech-Savvy Builders Expected to Lead in Housing Upturn
Switch Strategies From Specs to Selling Contract Homes
Technology
50+ Consumers Are Buying Into Green Technology
Multi-Room Audio and Video Is on Home Buyers’ Radar
50Plus Housing
How to Maximize Effectiveness of Print Advertising
Attend 50+ Symposium in New Orleans on May 19-21
Help Rebuild New Orleans at 50+ Housing Symposium
Remodelers
Tap Into Green Remodeling With Increased Water Efficiency
NAHB Remodelers to Lauch 'Remodel Now' Campaign in May
Building Systems
Attend Log Homes Council President’s Tour April 6-8
Education
Education Calendar
Research
PATH Adds Green Roofs to Its Technology Inventory
Labor
Next Generation of Builders Spends 'A Day at the Job Site'
Building Products
Home Depot Honors 'Hispanic Contractor of the Year'
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Derrick Companies Lauded for Home for Injured Iraqi War Vet
Apply for Centex ‘Build Your Future’ Scholarship by April 7
Applications for Herman J. Smith Scholarships Due May 5
Association News
Spring Board Meeting Set for April 29-May 3 in Washington
Elliott and Rutenberg Running for NAHB Vice President/Secretary
Spring Board Spokesperson Training Sessions Filling Up Fast
Get Free ‘April Is New Homes Month,’ Resources Online Now
Renew or Join NAHB PRx by April 15 for Latest Industry PR Alerts
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Private Offer
UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
The Hertz Green Collection: Reserve and Conserve
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Related Articles

How to Maximize Effectiveness of Print Advertising

Help Rebuild New Orleans at 50+ Housing Symposium

Attend 50+ Symposium in New Orleans on May 19-21

Many builders in the 55+ market have reported little or no change in sales and traffic since the downturn, with 55+ households accounting for 21% of new home sales and 18% of the total new home buying market.

Learn more about this growing market at 2008 Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans from May 19-21.

In addition to learning more about the relative stability of and opportunity in the 55+ market, the following are more reasons to attend the symposium:

  • Boomers are where the action is — According to NAHB forecasts, more than a quarter-million people will buy new homes in 55+ communities this year, and product geared to the 55+ market will account for more than 100,000 of the projected 1.08 million starts. While many of aspects of the housing industry have slumped, many 55+ builders have said that the mature market has been a bright spot.

  • Jump start sales today — The educational sessions will provide attendees with the sales tools and know-how to drive consumers to your community, get reluctant buyers off the fence and build referrals.

  • Learn more about the latest trends — Stay on top of emerging trends such as green building and see the latest technology — including the products buyers want.

  • Network and get ideas — If things have tightened in your market, now is not the time to circle the wagons. Meet with industry leaders and peers to learn what’s working for them and how they are thriving during the downturn. A few ideas can deliver big results for your company’s bottom line.

  • Ramp up for the future — Many expect the housing industry to pick up soon, perhaps as soon as the second half of 2008. Be ahead of the curve and get a jump on the competition. Find out what you can do to reposition your product from the get-go.


The symposium features more than 35 sessions on redefining lifestyle communities, design, development and operations, sales and marketing, technology and more.

Among the featured sessions are:

  • Creating the Mindset to Move: Turning Prospects Into Sales
  • The High-Tech Advantage in Active Adult Living
  • Make Greenbacks by Going Green
  • 3-Ds of the New Boomer Community — Diversity, Density, Design
  • Integrating 50+ Communities Into the Urban Core
  • “Hey, I’m Not Old!” Subtle Age-in-Place Design for Senior


The symposium will also include:


Register online by April 30 and take advantage of the special 50+ Housing Council member rate. Join the council to take advantage of the members-only discount.

For more information, see the symposium brochure on the NAHB Web site, or e-mail The NAHB University of Housing’s Office of the Registrar at registrar@nahb.com, or call 800-368-5242 x8338.



Earn CAASH Credits at Building for Boomers & Beyond

The three required courses for the Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) designation will be held Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at the 2008 Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium in New Orleans.

The CAASH designation gives housing professionals serving this rapidly burgeoning market the essential knowledge, tools and skills that will help them succeed.

To learn more about CAASH, visit www.nahb.org/CAASHinfo.



Find Out What the 45+ Housing Market Wants

Right House, Right Place, Right Time: Community and Lifestyle Preferences of the 45+ Housing Market,” available through BuilderBooks.com, will help 50+ housing professionals determine the right design, home features and amenities to attract boomer home buyers in their market.

Margaret Wylde guides readers through the latest survey results on this important consumer group and explains what their responses mean for today’s and tomorrow’s home building industry. 

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


 

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