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

NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV

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

"Rock Solid" on DIY

Episode: "Firehouse Patio Revamp"

• April 2, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT
• April 3, 1:30 a.m. ET/PT
• April 5, 11:30 a.m. ET/PT
• April 6, 2:00 p.m. ET/PT

 

Expert stone masons and hosts Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns team up to rescue and revamp the firehouse patio of Engine 3 in Quincy, Mass. by turning an unsightly and rarely used space into a welcoming backyard and grilling area. The project calls for clearing out the area, installing a circular patio of concrete pavers and adding a stone walkway.

"Assembly Required" on DIY

Episode: "Modular Home — Prefab Options"

• March 31, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
• April 1, 2:30 a.m. ET/PT

 

In this episode, two families realize just how fantastic custom prefab homes can be. Watch as the Papadapoulos family considers prefab home options for their Virginia vineyard. Also, meet the Surratt family who used prefab technology to create a one-of-a kind modular home. Tour their home and find out the many upgrades that are available to modular home buyers.

"I Want That" on Fine Living

Episode: "Vitamin Shower, Cleaner Toilets, Pet Grooming"

• April 3, 10:00 a.m. ET/PT
• April 5, 2:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

Get a daily dose of vitamin C while in the shower. A new toilet lid hinge design makes cleaning easier. Get a grip on pet hair with a new brush. Dress up children's areas with colorful furniture. Clean up the yard with a broom-rake combo. Turn the garage into a driving range in minutes. 

HGTV Seeking ‘Dream Home’ Builder/Architect Teams

HGTV is seeking developers, builders and architects to create 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.



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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