NBN Online for the week of December 15, 2008

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
• New American Home Shows 26 Years of Advances in Housing
• New American Home Innovations Showcase Green Building
• Tell the U.S. Congress to ‘Fix Housing First’
• Special International Builders' Show Issue
IBS
• The New American Home: Photos and Floor Plans
• Daily Speakers at IBS to Give Insights Into Surviving Downturn
• Green Day 2009 Set for Jan. 21 at the Builders' Show
• Coaching Legend Lou Holtz to Kick Off 2009 Builders' Show
• Get Top-Level Survival Tips at Executive Edge at IBS
• Networking Events, Educational Sessions Just for Associates
• Executive Officers Council Events at the Builders’ Show
• Register Online for the 2009 Builders' Show in Las Vegas
• Few Spots Remain for Spokesperson Training at IBS
Building Products
• Armstrong Cabinets Adds Vanilla Cream to Color Palette
• BASF Chemical Technology Behind Energy-Efficient Products
• Broan System Automatically Improves Indoor Air Quality
• Builder Magazine LivingHome Open for Tours During IBS
• CEDIA Provides Expertise on Residential Electronic Systems
• CertainTeed Introduces Innovative Exterior and Interior Products
• ClosetMaid Features New Candelight Finish
• New CMI Door Makes a Home Feel Like a Castle
• DuPont Flashing Manages Moisture Around Recessed Windows
• Eaton Features Intercom Keypads, Emergency Power Switch
• FlowGuard Glow Solvent Cement Makes Joint Inspections Easier
• Hacker Provides Sound-Control in Floors and Ceilings
• National Gypsum and Syngenta Debut Mold Protection Product
• ODL Offers Distinctive Doorglass Styles, Sklight Dimmer
• PERC Features Efficient Freewatt Heating Systems
• Retractable Phantom Screens Preserve Views, Increase Privacy
• Progress Lighting Showcases New Energy-Efficient Additions
• Sherwin-Williams Showcases Resilience Premium Exterior Paint
• Sierra Pacific Windows, Doors Featured in New American Home
• Simpson Strong-Tie Introduces Economical Moment Frame
• VELUX Showcasing Solar Water Heating System
Coast to Coast
• This May Be the Golden Age for First-Time Home Buyers
Politics & Government
• NY City Housing Commissioner Donovan Tapped to Head HUD
Economics & Finance
• Little Cheer in Builder Confidence in December
• Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Tips
• Builders’ Tip: A Cutting-Edge System to Keep Chisels Sharp
codes and standards
• ICC Panel Upholds Vote on Fire Sprinkler Mandate
Technology
• Try Technology Before You Buy at IBS Computer Labs
50Plus Housing
• 50+ Housing Networking Events at the Builders' Show
Multifamily
• NAHB Multifamily to Host Key Networking Events at IBS
Remodelers
• Remodeling Courses Focus on Business Practices, Lead Paint
Building Systems
• Building Systems Councils Meetings and Events at IBS
Sales
• Sharpen Sales and Marketing Skills at the Builders’ Show
• NSMC, IRM Events at the International Builders' Show
• Tickets Available for The Nationals 2009 Gala at IBS
• 2009 IRM Commencement Breakfast at IBS on Jan. 20
International
• Seminars on International Opportunities to Be Held at IBS
Education
• Pre-Show Courses at IBS Can Give You an Advantage in 2009
• Education Calendar
environment
• Endangered Species Rule an Improvement for Landowners
research
• Awards Honor Best in Residential Energy Efficiency
• Award Winners to Discuss How Energy Sells in a Slow Market
• Builders Sought to Participate in Online Research Panel
Green Building
• NCHI Member Products Provide NAHBGreen Points
• Research Center Announces Green Day Activities at IBS
Labor
• HBI Students Plan for a Full Roster of Activities at IBS
TV
• NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
• Endowment to Present Estate Planning Seminar at IBS
• 2009 HELP Grants to Be Announced at Builders’ Show
Association News
• NAHB Board Meeting Set for Jan. 22 in Las Vegas
• Combine GM $500 Private Offer With Red Tag Event Till Jan. 2
• UPS Offers Up to 30% Discount to NAHB Members on Shipping
• Williams Scotsman Offers One Month Free Rent, $50 Gas Gift Card
• Save $25 on Hertz ‘Green,’ ‘Fun’ or ‘Prestige’ Weekly Rentals
• Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Top Story

New American Home Shows 26 Years of Advances in Housing

In a one-of-a-kind exhibition, The New American Home 2009 is showcasing the most innovative energy efficiency technologies in the 26-year history of The New American Home program. From insulation and wraps, to a natural gas-powered heating and cooling system, to photovoltaic cells and solar water heating, the energy systems work together to make this a near zero-energy home that is Gold Certified under NAHBGreen.

As always, the latest, most innovative home products, technologies and design trends have been incorporated into this latest edition of The New American Home, which is produced each year in conjunction with the International Builders' Show (IBS). See below for more information about how to visit the home next month during the IBS in Las Vegas.
[MORE]

Lumber Prices Provided by Random Lengths
Framing Lumber Composite $ 213 down $ 8
OSB Composite $ 178 down $ 2
Southern Pine Plywood Composite $ 383 down $ 7
With Permission from: RandomLengths.com
 

New American Home Innovations Showcase Green Building

 
The New American Home 2009 showcases leading-edge technologies in energy efficiency and green design. Tremendous effort has gone into the green details of this home, including design aspects related to:

  • Site development
  • Resource-, energy- and water-efficiency
  • Indoor air quality
  • Operation, maintenance and home-owner education


Among the innovations incorporated into the home, which will be open to attendees at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas next month:

Site development

The New American Home was sited to optimize solar resources and incorporates landscape design to limit water and energy demand. The development does not impact any environmentally sensitive areas. Soil erosion and disturbance have been kept to a minimum with storm water pollution prevention plans, continued on-site monitoring and best management practices.

[MORE]

Tell the U.S. Congress to ‘Fix Housing First’

NAHB issued the following legislative alert last week. Association members are being asked to visit www.capitolconnect.com/builderlink and send "Fix Housing First" letters electronically to Congress.

We need your help! NAHB is taking decisive actions to push President-elect Barack Obama and the 111th Congress to revive the American economy by addressing the core problem to the current economic crisis...falling home values.
 
The Problem: Falling home values are at the core of the current economic crisis.
 
The impact on the national economy of home building, and housing in general, in good times and bad, should not be underestimated. The historic increase in foreclosures, tightened mortgage qualifying criteria and general declining economic conditions have significantly cut demand for housing. Housing wealth is the primary source of savings for most households and a key driver of consumer spending.

[MORE]

Special International Builders' Show Issue

This issue of Nation’s Building News previews many of the new products, technologies, classes and events that you can attend, see and sample at the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas next month.

Plus, there also are photos and floor plans of The New American Home for you to enjoy before you visit.

Save this issue for reference until you get to the show.  

Extensive reports from IBS will begin appearing following the show beginning with the Feb. 2 edition.

Housing Snapshot
Interest Rates  
  30-Yr. Fixed: 5.47% 15-Yr. Fixed: 5.20% 5 Yr. ARM: 5.82%
  1 Yr. ARM: 5.09% Libor (3 months): 1.87% Prime: 4.00%
Housing Starts*  (October 2008)
  Total: 791,000 Single: 531,000 Multi: 260,000
Home Sales*  (October 2008)
  New: 433,000 Existing: 4.98 million  
Median Home Prices  (October 2008)
  New: $218,000 Existing: $183,300  
* Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate

 

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