NBN Online for the week of February 2, 2009

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Stimulating Housing Demand Key to Reviving U.S. Economy
ANSI Approves National Green Building Standard
Coast to Coast
Builders Scale Back House Sizes as Buyers Commit to Energy Efficiency
Housing Forum
American Bankers Association Says Banks Continue to Lend
Politics & Government
IRS Gives Unmarried Home Co-Buyers Guidance on Tax Credit
Economics & Finance
Bottom Nears, But 2009 Looks Like Another Painful Year
New-Home Sales Data More Grim News for U.S. Economy
Housing Starts Plummet to Record Lows in December
Builder Confidence at a Record-Low Ebb in January
Prospective Home Buyers Unable to Sell Existing Homes, Poll Finds
Eye on the Economy: The U.S. Economy Is Faltering Badly
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Downturn
NAHB Members to Get Free Business Survival Tips
Tips
Builders’ Tip: Strain Paint for Touch-Ups, Without the Mess
ibs
Interest in IBS Exhibits Strong Despite Thinner Crowds
New American Home 2009 Wows Crowds in Las Vegas
legal
Revised Form I-9 to Verify New Hires Is Delayed
Remodelers
Be a Professional and Build a Better Business
Green Building
Home Remodels, Retrofits Key to Energy Efficiency in Housing
Green Product Demand Continues to Rise, Manufacturers Say
Design Competition Showcases Affordable Green Homes
Purdue Students to Earn Green and Other NAHB Designations
Entry Deadline Extended for NAHB Green Building Awards
environment
EPA Storm Water Guidelines Costlier Than First Believed
construction safety
NAHB's Thibodeaux Appointed OSHA Committee Chair
education
February Is NAHB National Designation Month
Education Calendar
Labor
Awards Recognize Top NAHB Student Chapters, Educators
Student Teams Vie in Construction Management Competition
Building Products
Free Webinars Aim at Helping Builders in Tough Times
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Endowment Webcast Examines Green Building Opportunities
Association News
Nation’s Home Builders Elect Leadership for 2009
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
NAHB Members Can Save Big on FedEx Shipping Services
NAHB Members Can Get 10% Off Stays With Wyndham Hotel Group
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

Free Webinars Aim at Helping Builders in Tough Times

Builder Partnerships and Builder magazine are sponsoring four upcoming Webinars geared to helping builders improve their businesses, including information that will enable companies to weather the difficult conditions prevailing in today’s marketplace.

These free sessions are scheduled this month:

  • “Market Research: Evaluate the Benefits.”  Conducting thorough market research is costly, but it can save a lot of money and avoid headaches in the long run. Ross Robbins and Jim Weigel team up to discuss the benefits of effective market research and explore the financial implications. Feb. 6, 4:00 p.m. EDT

  • “Get More From Your Current Web Site.” With Search Engine Optimization, businesses that need more from their Web site but don’t have the money to create a new one can greatly increase traffic to their site and capture more qualified leads. Brad Bonbardiere discusses the options and how they can be applied to the site. Feb. 11, 11:00 a.m. EDT

  • “Financial Impacts: Decisions for a Changing Market. Jim Weigel discusses the importance of evaluating financial impacts in the short term (and the long term) as decisions are made in today’s changing market. Considerations include: Should current inventory be priced to market or should pricing be maintained to recoup costs? Is this a good time to buy land? Should businesses be planning for growth or continuing to make decisions to survive? Feb. 19, 4:00 p.m. EDT

  • “Plan for Profits: Cut Direct Construction Costs.” Builders can account for increased materials costs, decrease home prices and still make money. In this Webinar, Chuck Shinn presents the Profit Equation and discusses ways in which builders can decrease their construction costs, build homes that sell at current market prices and add points to the bottom line. Feb. 27, 11:00 a.m. EDT

To visit the events page at Builder Partnerships to register for these free seminars or to access past presentations, click here.

Recordings of the sessions will be available for purchase after the presentations.

Based in Denver, Builder Partnerships is a member of the National Council of the Housing Industry (NCHI) — The Leading Suppliers of NAHB. Builder magazine, published by Hanley-Wood in Washington, D.C., is also an NCHI member.

This feature is solely for educational and informational purposes. Nothing on this page should be construed as policy, an endorsement, warranty or guaranty by the National Association of Home Builders of the featured product or the product manufacturer. The National Association of Home Builders expressly disclaims any responsibility for any damages arising from the use, application or reliance on any information contained on this page.


 

Sponsored by
Fannie Mae

 
 
> Pella Designer Series triple-pane glass products can dramatically cut energy bills.
> Between-the-glass blinds won’t harbor dust; create a healthier indoor environment.
 
 

Sponsored by
NAHB

 
 
> FedEx Delivers New Savings Opportunity for Members
> Lodging Discounts Through Wyndham Hotel Group
> GM $500 Offer Is Back for 2009, Better Than Ever