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

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: "Eco Masons: Dean and Derek Go Green"

• Feb. 5, 9:30 a.m. EST

 

Using the latest in green products — and working in California — expert stone masons and hosts Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns combine hardscape and softscape to create an environmentally friendly driveway, walkway and garden area. Permeable pavers, a water-saving irrigation system, organic plants, a weather station and low voltage lights are some of the features Dean and Derek use to transform this Bay Area home into an oasis of sustainability. It's the softer, greener side of the rough and tumble stone masons.

"I Want That" on Fine Living

Episode: "Mosquito Trap, Handy Tools, Stimulating Soap"

• Feb. 4, 1:00 p.m. EST
• Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m. EST

 

An advanced mosquito trap keeps up to an acre of land clear of the bloodsucking pests. New tools include a laser measuring device, painting system and a magnetic wristband to keep small tools close at hand. Caffeine-laced soap makes the morning shower more exhilarating. Plus, see a new soda keeper, hot dog griller, plant water monitor and more.

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.


 

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