NBN Online for the week of March 30, 2009

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

In This Issue:

Front Page
Builders Urge Congress to Remedy AD&C Lending Crisis
Promote ‘New Homes Month’ With Free NAHB Resources Online
Builders Encourage Efforts to Step Up Residential Energy Efficiency
Coast to Coast
What Might Be Hurting Home Values
housing forum
Chipping Away at Mortgage Deduction a Bad Idea
Economics & Finance
Rising in February, New Home Sales May Be Near Bottom
Record Low Mortgage Rates Hard for Would-Be Buyers Not to Notice
Tax Credit Spurs First-Time Home Buyers, Survey Finds
Many First-Timers Considering Buying a Home This Spring
Builders Hope Toxic Asset Plan Will Free Up Mortgage Credit
Eye on the Economy: Economy Moving Toward Recovery
Register Online for NAHB Spring Construction Forecast Conference
Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends
Downturn
As April 15 Nears, Home Buyer Tax Credit Comes Into View
Learn How to Get a Green Edge at Audio Seminar on April 16
Free NAHB Webinar to Discuss Impact Fee Alternatives on April 21
Attend Free Webinar on Strategic Planning on April 7
Free Online Business Survival Tips Available Till April 17
Tips
Builders’ Tip: A Simple Trick to Clean Mini Paint Rollers
Sales
CRM Can Help Build Quality Customer Relationships
Multifamily
Marketing Critical in Optimizing Revenue in Tough Market
NAHB Honors Year’s Best Apartments and Condos
Remodelers
Apply for 2009 NAHB Remodelers Awards
Remodelers’ Spring Board Preview
Commercial
Enter NCBC 2010 Awards of Excellence Competition
Education
University of Housing Honors Five Designees of the Year
Earn Professional Designations at NAHB Spring Conferences
Education Calendar
building quality
KB Home Earns National Housing Quality Recertification
Green Building
Green Remodel Project a Highlight of Dallas Home Tour
Learn to Green Your Business at Green Building Conference
Earn BuilderBooks Green Savings in April for Use Through June
environment
EPA Rules for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Raise Concerns
Legal
Builders File Suit Over Santa Cruz River Decision
hbi
Lowe’s Continues Support for Job Corps Grads
Building Products
Study Finds Home Technology Preserves Builder Profits
TV
NAHB-Produced Programs on DIY, Fine Living and HGTV
Endowment
Apply for Centex ‘Build Your Future’ Scholarships by April 6
Endowment Funds IBS Student Scholarships for 2010
HBAs: Challenge/Build/Grow Initiative Proposals Due April 17
Apply for Herman J. Smith Scholarships by May 4
Association News
Robert Karen Named New Jersey’s ‘Legend of Housing’
Avoid Visa/Master Card Hikes in Processing With Solveras
Register Online for Spring Spokesperson Training
FTD Offers 15% Discount to NAHB Members
Members Can Save 10% on Vacation Rentals Worldwide
Drive Away With a Shiny New $500 GM Offer
Focus on Your Business, Not Your Payroll, With Paychex
Pitney Bowes Postage Meters Offer Convenience, Savings
Calendar of Events
NAHB Career Center

KB Home Earns National Housing Quality Recertification

Following a rigorous audit of the quality assurance systems of each of its divisions, KB Home, one of the nation’s largest home builders, has received recertification under the National Housing Quality (NHQ) program for its company-wide commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, the NAHB Research Center announced last week.

For the second consecutive year, KB Home remains the only builder in the country to have earned the Research Center’s NHQ Certified Builder designation for all of its operations nationwide

The company became the first major builder to participate in the NHQ’s pilot program when its Las Vegas division earned the certification in 2004. KB Home went on to implement the program in all of its divisions, becoming the first builder to achieve national certification in February 2008.

To help achieve certification, many of KB Home’s divisions independently sponsored NHQ training sessions for their trade partners.

“The training and quality assurances inherent in the NAHB Research Center’s NHQ program are a natural extension of KB Home’s unrelenting focus on customer service and operational excellence,” said Jeff Mezger, the company’s president and CEO. “Nothing is more important to our home owners than quality, and we are proud to be the only home builder to have our quality management system backed by this rigorous third-party certification on a national level.”

Designed to foster consistency and quality in building practices, NHQ certification is presented to home builders and trade contractors who have documented and implemented quality management systems and participated in systematic reviews of the implementation of those systems.

Twenty-nine home building companies are currently included in the program.

Certification requirements ensure that all elements of a company’s quality assurance system are aligned to improve quality performance and provide greater customer satisfaction.

Since implementing the NHQ program, KB Home has seen its customer satisfaction ratings rise to their highest levels ever.

“In the current housing environment, builders are seeking higher customer satisfaction ratings and a competitive edge,” said Bob Hill, director of certification and laboratory services at the NAHB Research Center. “By meeting the rigorous requirements of the NHQ program and earning this certification again this year, KB Home is making a powerful statement to potential home buyers that their satisfaction is the company’s top priority.”

For more information, e-mail Anne Holtz Schmick at the NAHB Research Center, or call her at 800-638-8556 x6211.


 

Sponsored by
NAHB

 
 
> Avoid Visa/Master Card Processing Hikes With Solveras
> Save 10% With Endless Vacation Rentals Worldwide
> GM $500 Offer Is Back for 2009, Better Than Ever