Nation's Building News Online: May 18, 2009

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NAHB Resources on Hand to Drive New Home Sales

With the spring home buying season moving into full view, this issue of Nation’s Building News features NAHB resources that association members can use now to get the most out of a marketplace that has been hammered by the worst conditions in living memory.

The housing market has begun to show signs of new life in recent weeks, led largely by first-time buyers. Builders across the country have been reporting that historically low mortgage rates, affordable home prices and the $8,000 tax credit are reviving interest in home buying.

In the latest development, home builders received encouraging news on May 12 when HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations would be allowed to supply first-time home buyers with short-term or “bridge loans” up to the amount of the tax credit.

“The biggest obstacle for first-time buyers is coming up with a downpayment,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson. “This will help to stimulate homes sales, stabilize housing and get the economy back on track.” (For more information on the HUD decision, click here.)

The NAHB resources in this issue of NBN begin with tackling the biggest issue at hand — stimulating home sales and reducing the new home inventory. They go on to include materials that NAHB members can apply directly to a wide range of business activities — with information that will see them through the final stages of the downturn and prepare them for the recovery.

NAHB Resources to Help Sell Homes

NAHB resources to promote home buying and homeownership range from print ads to radio scripts, from a tax credit Web site to brochures and flyers.

Most of these materials are multi-purpose and can be used by individual members to promote their own business. However, the items marked with an asterisk (*) are intended primarily for use by home builders associations to promote homeownership or to familiarize members with association benefits.

Note that many of these resources are for “members only.” To access them, you must be logged in as a member at NAHB.org. To set up a login, go to: www.nahb.org/login.

The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit


Reaching Prospective Home Buyers

Advertising

Customizable print advertisements and radio spot scripts feature consistent messages about the benefits and opportunities of homeownership, exclusive of the tax credit. The ads focus on low interest rates, stabilizing prices and a great selection.


Getting Your Message Out

These talking points on a variety of current issues provide useful background information and will help you understand and better communicate with your customers about the realities of today’s housing market and the great opportunities that it provides for home buyers.


Advice From the Pros

Sales and marketing pros offer invaluable advice on everything from overcoming buyer objections to building a more effective Web site.


You’ve Got Questions, They’ve Got Answers

  • Ask a MIRM (Member, Institute of Residential Marketing) These pros can answer the tough questions that are inevitable in a tough market. All submitted questions will be answered by a MIRM.

  • Use the IRM Hotline to find experts in specific aspects of new home sales and marketing and ask them questions relating to your career and business. (Use the IRM Hotline Expert field at the bottom of the NAHB Professional Designations Directory.)

  • The Sales and Marketing Channel is a great resource for information about many different aspects of the new homes industry, including market research and public relations. Updated weekly with original content not available anywhere else, it is free to members of the National Sales and Marketing Council. For other NAHB members, a subscription costs $45.

  • Sales & Marketing Ideas magazine provides a wealth of information on the latest trends, market research, advertising, marketing plans, model merchandising, sales management and more. Free for members of the National Sales and Marketing Council. Subscriptions cost $59 for NAHB members and $70 for non-members.

Marketing Through Social Networking and New Media

Home builders can reach out to technology-savvy potential home buyers by taking advantage of  the popular social networking communication channels they are comfortable with and use frequently. You can link to these channels from your own Web site to help home buyers find the information they need about the credit.


Miscellaneous

Background Information/Resources

  • New research from NAHB economists looks at the tax benefits of homeownership — including deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes, the capital gains exclusion for the sale of a principal residence and the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

  • Housing and economic data from NAHB provide a wealth of information — ranging from local market permits to the cost of framing lumber and NAHB’s long-term forecast.

  • E-Learning: Audio Seminars & Web Events gathers teleconferences, webinars and other electronic information and learning products from throughout NAHB in a single location.


*Primarily for Use by HBAs


*NAHB Public Relations Toolkit

This overview guide reviews the basics of public relations to better leverage the many resources available from NAHB to help sell homes, or create your own resources. Learn how to develop a comprehensive public relations plan, what tactics you can use to implement it, resources available from NAHB and external sources, and how to measure whether your plan is successful.


*Press Releases

NAHB regularly issues press releases on housing issues, and members and HBAs are encouraged to customize them with local information and send them to local news media. For example, use the search feature to find releases on issues you want to promote in your local community, such as the tax credit, affordability and more.

*Column Service Articles

Two column service articles are created each month on topics of interest to consumers. HBA staff and NAHB members can submit these articles under their president’s or executive officer’s name to their local newspapers, magazines, newsletters and Web sites to provide home building industry news and timely consumer information to the community.

*Online Toolkits

In addition to a toolkit to promote the tax credit NAHB has toolkit resources (i.e. column service articles, print and radio ads, talking points, etc.) to help HBAs and NAHB members highlight their local housing industry during National Designations Month in March, New Homes Month in April, National Remodeling Month in May and Homeownership Month in June.

NAHB Membership Key in Weathering Tough Economic Times

On the eve of National Membership Day on May 19, association members across the country are stepping up their recruitment efforts and informing professionals who work in the housing industry of the many advantages of joining the NAHB federation — which are indispensable in surviving today’s tough economic times.

To help its members conduct business more effectively and more profitably, NAHB offers a powerful combination of political advocacy, educational opportunity, industry research, business management tools and relationship-building networking events.

When they join their local home builders association, new recruits also become members of their state association and the National Association of Home Builders, providing them with powerful advocates for their business interests at the local, state and national levels.

NAHB creates value in several key ways:

  • Advocacy — Protecting the industry’s interests from city hall to the U.S. Capitol.

  • Education — Providing training and designation programs that help builders stay abreast of the latest trends.

  • Research and Information — Whether it’s economic forecasting, leading-edge building technologies, sales and marketing expertise or business management best practices, NAHB can helps its members make the most of their business.

  • Networking — NAHB helps build relationships that can make all the difference in difficult times.


Fighting for the Good of the Industry

NAHB’s 200,000-plus members give the federation political clout as the voice of the housing industry. NAHB is recognized as one of the strongest advocacy organizations in the nation.

To protect members’ interests, the NAHB staff constantly monitors the development of proposed bills and regulations in Washington and in statehouses across the country, as well as significant legal cases and changes to building codes and industry standards.

Through the association, members working at the local, state or national level can step up their advocacy of what’s best for the nation’s housing industry. Each year NAHB conducts a Legislative Conference at which hundreds of members from across the country come to Washington to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

The Best Education in Housing

The NAHB University of Housing assists newcomers to the industry and veterans alike in their educational pursuits. As the facilitator of all NAHB educational programs — including 15 national conferences and tours — the university is committed to helping members “Reach Higher and Work Smarter.”

NAHB also offers several designation programs, which help builders stay ahead of emerging trends and differentiate themselves from the competition. From the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) to Graduate Master Builder (GMB), these programs give members unparalleled opportunities to improve their skills, advance their careers and be recognized for their commitment to professional growth.

Staying Competitive With Business Tools

Available on the members-only section of the NAHB Web site, members can download a wide variety of free business tools that are geared to keeping their companies competitive and profitable. Included are time-saving documents, articles and resources designed to help with business planning, balancing the books, streamlining internal processes and improving customer service.

NAHB’s Economics Department conducts economic analysis that helps keep members informed of local, regional and national economic trends. And the NAHB Research Center conducts leading-edge research on new products and construction technologies.

Helping Members Tap Niche Markets

NAHB addresses the needs of members in individual market segments with a variety of special interest groups and councils. Participating in a council gives members the opportunity to experience leadership in their field, as well as gain insights into the topics and issues that are most relevant to them. The councils also provide guidance and support for NAHB’s critical advocacy efforts.

One of NAHB’s most vital roles is serving as a highly effective forum in which builders and associates can meet and do business. The association offers a variety of popular events and programs designed to facilitate these relationships. Whether it’s a meeting of the local association in a home town setting or a board of directors’ meeting in Washington, D.C., every member has the opportunity to be involved and to shape the future of the home building industry.

NAHB’s membership ranks are comprised of more than just home builders; click here to read a related story on the benefits of association membership.

For more information on membership, e-mail Gabrielle Taylor at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8351.

Log Onto NAHB.org for Member Resources

Many of the resources highlighted in this issue of Nation's Building News are for NAHB members only, and to access them on the NAHB Web site, you must be logged in as a member at www.nahb.org.

If you don’t have a login yet, you can set one up at www.nahb.org/login.

Members can also contact NAHB's Member Service Center at 800-368-5242 for assistance.

Builders Report Results From NAHB Home Buyer Resources

With the spring home buying season in full swing, NAHB members and associations are taking full advantage of the resources NAHB has created to help them promote home buying in their local communities. Ranging from videos to print ads to consumer brochures and more, these materials carry positive messages and information about buying a home, and also save you the cost of creating them yourself.

The resources are all available online at www.nahb.org/publicrelationstools, and many can be customized with your contact information or specifics about your local market. Many are available only for members or staff of affiliated associations, so you need to be logged in to nahb.org with your user ID and PIN in order to access them.

Here are just a few examples of how they are being used, and what members and HBAs are saying about them:

Social Networking

NAHB research shows that home buyers under the age of 35 buy 34% of new homes and 40% of existing homes, so home builders should be reaching out to this young, technology-savvy audience through social media channels. The “Federal Housing Tax Credit Explained” video that was created and posted on YouTube in March has been viewed nearly 40,000 times. It was one of the top 100 most-viewed videos in the Nonprofits & Activism category that same month.

HBAs and members such as the Ashe County Home Builders in North Carolina embedded the video on their Web site home pages. Another use is to promote it in your e-mail signatures. Here is the signature of the staff of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association in Tennessee, who also embedded it on their home page: “Confused about the new $8,000 tax credit? Don't be! Visit www.mahba.com and view the video.”

The “$8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit” Facebook profile — with information including videos, fact sheets, photos and more — currently has more than 2,400 “fans,” including the HBA of Lake County in Florida, which left the comment, “Great to see NAHB on Facebook. HBA of Lake Co. FL applauds your outreach efforts.”

Tax Credit Promotional Resources

The tax credit resources were launched the day the legislation was signed into law in February, and include print ads, Web ads, brochures, handouts, fact sheets and more — all providing the information home buyers want to know about the new $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

Many HBAs have successfully persuaded their local radio stations to run the radio spots as public service announcements (PSAs). In the recession, many radio and television stations are seeing a decline in paid advertising and frequently have unsold space they need to fill, making them more receptive to running PSAs.

The executive officer of the HBA of Wayne & Holmes Co. in Ohio, Debbie Tracy, persuaded her local station to run the spots three times a day during the prime morning and evening drive times and the lunch hour.

Nadine Condello, executive vice president of the HBA of Lincoln, Neb., wrote, “I contacted our radio stations and they were extremely responsive regarding the PSAs. There will be more than 1,000 PSAs in the next three months. Thanks for all you do.”

HBAs are also successfully pitching the other tax credit resources to local media. Lisa Ottmar, public relations director of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire in South Dakota, persuaded a group of eight radio stations to run five spots a day during prime selling season from May to October. She said, “This totals a bit over 6,000 radio ads! In addition, we are also receiving some PSAs on a local television station in Sioux Falls.”

FederalHousingTaxCredit.com Consumer Web Site

HBAs and members have leveraged the consumer tax credit Web site created by NAHB in many creative ways — from simple hyperlinks to copying pages of content to creating their own handouts using the information.

Robbie Sharrett, a member in Blowing Rock, N.C., wrote on Feb. 18, the day after the legislation was signed into law: “The NAHB Web site specifically addressing consumers’ questions on the housing stimulus was comprehensive, easy to understand and easy to navigate. With the thorough information you provided we are already talking to buyers and explaining the details with confidence. Thank you for offering timely and important information to our industry and to potential home buyers.”

Here are some examples of how members and HBAs are using the Web site:

  • The Tidewater Builders Association in Virginia reprinted the entire FAQs from the tax credit Web site in the March 2009 issue of its magazine, which is printed and available online, and also created a Web banner on its home page that links to the site.

  • Lisa Rush Smits, CEO of Hamlet Homes in Fredericksburg, Va., used the information to put together an explanation of the tax credit for her sales managers.

  • Tim Schaeffer Communities in New Jersey created its own Web banner linking to the NAHB site.

  • Mandalay Townhomes in Tacoma, Wash., used the Q&A to create its own PDF consumer handout.

  • Windermere Real Estate in Woodinville, Wash., used the information on its blog.


“Opportunity Knocks” Consumer Brochure

NAHB created a four-page, full-color “Opportunity Knocks” consumer brochure that describes the advantages of homeownership — including examples of the savings home owners can expect over a five-year period. The brochure can be downloaded online at: www.nahb.org/opportunitybrochure.

Members are printing them for their sales offices and model homes, such as Ashley Nguyen of Nilson Homes, who said, “We have found the ‘opportunity knocks’ brochure very informative and useful. We would like to have it professionally printed for use in our model homes.”

This brochure can be customized with local information. From Vicki Markussen, executive officer of the La Crosse Area Builders Association in Wisconsin: “Just wanted to say that I *love* how easy you guys made this to use (including the link to the labels that work) and ideas on how to personalize!”

Resources to help promote home buying are available online at www.nahb.org/publicrelationstools.

Tools Help Increase Business Efficiency in Sagging Economy

In a soft economy, NAHB’s Business Management and Information Technology Department is providing builders and associate members with the tools they need to bolster profits by increasing the efficiency of their business operations as they plan for the future.

Following are resources available from NAHB:

BizTools

BizTools is the Business Management Department’s hub for articles written by builders, remodelers, associates and staff members offering tips and suggestions to increase efficiency in all aspects of business — including  sales and marketing, technology, accounting, human resource management and more. Many of the materials in BizTools have been supplemented to address the credit crunch. Topics include:


Builder Business Guides

These guides provide members with tips on technology and business planning aimed at ensuring the financial health of their businesses. Each guide includes member-written articles on improving business — especially in tough times.The new 2009 Biztools Builder Business Guides include:

  • “Information Technology for Home Builders: Using Technology to Increase Efficiency”
  • “Business Management for Home Builders: Succession Planning to Map Your Future”
  • “Financial Management for Home Builders: Understanding Cash Flow”


To access the guides, click here. 

Audio Conferences

Audio conferences and Web seminars on timely topics continue to be available to members after their initial air date:


Technology & Business Management Solutions Directory

Easy to use, NAHB’s Technology Solutions Directory (TSD)  enables builders, remodelers, contractors and other industry professionals to find information on software, IT solutions and services for their businesses.

Software and technology solutions providers interested in being listed can sign up for:

  • Enhanced Listing — Listing includes company name, URL, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number, company/product description, company logo (NAHB member price, $50; non-member, $75).
     
  • Standard Listing — Listing includes company name and phone number (free to NAHB members; $50 to non- members).


The directory ― an online, publicly accessible resource — helps building professionals find software and building technology providers for everything from construction-based accounting and budgeting to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD).  Users will also find companies providing services such as Web management, IT consulting and financial control.

Business of Building e/Source

This monthly e-newsletter features brief articles to help builders and remodelers run their companies more profitably and productively. Each issue includes tips for builders by builders — tested information from the field and front lines that can be immediately implemented by a business.

Cost of Doing Business Study

This study is based on the results of a financial survey conducted by NAHB in 2007 and updated in 2008. This one-of-a-kind resource gives NAHB members the unique opportunity to compare themselves with hundreds of other builders across the country on profitability, cost of sales and expenses. Several categories — including volume, operation type and land vs. no land costs — are analyzed to help builders fine-tune comparisons between study results and their companies. These categories have been analyzed, where applicable, by average and by the top and bottom 25% of performers by net profitability.

For more information on business management and technology resources available from NAHB, e-mail Josh Nester, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8461.

NAHB Legal Services Help Builders Survive Downturn

From the first stages of a business transaction to full-blown legal disputes, NAHB members have access to many legal services that can help their business, and some are particularly geared to providing support in today’s tough economic times.

Legal services for NAHB members and affiliates include:

  • Legal Consultation — Free business survival information on bankruptcy, reorganization, liens, subcontractor disputes and partnership issues. The information, prepared by the Texas-based international law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, is available at nahb.org/legalconsultation in a "Frequently Asked Questions" format. Members whose questions are not answered on the Web site posting will be able to call or e-mail the law firm for more information.

  • Legal Research — Free legal research assistance and information on all building industry-related issues to all members and affiliated HBAs. The program cannot replace a local attorney but can provide an understandable response to a legal question, saving time and money. To make a request for research or information, contact the Legal Research Program online or call 800-368-5242 x8491.

  • Legal Ordinance Review Program — Free legal review of local ordinances and state legislation that have an impact on the development and construction industry. To make a request for an ordinance review, contact an NAHB attorney online or call 800-368-5242 x8329.

  • Legal Education Seminars — Basic knowledge, legal principles, concepts and applicable law for builders, developers and remodelers. The most popular educational program is the “90-Minute Law School,” but NAHB also offers more in-depth educational programs on specific legal issues affecting the residential construction industry. Programs can be tailored to the individual needs and concerns of any home builders association, 20 Club or other associated member group. To learn more, call 800-368-5242 x8491.

  • Legal Action Fund — Funding to help defray the cost of litigation or support via an amicus brief to an appellate court in support of an ongoing case. The Legal Action Committee and Executive Board of NAHB consider grant applications during each of the three annual board of directors meetings. For a copy of the NAHB Legal Action Fund guidelines and an application, click here. For more information, call 800-368-5242 x8485.

  • LANDS — A national network of land use and environmental attorneys representing affiliates and members in the courts. The LANDS program not only provides members and affiliates a resource for legal assistance but also offers regular opportunities for education, networking and expert advice for lawyers within the federation. For more information, call 800-368-5242 x8485.

  • CLAF — A network of industry attorneys who dedicate a substantial portion of their practice to construction defect and builder liability issues. CLAF brings together attorneys on the front lines of today’s legal concerns. For more information, call 800-368-5242 x8317.

  • Green Building — A brochure from the NAHB Building Products Issues Committee provides legal advice for home builders and remodelers who are turning their attention to green building. “Before You Build Green: A Primer on Avoiding Liability Pitfalls” offers pointers on marketing, contracts, warranties, training and compliance issues — all with an eye toward promoting successful green building projects and limiting exposure to liability. The brochure includes resources for builders for additional technical and educational assistance.

 

Builders Use NAHB Economic Data to Gauge Market Demand

At a time when it is particularly difficult to read the housing marketplace and make confident predictions about where it is headed in the period ahead, NAHB members can access a wealth of economic materials that provide insights into the various factors that are expected to slowly put residential sales and construction activity on an upward path.

Information from economists at NAHB provides reliable forecasts on interest rates, unemployment and economic growth as well as demographic data that builders can use to gauge housing demand and prepare their business plans. Also, statistics on the economic impact of housing and the benefits of homeownership can be used to muster support for home building in the community and increase demand among prospective home buyers.

Among the economic resources available to NAHB members:

From HousingEconomics.com

  • Tax Benefits of Homeownership.  Provides concrete data about the long-term (over 12 years) tax benefits of homeownership that builders can use in marketing materials and when talking to potential home buyers.

  • Spending Patterns of Home Buyers. A good resource for builders to use with local elected officials and in the media to help boost the message that homeownership benefits the community beyond the money that is spent just to build the structure.

  • The Direct Impact of Home Building and Remodeling on the U.S. Economy. Provides numbers on the direct impact of home building on the U.S. economy and local community in terms of the jobs and tax revenues that are created, which builders can present to elected officials and the media.

  • Characteristics of First-Time Home Buyers. Gives a detailed analysis of the first-time home buyers who typically comprise at least 40% of the market and currently are responsible for roughly half of new home sales, which can help builders target their messaging and sales tactics to the right demographic — especially in conjunction with the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.
     

From www.nahb.org/taxation


From www.nahb.org/economics

  • Construction Statistics and State and Local Data. Information on housing starts, building permits, employment and construction costs enables builders to adjust their short- and long-term plans to match market expectations and realities.

  • Building Materials and Data Reports. With this information in hand, builders can keep current with trends in the price and supply of lumber and other critical building materials.


For more information on economic resources available from NAHB, e-mail Steve Melman, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8245.

Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends

The following are links to useful information from government agencies and NAHB that will enable you to monitor the housing market.

To access the latest information available, simply click the links.



Tax Credit Web Site Looks at Opportunity of a Lifetime

Builders and other industry professionals can help spur home sales by referring prospective first-time home buyers to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. The NAHB Web site provides detailed information on the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers included in the economic stimulus legislation signed into law by President Obama.

Consumers can use the Web site to find information on the tax credit — including a detailed question and answer section. It also includes information about other housing-related and small business measures in the legislation and a number of home-buying resources for consumers.

Spanish Version Also Available Online

A Spanish version of this increasingly popular Web site is also available to provide detailed information on the tax credit to Spanish-speaking first-time home buyers.

Industry professionals are encouraged to highlight either tax credit Web site when marketing to their potential first-time home buyer market.


Want to Know the Housing Starts Through 2017?

Find out in HousingEconomics.com's Long-Term Forecast.

Subscribe and get downloadable Excel tables that feature the housing starts forecast, gross domestic product (GDP), demographics and more. 

To learn more, visit www.housingeconomics.com.


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.

NAHB Research Brings 50+ Market Into View

As members of the post-World War II baby boom approach retirement age in record numbers, interest has grown in active-adult housing. As a result of last fall’s turmoil in the financial markets and today’s economic recession, these households have lost significant amounts of wealth and are repositioning themselves for their final home purchase.

NAHB provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on how to meet demand for 50+ housing in a changing marketplace. Among the available resources:

50+ Housing Research

NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council surveys, tracks and studies the active adult and mature housing market as well as consumer preferences and migration patterns. Membership affords free access to various reports and other housing data at reduced fees:

  • Local Economic Impact Models for 55+ Housing
  • Approving 55+ Housing — Facts That Matter
  • Profile of the 50+ Housing Market
  • Seniors Migration Studies


55+ NAHB & MetLife Multifamily Market Research

NAHB and the MetLife Mature Market Institute (MMI) embarked on a research project that closely examined the 55+ population — boomers as well as older cohorts — and their preferences in homes and communities, as well as the housing industry’s response to this demand. The research is included in “Housing for the 55+ Market: Trends and Insights on Boomers and Beyond,” one of the most comprehensive reports to date on this market segment.

50+ Channel

Members and subscribers can view NAHB’s 50+ Channel — a one-stop resource for industry information, research, case studies, building tips, universal design and more:


50+ e/Source

The monthly e-newsletter of the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, 50+ Housing e/Source provides a guide for builders on the emerging 50+ housing market, offering industry updates as well as important NAHB and council news. Click here to browse past issues of the publication.

For more information on 50+ resources available from NAHB, e-mail Ann Marie Moriarty, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8350.

Multifamily Information Pivotal in Difficult Market

Faced by a credit crunch that has reduced new production to a crawl and rental demand that has been undermined by the nation’s declining economy, NAHB Multifamily provides a wealth of resources for multifamily professionals who needs to understand the ins and outs of today’s marketplace better than ever.

NAHB Multifamily provides key information on making the most of weak market conditions as well as demographic and other projections on when the industry can be expected to return to peak conditions.

Among the many resources available to members of the NAHB Multifamily Council:

  • Pillars of the Industry Education. Members have easy access to sessions held during this spring’s 2009 Pillars of the Industry Conference and the latest information on forecasts, multifamily green building, marketing and more.

  • Multifamily E-Learning. This slate of Web and audio seminars is designed to educate and inform members of changes occurring in the multifamily industry.


Among available multifamily economic reports are:

  • Local Economic Impact Models for Multifamily Housing. This report provides information on the economic benefits stemming from multifamily activity.

  • Multifamily Information Series. Experts in the multifamily industry provide information that can assist new and experienced multifamily professionals as they work toward success.

  • Multifamily Green Building Scoring Tool. The nation's apartment and condo developers can follow the new National Green Building Standard, which includes a comprehensive rating system and has criteria applicable to high- and low-rise condominiums and apartment buildings and housing in mixed-use projects. The standard and its accompanying multi-unit checklist serve as flexible, regionally appropriate resources for multi-unit developers seeking green certification.


Among e-newsletters that keep multifamily professionals current with the latest developments in the industry:

  • Washington Hotline presents legislative and regulatory information that’s vital to the interests of multifamily members and interested industry partners. Washington Hotline is published every other week and is available free of charge to members of NAHB Multifamily, and by subscription to others. To view a past issue, click here. To view the 2008 archives, click here.

  • Multifamily Market Outlook provides the nation’s most comprehensive view of the economics of multifamily development. This monthly publication keeps NAHB Multifamily members and subscribers abreast of the economic forecast, the latest numbers on multifamily production, real rents, vacancy rates, projected demand and NAHB’s Multifamily Stock Index. To view a past issue, click here. To view the 2008 archives, click here.


For more information on NAHB’s multifamily resources, e-mail Ann Marie Moriarty, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8350.

Services Help Builders Diversify Into Remodeling

With more than 50% of the builder members of NAHB taking on remodeling jobs during the current housing downturn, NAHB Remodelers has become an even more important resource for successfully navigating this increasingly competitive market.

NAHB Remodelers’ resources can help members gauge demand and maximize their profits in a business that has some unique differences with home building. NAHB Remodelers is committed to improving the management and technical competency of remodeler members, providing excellent service to the consumer, and representing the industry at the federal, state and local government levels.

Working in partnership with locally organized remodelers councils at more than 150 NAHB-affiliated state and local home builders associations, NAHB Remodelers provides information, certification, education and recognition programs that can help support a thriving remodeling business.

Among the benefits of NAHB Remodelers membership:

  • Listing in the Directory of Professional Remodelers, a popular consumer resource on the NAHB.org Web site that allows home owners to search for a local remodeler.

  • Materials to promote remodeling companies to consumers and the media. The remodeling Web site for consumers at www.nahb.org/remodel provides articles on how to plan a remodel, how to hire a professional and what remodeling projects to consider. Customizable marketing materials promote remodeling and professionalism during National May is Remodeling Month and throughout the year.

  • Information about federal energy-efficiency tax credits and a free audio program about what products qualify and how consumers can use them for remodeling at www.nahb.org/efficiencycall.

  • Remodeling news, special member offers and expert business tips in the ReNews monthly e-newsletter and the Remodeling Channel, a Web portal updated several times a week with the latest information on the remodeling industry.

  • Information and tips on managing market issues, such as lead paint regulation, aging in place and green remodeling.

  • Educational opportunities, such as the audio seminar on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new lead paint regulation. “EPA’s Lead Paint Rule and What It Means for You” is available free to members.

 

For more information on the benefits and services of NAHB Remodelers, click here.

NAHB Helps Association Members to Build Green

The NAHB National Green Building Program helps NAHB members build green — in a way that’s market-driven, code-based, voluntary and affordable.

NAHB members have the added advantage of networking opportunities and lower participation costs in getting their homes certified.

Green Project Certification

Builders, remodelers and designers can use the convenient online scoring tools at www.nahbgreen.org to add up the point value of each green product or practice that has been incorporated into the development and construction of their home or subdivisions.

The results are verified by local inspectors and then certified by the NAHB Research Center. For each project, NAHB members pay $200 for national certification; non-members pay $500.

National certification provides buyers with assurance that their home has been inspected by local experts who understand how the components of green building work together to create a truly green home in the most cost-effective way.

So far, more than 200 projects have received national green certification from the Research Center, with hundreds more in the pipeline.

There are two rating systems to choose from. One, for single-family homes, is based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines. The other is based on the National Green Building Standard, the first and only consensus-based green standard for single-family and multifamily homes, developments and residential remodeling to be approved by the American National Standards Institute. It references established voluntary programs like the federal Energy Star program.

With NAHBGreen, builders include:

  • Energy efficiency. The builder carefully seals all the ducts, installs appropriate insulation and calculates the correct HVAC equipment needs. The home features energy-efficient appliances and fixtures.

  • Water efficiency. Low-flow toilets, aerated faucets and efficient washing machines inside, drought-tolerant landscaping outside.

  • Resource efficiency. Recycled building materials, thoughtful waste-management techniques and durable construction are all signs of builders limiting the use of precious resources.

  • Lot and site development. The home is protected from prevailing winds and takes advantage of the sun’s light and energy. The lot’s natural features are preserved.

  • Indoor environmental quality is enhanced by good air circulation throughout the home, minimizing or sealing off moisture and potential pollutants from the house and using low- or no-VOC paints and sealants.

  • Home owner education is a key part of the green building process. The correct operation and maintenance of a new home is essential to keeping it green, and a home owner’s manual is required of all certified homes.


Education and Training

More than 3,070 builders, remodelers, designers and manufacturers have achieved the Certified Green Professional (CGP) educational designation, which is based on 24 hours of classroom instruction, two years’ industry experience and other requirements.

NAHB green professionals have other opportunities to improve their skills and learn about new materials, products and techniques.

For instance, the 99 NAHBGreen affiliated state and local home builders associations hold regular meetings that include networking and educational sessions. Local and national speakers — including building scientists and product manufacturers — often give presentations at these events.

The NAHB National Green Building Conference, held every May, features more than 30 educational sessions on subjects as diverse as marketing and building science. The conference also features the Tour of Green Homes, which includes custom homes, volume builder models and remodeling projects.

More than 1,200 industry professionals attended the latest conference, held in Dallas May 8-10. The next conference takes place May 16-18, 2010 in Raleigh, N.C.

Additionally, the green educational track at the International Builders’ Show includes sessions on energy-efficient improvements, new ways to look at water use and other sustainable building topics.

Now in development are a revamping of the CGP curriculum to reflect the National Green Building Standard and an advanced designation for builders and remodelers, the Master Green Builder Remodeler (MGBR). Both are set for an early 2010 launch.

Awards and Recognition

The NAHB National Green Building Awards are held every year in conjunction with the NAHB National Green Building Conference. Honors are given to outstanding green projects and to the groups and individuals advocating green building in their communities.

NAHBGreen-affiliated HBAs can use the advertising and marketing templates provided when they join the national initiative, and the builders of NABHGreen-certified projects are eligible to use the program logo, brochures and other materials.

For more information on NAHB’s green building resources, e-mail Calli Schmidt, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.

Associate Members Enhance Access to Housing Industry

More than half of NAHB’s 200,000 members are associate members. Through their NAHB membership, they enjoy unrivaled opportunities to introduce their business services to potential home building clients, to solidify their reputation within the association and in their community and to help strengthen the residential construction industry.

Associate membership in NAHB provides these advantages:

  • NAHB offers sponsorship and advertising opportunities that promote companies among both general and targeted audiences.

  • A complimentary subscription to NAHB's official member newspaper, Nation’s Building News, which contains the latest news on regulatory, technological, legislative and other industry and business related issues. Associate members also receive access to timely industry information through NAHB’s online e-newsletters, including: Business of Building e/Source, Eye on the Economy, the Monday Morning Briefing and the State and Local Reporter.

  • Access to valuable legal advice, technical assistance and individual consultation with any of NAHB’s more than 300 staff experts on over 500 industry subjects.

  • The opportunity to receive the Certified Graduate Associate designation. The CGA professional designation program is designed to enhance an associate’s professional standing while providing the opportunity to work with builders and remodelers in an academic setting.

  • Access to NAHB books, educational materials, exhibitions, conferences, seminars and workshops designed to provide associates with an edge over their competition.

  • The NAHB Member Advantage discount program offers year-round discounts from 21 companies including GM, Dell, Pitney Bowes, Hertz, DHL, Paychex, hotels and more.

  • Access to members-only content on www.nahb.org, including up-to-the-minute news reports, economic and forecasting information, and networking resources.


For more information, e-mail Joseph Schneider at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5241 x8431.