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Public Feedback Drives Growing Coverage of Key Housing Issues
As reader and viewer feedback becomes an increasingly significant factor in editorial decisions on what news deserves to be reported, media coverage of faulty appraisals; the credit crunch for acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) financing; and the first-time home buyer tax credit has increased significantly over the past several months, based on news reports compiled by NAHB.
Particularly gaining attention has been the issue of inappropriate new-home appraisals that are based on foreclosed or distressed-sale properties. As a growing number of builders were reporting appraisals coming in below the contract sales price, undermining their new home sales, the amount of media coverage on this issue tripled in July over the previous month.
Credit problems for builders in financing existing or new projects was also very much in the news, with coverage doubling from June to July.
News organizations have continued to feature the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers, driven by its popularity and anticipating the Nov. 30 deadline for the program.
Reporters Look for Housing Industry Perspective
With many media organizations now relying heavily on reader commentary and blogs to gauge interest in specific news items and come up with new ideas for content, readers can post comments and opinions at the end of articles.
NAHB members are being strongly encouraged to actively engage in this type of feedback, which provides an opportunity for the industry’s perspective to be heard on these critical housing issues.
Providing accounts of personal experiences can make an even stronger case for the housing industry, according to media analysts at NAHB. Reporters are paying attention to the comments posted at the end of their articles, and, among other things, are looking at the feedback for ideas and sources for follow-up stories.
Click on the stories below for a sampling of recent news coverage on housing issues and reader commentary:
For more information, e-mail Gwyn Donohue at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8447.
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