On the long road back to normal from the most devastating recession since the Great Depression, the nation’s beleaguered housing industry should see modest improvement in 2012 and stronger conditions in 2013, although housing has yet to be adequately recognized by the political leadership in Washington for its potential to accelerate the disappointing pace of job creation and economic growth, according to participants in a Jan. 11 NAHB webinar on the outlook for the new year.

The webinar coincided with new polling by NAHB showing that politicians may be out of step with the voting public on policies supporting homeownership. Read More

The Builder Concept Home 2012 at the upcoming NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando showcases a new model for suburban planning — homes designed to suit baby boomer, Gen X and millennial buyers — sited side by side on a cul-de-sac.

The concept homes, which reflect the buying power and housing preferences of the three generations, are in a new section of the Eagle Creek golf course community near Lake Nona about 30 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. Shuttle buses from the convention center will take visitors to the homes for free guided tours during the show.

In addition, a photo-realistic virtual tour of the baby boomer concept house (Gen B House) will debut online at www.builderconcepthome2012.com beginning with the opening of IBS on Feb. 8. ... Read More

By an overwhelming margin, American voters of every political stripe strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters' attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues.

"The American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream and preserving a federal commitment to homeownership is essential to maintain a thriving middle class and get housing and the economy back on track," said Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies.... Read More

With the South Carolina GOP presidential primary just around the corner, more than 900 people rallied on the statehouse grounds in Columbia, S.C., on Jan. 12 to focus attention on critical housing issues in the current campaign season.

NAHB and its local affiliates — the Home Builders Association of South Carolina and the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia — were joined by politicians, consumer advocates, the Urban League, the NAACP, Realtors, the local Chamber of Commerce and others at the “Rally for Homeownership” to voice concern over proposed tax, legislative and regulatory measures — such as eliminating the mortgage interest deduction — and mortgage lending proposals that threaten the American Dream of homeownership and the nation’s economic recovery.

Demonstrating support for homeownership across the political spectrum, the event was attended by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Okla.).

“To have such a diverse group of organizers is indicative of the fact that homeownership crosses all partisan lines, all cultures and all communities,” said Clyburn. “Homeownership is about building the foundation on which to rest the American Dream.”... Read More

With its thousands of square feet of exhibit space to explore, more than 160 classes to attend and dozens of special events and speakers to see and hear, NAHB is hosting a free webinar next month on how to get the most out of the 2012 NAHB International Builders’ Show.

Part of NAHB’s Webinar Wednesdays series, “Maximize Your Time at IBS” — which will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 25 — will enable home builders, remodelers, suppliers, developers and others to plan their visit to Orlando on Feb.8-11.

Denise Miller, NAHB’s director of trade shows marketing, will lead the webinar.

To Register

The webinar is free to all potential attendees.

Register for the webinar; or for more information, email the Office of the Registrar, or call 800-368-5242 x8338.