Of note to the nation’s residential builders, the stimulus package will allow the FHA to insure loans up to $729,750 for one year, and provide a one-year increase in the cap on loans that Fannie Mae and Freddie can buy — also up to a maximum of $729,750.

“This will help get money flowing again for housing in high-priced markets,” said Catalde.

The stimulus package also contains provisions to spur business investments by providing a 50% bonus depreciation in 2008 and more generous expensing rules.

NAHB's lobbying efforts supporting inclusion of provisions that would bring even more relief to the housing industry were non-stop, and came within one vote of success.  Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was the only senator who failed to show up for the vote.

While the stimulus package that was ultimately approved by Congress is an important first step, the NAHB Board of Directors will be considering a number of policy options next week at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando. These include further Fed interest rate cuts, a broad range of tax credits to stimulate home sales, GSE and FHA reform, expansion of the mortgage revenue bond program and allowing businesses to carry back net operating losses for five years.

For the full story in Nation's Building News, view this page.

The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than two feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited by a child under the age of six. NAHB expects the rule to be released around the end of March. For the full story in Nation's Building News, view this page. [return to top]

• Preserving Property Tax-Exemptions for Affordable Housing
• Cost-Effective and Affordable Energy Codes and Standards
• Telecommunications Access, Marketing and Billing

For more information about these resolutions, e-mail Carmel McGuire.

For a list of multifamily activities and educational sessions, view this page. [return to top]

A panel of judges known for their industry expertise in multifamily housing design, development and marketing selected the finalists,  including the Multifamily Development Firm of the Year Award and Property Management Company of the Year. For a complete list of the finalists, view this page.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony held in conjunction with NAHB Multifamily's Pillars of the Industry Conference on April 2, at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. NAHB will also name the "Multifamily Community of the Year" at the gala, which is sponsored by Time Warner Cable.

For more information about the Pillars Conference or to register online, view the Conference Page.

NOTE: The deadline for discounted Early Bird registration has been extended to February 22nd, so that members who are invoved with the International Builders' Show will be able to finish one trip before planning another.

  [return to top]

To read the entire issue, click here.

  [return to top]

• 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards Deadline – February 29

Enter your firm’s best active adult housing community in the 50+ Housing Council's awards program. Winners will be announced in May at the Building for Boomers and Beyond conference in New Orleans. For more information, view this page.

• Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala – Early Registration Ends Feb. 22

Join top-tier industry leaders at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colo., on April 1-3, for an information-packed seminar program and a revamped menu of networking opportunities. It’s NAHB Multifamily’s signature annual event, and one that the industry’s most influential leaders attend. For more information and to register online, view this page.

• Building for Boomers & Beyond: 50+ Housing Symposium – May 19-21

The 50+ Housing Council will hold its annual Symposium in New Orleans, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. For more information, or to register online, view this page.

But for the month of February, NAHB members can double * their member discount. The offer is valid through the last day of February. Normal discounts of 3%-5% will double to 6%-10%.

To maximize the Member Advantage Discount, use the following procedure: Visit www.NAHB.org/MA and click on the link to Dell.

After you have made your selections and you are ready to purchase, call your dedicated Dell sales representative at 888-577-3355, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (CST) and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (CST). Your sales representative will apply your NAHB member discount to your order.
NAHB members who have previously ordered from Dell also receive a monthly catalog, which includes this double discount offer.

*Double discounts do not apply to the preconfigured systems, which are already priced at up to 20% off. [return to top]