State and Local Reporter - 12/21/2006 (Plain Text Version)

Andrew Chaban, Chair
Lowell, Massachusetts

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In this issue:
Tucker Carlson Political Wrap-up, Katrina Clean Up Highlight Largest SLGA Conference on Record
Builders May Have Seen the Worst of Current Downturn
Florida HBA Wins Big at Mid-term Elections, Amendment 3 Passes Decisively
Democrats Win at the Polls: A Look Back at the 2006 Mid-term Elections at the Federal and State Leve
2006 Critical Ballot Measures Wrap-up
Home Builders Gearing Up for 2008
NAHB Addresses Affiliated Business Arrangements with Republican Attorney Generals
2007 State & Local Issues Fund Applications Now Available
Deadline to Submit an Application to the Legal Action Fund Approaching
Cities Still Struggle to Meet Local Housing Needs
Stable Revenues, But Declining Optimism
Dell for the Holidays: Double Discounts Through Dec. 31

NAHB Addresses Affiliated Business Arrangements with Republican Attorney Generals

More than 17 Republican Attorney Generals (AGs) gathered in Palm Beach, Fla. in November for their 2006 Fall National Meeting. Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania , the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) Honorary Executive Chair, was a gracious host for the three-day event which focused on several key issues, including Affiliated Business Arrangements (AfBAs), specifically the practice of affiliated mortgage companies offering incentives or rebates.

Ron Pruitt, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Pulte Homes, represented NAHB, presenting on Affiliated Business Arrangements and their respective roles for both large and small homebuilders. Currently there is a movement to restrict the activities of AfBAs, and this focus has produced a trickle-down effect with legislation arising on the state level. Additionally, there is a growing number of AGs investigating possible violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

Pruitt was given a great opportunity to address AfBAs to the AGs in a private meeting. He spoke to the history of AfBAs, their importance to both large and small builders alike, and their benefits to the consumers both with customer service and ease in use.

NAHB adopted policy at the 2006 Spring Board of Directors Meeting that allows the Association to support and assist in efforts to oppose state legislation and regulation that limits the ability of home building companies’ affiliates to compete in the open market.

For more information on the issue of affiliated business refulation, e-mail Alex Strong, in NAHB's Government Affairs department, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8279.