Washington Hotline - October 23, 2008

Submit a Pillars Entry — Demonstrate Innovation and Vitality

In today’s housing climate, marketing is one of your most powerful tools. Distinguish yourself from the competition by winning a national award and demonstrate vitality in this challenging market.

The National Association of Home Builders’ 2009 Pillars of the Industry Awards is the housing industry’s most coveted awards for excellence in apartment and condo development, design, marketing and management.

By winning a Pillars of the Industry Award, you are guaranteed recognition in Multifamily trade and consumer publications, promotion on NAHB's website, press coverage, inclusion in NAHB Multifamily publications, and more.

Enter the Pillars of the Industry Awards today! Take advantage of the easy online process. Apply online by Friday, November 7. Visit www.nahb.org/pillarsawards for the awards criteria and a complete list of categories.

NAHB News: David Crowe To Replace David Seiders As NAHB's Chief Economist

David Crowe, who has been the Senior Staff Vice President for Regulatory and Housing Policy at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) since 2002, has been named the association’s Chief Economist, effective November 17. He replaces David Seiders, who recently announced his retirement after serving as NAHB’s Chief Economist for more than 20 years.

Economy: The Fed Cuts Rates and There’s More to Come

David Seiders comments on the Fed monetary policy in the latest issue of NAHB's Eye on the Economy.

The impressive series of liquidity-enhancing innovations rolled out by the Fed this year are designed to improve the functioning of financial markets.

The Fed has made monetary policy more stimulative by reducing the discount rate and the federal funds rate target by large amounts. The most recent move involved half-point cuts on Oct. 8 — between scheduled Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings ― in an unprecedented joint action with five other major central banks.

The federal funds rate target now is 1.5%, placing the bank prime rate at 4.5%, and we’re expecting another half-point cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct. 29 — taking the real (inflation adjusted) funds rate deeper into the negative zone.

We now expect the Fed to maintain this highly stimulative monetary policy stance until late next year.

Read the full article here.

Environment: Helping Real Estate Appraisers Evaluate Green Building

NAHB's Green Building Subcommittee and staff are providing technical assistance to the Appraisal Institute as it designs an education course for real estate appraisers on evaluating Green Building techniques and elements in new homes.

The content includes information on the popular NAHB National Green Building Program, including the National Green Building Certification administered by the NAHB Research Center. In all, the new course will discuss the growing acceptance of green building, review green products and materials, and help appraisers recognize how green building techniques can affect the applications of the cost, sales comparison and income capitalization approaches to the appraisal process.

Registration and class location info is available in the education section of the Appraisal Institute's Web site. For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt, or call her at 800-368-5242  x8132.

Regulatory: IRC 2009 Code Brings Changes in How Homes Will Be Built

Decisions voted on at the International Code Council (IRC) Final Action Hearings in mid-September will result in a number of changes in how multifamily projects are built in communities where the model 2009 International  Residential Code is adopted.

Beyond the sprinkler issue, multifamily builders can expect to see changes in other areas. Among them:

• Wall and Roof Cladding Inspections. For multifamily builders, the new International Building Code will require wall and roof cladding inspections in high-wind regions. While this may seem sensible in light of the damage that has been observed in hurricanes, the requirement itself is vague and does not specify what elements of the wall and roof cladding system need to be inspected.
  
  This could lead to building departments requiring in-plant inspections for shop-fabricated elements of wall and roof cladding systems, even if those elements are pre-tested and labeled for high-wind resistance and even if the fabricating shop is hundreds of miles from the job site.
  
  
• IECC Code Changes. Multifamily builders will also see changes in glazing requirements under the IECC. Each unit will only be allowed a maxiumum of 15% glazing, down from 18%. In previous versions of the International Energy Conservation Code, builders were permitted to make so-called “equipment trade-offs” when using the performance path — such as substituting a high-efficiency furnace for additional insulation or more expensive windows. The change eliminates that option for home builders, requiring them to make changes in the building envelope to meet code.
  
  View the full list of  changes in the October 20 issue of NBN.

The U.S. Department of Energy has said that homes constructed under the 2009 IECC will save at least 15% to 20% more energy than homes built under the 2006 version of the code. A summary of the code process on the agency’s Web site praises NAHB and energy conservation groups for technical assistance in preparing the code proposals.

For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.

Legal: Legal Research Program Continues to Provide Top-Notch Service

NAHB's Legal Research Program provides building industry related legal research and information to NAHB members, NAHB state and local affiliates, and NAHB staff. The program is free of charge and is a popular benefit for NAHB members.

The program upheld its repuation during the second trimester of this year for 97% same day service for a total of 381inquiries from all regions of the country.

Some of the top inquires focused on:

• Contracts and Liability
• Business Management
• Labor and Subcontractor Issues
• Warranties
• Trade Association Issues

View the Legal Services Brochure, vist the Legal Affairs Web site, or contact legal services for more information on programs and resources.

Featured Universal Design Product: GREAT GRABZ®

GREAT GRABZ® decorative grab bars have the strength and stability of a traditional grab bar, without the institutional look and can also be used as a towel bar, toilet paper holder or a safe-hold where ever it is needed. 

This Universal Design product is functional for all ages and lifestyles. The bars are coated with SANIGUARD®, an antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, molds and mildews for the useful life of the product.

Great Grabz is a company dedicated to create innovative solutions that are safe, stylish, and healthy to meet the needs of the hospitality, commercial, and residential markets.

For more information, on this product, contact GREAT GRABZ®. For more universal design resources, contact the Universal Design Living Laboratory.

Resources: Jobsite Codes Pocket Guide, NAHB Legal Services Programs

• Get Quick Answers to Code Questions With Home Builders’ Jobsite Codes (Pocket Guide)

Home Builders' Jobsite Codes: A Pocket Guide to the 2006 International Code, available at BuilderBooks.com, is a convenient field guide to the International Residential Code and a quick reference for providing the codes on the most commonly needed aspects of residential construction.

The guide, which features illustrations, tables and figures, is meant to be of practical use on the job site for quick reference and not as a substitute for the complete codes.

To view or order the Home Builders’ Jobsite Codes online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

• Legal Affairs "90-Minute Law School" Road Show
  
  On of the most popular educational programs provided by the Legal Affairs team is the “90-Minute Law School,” which includes information on contracts, warranties, mechanics' liens, copyright law, immigration law, business management practices, land development matters, and alternative dispute resolution options.
  
  In addition, NAHB Legal Services offers more in-depth educational programs on specific legal issues that affect the residential construction industry. Programs can be tailored to the individual needs and concerns of any affiliated HBA, 20 Club, or other associated member group. The program has provided education for 490 members. Additional educational programs are scheduled for the rest of the year.
  
  For more information about the legal seminars, e-mail David Crump, Jr. or call him at 800-368-5242 x849.
  
  View the Legal Services Brochure, or vist the Legal Affairs Web site for more information on programs and resources.

Calendar: Conferences and Events

November 2008

The Sunbelt Builders Show November 6-8, 2008 Gaylord Texan Grapevine, TX / DFW The Sunbelt Builders Show has become the Southwest region's largest building industry trade show. Nearly 20% of all Americans who moved in the last few years relocated to Texas – most of them to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Produced by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Sunbelt offers you a positive business climate in which to learn, network and have fun at the show named one of the 2006 "Fastest 50" by Trade Show Week Magazine. Whether you’re marketing products or building and remodeling, this is your opportunity to meet and network with the nations top housing professionals. For more information, e-mail Lawrence McFadden or contact him at 800-368-5242 x8550.

Pillars Call for Entries The online Call for Entries and application system is now open. Vist the Awards Web page to check out the most frequently asked questions, review entry requirements, and browse the list of categories. The application deadline is November 7, 2008. Be sure to submit your entry binders and supporting materials no later that November 21. We look forward to receiving your entry. Good Luck! For more information, e-mail Sheronda Carr, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8168.

Builder Financing: Working with your Lender in the Credit Crunch Audio Seminar November 18, 2008 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST Fee: $39 per phone site REGISTER NOW! The current state of the credit market has had far reaching effects for business. Builders are reporting an adverse shift in terms and availability on loans for acquisition, development and single family construction (AD&C) and builders with outstanding loans are facing mounting challenges. In this Audio Seminar, NAHB brings you together with banking experts to discuss the actions and options Our experts will discuss: The current environment for single-family residential construction lending Strategies, alternatives and hazards for both performing and non-performing credits Potential legal options that may be available to builders.  Be there for both parts of our banking series!  Register for this and Alternative Funding for only $69

January 2009

Our 2009 IBS Grand Opening Ceremonies keynote speaker is...  legendary football coach Lou Holtz!   The only coach in history to take six different college teams to a bowl game, Holtz is a West Virginia native who started his head coaching career at the College of William & Mary, followed by the University of Minnesota, University of Arkansas, North Carolina State University and Notre Dame; he was also head coach for the NFL's New York Jets for one season. While at Notre Dame, he turned a struggling team into one with the longest winning streak in the school's history. He's now a college football analyst on ESPN, and earlier this year was named to the College Football Hall of Fame. Holtz will speak during opening ceremonies for the 2009 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas on January 20. Read more in our press release.   Register now. Visit the all-new www.buildersshow.com to lock in the best registration rates and the choice hotels for IBS 2009 in Las Vegas. January 20-23, 2009.

March 2009

Save the Date for Pillars 2009! The 2009 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala will be held March 17-18, 2009, at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Calif. The Awards Gala will be held on March 18. Registration information and conference details will be provided in the upcoming issues of Multifamily Hotline.