Statement from Home Builder Rick Judson, Chairman of NAHB

On August 5, President Obama delivered a speech in Phoenix, AZ, that focused on the Federal Government's housing-related policies.  Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C., issued the following statement in response to the president's speech:

“NAHB applauds President Obama for affirming the importance of maintaining a federal backstop as part of efforts to revamp the housing finance system and protect the 30-year mortgage. This will preserve financial stability, promote investor confidence and limit taxpayer exposure.

“The President also stressed that a healthy housing market is critical to create jobs, build a strong middle class and maintain a vibrant economy. In normal economic times, housing accounts for more than 17 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Constructing 100 homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs and generates $8.9 million in tax revenues that help local governments to provide essential services such as schools, roads, and police and firefighter protection.

“Among other reforms, the nation’s home builders also support strengthening the FHA to facilitate the flow of mortgage credit to qualified home buyers, cutting red tape and easing tight credit conditions that are preventing creditworthy borrowers from obtaining home loans, and supporting the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to ensure the availability of safe and affordable rental housing. This will help spur job growth, provide homeownership and rental opportunities for all Americans and boost the economic expansion.

“NAHB looks forward to working in a bipartisan manner with the White House and Congress to achieve these goals in the weeks and months ahead.”