HBA of Greenville honored with ACE Award

Upstate Housing Market Forecast honored

Your Home Builders Association of Greenville was honored by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina with an Association Celebration of Excellence (ACE) Award. 

Honored was the association's Upstate Housing Market Forecast Conference, held annually in partnership with the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors and the Upstate Mortgage Bankers Association.  The award was presented at the Celebration of Excellence luncheon in Greenville earlier this month.

ACE Awards recognize the outstanding accomplishments of South Carolina's HBAs in the
areas of Communications, Non-Dues Revenue, Membership Program/Event, Education, and
Workforce Development. These Awards represent the good works and added value that the local
associations provide to its membership and community.

Insulated Vinyl Siding Adds Comfort and Reduces Energy Loss

Most exterior walls have insulation in between the wall studs, but allow significant energy loss through the studs themselves. Wall studs, both wood and metal, are poor insulators — when they come in contact with the exterior cladding, they allow heat to pass through them (which is called a thermal bridge).

Insulated siding is vinyl siding with rigid foam insulation laminated or permanently attached to the panel. It fights thermal bridging by blanketing a home's exterior to reduce energy loss through the studs. The green solution creates a thermal mass and increases the overall R-value of the wall. In energy codes and energy efficiency programs, such as LEED v4, insulated siding is recognized as a form of continuous insulation.

To find the best energy saving cladding for your home, look for VSI’s certification logo on cartons of certified insulated siding, product literature and websites. VSI’s Official List of Certified Products and Colors includes a full list of products and colors certified under the program. For more information about certified insulated vinyl siding, visit www.vinylsiding.org.

HBASC names Alex James Director of Government Affairs

Alex James

The Home Builders Association of South Carolina announced last month that Alex James has been named Director of Government Affairs. 

James joined HBASC in January as Government Affairs Intern.  In that position he assisted with the association's regulatory and legislative affairs programs, the Political Action Committee, and facilitated the association's hill visits in Washington DC in June.  

James is a graduate of The University of South Carolina and previously worked on several state and local political campaigns. He is the son of HBA of Charleston builder member and and past president, Doug James.

The Board of Directors and staff of the HBA of Greenville congratulate and welcome Alex to his new position.

Your HBA as working for you in Washingting (here is how)

(September 20, 2017) Ever wonder what your Home Builders Association is doing for you in Washington DC and around the country?  Below is a report of the issues on which we are engaged:

1. Canadian Softwood Lumber

• The U.S. Department of Commerce imposed a 20% countervailing duty on Canadian lumber imports in April, and added 7% antidumping duties in June. 
• In late August, Commerce announced a delay in the final duties to Nov. 18. This will allow more time to negotiate a settlement. Collection of countervailing duties is suspended for now, but antidumping duties will continue to be collected. 
• NAHB is meeting with representatives with the Trump Administration and Congress as well as Canadian officials to address home builder concerns regarding price and availability of lumber. 
• These meetings are especially important because U.S. consumers cannot participate in trade disputes, although NAHB provided witness testimony during the International Trade Commission hearing on Sept. 12. 
• Generally, lumber prices have increased, but that may be partly due to wildfires in the Western U.S. and Canada. 
• NAHB is urging U.S. lumber producers to increase production for domestic consumption, and working to identify alternate foreign sources of dimensional lumber. 

2. Disaster Response

• In the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes, NAHB is working closely with state and local home builder associations in those areas to help them meet the needs of members affected by the storms. 
• We sent out an all-member email with information on how to donate to the recovery effort. 
• NAHB issued statements on hurricane-related advocacy. Our leadership conducted media interviews on flood-related topics, including the need for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reauthorization, building codes, rebuilding efforts and labor shortages. 
• We updated our online Disaster Recovery toolkit with new media talking points and safety information for contractors. 
• We added resources on hiring contractors and places to donate on our consumer Web page. 
• We are creating resources on business continuity; hiring reputable contractors; and best practices for flood damage repair work. 
• We will continue to reach out to the affected communities to see how to help in the rebuilding efforts. 
• With respect to resiliency, our Resiliency Working Group issued its final report and recommendations in July. Many of the recommendations are related to disaster preparedness, resiliency, recovery and communications. 
• The hurricanes have illustrated the importance of disaster response and planning for rebuilding, and the Resiliency Working Group will now help ensure NAHB can be a resource and problem solver after a natural disaster. 

3. Electronic Recordkeeping

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 2015 electronic reporting rule requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness data that they are mandated to keep under existing recordkeeping regulations. 
• The rule also contains anti-discrimination prohibitions to protect workers who notify an employer of a workrelated injury or illness. 
• NAHB has concerns about several elements of the rule, including the requirements for employers to submit records electronically to OSHA that would become publicly available.  In January, NAHB and other stakeholders filed a legal challenge. 
• On May 5, NAHB and other organizations submitted a petition to the Department of Labor (DOL) seeking a stay of implementation and enforcement of the rule, and requested OSHA re-open the rulemaking. 
• In June, OSHA announced it was extending the filing deadline for employers to submit electronic records to December, which would give OSHA more time to review the rule. 

4. Federal Flood Risk Management Standard

• In response to the charge led by NAHB and as part of President Trump’s Executive Order to expedite federal approval for infrastructure projects, the Administration revoked Executive Order 13690 and the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). 
• Our advocacy efforts included participating in federal listening sessions and meetings; submitting comment letters to federal agencies; and requesting that President Trump revoke it. 
• This standard would have dramatically expanded regulated floodplain areas. 
• However, in response to the hurricanes, the Trump Administration may establish its own flood standard. 
• If the Administration chooses to do so, NAHB will work with the White House to develop an effective standard that does not place undue regulatory burdens on residential construction projects. 

5. Immigration

• The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker program allows employers who cannot find local labor for short-term or seasonal jobs to fill those positions with temporary foreign workers. 
• There is an annual cap of 66,000 on H-2B visas issued in a fiscal year, but that cap excluded workers who had participated in the program within three years. 
• That “returning worker exemption” expired in September 2016 and has not been renewed by Congress. 
• In May, Congress approved a spending package for the remainder of FY 2017 that included language allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise the statutory cap for 2017 to allow additional visas. 
• In July, DHS announced it would make 15,000 more visas available, but only to employers who could demonstrate that their business would suffer “irreparable harm” without H-2B workers. 
• The next round of H-2B visas will become available on Oct. 1. NAHB hosted a free webinar to help employers learn if they qualify to apply for H-2B workers and how they can become certified employers under the program. 
• With Congress and the Administration focused on immigration enforcement, the prospect of creating a new guest worker program to benefit builders and specialty trades is highly unlikely. 
• NAHB continues to advocate for restoration of the returning worker exemption while looking for opportunities to expand and reform the H-2B program.

6. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

• On Aug. 1, NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald testified before the Senate Finance Committee on “America’s Affordable Housing Crisis.” The hearing focused on the LIHTC. 
• Chairman MacDonald also discussed how lots and labor shortages, building material price increases and regulations affect housing affordability.

7. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• The NFIP was extended until Dec. 8 as part of a broader legislative package. 
• During NAHB’s Leg Con in June, builders spoke to their congressional delegations about provisions in the House Financial Services Committee’s flood insurance bill that negatively targeted new construction and grandfathered properties. 
• NAHB was able to convince the committee’s leadership to remove those provisions. 
• After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, discussions about changing the program were put on hold as policymakers ensured home owners and communities had short-term certainty and financial aid. 
• NAHB will work with Congress on long-term legislation that ensures an affordable, available, predictable and financially stable NFIP.

8. Regulatory Reform

• President Trump has made regulatory reform one of his top priorities, and has asked each agency to evaluate existing regulations and identify ones that should be repealed, replaced or modified. 
• We have submitted recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Energy (DOE), and will soon submit feedback to the Army Corps of Engineers. 
• NAHB will provide suggestions to DOL, OSHA and others once their notices are published. 
• We will review the 2017 Fall Regulatory Plan and Agenda upon its release and determine if our suggestions were incorporated. 
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy is also collecting input on regulatory reform through a series of nationwide Regulatory Roundtables; NAHB has had good representation at all roundtables to date. 
• As part of the Cleveland roundtable, NAHB member George Davis met with SBA officials at one of his construction developments. 
• NAHB will continue its outreach to HBAs and members as additional roundtables are announced. 
• On August 28, NAHB testified before the SBA’s Regulatory Fairness Board about the enforcement activities of federal agencies, particularly EPA and OSHA.

9. Overtime Rule

• Under a new rule that was set to go into effect Dec. 1, 2016, the Obama Administration doubled the annual salary level used to determine whether an employee qualifies for the professional, administrative and executive exemption to overtime eligibility from $23,660 to $47,476. 
• Under the new rule, the salary threshold would also be automatically adjusted every three years. 
• NAHB and many other industry groups challenged the rule in federal court. 
• We contended that DOL went beyond its authority under the Fair Labor Standards Act to allow the salary limit to automatically be re-set every year. The Administrative Procedures Act requires these updates be made through regular notice and comment periods. 
• In a victory for NAHB, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily barred the implementation of the rule. 
• On Aug. 31, the Texas federal court held the rule was invalid and the three-year automatic increase DOL included was similarly unlawful. 
• DOL’s appeal of the preliminary injunction is now moot and likely to be dismissed.

10. Smart Market Report

• Preliminary findings from them Green Residential Smart Market Report show that green building activity should increase over the next few years. Approximately 60 percent of surveyed builders expect it to be a significant share of their overall activity by 2022. This is nearly double from 2014, when only 32 percent of firms reported that level of green building. 
• Single- and multifamily home builders agree that energy efficiency and healthier indoor environments are key factors in building a green home, and have prioritized these elements in the construction process. 
• The Smart Market report found that ENERGY STAR is more popular in the single-family market while LEED and the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) are more popular with multifamily builders. 
• The Green Residential Smart Market Report is a biannual report released by NAHB and Dodge Data and Analytics (formerly McGraw Hill). The report reviews the history and future of green home construction in the single-family, multifamily and remodeling sectors.

11. Stormwater

• NAHB launched an online toolkit in August to help HBAs advocate for programs that provide a clear path to compliance, reduce redundancy and meet water quality goals. 
• The toolkit provides simple checklists that compare pros and cons of different regulatory approaches based on climate, geography, and local land use patterns. This data will help our members in conversations with state regulators. 
• As part of the toolkit launch, NAHB released A Developer’s Guide to Post-Construction Stormwater Regulation. This report provides a state-by-state breakdown on the top permitting issues affecting builders.

12. Tax Reform

• A team of congressional leaders and Administration officials known as the “Gang of Six” is developing a structure for tax reform, while President Trump is trying to garner nationwide support on the issue. 
• House Speaker Paul Ryan intends to move tax reform this fall. 
• Before Congress can address tax reform, it must pass a budget resolution to set up the procedural process known as reconciliation. This will allow tax reform to pass the Senate with only 50 votes. 
• However, there is growing resistance in the House to passing a budget resolution before members see the Gang of 6’s tax framework. To use the reconciliation process, the House and Senate must pass identical budget resolutions, which will be challenging.

13. Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS)

• On Oct. 11, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether the 2015 WOTUS rule should be litigated in federal trial court or the appellate court. 
• NAHB has argued that challenges to the WOTUS rule must be first heard at the trial court. 
• We need this clarity so we do not have to file two lawsuits when we challenge an EPA Clean Water Act regulation. 
• Meanwhile, the EPA plans to use a two-step process to develop a new WOTUS definition. 
• In the first step, the EPA has proposed to withdraw the 2015 WOTUS Rule and revert to the status quo. We expect the agency to finalize the withdrawal by early 2018. 
• The EPA also plans to develop a new WOTUS rule, and will soon take comments on the proposal. 
• NAHB is taking advantage of its unprecedented access to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, and is working with the agency on a new rule that is clear and limits jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act consistent with congressional intent. 
• In August, NAHB and the Dallas Builders Association hosted a meeting with Administrator Pruitt in Dallas to voice concerns and offer insight about the new rule. 
• NAHB and the Colorado Association of Home Builders are planning a similar meeting with Administrator Pruitt in Colorado Springs in October. 
• In late October, NAHB will provide recommendations on a revised WOTUS definition at a business-focused in-person listening session at EPA headquarters. 

For more information about these or other Federal government affairs issues, contact Michael Dey (mdey@hbaofgreenville.com).

The Headlines: September 22, 2017

Ten Home Building industry stories we have read recently:

• Senior loan officer survey as a barometer of the economy (it shows an easing of lending standards). Eye on Housing.
• NAHB applauds President Trump's order rescinding overreaching flood standard.  NAHB Now. 
• Why Americans are shunning new homes and opting to stay put, renovate instead (average length of home ownership up from 6 years to 15 years).  Chicago Tribune.
• Home equity used to start seven percent of U.S. businesses.  Eye on Housing.
• New single-family homes getting smaller (down to 2,388 square feel).  NAHBNow.
• New silica rules go into effect September 23.  NAHBNow. 
• Home sales on the rise in the Upstate (July to August, Greenville is up 7.8 percent, Spartanburg is up 12.3 percent).  GSA Business. 
• EPA waives lead pain requirements for certain renovations (emergency renovations after a disaster).  NAHBNow.
• New generation of young home buyers is tiptoeing into the market.  Los Angeles Times.
• More floods are coming, but smarter policies can limit costs, damage (op ed by former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley).  Miami Herald.

Did you know?  According to Greenville County administration, 96 subdivisions defaulted on their stormwater permits during the real estate crisis.

September 22, 2017

HBA launches new website for the Southern Home and Garden Show

The Home Builders Association of Greenville has launched a new website dedicated solely to its signature bi-annual event, the Southern Home & Garden Show:

www.SouthernHomeandGardenShow.com.

The launch of the new website leads into the Southern Home & Garden Show happening Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, Sept. 17, at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C.

“This website launch is part of a series of significant investments we are making to elevate and continually improve the Southern Home & Garden Show for both the attendees as well as the exhibitors and HBA members who participate,” said Bob Barreto, President of the Board of Directors of the HBA of Greenville.

The new www.SouthernHomeandGardenShow.com serves as a hub of event-related information, with an updated look and feel to reflect the evolution of this and future shows. Show sponsors are featured prominently, and the site includes HBA of Greenville member and exhibitor photography highlighting products, services and brands. The site also outlines a few of the show’s exhibitions including The Chef’s Kitchen produced by Ingles and a Kid’s Corner sponsored by The Home Depot.

As the largest home improvement event in South Carolina, the Southern Home & Garden show adopted a sleek, user-friendly design and platform as is indicative of larger markets around the United States.

Employment Opportunity: Sales Assistant and Office Manager

You Home Builders Association of Greenville has an opening on its staff for a Sales Assistant and Office Manager.  The position is full-time and offers a competitive wage and benefits including retirement, generous leave, long-term disability insurance, and a wellness program that includes a monthly stipend for health insurance premiums.  Applicants must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends.  Interested applicants should email their resume and statement of interest to Crystal Yanes, Chief Operating Officer, at CYanes@HBAofGreenville.com.

Save $500/$1000 with the GM NAHB Private Offer

We are pleased to extend to our members a private offer (1) of $500 toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. HBA members who are business owners can now qualify for up to $1,000 and also add on incentives from the National Fleet Purchase Program (2) and Business Choice (3) to get the best value on vehicles that run your business. To get this offer just visit HBA Member Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet, choose an eligible GM vehicle, and present your proof of membership form.  You can get a proof of membership form by contacting the HBA Office.

How it works:

• Get your NAHB proof of membership form at www.nahb.org/gm.
• Bring form to your GM dealer and mention this private offer.
• At time of purchase or lease, present your NAHB proof of membership.
• For private offer details, visit www.nahb.org/gm.

1Private offer amount varies by model. City Express and Low Cab Forward receive a $250 Offer for both Fleet and Retail deliveries. Fleet deliveries on the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Silverado, Express, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Savana, Yukon, XL receive a $1,000 Offer. All other Fleet or Retail deliveries receive a $500 Offer. Not compatible with other private offers. Not valid on prior purchases. Compatible with many current incentives. Incentives are subject to change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
2Offer eligible for qualified fleet customers only through Dec. 31, 2017. See dealer for details.
3To qualify, vehicle must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. For complete program requirements, including information regarding offers, vehicles, equipment, options, warranties, and ordering, consult your dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com. Take delivery by Jan. 2, 2018.

The Headlines: September 14, 2017

Ten Home Building industry stories we have read recently:

• New FHA multifamily mortgage insurance applications halted in Texas disaster areas (expect delays in processing applications across the country). NAHBNow. 
• How local housing regulations smother the U.S. economy (and affordable housing). New York Times.
• Co-borrowing to afford a home is gaining popularity.  Who's doing it and why?  MarketWatch.
• Hurricanes Irma, Harvey boost call for flood insurance (renewal of the program).  Orlando Sentinel.
• 70 percent of Harvey residential flood damage not covered by insurance.  National Mortgage News.
• A devastating hurricane season exposes America's flood insurance problem (Senator Tim Scott is quoted).  Time.
• Labor shortage could hamper Harvey reconstruction.  Houston Chronicle.
• The last big piece of unfinished business from the Great Recession (Fannie and Freddie).  The Washington Post.  
• Top ten sources of softwood lumber imports (in short, Canada laps the field).  Eye on Housing.
• Baby Boomers who refuse to sell are dominating the housing market (55 percent of owner-occupied housing is owned by people 55 years and older, the highest in history).  Bloomberg.

Did you know?  25 percent of all flood insurance policies in the U.S. are written in the state of Florida.

September 14, 2017.

Southern Home and Garden Show

Appeal for volunteers

Member tickets are at Will-Call

Appeal for volunteers:
The Southern Home and Garden Show needs you!  Twice a year, the Home Builders Association of Greenville interacts with the public, face-to-face, as producer of the Southern Home and Garden Show.  We need your help to make the Home Show a success.

Volunteers are needed to work at the Approved Professional Builder booth, the lobby Exhibitor Registration and Will-Call area, and to help us keep the Exhibitor Lounge stocked with snacks and water.

We are seeking volunteers for two-hour shifts on the show days of Friday, September 15, Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17.

You can register to volunteer by clicking here.

Member tickets:
HBA of Greenville members receive two tickets to the Southern Home and Garden Show compliments of the Home Show Committee members.  Simply go to the Will-Call counter outside the show entrance.  Your tickets will be waiting for you. 

Volunteer with your HBA and Rebuild Upstate partner to help a 78-year old widow

Your Home Builders Association and Rebuild Upstate will team up later this month to repair a deck that is the primary entrance for a 78-year-old widow in Easley.  Please consider volunteering.

Needed are 8-10 volunteers to perform the work.  Andrew Woodford of ABW Construction will supervise the project.

• Saturday, September 30
• 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately to perform construction work.  The HBA will provide lunch and have water and sodas on hand.

To volunteer and for additional details, simply email Michael Dey at mdey@hbaofgreenville.com.  

Governor McMaster proclaims October Careers in Construction Month

Governor Henry McMaster

Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed October Careers in Construction Month.  In his proclamation, Governor McMaster states:

• South Carolina has nearly 60,000 vacancies in construction jobs
• South Carolina has los 26.8 percent of residential construction jobs
• 82 percent of construction companies regularly have jobs they are unable to fill
• 24,000 new construction workers are needed to meet South Carolina's current building needs

U.S. house prices rise 1.6 percent in second quarter

U.S. house prices rose 1.6 percent in the second quarter of 2017 according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (HPI). House prices rose 6.6 percent from the second quarter of 2016 to the second quarter of 2017. FHFA's seasonally adjusted monthly index for June was up 0.1 percent from May.

The HPI is calculated using home sales price information from mortgages sold to, or guaranteed by, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA has produced a video of highlights for this quarter.

"U.S. house prices rose in most states during the second quarter," said FHFA Senior Economist William Doerner. "New home sales are climbing but, relative to the overall population, they still remain low from a historical perspective. The tight inventory is a major explanation for why house prices have been increasing every quarter over the last six years."

Significant Findings

• Home prices rose in 48 states and the District of Columbia between the second quarter of 2016 and the second quarter of 2017. The top five states in annual appreciation were: 1) Washington 12.4 percent; 2) Colorado 10.4 percent; 3) Idaho 10.3 percent; 4) Florida 9.4 percent; and 5) Utah 9.2 percent.
• Among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., annual price increases were greatest in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA (MSAD), where prices increased by 15.7 percent. Prices were weakest in New Haven-Milford, CT, where they rose by 0.1 percent.
• Of the nine census divisions, the Pacific division experienced the strongest increase in the second quarter, posting a 2.6 percent quarterly increase and a 8.9 percent increase since the second quarter of last year. House price appreciation was weakest in the Middle Atlantic division, where prices rose 0.8 percent from the last quarter. 

In South Carolina, house prices rose 6.3 percent year-over-year.  In Greenville, prices rose 4.7 percent, but fell 1 percent from the first quarter to the second quarter.

Thank a Framer Event September 28

Norbord and Builders First Source will host a "Thank a Framer" event later this month.  Here are the details:

• Thursday, September 28
• 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Lunch is provided
• at Builders First Source, 259 Access Road, Spartanburg

You will also learn how Norbord and Home Builders Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders, have teamed up to train more skilled workers in the construction trades.

#ThankAFramer
ThankAFramer.com

The Headlines September 8, 2017

Ten Home Building industry stories we have read recently:

• US home prices surge in June, led by Seattle.  AP.
• A temporary Band-Aid on labor shortages.  NAHBNow.
• Ditching Digital Distractions.  REALTORMag.
• HUD report shows housing affordability crisis is worsening.  NAHBNow.
• The housing collapse hit minorities hardest — and the impact is still being felt across America.  Business Insider.
• Almost 80,000 starts last year were tear-downs (23,800 in the South).  NAHBNow.
• Diverse millennial population could change housing as we know it.  Housingwire.
• Four major U.S. cities ring housing bubble alarm.  CNBC.
• High prices and student loans put housing out of reach, readers say.  Los Angles Times.
• Builders report labor shortages on the rise.  NAHBNow.
  

September 8, 2017.

Last call, final deadline to complete claims for HBA Rebates

HBA Members:

The deadline to submit your claims for rebates from manufacturers through HBA Rebates is September 13.  Don't miss this important deadline to recoup money you have already spent on your recent projects.

Submit your claims by clicking here.

Congress extends flood insurance program for three months

With a September 30 deadline looming, Congress has approved a broad package that will keep the government funded until December 8, provide roughly $15 billion in disaster relief from Hurricane Harvey, and raise the debt ceiling, which sets a limit on the amount of money the federal government can borrow.

The government funding package also means that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was set to expire on September 30, will be extended until December 8.

The National Association of Home Builders continues to work with Congress to achieve a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP that will keep the program fiscally sound and let builders provide safe and affordable housing.

Congratulations Roger Liska

Roger Liska

Your Home Builders Association would like to wish Roger Liska, Chair and Professor of the Department of Construction Science and Management, a happy and fruitful retirement.  Dr. Liska has been a member of the faculty at Clemson University since 1983.

NAHB to hold briefings on Federal tax reform

Dear HBA Member:

The prospect of tax reform is becoming a reality, and I expect legislative action to begin in earnest this fall. Given the importance of tax reform to the NAHB membership, we want to make certain we accurately represent your concerns in this debate.

Please participate in an online discussion with your NAHB Leadership on what tax reform means to our industry. Bring your questions and concerns: We will cover business taxes, including the deduction for business interest, homeownership incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction, multifamily tax issues including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and provisions affecting remodelers.

We will hold three "Tax Reform and the Housing Industry" web briefings on Monday, Sept. 18. The three 60-minute briefings each cover the same information, so you only need to attend one session. The briefings will take place at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m, ET.

You must pre-register for this member-only event. Please make certain you are logged into nahb.org as this is members only content.

If you are unable to participate in the live webcasts, the recordings and staff contacts for more information will be posted to nahb.org after the sessions conclude.

This is an important time for the housing industry. Tax reform will shape the course of our livelihoods for the next several decades. We must get it right. Join me at one of the briefings on Sept. 18.

Granger MacDonald, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders

2017 Fall Southern Home & Garden Show Set for September 15-17

The Home Builders Association of Greenville’s fall Southern Home & Garden Show will be held at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C., from Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17. The show will be open to the public and tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and free for children 12 and under. Learn more at SouthernHomeandGardenShow.com.

“We’re excited to continue the 56-year tradition of producing South Carolina’s largest home and garden show with a variety of exhibits and updates, making it a must-attend event,” Bob Barreto, HBA of Greenville’s Board of Directors’ President, said. “This year we’ll be featuring a wide array of exhibitors and resources for everything from small DIY projects to full home renovations.”

The 2017 fall Southern Home & Garden Show is sponsored by Approved Professional Builder, Davis Services, Ingles, All About Flooring, Progress Lighting, The Home Depot, Ultimate Gutter Guard and American HomePride.

The show will feature the following exhibitions:

Approved Professional Builder Program
HBA of Greenville has developed an Approved Professional Builder Program that consists of reliable and vetted building professionals that homeowners can choose from when they are in need of service. APB representatives will be available for consultation at the event and builders interested in recognition may apply.

Ultimate Garage: I Want That! | Sponsored by Davis Services
Davis Services partners with fellow exhibitors to show event attendees how to create the ultimate garage. Demonstrations will occur throughout the show.

The Chef’s Kitchen | Sponsored by Ingles
Ingles’ celebrity chefs will showcase signature recipes and cooking techniques for show attendees. Cooking demonstrations will take place every hour, and include table setting and décor.

Kid’s Corner | Sponsored by The Home Depot
Kid’s workshops will teach children how to work with age-appropriate tools and how to build their own projects.

About the Home Builders Association of Greenville
The Home Builders Association of Greenville was founded on January 16, 1960. The association was officially organized and chartered as an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders on that date in 1960. The association was formed so home builders and other professionals in the home building industry could work together and cooperate in promoting the industry, new homes, home remodeling, repairs and improvements, and other areas of interest to the home building industry. The association began with a few dedicated members and has grown to 350-member firms today. For more information, please call 864-254-0133, or visit http://www.hbaofgreenville.com.