Number of Improving Housing Markets Nearly Doubles in October

The second monthly release of the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) on Oct. 5 showed that 23 individual housing markets were “improving,” nearly double the 12 markets on the list in September. The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement for at least six months in housing permits, employment and housing prices.

"Both the number and geographic diversity of improving housing markets expanded this month, with Iowa, Illinois and South Carolina all newly represented by one entry or more on the list," NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen told Nation's Building News. "This is further evidence that, despite the tough conditions that persist in many cities, pockets of improvement are emerging in local housing markets across the country," he said.

Click here to view the metro areas included in the October list.

NAHB CEO Jerry Howard speaks out on over regulation of banks and its impact on home building

NAHB CEO Jerry Howard went on the Fox Business Network on September 19 and spoke about the need for bank regulators to recognize that housing is not a national commodity, but a series of local markets.  Howard advocated for an appropriate level of regulation based on the housing market at the local level, not the so-called "national" housing market.

Click here to watch Jerry Howard on the Fox Business Network.

NAHB Chairman Bob Nielson speaks on Fox Business Network about preserving the mortgage interest deduction

NAHB Chairman Bob Nielson went on Fox Business Network to support the mortgage interest deduction.

Click here to watch NAHB's Bob Nielson on Fox Business Network.

NAHB will host Teleforums with Presidential Candidates; Members are Invited to Participate

NAHB will co-sponsor virtual town hall events with the presidential candidates. These events, or "teleforums,” will provide NAHB members with an opportunity to hear from the candidates and ask them questions via telephone. All NAHB members are invited to participate. The following candidates have been invited to participate:

• President Barack Obama
• Governor Mitt Romney
• Governor Rick Perry
• Congressman Ron Paul 
• Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
• Speaker Newt Gingrich
• Businessman Herman Cain

Ron Paul teleforum is Thursday, October 13
Are you a Ron Paul fan?  The first confirmed teleforum will be with Representative Ron Paul on Thursday, October 13, at approximately 2:00 p.m. EST. You must sign up immediately (by 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 12) if you want to participate in the first teleforum. Simply fill out the registration form at this link. You will need to provide us with a valid telephone number at which you can be contacted when the event begins.

Join the teleforum at the HBA of Greenville Office
The first teleforum will be aired at the HBA of Greenville Office on Thursday, October 13.  If you would like to join the teleforum there, simply click on this link to register.  We will email you when we have a confirmed time for the teleforum.  You will have the added bonus of helping HBA staff prepare a mailing while you participate in the teleforum!

How it will work

Due to last-minute changes in the candidates’ schedules, all teleforum times are approximate. Registrants for the first event with Ron Paul will receive an email on the day of that event, letting you know roughly what time to expect the call that will connect you. Should you miss the initial call, please be patient, as you will be called back. Each teleforum event will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, and you will receive instructions on how to submit a question to the candidate once you are connected. Please keep in mind that only a limited number of questions can be taken in each teleforum due to time constraints. Also bear in mind that, if you do not wish to participate in a certain teleforum, all you need to do is hang up when the operator calls you. 

We expect more candidates to soon confirm times in which they can participate in a teleforum event. You will be notified of each subsequently scheduled teleforum as soon as that information is available. 

NAHB Policy on Presidential Elections

Consistent with our policy, NAHB is not endorsing any presidential candidate. We are simply providing a channel through which the candidates can talk with our members, and vice-versa. It is up to each of our members to decide whether he or she will participate in any of the calls that will be taking place.

Duct Tape Guys appear at the Southern Home and Garden Show

The Duct Tape Guys will appear at the Southern Home and Garden Show this weekend.  Scheduled appearances include:

• Friday, September 30, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturday, October 1, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Don't miss the Duct Tape Guys and the Duct Tape Workshop, where you can learn dozens of ways to use the world's most universal tool.

Opportunity to Judge Prism Awards in Charleston

Are you interested in judging the Prism Awards in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina?  The commitment involves two days and two nights in Charleston, with your food and lodging costs paid for by the Charleston-Trident Home Builders Association.  Judging dates are October 13 and 14.  You will arrive on October 12.

The Prism Awards is a comprehensive program recognizing excellence in home building remodeling, and new home sales and marketing.

If you are interested, contact CTHBA by calling 843-572-1414 and ask for Rachel.

HBA of Greenville sponsors EPA Lead Paint Seminar open to all

The Home Builders Association of Greenville is hosting a Lead Paint Seminar presented by the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, September 29, 3 p.m., at the TD Convention Center.

The seminar is open to the entire home improvement industry compliments of the Home Builders Association of Greenville.

The seminar will feature speakers on the various aspects of the new lead paint rule.  EPA is beginning to step up its enforcement of the lead paint rule, so it is important for the home improvement industry to understand and comply with the rule.

Speakers include:

• 3:00-3:30 What is Abatement?: Lead Abatement Training Components, Greenville Technical College, Joy Finch
• 3:30-3:50 Statistics: South Carolina Health Department Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, M.L. Tanner
• 3:50-4:10 Legal implications of not complying, Childs Thrasher, of Gallivan White and Boyd
• 4:20-4:40 Are You Insured? (Insurance options available, costs and coverage), Palmetto Insurance, Howard Cox
• 4:40-5:10 Proper use of Lead Testing Equipment Lead Check, W. Jonson
• 5:10-5:40 Renovation and Repair Painting Rule, EPA Region 4, Andrea Lippitt
• 5:40-6:00 Questions and Answers

Following the seminar participants will receive a complimentary ticket to Big Thursday, the preview party for the Southern Home and Garden Show held on the show floor in the TD Convention Center.

To register for the EPA Lead Paint Seminar, click here.