The following article was written in todays New York Times and indicates that likley the $8,000 tax credit to purchase a home will continue and not only for first time home buyers.
Democrats May Extend Tax Credit for Homes
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By JACKIE CALMES
New York Times
Published: October 7, 2009
WASHINGTON — Democratic Congressional leaders are working with the White House to extend an expiring $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, and aides said Wednesday that they were considering making it available to current homeowners who purchase a new residence.
Extending and possibly expanding the popular home-buyers credit, which is due to expire after November, is high among options for further stimulating the economy and creating jobs, Congressional aides said, though a White House official said it was only briefly mentioned on Wednesday in an Oval Office meeting between President Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Senate majority leader.
The Democratic leaders met with the president to discuss a broad range of options to combat persistent high unemployment, officials say. The existing credit for first-time home buyers will expire at the end of next month if not extended, and two other components of the economic safety net — unemployment compensation and health care benefits for those who have been out of work for long periods — will expire at the end of the year.
Keeping the home-buyers credit and broadening it has been a priority for real estate agents and the home builders lobbies, and for Mr. Reid, who faces a tough re-election race next year in a state that has been among the hardest hit by the housing crisis since mid-2007. In a statement after the White House meeting, Mr. Reid said the government should “continue efforts to strengthen the housing market by extending the home-buyer tax credit.”
By the time it is scheduled to expire, for home purchases that close before Dec. 1, the home-buyers credit will be responsible for nearly 400,000 sales of new and existing homes, out of total sales of 1.4 million, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com. That is roughly in line with estimates from the National Association of Realtors.
Mr. Zandi, who formerly advised Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, and is now consulted by Democrats in the administration and in Congress, has advocated extending the credit through next August and making it available to all home buyers.
Allowing the credit to expire this year would result in a decline in sales of homes that are not facing foreclosure just as sales of foreclosed homes are expected to pick up, Mr. Zandi said in an interview, “putting further downward pressure on house prices.”
“The economic recovery will not evolve into a self-sustaining economic expansion and risks unraveling back into recession until house prices stop falling,” he added.
But the tax break is not cheap. Congressional analysts put the cost in lost tax revenues at about $1 billion a month. Mr. Zandi said that expanding the availability of the credit to more home buyers through August would cost perhaps $30 billion. While some in the housing industry have proposed nearly doubling the credit to $15,000, Mr. Zandi said $8,000 “seems to have been a sufficiently powerful incentive.”
While Democrats in Congress and the White House emphasize that no decisions have been made about the home buyers credit or any other measures, two officials said that the cost of extending the credit could be covered by redirecting money in the two-year $787 billion stimulus package that was scheduled to be spent after this year.
The current credit is limited to buyers who earn up to $75,000 a year, or couples who make $150,000; in gradually smaller amounts the credit is available to individuals with income from $75,000 to $95,000 and to couples making from $150,000 to $170,000. While the housing industry supports lifting the income caps so that even wealthy home buyers are eligible, White House and Congressional aides say that is not under discussion.
Industry officials counter that expediting home sales helps to stabilize home values now, which is essential for sustaining economic growth. And unlike car sales, home sales have a multiplier effect that spurs job-creating growth throughout the economy. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, said each house sale on average yielded $63,000 spent on goods and services, like moving vans and furniture.
Craig's Observations
All of this signals continued solid environment coupled with the lowest interest rates for mortgages that has not been seen in our lifetime. Building materials and products for new home construction have plummeted in price over the last 18 months.
Keep posted for additional credits allowed for building and improving your new home, like a 30% tax credit of the total cost of geo thermal heating for your home.
This is the time don't miss out!! You know it won't last for long as the government will need to pull back to pay off the deficit.
Craig Fairbanks
Owner
Build Buy or Sell Homes
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
REALTOR® Magazine-Condo Buyers Beware
Buyers, Builders and Realtors Beware!!! There are a few extra steps that need to be taken when considering a purchase of a residence or condo with an association. You need to make sure these associations are using good practices before purchase or face being denied financing at approval time. Click the following link and make sure your agent or builder is checking these things out as well.
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Condo Purchases Require Extra Steps
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Craig Fairbanks
Owner/Broker/Builder
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Condo Purchases Require Extra Steps
Shared via AddThis
Craig Fairbanks
Owner/Broker/Builder
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Parade of Homes 2009/ Condo Explosion
One of the events that people in the area look forward to is the Home Builders Cedar Valley Parade of Homes. Again this year there are an abundance of homes to view (17) and this year we have included remodeling that showcases what our remodeling contractors can do with your existing home. Lots of home owners are choosing to update and make significant changes and add additions rather than embarking on the new location required in the building of a new home.
We appreciate the public participation in the CV Parade of Homes as it funds scholarships for students seeking a career in the building trades. We need those new people to be retained and trained for our future needs in the housing industry. These will be the new innovators in our business and the builder of our future homes.
Also this year we have some condo units on display as that housing option is becoming more and more sought after. I personally have seen a huge shift in what buyers are looking for. Condo inquiries or stand alone condo units come in at more than 2 to 1 vs custom home building. Its our aging population and more so in the Cedar Valley. Did you know that the age of our head of household in the 45+ age range is 60%, not surprising that condos are becoming more popular.
That is why we have been building the stand alone Villa Condo homes where you have an an association to just get the lawn work done and snow removal. By working with more home owners the cost for this service per home is less. We will be coming our with some new twin homes or zero lot line units to further improve on a new price range that buyers are seeking. These units will start at $199,000 for an over 1600 square foot home that is univerally designed with a large double garage lots of storage and a screened in porch. 3 and 4 season rooms will be available as options as well.
Look forward for the details as they come available. Check out our Villa Home Page.
Stop back and check out our blog or website for more details. Also great discounts as much as 50% on Geothermal heating systems in new homes.
Craig Fairbanks
Owner
We appreciate the public participation in the CV Parade of Homes as it funds scholarships for students seeking a career in the building trades. We need those new people to be retained and trained for our future needs in the housing industry. These will be the new innovators in our business and the builder of our future homes.
Also this year we have some condo units on display as that housing option is becoming more and more sought after. I personally have seen a huge shift in what buyers are looking for. Condo inquiries or stand alone condo units come in at more than 2 to 1 vs custom home building. Its our aging population and more so in the Cedar Valley. Did you know that the age of our head of household in the 45+ age range is 60%, not surprising that condos are becoming more popular.
That is why we have been building the stand alone Villa Condo homes where you have an an association to just get the lawn work done and snow removal. By working with more home owners the cost for this service per home is less. We will be coming our with some new twin homes or zero lot line units to further improve on a new price range that buyers are seeking. These units will start at $199,000 for an over 1600 square foot home that is univerally designed with a large double garage lots of storage and a screened in porch. 3 and 4 season rooms will be available as options as well.
Look forward for the details as they come available. Check out our Villa Home Page.
Stop back and check out our blog or website for more details. Also great discounts as much as 50% on Geothermal heating systems in new homes.
Craig Fairbanks
Owner
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Geothemal HVAC System for Free!!!
I believe that the single best thing that has come to the forefront in all the talk about sustainable homes and reducing energy usage, is the whole concept of Geothermal heating and cooling of our homes. Just doing this one thing in every home where possible would take us along way toward energy independence.
If I could offer one option that will no doubt pay for it self Geo would be it. So we have embarked on a promotion to make it possible for every home we build to have this high quality system. The article published is how satisfied one of our customers is with the system that we installed for them. The Flory's recognized early on that they wanted the most energy efficient home possible.
You can see the offer we have currently on a new custom Villa home with a Geo system installed. We can include a Geo system in your new home starting at the reasonable price of FREE!!
The following article is used with permission from the Waterloo Courier Home and Garden section.
Geothermal systems may be worth front-end investment for new homes
By Amie Steffen | Images by Rick Chase
Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, says in-floor geothermal is ‘the most comfortable heat’ because there is no air movement.
ADVERTISEMENT
More Stories from
Geothermal systems may be worth front-end investment for new homes
home, green, home
the color report: GREEN
outer space
When Denise and Ronald Flory of Cedar Falls were building their new home, energy savings and limiting their impact on the environment were big factors.
Others they knew had raved about geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the Flory's were persuaded.
It’s more expensive to install than a traditional furnace and air conditioning system, noted Denise Flory, but she’s undaunted.
“In the long run, it’s going to be well worth the added investment,” she said. “Our home is very comfortable.”
The Flory's join an ever-growing population around the Cedar Valley choosing to install geothermal, or ground-source systems, into their new or renovated homes.
Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Cedar Falls, said that’s been fueled lately by both increases in traditional utility costs as well as substantial incentives to go greener. Homeowners get a 30-percent tax credit on installation of a geothermal system as well as rebates from utility companies.
“When energy gets high, that’s when we sell them,” Krejchi said.
A geothermal system uses the earth’s constant temperature — which varies between 52 and 55 degrees — to draw out heat in the summer and pump heat in during winter months. The Environmental Protection Agency has said it is “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems.”
The system still runs off electricity, but a smaller amount.
“You’re going to ... see energy bills cut 70-plus percent,” Krejchi said. “It can be substantial.”
Flory agreed, noting her 1,800-square foot home’s highest heating bill last winter was around $90.
“Energy costs are going to continue to increase, especially when we’re looking at natural gas or anything generated by coal,” she said.
Tim Hanson, a salesman at Young Plumbing and Heating in Waterloo, said geothermal is becoming popular in schools as well. He noted efficiency with the systems can run at 300 to 400 percent.
“For the most part, (the reasons people buy geothermal are) saving money, they know it’s very efficient and a lot of them know it’s environmentally safe,” Hanson said.
Most geothermal systems involve burying loop fields underground, which capture the heat and are buried either vertically or horizontally — so a good-sized yard is key to installation. Also, older homes aren’t always equipped to handle the system.
They work much like a traditional furnace/air conditioning system does: with a heat pump. Loops of refrigerant are pumped through a refrigeration cycle that moves heat. Instead of taking the heat from the air, however, geothermal systems take it from or give it back to the ground.
The system is run with a typical thermostat, and loops buried outside are not visible.
“The unit is a little larger than a regular furnace, but very quiet, and our energy bills have been reasonable,” Denise Flory said.
Homeowners can choose between a duct system or in-floor heating. Flory has a duct system, while Krejchi said he’s installed in-floor geothermal in his own home.
“It’s the most comfortable heat you’ll ever have ‘cause there’s no air movement,” he said. “Instead of moving air, you’re heating objects and it radiates.”
With more people asking about geothermal systems for their homes and more companies offering it, Hanson said it’s important to go with an installation company you trust.
“Most of them like it. We have had very few complaints,” he said.
Contact the writer at (319) 291-1464 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.
It seems we have entered a different mind thought about housing and families are thinking farther down the road in what they actually would like in their home then. People are not thinking bigger but shooting for a higher quality home with more higher end features. The paybacks and incentives on high energy items like Geo and efficiency items is now, it won't last for ever. If you would like to come in for a no obligation consultation on this topic or any building topic do not hesitate to contact me personally.
Craig the Builder
Craig Fairbanks
319-404-0412
Craig@BuildBuyorSellHomes.com
www.BuildBuyorSellHomes.com
If I could offer one option that will no doubt pay for it self Geo would be it. So we have embarked on a promotion to make it possible for every home we build to have this high quality system. The article published is how satisfied one of our customers is with the system that we installed for them. The Flory's recognized early on that they wanted the most energy efficient home possible.
You can see the offer we have currently on a new custom Villa home with a Geo system installed. We can include a Geo system in your new home starting at the reasonable price of FREE!!
The following article is used with permission from the Waterloo Courier Home and Garden section.
Geothermal systems may be worth front-end investment for new homes
By Amie Steffen | Images by Rick Chase
Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, says in-floor geothermal is ‘the most comfortable heat’ because there is no air movement.
ADVERTISEMENT
More Stories from
Geothermal systems may be worth front-end investment for new homes
home, green, home
the color report: GREEN
outer space
When Denise and Ronald Flory of Cedar Falls were building their new home, energy savings and limiting their impact on the environment were big factors.
Others they knew had raved about geothermal heating and cooling systems, and the Flory's were persuaded.
It’s more expensive to install than a traditional furnace and air conditioning system, noted Denise Flory, but she’s undaunted.
“In the long run, it’s going to be well worth the added investment,” she said. “Our home is very comfortable.”
The Flory's join an ever-growing population around the Cedar Valley choosing to install geothermal, or ground-source systems, into their new or renovated homes.
Dave Krejchi, owner of Dalton’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Cedar Falls, said that’s been fueled lately by both increases in traditional utility costs as well as substantial incentives to go greener. Homeowners get a 30-percent tax credit on installation of a geothermal system as well as rebates from utility companies.
“When energy gets high, that’s when we sell them,” Krejchi said.
A geothermal system uses the earth’s constant temperature — which varies between 52 and 55 degrees — to draw out heat in the summer and pump heat in during winter months. The Environmental Protection Agency has said it is “the most energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive of all space conditioning systems.”
The system still runs off electricity, but a smaller amount.
“You’re going to ... see energy bills cut 70-plus percent,” Krejchi said. “It can be substantial.”
Flory agreed, noting her 1,800-square foot home’s highest heating bill last winter was around $90.
“Energy costs are going to continue to increase, especially when we’re looking at natural gas or anything generated by coal,” she said.
Tim Hanson, a salesman at Young Plumbing and Heating in Waterloo, said geothermal is becoming popular in schools as well. He noted efficiency with the systems can run at 300 to 400 percent.
“For the most part, (the reasons people buy geothermal are) saving money, they know it’s very efficient and a lot of them know it’s environmentally safe,” Hanson said.
Most geothermal systems involve burying loop fields underground, which capture the heat and are buried either vertically or horizontally — so a good-sized yard is key to installation. Also, older homes aren’t always equipped to handle the system.
They work much like a traditional furnace/air conditioning system does: with a heat pump. Loops of refrigerant are pumped through a refrigeration cycle that moves heat. Instead of taking the heat from the air, however, geothermal systems take it from or give it back to the ground.
The system is run with a typical thermostat, and loops buried outside are not visible.
“The unit is a little larger than a regular furnace, but very quiet, and our energy bills have been reasonable,” Denise Flory said.
Homeowners can choose between a duct system or in-floor heating. Flory has a duct system, while Krejchi said he’s installed in-floor geothermal in his own home.
“It’s the most comfortable heat you’ll ever have ‘cause there’s no air movement,” he said. “Instead of moving air, you’re heating objects and it radiates.”
With more people asking about geothermal systems for their homes and more companies offering it, Hanson said it’s important to go with an installation company you trust.
“Most of them like it. We have had very few complaints,” he said.
Contact the writer at (319) 291-1464 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.
It seems we have entered a different mind thought about housing and families are thinking farther down the road in what they actually would like in their home then. People are not thinking bigger but shooting for a higher quality home with more higher end features. The paybacks and incentives on high energy items like Geo and efficiency items is now, it won't last for ever. If you would like to come in for a no obligation consultation on this topic or any building topic do not hesitate to contact me personally.
Craig the Builder
Craig Fairbanks
319-404-0412
Craig@BuildBuyorSellHomes.com
www.BuildBuyorSellHomes.com
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Summer may have arrived
It has been a cold wet spring and people have really been upset and cranky with the weather. Well this week it changed, at least we have summer temperatures but also lots of rain. At the rate it is coming down you might think we are experiencing a monsoon as humid as it is. Hopefully we won't have the flooding we experienced from last year.
Any way it does really slow the building process, and delays occur but that is part of the normal process early in the year. From my perspective it would be nice to build everything in last September or early October the best weather of the year.
Speaking of the best time to build a new home, it may be now!!! Lowest interest rates ever, lumber prices not seen in this decade and subcontractors offering better pricing to keep crews and business moving forward. It won't last for ever and when the national economy recovers, perception will change and it will you will see pricing go back to previous levels. However, in our area it has been real busy for many of the custom builders in the area yet price adjustments have occurred. Are building permits down from the highs? Yes but we are just back to a good normal and the huge amount of homes built yearly we saw in 2006 and 2007was unsustainable.
Most of the customers we are working with are budget conscience and builders like ourselves are working to fit that home in their price concerns. Its really fun again to be able to make those price adjustment for our customers so that they get the best deal that can be had and we can make a little profit to keep building which is our passion.
If you have been thinking that you would like to make a move, the real estate market here is short of homes. Maybe its time to check out your current home value as they have been moving up. I know my personal goal this year is to sell my current home a get a new one built in a great building climate.
Any way it does really slow the building process, and delays occur but that is part of the normal process early in the year. From my perspective it would be nice to build everything in last September or early October the best weather of the year.
Speaking of the best time to build a new home, it may be now!!! Lowest interest rates ever, lumber prices not seen in this decade and subcontractors offering better pricing to keep crews and business moving forward. It won't last for ever and when the national economy recovers, perception will change and it will you will see pricing go back to previous levels. However, in our area it has been real busy for many of the custom builders in the area yet price adjustments have occurred. Are building permits down from the highs? Yes but we are just back to a good normal and the huge amount of homes built yearly we saw in 2006 and 2007was unsustainable.
Most of the customers we are working with are budget conscience and builders like ourselves are working to fit that home in their price concerns. Its really fun again to be able to make those price adjustment for our customers so that they get the best deal that can be had and we can make a little profit to keep building which is our passion.
If you have been thinking that you would like to make a move, the real estate market here is short of homes. Maybe its time to check out your current home value as they have been moving up. I know my personal goal this year is to sell my current home a get a new one built in a great building climate.
Friday, April 3, 2009
How is the real estate market? Really? Hot Hot Hot
Many people are asking these days "How is the housing market doing, I hear its really bad out there right now!" My answer been the same for sometime, "If it gets any worse I'll have to hire more help to keep up."
This data below I received from the Board of Realtor's this morning:
Iowa/Black Hawk County Foreclosure Data Bob Reisinger - 4/3/2009 7:58:19 AM
While preparing for a talk next week, I came across some statistics on foreclosure rates and numbers in Iowa. This might be of interest to your buyers and seller in our market:
Background: In 2008 IOWA had 5400 foreclosure filings. It was a 31% increase over 2007 and 136% increase from 2006.
Nationally IOWA ranked 37th in TOTAL Foreclosures and IOWA's foreclosure RATE was ranked 40th nationally. National RATE was 1.84% of Housing units filed. In IOWA, 0.41% of the housing units filed. Overall IOWA accounted for less than 1% of the 2,330,483 filings nationally.
Five (5) Iowa counties accounted for 67% of the 5400 filings.
Polk County (Des Moines) - 1735 filings - .96% rate
Linn (Cedar Rapids) - 627 filings - .69% rate
Scott (Davenport) - 519 filings - .74% rate
Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs) - 425 filings - 1.09% rate
Woodbury (Sioux City) - 297 filings - .71% rate
BLACKHAWK County had a rate of .07% and ranked 71st of the 99 counties in the state.
The above information is from the IOWA Independent - A center for Independent Media
I realize that with all the news we see everyday about how bad it is in our home building industry out there that I am thankful that our market has held up this well. We may not be getting all that we would like to see for our homes and products but we are a far cry from the financial detestation seen in other parts of the country. As long as you are staying in the area the spread to move up or down is about the same spread as it was in the good times.
Just today heard there were 10 lot sales this week in one subdivision and many more people starting to search. Our website activity is at all time highs. Low interest rates, 4-3/8 % for 30 years!!! WOW its the lowest that it has been in my 35 years in the building business and real estate business.
Prices for materials are really low, less than 1/2 of the highest price and many sub prices are steady and some are dropping. It's a fantastic time to build or buy, a once in a life time opportunity.
Judging by the huge up swing in the stock market and the rise in the homebuilders stocks the low prices will not last for long. You snooze you lose!!!
Craig the Builder
This data below I received from the Board of Realtor's this morning:
Iowa/Black Hawk County Foreclosure Data Bob Reisinger - 4/3/2009 7:58:19 AM
While preparing for a talk next week, I came across some statistics on foreclosure rates and numbers in Iowa. This might be of interest to your buyers and seller in our market:
Background: In 2008 IOWA had 5400 foreclosure filings. It was a 31% increase over 2007 and 136% increase from 2006.
Nationally IOWA ranked 37th in TOTAL Foreclosures and IOWA's foreclosure RATE was ranked 40th nationally. National RATE was 1.84% of Housing units filed. In IOWA, 0.41% of the housing units filed. Overall IOWA accounted for less than 1% of the 2,330,483 filings nationally.
Five (5) Iowa counties accounted for 67% of the 5400 filings.
Polk County (Des Moines) - 1735 filings - .96% rate
Linn (Cedar Rapids) - 627 filings - .69% rate
Scott (Davenport) - 519 filings - .74% rate
Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs) - 425 filings - 1.09% rate
Woodbury (Sioux City) - 297 filings - .71% rate
BLACKHAWK County had a rate of .07% and ranked 71st of the 99 counties in the state.
The above information is from the IOWA Independent - A center for Independent Media
I realize that with all the news we see everyday about how bad it is in our home building industry out there that I am thankful that our market has held up this well. We may not be getting all that we would like to see for our homes and products but we are a far cry from the financial detestation seen in other parts of the country. As long as you are staying in the area the spread to move up or down is about the same spread as it was in the good times.
Just today heard there were 10 lot sales this week in one subdivision and many more people starting to search. Our website activity is at all time highs. Low interest rates, 4-3/8 % for 30 years!!! WOW its the lowest that it has been in my 35 years in the building business and real estate business.
Prices for materials are really low, less than 1/2 of the highest price and many sub prices are steady and some are dropping. It's a fantastic time to build or buy, a once in a life time opportunity.
Judging by the huge up swing in the stock market and the rise in the homebuilders stocks the low prices will not last for long. You snooze you lose!!!
Craig the Builder
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spring is here, let the building begin!!
Yep its spring! Not everything says it is except we have had a 70 degree day, its muddy on top of the ground and frozen 12" below grade. Were digging holes,pouring foundations and the framers are working in full force. Maybe this is the year that those active adults decide to right size into a new home.
You say,"What is an active adult and what is right sizing? For some right sizing is downsizing but for most its making a home the right size for the many needs that many always wished they had or needs that may arise in the future. Active adults are those who want to continue an active lifestyle as long as possible without wanting to relocate in the future to a retirement center or a assisted care facility. It's about purchasing the last home you may ever need to buy, custom built to your plans and ideas yet taking into consideration mobility and future heath needs as they arise.
Think about your heredity and what your elders, siblings and other relatives have had come into their lives, that may give you a sneak preview of what your needs might be. Did they experience eyesight problems,arthritis, allergies, heart conditions and mobility problems that required assistance. Maybe they needed a wheel chair, walker, railings, grab bars. Maybe their lives could have been enhanced if every area of the home was easily accessible, like no step entries to the home, wider halls and doorways. Maybe if everything was easier to reach, like fewer tall wall cabinets and appliances at a more convenient heights. Roll in showers and vanities at different heights for every occupant need. Better lighting both fixtures and natural lighting from properly placed windows.
But the real key to it all is to do all of these things through a design style called Universal Housing. Homes made to accommodate almost any person who uses the home, yet in a style that most would never know that these accommodating features are even there.
These are a few considerations when thinking about building your home. The newest trend I have seen lately is dishwasher drawers just under the counter top and another dishwasher drawer beneath that. Serves two purposes, one is accessibility and using less water and energy for small loads.
We will explore some of these new features in future blogs.
Craig Fairbanks
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Homebuilders Association, what do we do?
By:
For the past decade the homebuilders parade of homes event has been the most visible image for homebuilders, however we are much more than that.
National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) is an organization of builders, subcontractors, suppliers and associates whose goal is to provide a professional cohesive group with one thing in mind, providing the best possible product for the customer. We provide scholarships for deserving student to advance in the profession of homebuilding. We have done may community related projects like shelters for the city, ramps for the handicapped, and help with building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
When a builder joins the National Association of Home Builders they are making a serious decision to become the tops in their field of expertise. When you look at our national website WWW.NAHB.org as a member or consumer you quickly realize that there is about any information you would like to know about housing. You will find that homebuilder members are the leaders and innovators of
Homebuilders are also given access to superior home building standards that are far above the minimum code. Our members are not just looking to build to minimums but to constantly get better and to be innovative. Homebuilders do a great job of educating our buyers so the process of custom building is not a complicated or scary process. We have access to the latest energy savings programs that help our members build very energy efficient homes. NAHB is a leader in many other research initiatives as well.
Education for homebuilders is some of the most comprehensive training that you can get. When pursuing a designation for specific field of work, such as Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), many classroom hours are required to achieve this designation, along with tough testing to make sure you are qualified to be a leader in that type of work. Other designations include Certified Graduate Builder, Graduate Master Builders, Graduate Master Remodeler, Certified Green Builder and Certified New Home Marketing Specialist. Most of these take years to obtain not days or months.
Other benefits are just being around those who have been fine tuning and building a better business over a lifetime, its rubs off on our fellow members. When you talk with those who are member homebuilders and with builders who are not, it doesn’t take very long to realize there is a difference in the level of professionalism and competence. Most home builders members use advanced building methods and tech savvy ideas to make home building enjoyable for home buyers.
Legislation is a very key area that homebuilders work on. The Stimulus package that is probably passed by now in congress was very much a National home building issue that backed a plan called “Fix Housing First.” www.fixhousingfirst.com/ Part of the original package that was passed by the Senate was a $15,000 tax credit to buy a home. The basic premise is to shore up home values that were the start of a declining economy nationally. Here is the
Locally we are constantly defending private property rights and work for good legislation that keeps housing reasonable. This is a constant effort that we have to undertake almost daily through our codes and legislative committee. Impact fees, code changes, subdivision and city ordinances are constantly pushing housing costs up. Over the past 2 years we have worked with the cities on Storm Water erosion control, subdivision ordinances, mechanical code changes and many unfunded mandates from the Federal Government.
The next issue is fire sprinkles in the 2009 residential housing code and that will not be a cheap add on. Sounds like a good idea but most fires are in older homes that include old wiring, mechanicals or through carelessness with candles or cigarettes. In just the last 3 years the added cost to a home from code changes, city legislation and ordinances have pushed the price of a home up $32,000 before you even start the project. Thank goodness prices for materials have plummeted and other components are stable for maybe the first time in a decade. We realize that when these costs are raised the homeowner really the one that pays those costs and takes more people out of the buying equation due to affordability.
This is just a small part of what the Northeast Iowa Association of Homebuilders. For further information on our organization on the web at: WWW.CedarValleyHomebuilders.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Stimulus bill, " Magic Bullet?"
Well we continue to hear the debate in the US Senate about what will work the best for the stimulus plan and what is pork and will not create jobs. There are good things and some pretty silly ideas, but I personally see that progress is being made on a plan is making more sense on both sides of the political issues.
One amendment that the National Association of Homebuilders has been working on getting past is the Fix Housing 1st plan that will help stabilize the one thing at the bottom of all of the economic troubles, the demise of a strong housing market. Locally we have been blessed but then we have had a great deal of homes to fix up as well. This fix housing first plan included a $15,000 non refundable tax credit for buying a home. It has been accepted in the senate as an amendment on Wednesday and will stimulate both housing sales and job creation. As it was written I think it includes those who bought in 2008 as well.
This may be the best opportunity to buy a new home with the prices down a little, interest rates way down and now a tax credit to put in your pocket to boot. Like most things let your representatives know that you support these issues. Watch and see what happens to the legislation, if it passes there has been lots of people asking about building this year and if it does pass, builders will be filling up orders for the year very quickly.
Craig Fairbanks
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com
One amendment that the National Association of Homebuilders has been working on getting past is the Fix Housing 1st plan that will help stabilize the one thing at the bottom of all of the economic troubles, the demise of a strong housing market. Locally we have been blessed but then we have had a great deal of homes to fix up as well. This fix housing first plan included a $15,000 non refundable tax credit for buying a home. It has been accepted in the senate as an amendment on Wednesday and will stimulate both housing sales and job creation. As it was written I think it includes those who bought in 2008 as well.
This may be the best opportunity to buy a new home with the prices down a little, interest rates way down and now a tax credit to put in your pocket to boot. Like most things let your representatives know that you support these issues. Watch and see what happens to the legislation, if it passes there has been lots of people asking about building this year and if it does pass, builders will be filling up orders for the year very quickly.
Craig Fairbanks
Build Buy or Sell Homes.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Building codes and ordinances
It will never end!!
Once the economy slows down people who regulate seem to have free time to advance new rules and regulations. Its a given that when we are all busy with our current work load we don't have time to complain and look for problems, but let the work slow at any government level and all of a sudden we need to correct the systems that are now failing. More regulations, more codes and more costs that are of little benefit to the citizens.
Somehow if someone else is paying that its no big deal to me. Don't we ask ourselves when it will be our turn to suffer the loss of funds due to mandates? Ultimately it is a loss of freedom to somone. Its easy to get jaded about government and regulation when we are shell shocked by just the shear mass of legislation that can be churned out faster than any of us can even comprehend what it means to us.
Yesterday I spent time in Des Moines with some legislators from our area at the State Homebuilders Association legislative reception. I was told by one of our representative that 64 pieces of new legislation had already been intoduced in this early state legislative session. You would think that without funds to spend this year that it might curtail some of the bills, but no the focus is on items that cost the state nothing and onto bills that cost us money for compliance.
I learned that there were many items that even the legislators do not get to debate. Appointed officials can almost single handely make a call on a new code just by their endorcement. Basicly its taxation with out representation. Most of it sounds like good ideas until you dig a little deeper and find that what is shown is only the tip of the ice burg.
Locally we are working hard to get adjustment to the subdiviion ordinance in Cedar Falls. Developers are being told that ground will be taken from them to provide public trails through these private neighborhoods. Worse yet being asked to build the trail and maintain it forever. Homebuilders are for trails and have no objection to that but to ask them to absorb it is not going to happen, all costs are passed onto the homeowner. Trails are good right? ,until they decide that land you have been using needs to be taken for a public purpose and diguese with a terms called easement. Just one of the many expensive and objectionable conditions contained in this ordinance that will reduce to a stand still development in Cedar Falls. Well if this passes don't look for price increase on home building lots.
Oh by the way we haven't even gotten through this issue with the city and a new one has been sent our way called post construction ordiance that we add even more costs. The goal of this one it to eventually make all homeowners maintain the water on their own property up to a rain fall event of 1-1/4" of rain on the site. You will be responsible to change you landscaping is such as way to comply. I have no problem with this either except to say that if its a good thing that it can be maketed so that people desire to do this no forced to make the change. If Cedar Falls is trying to slow or stop development this will get the job done.
More soon watch the local news for additional developments.
'
Once the economy slows down people who regulate seem to have free time to advance new rules and regulations. Its a given that when we are all busy with our current work load we don't have time to complain and look for problems, but let the work slow at any government level and all of a sudden we need to correct the systems that are now failing. More regulations, more codes and more costs that are of little benefit to the citizens.
Somehow if someone else is paying that its no big deal to me. Don't we ask ourselves when it will be our turn to suffer the loss of funds due to mandates? Ultimately it is a loss of freedom to somone. Its easy to get jaded about government and regulation when we are shell shocked by just the shear mass of legislation that can be churned out faster than any of us can even comprehend what it means to us.
Yesterday I spent time in Des Moines with some legislators from our area at the State Homebuilders Association legislative reception. I was told by one of our representative that 64 pieces of new legislation had already been intoduced in this early state legislative session. You would think that without funds to spend this year that it might curtail some of the bills, but no the focus is on items that cost the state nothing and onto bills that cost us money for compliance.
I learned that there were many items that even the legislators do not get to debate. Appointed officials can almost single handely make a call on a new code just by their endorcement. Basicly its taxation with out representation. Most of it sounds like good ideas until you dig a little deeper and find that what is shown is only the tip of the ice burg.
Locally we are working hard to get adjustment to the subdiviion ordinance in Cedar Falls. Developers are being told that ground will be taken from them to provide public trails through these private neighborhoods. Worse yet being asked to build the trail and maintain it forever. Homebuilders are for trails and have no objection to that but to ask them to absorb it is not going to happen, all costs are passed onto the homeowner. Trails are good right? ,until they decide that land you have been using needs to be taken for a public purpose and diguese with a terms called easement. Just one of the many expensive and objectionable conditions contained in this ordinance that will reduce to a stand still development in Cedar Falls. Well if this passes don't look for price increase on home building lots.
Oh by the way we haven't even gotten through this issue with the city and a new one has been sent our way called post construction ordiance that we add even more costs. The goal of this one it to eventually make all homeowners maintain the water on their own property up to a rain fall event of 1-1/4" of rain on the site. You will be responsible to change you landscaping is such as way to comply. I have no problem with this either except to say that if its a good thing that it can be maketed so that people desire to do this no forced to make the change. If Cedar Falls is trying to slow or stop development this will get the job done.
More soon watch the local news for additional developments.
'
Friday, January 23, 2009
Its here!!! 2009 Yipee
Well you would think that the new year would bring a new and brighter future but the news is still the same on the economy, sometimes they say its getting worse, then its better no its worse. By the talk you would think we should all be running down to the soup kitchens like in the 1930's so we can at least eat. The news is like the weather forecast, its just better to look out the window and see what really is going on, what ever it is now it soon will change. So what is happening in our hometown.
Well, in the Cedar Valley, we are bucking the collape trend in housing . Home starts have come down from the rocket records of 2005 yet we are just at a normal solid level that we have seen over the last 15 years or so. Our area home builders and remodelers are busy with projects or planning new ones for the coming year. Just turn off the news and we will all be just fine, the media always has to create a crisis so we will be drawn to the news and they can sell their advertizing at a premium. Its always about the money, or follow the money to find what the true motives are.
We have been kept busy with rebuilding a tornado ravaged town
to the tune of 250 + homes. It is quite a seen over in Parkersburg now with all the homes going up, but remember these pictures of distruction. Also the floods in June in Cedar Falls and other metro areas also have contributed to our crews remaining busy. Many homes will be torn down and many will need to be rebuilt.
Somethings have changed this year, I was elected to President of the Homebuilders of Northeast Iowa. I really am looking forward to what we can do in the Cedar Valley for our customers and the public in general. Right now we are working hard to control the costs of home building and doing a good job of that at the moment but we are continually challanged by codes changes and city and state regulations. The increases are staggering and who pays in the end, the customer buying that new home.The laws that are passed sometimes are more of a solution looking for a problem.
Just a few that have raised our costs are:
Air to air exchangers 2006 $1,800.00
Site erosion control from the city 2007 $3,500.00
Raising the standard for good cents program CFU 2009 $4,000.00
Electrical changes required by new state code 2009 $3,000.00
Lot cost increases due to new CF Subdivision being now being considered is a toxic ordinance that will have little value except to slow development and building $10,000.00 +++
International Residential Coded adopted 2008 Version
Sprinkles required by new code: $10,000.00 +
Total increase due to regulation last 3 years: $32,300.00
Affordable Housing in Cedar Falls, "Priceless and soon to be Non-existent" and at this pace of unsustainable increases, no develpment and no building.
More on this next post SOON!!
Well, in the Cedar Valley, we are bucking the collape trend in housing . Home starts have come down from the rocket records of 2005 yet we are just at a normal solid level that we have seen over the last 15 years or so. Our area home builders and remodelers are busy with projects or planning new ones for the coming year. Just turn off the news and we will all be just fine, the media always has to create a crisis so we will be drawn to the news and they can sell their advertizing at a premium. Its always about the money, or follow the money to find what the true motives are.
We have been kept busy with rebuilding a tornado ravaged town
to the tune of 250 + homes. It is quite a seen over in Parkersburg now with all the homes going up, but remember these pictures of distruction. Also the floods in June in Cedar Falls and other metro areas also have contributed to our crews remaining busy. Many homes will be torn down and many will need to be rebuilt.Somethings have changed this year, I was elected to President of the Homebuilders of Northeast Iowa. I really am looking forward to what we can do in the Cedar Valley for our customers and the public in general. Right now we are working hard to control the costs of home building and doing a good job of that at the moment but we are continually challanged by codes changes and city and state regulations. The increases are staggering and who pays in the end, the customer buying that new home.The laws that are passed sometimes are more of a solution looking for a problem.
Just a few that have raised our costs are:
Air to air exchangers 2006 $1,800.00
Site erosion control from the city 2007 $3,500.00
Raising the standard for good cents program CFU 2009 $4,000.00
Electrical changes required by new state code 2009 $3,000.00
Lot cost increases due to new CF Subdivision being now being considered is a toxic ordinance that will have little value except to slow development and building $10,000.00 +++
International Residential Coded adopted 2008 Version
Sprinkles required by new code: $10,000.00 +
Total increase due to regulation last 3 years: $32,300.00
Affordable Housing in Cedar Falls, "Priceless and soon to be Non-existent" and at this pace of unsustainable increases, no develpment and no building.
More on this next post SOON!!
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