July 14, 2010
NATIONAL BUILDING NEWS
St. George Named in Top Places to Live
The Spectrum
With its scenic surroundings, low crime rates and mild winters, St. George was named one of the top 100 places to live in the country by Money Magazine in its newly released August issue.
St. George ranked 80th on the list, thanks largely to a ranking of eight for quality of life.
The ranking was based on a computer formula that looks at population levels, economic factors, housing, tax rates, crime rates, education quality, availability of arts and leisure, health care and diversity.
...More
With its scenic surroundings, low crime rates and mild winters, St. George was named one of the top 100 places to live in the country by Money Magazine in its newly released August issue.
St. George ranked 80th on the list, thanks largely to a ranking of eight for quality of life.
The ranking was based on a computer formula that looks at population levels, economic factors, housing, tax rates, crime rates, education quality, availability of arts and leisure, health care and diversity.
...More
New Appraisal Guidance from Fannie Mae is Good News
NAHB
On June 30, Fannie Mae released new appraisal-related policies and additional guidance addressing many of the primary concerns that NAHB has raised with the agency regarding inappropriate appraisal practices. According to its new policy, Fannie Mae will now require lenders to only use appraisers who have the appropriate knowledge and experience in specific geographic markets. Also, builder sales are acceptable as comparable properties, and an appraiser may view the HUD-1 for a new construction property to verify a recent sale not yet available through other data sources, and additional guidance addressing many of the primary concerns that NAHB has raised with the agency regarding inappropriate appraisal practices. ...More
On June 30, Fannie Mae released new appraisal-related policies and additional guidance addressing many of the primary concerns that NAHB has raised with the agency regarding inappropriate appraisal practices. According to its new policy, Fannie Mae will now require lenders to only use appraisers who have the appropriate knowledge and experience in specific geographic markets. Also, builder sales are acceptable as comparable properties, and an appraiser may view the HUD-1 for a new construction property to verify a recent sale not yet available through other data sources, and additional guidance addressing many of the primary concerns that NAHB has raised with the agency regarding inappropriate appraisal practices. ...More
NAHB to Sue EPA Over Lead Paint Regulation
NAHB
A coalition of housing industry groups joined the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today in announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removing the "opt-out" provision from its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (LRRP) applies to homes constructed before 1978 when lead paint was banned. Its opt-out provision, which expired July 6, let consumers allow contractors to bypass extra preparation, clean-up and record keeping requirements in homes where there were no children under 6 or pregnant women, thus avoiding additional costs.
"Removing the opt-out provision more than doubles the number of homes subject to the regulation," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "About 79 million homes are affected, even though EPA estimates that only 38 million homes contain lead-based paint. Removing the opt-out provision extends the rule to consumers who need no protection." ...More
A coalition of housing industry groups joined the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today in announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removing the "opt-out" provision from its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule.
The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (LRRP) applies to homes constructed before 1978 when lead paint was banned. Its opt-out provision, which expired July 6, let consumers allow contractors to bypass extra preparation, clean-up and record keeping requirements in homes where there were no children under 6 or pregnant women, thus avoiding additional costs.
"Removing the opt-out provision more than doubles the number of homes subject to the regulation," said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a home builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. "About 79 million homes are affected, even though EPA estimates that only 38 million homes contain lead-based paint. Removing the opt-out provision extends the rule to consumers who need no protection." ...More
EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
NAHB Webinar Offers Insights and Advice for Tackling Appraisal Concerns
Major changes have occurred in appraisal standards and practices in the wake of housing and financial market turmoil that present major challenges to home builders in financing and selling their homes.
On Wednesday, August 4th, 12:00 to 1:00 pm, the NAHB Business Management & Information Technology and Housing Finance committees will host a free webinar, "A Builder Guide to Appraisals: Obtaining Accurate Valuations on New Homes," which will feature home builders and appraisal practitioners discussing the new appraisal rules and providing advice on what builders can do to improve the accuracy of home valuations.
To register, click here. For registration assistance, email Monica Wheaton at monica@theshinngroup.com.
On Wednesday, August 4th, 12:00 to 1:00 pm, the NAHB Business Management & Information Technology and Housing Finance committees will host a free webinar, "A Builder Guide to Appraisals: Obtaining Accurate Valuations on New Homes," which will feature home builders and appraisal practitioners discussing the new appraisal rules and providing advice on what builders can do to improve the accuracy of home valuations.
To register, click here. For registration assistance, email Monica Wheaton at monica@theshinngroup.com.
Green Building for the Building Professional
Learn how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value. This 2-day course for building professionals, including real estate professionals, discusses strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction. You will learn how green homes provide buyers lower maintenance, better indoor air quality and better long-term value.
This class is being offered on September 7 & 8, 2010, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the University Plaza at 1071 E 100 S, Blgd C, St. George. A 50% Custom Fit Discount and SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement is available for this course. Southwest Green Build Council members receive an additional discount. Contact Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400 or Kathy@suhba.com for more information.
This class is being offered on September 7 & 8, 2010, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the University Plaza at 1071 E 100 S, Blgd C, St. George. A 50% Custom Fit Discount and SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement is available for this course. Southwest Green Build Council members receive an additional discount. Contact Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400 or Kathy@suhba.com for more information.
Business Management for the Building Professional
Become a Certified Green Professional! This course and Green Building for the Building Professional is required to apply for the Certified Green Professional designation.
Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge. This course will give you a solid foundation in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing/directing and controlling. By using case studies and sample forms, your instructor gives you practical and applicable tools for management success.
This class is being offered on Thursday, September 9, 2010, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the University Plaza at 1071 E 100 S, Blgd C, St. George. A 50% Custom Fit Discount and SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement is available for this course. Southwest Green Build Council members receive an additional discount. Contact Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400 or Kathy@suhba.com for more information.
Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge. This course will give you a solid foundation in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses: planning, organizing, staffing/directing and controlling. By using case studies and sample forms, your instructor gives you practical and applicable tools for management success.
This class is being offered on Thursday, September 9, 2010, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the University Plaza at 1071 E 100 S, Blgd C, St. George. A 50% Custom Fit Discount and SUHBA Scholarship Reimbursement is available for this course. Southwest Green Build Council members receive an additional discount. Contact Kathy Tolleson at (435) 674-1400 or Kathy@suhba.com for more information.
Southern Utah Builders Industry Conference - September 10th
Don't miss your opportunity to attend the Southern Utah Building Industry Conference held on Friday, September 10th, at the Dixie Center.
Now is the time to invest in your continuing education to enhance your bottom line while remaining competitive.
To register or for more information, visit www.buildingconference.com.
Sponsored by:
Now is the time to invest in your continuing education to enhance your bottom line while remaining competitive.
- Continuing Education: Contractors complete all your continuing education requirements in one day!
- Networking Opportunity: Get acquainted with your peers in the industry at breakfast, lunch, during classes, and at the popular Ultimate Home Expo. All of this is included with the conference fee!
- 40% Discount with Custom Fit! Washington County residents may receive 40% off the registration fee. One discount per company.
- SUHBA Scholarship Available! The first 50 SUHBA member companies to register and pay for the conference will receive a $50 reimbursement check after attending the conference! This will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis. One scholarship per company. Don't wait to register or you may miss out on this discount!
To register or for more information, visit www.buildingconference.com.
Sponsored by:
SUHBA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reserve Your Exhibit Space and Get Results!
Exhibition space reservations are now being accepted for the 7th Annual Ultimate Home Expo, presented by SUHBA and The Spectrum, to be held September 10 & 11 at the Dixie Center. Exhibiting is a great way for businesses to make the connections that will prepare them to capitalize as the economy turns around. Reach more customers in two days of exhibiting than 6-12 months at your place of business. Both business professionals and the general public will be in attendance.Send in your exhibitor application form with a 50% deposit and reserve your booth today. Click here for a exhibitor application. Click here to see the exhibit hall layout. For more information, visit www.UltimateHomeExpo.com or call the SUHBA office at 435-674-1400.
The Ultimate Home Expo is Sponosored by:
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsor the Ultimate Home Expo
Sponsor the Ultimate Home Expo and receive unique benefits. Prime choice of best exhibition area, logo included in marketing materials, large signs at event, announcements, newsletter recognition, and many other benefits. Your company will definitely be front and center with this unique opportunity. Contact Mari Smith at 435-674-1400 or Mari@suhba.com for more sponsor benefits and availability. Sponsors are limited.
Sponsor the Southern Utah Building Industry Conference
Highly rated for its success in recognizing and offering timely topics of interest in the building industry, you will find this year’s program to be even more robust. If you want to be recognized as a leader or would like to gain marketing exposure, then please consider this as an integral part of your marketing program.
The program is built to give maximum exposure for several months at the two highest levels, as well as at specific seminars for targeting your niche market in the building industry.
Click here to read through the program brochure, then decide on your preferred sponsorship package.
The program is built to give maximum exposure for several months at the two highest levels, as well as at specific seminars for targeting your niche market in the building industry.
Click here to read through the program brochure, then decide on your preferred sponsorship package.
LOCAL/COMMUNITY NEWS
It's Christmas in July with Tastefully Simple!
Beat the heat and enjoy Christmas in July at the Tastefully Simple Open House on July 15th and July 16th from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Come and CHILL OUT with holiday treats, music, decorations at 360 E 710 S, Ivins. Receive a gift just for coming! Also receive a gift with purchase and get FREE shipping with any order. What a celebration! For more information, please contact Cheryl Huner at 435-652-8171 or email her at ezgourmet@skyviewmail.com..
SouthWest Community Poised for New Era of Prosperity
Greater financial opportunities will soon be available to members of SouthWest Community Credit Union, the organization announced today, as it officially joins Chartway Federal Credit Union.
The partnership, in which SouthWest Community will become a division of Chartway, will enable the St. George-based credit union to benefit from the strength of two credit unions – resulting in a greater array of products and stronger pricing on loans and savings. Additionally, SouthWest Community members can expect to see the same familiar faces, and the same name and logo. ...More
The partnership, in which SouthWest Community will become a division of Chartway, will enable the St. George-based credit union to benefit from the strength of two credit unions – resulting in a greater array of products and stronger pricing on loans and savings. Additionally, SouthWest Community members can expect to see the same familiar faces, and the same name and logo. ...More
GREEN BUILDING NEWS
City Offers Incentives to Replace Old Toilets
The Spectrum
Conservation managers are asking residents to stop flushing good water - and money - down the toilet. Starting July 1st the City of St. George is offering a rebate for people who replace their older, water-guzzling toilets with newer, more efficient ones.
The program will provide $75 to people who replace toilets installed before the year 2000 with new WaterSense-labeled toilets, and offers a new rebate for high-efficiency urinals in commercial buildings.
Toilets account for 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption, according to the EPA, and could save more than $90 per year in reduced water utility bills.
For more information, contact Rene Fleming at 435-627-4848 or email her at Rene.fleming@sgcity.org. More water conservation information for St. George is available at www.sgcity.org/conservation.
Conservation managers are asking residents to stop flushing good water - and money - down the toilet. Starting July 1st the City of St. George is offering a rebate for people who replace their older, water-guzzling toilets with newer, more efficient ones.
The program will provide $75 to people who replace toilets installed before the year 2000 with new WaterSense-labeled toilets, and offers a new rebate for high-efficiency urinals in commercial buildings.
Toilets account for 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption, according to the EPA, and could save more than $90 per year in reduced water utility bills.
For more information, contact Rene Fleming at 435-627-4848 or email her at Rene.fleming@sgcity.org. More water conservation information for St. George is available at www.sgcity.org/conservation.
BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
Building Up Your Business with Builder Members
If you’re an associate member who expected to get mega-business from builders as soon as you joined, you may have been a little disappointed. Like most worthwhile things in life, it just doesn’t happen overnight. Shaping your own career took time and nurturing; so did developing your client base. The rules don’t change at the builders association. It still takes an investment of time and patience to reap the rewards of membership. ...More
OFFICE LEASE SPACE AVAILABLE
Locate Your Business in Coral Canyon Town Center
Conveniently located off I-15 in Washington, the Coral Canyon Town Center has office space available for lease. Call today for great lease rates. For more information, please contact Mari Smith at 674-1400.
SUBMIT YOUR NEWS
Next Publish Date for News You Can Use: July 27, 2010
SUHBA members are encouraged to submit company event announcements, open house announcements, job announcements, education announcements and press releases for inclusion in the next News You Can Use by Monday, July 26, 2010. Please email the information to news@suhba.com.
