Archive for the ‘National Association of Home Builders’ Category

Energy Efficiency

By Intero Real Estate | June 12th, 2009 0 Comments

Trade groups support ideas behind Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act

Two industry trade groups are offering praise for the goals of legislation that would provide incentives for energy efficiency upgrades.

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colorado. Perlmutter says his legislation provides for incentives to lenders and financial institutions so they can offer lower interest loans and other benefits for consumers who build, buy or remodel their homes or businesses to improve their energy efficiency. The legislation is called the Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act, or the GREEN Act.

The bill was heard in the House Financial Services Subcomittee on Housing and Community Opportunity this week.

National Association of Home Builders President Jerry Howard says: “The scope of the GREEN Act and the new programs that it creates is ambitious, but the intent is thoughtful and NAHB hopes that the resources will ultimately be available to develop the programs into effective tools to promote sustainable principals,” he said.

From the National Association of Realtors®, David Wluka, a member of NAR’s Global Climate Change Presidential Advisory Group, offered this: "We know that many of today’s consumers want homes and communities that are sensitive to the larger environment, and we are pleased that the GREEN Act would offer resources and incentives to homeowners to help them improve the energy efficiency of their homes."

The groups are critical, however, of “The American Clean Energy and Security Act” by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California. The Energy and Commerce Committee already has approved this bill.

You can read more about Perlmutter’s bill here and about Waxman’s bill here.

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Tax Credit

By Intero Real Estate | May 30th, 2009 0 Comments

HUD Secretary outlines tax credit monetization plans

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has offered details of its plan to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help buy their home.

Under the plan, home buyers will immediately be able to apply the money toward their down payments. According to HUD, “home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate.”

“We believe this is a real win for everyone,” said U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. “What we are doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing.”

Donovan made the announcement when he spoke to the National Association of Home Builders. NAHB estimates that the homebuyer tax credit will trigger 160,00 home sales nationwide, including more than 100,000 by first-time buyers.

For more information, click here.

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Business Building

By Intero Real Estate | May 30th, 2009 0 Comments

Association chairman outlines opportunities in down market

Current homeowners may not be eligible for the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit but there are still a number of reasons why they may fare well if they decide to purchase a new home.

That’s according to the National Association of Home Builders, which has listed several reasons why current homeowners may be in a good position to buy a bigger and better home than they could have purchased a year or two earlier.

Here are a few:

  • Low Interest Rates: You can buy a larger home and make smaller monthly mortgage payments than you could have a year ago.
  • Negotiating Power: Lots of homes are on the market, giving you negotiating power.
  • Buyer Interest: While your house may no longer suit your needs, it may be perfect for someone else’s first home.

“Now may be an ideal time for any family looking to upgrade from their starter home to one more suited to their current or future needs,” says Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “Buyers are able to get more home for their money by taking advantage of current prices and interest rates, along with the bargaining power that comes from the large number of homes on the market.”

For the full National Association of Home Builders Release, click here.

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GREEN HOMES

By Intero Real Estate | January 29th, 2009 0 Comments

Builders say demand is growing for “green” products for the home

Green products for the home are growing more and more popular with consumers, according to a group of home building industry product suppliers.

The suppliers spoke at the International Builders’ Show® this month in Las Vegas.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the suppliers said products that promote energy efficiency are still the biggest driver, but interest also is growing for water-efficient fixtures and appliances. There is also a growing demand for windows and doors that aid in improving indoor air quality, they said.

“Consumers and builders are starting to recognize the long-term benefit of green products,” said Omer “Butch” Gaudette, director of trade relations for Whirlpool Corp.

The International Builders’ Show also featured “The New American Home® 2009.” The home featured the latest in green building, construction technology and design trends, the association said.

“Builders, architects, engineers – anybody with an interest in housing construction – will be fascinated by the natural gas-powered heating and cooling system, the photovoltaic cells and the solar water heating,” said Bill Nolan, chairman of The New American Home Task Force. “Even the insulation in this home is exciting. The whole package of energy-efficiency products work together to make this a near-zero-energy home.”

For more information about the home, click here. 

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Economic Rescue

By Intero Real Estate | October 5th, 2008 0 Comments

Groups applaud passage of economic rescue bill

Praise from real estate and other groups is pouring in over the passage of the economic rescue bill that President Bush has now signed into law.

"This legislation is critical to stopping the economic turmoil that millions of Americans are facing," Dick Gaylord, president of the National Association of Realtors®, said in a statement. "Today’s action will go a long way toward ending the current economic crisis crippling the housing and financial markets."

California Association of Realtors® President William E. Brown said his association applauds the bill’s swift signature by President Bush.

“The health of the nation’s housing market is critical to the financial well being of every household in the country, and is front and center here in California,” Brown said.

Over at the National Association of Home Builders, Chairman Sandy Dunn had this to say: “Hopefully, this (bill) will set the stage for rebuilding confidence, restoring the availability of credit for businesses and consumers, and reversing the downward spiral in home prices and rising foreclosures that are root causes of today’s financial turmoil,” Dunn added.

And, John A. Courson, the chief operating officer of the Mortgage Bankers Association, says the bill “will enable financial institutions to offer credit so individuals can purchase homes and other items and businesses can continue to operate and grow.” 

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