The North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA), has declared June "Affordable Housing Month" in North Carolina.

"The economic pressures on affordable housing in our state are intense," says NCHBA President Dave Stormont.  "One of the major components of the price of any home is the land on which it sits. We, as individuals, have very little influence on the cost of the land, as that price point is truly market driven." 

"We do; however, have the ability to greatly influence the price of the structure built upon that land parcel which is the other major component making up the total price. The members of NCHBA are committed to seeing that structures built today are built to the standards of one of the best codes in the country, while at the same time trying to hold the line on unnecessary costs due to regulatory burdens, code interpretations and local governmental specialized fees. The members are also committed to using the latest technologies, products and building practices in order to achieve the best value for the construction dollar. We all recognize that our workforce and our children deserve an opportunity to begin their dream of homeownership and are excited to celebrate June as 'Affordable Housing Month.'"

 
Home Builders Blitz 2006
During the week of June 5, 2006, 1,000 professional builders helped to build more than 400 Habitat for Humanity homes, housing more than 1,000 people. The homes were built from start to finish in 130 communities throughout the United States. Together as a team, the home building industry sent a message throughout the country that affordable housing can be a reality. In North Carolina alone, 63 homes were built during the blitz. The national event got its start right here in North Carolina. In 2003 and 2004, Tom Gipson of Raleigh led a group from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh/Wake County to build dozens of houses. Homes were constructed in a week from the foundation to the finished product. Builders worked with their suppliers, vendors and subcontractors in a joint effort to build these homes at little or no cost to the local Habitat affiliate. Through the generous donations of time and building materials, the builders in Wake County have completed several homes in the past three years. The Raleigh project was such a success that it has been expanded to a nationwide event. Gipson, Mark Massengil, Mike Golder and other Raleigh builders visited towns and communities across America to promote this nationwide Home Builders Blitz.
To read the full Home Builders Blitz article click here: http://www.nchba.com/content/view/513/1/

Builders, Housing Finance Agency Spur Growth in Affordable New Homes
The N.C. Housing Finance Agency's affordable mortgages, combined with the work of homebuilders across the state, is increasing the affordable housing stock, and opening the homeownership for hundreds of North Carolinians. North Carolina home builders built, and the N.C. Housing Finance Agency financed, 5,242 starter homes in the last five years, exceeding the joint goal they set of "5,000 by 2005." 
To read the full article click here: http://www.nchba.com/content/view/514/1/

NAHB President David Pressly (second from right) joins (from left) NCHFA Executive Director Bob Kucab, NCHFA Board Member Sam Ewelland, and NCHFA Chairman Lucius Jones during a special work day on the Habitat for Humanity House named in Pressly's honor and currently under construction in Iredell County.

NAHB President David Pressly Habitat House
"The leadership of North Carolina's home builders in creating affordable housing has been exceptional," NCHFA Executive Director Bob Kucab said.  He especially recognized the leadership of David Pressly of Statesville, president of the National Association of Home Builders. "David's dedication to increasing the number of affordable homes in North Carolina has been outstanding. He has actively promoted affordable housing at both the state and national levels for many years."  To honor Pressly's contribution, the Agency is sponsoring the construction of the David Pressly Habitat home in Iredell County. The home was started by the Iredell County Habitat for Humanity in March; housing finance agency staff and board members spent a day in late April putting on siding; and the home is expected to be complete by the end of July. It brings the N.C. Housing Finance Agency's total financing for Habitat for Humanity homes around the state to more than $12 million.

NCHBA also strives to improve affordable housing through the North Carolina Construction Training Partnership (CTP).  This partnership, composed of a local government unit, the NCHBA and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, has a primary objective of impacting affordable housing through new construction or rehabilitation projects.  Other program goals include community service, occupational training for the unemployed and addressing construction workforce needs. Recent classes have been held in Raleigh, Rocky Mount and Burlington.  For more information about NCCTP, contact Kep Paylor of NCHBA at 919-676-9090.

NCHBA members make a difference!

The largest number of NCHBA members in history took time away from their businesses and families to come to Raleigh to participate in NCHBA's 2006 Legislative Conference this past week.  Despite a torrential downpour on Wednesday (8.7 inches) and localized flooding, NCHBA members converged on the General Assembly to lobby their respective House and Senate members on issues of importance to the home building industry.  The impacts are already being felt.  Most notably, because of the efforts of NCHBA Government Affairs staff and its members' activities during the Legislative Conference, the State Division of Water Quality has rescinded its onerous policy excluding wetland areas from the calculation of "built-upon" area.  

Thanks for making NCHBA's Legislative Conference a success!

"Membership recruiting and retention are the lifeblood of any organization and the NCHBA is no different.  Don't make the mistake of assuming that someone else will extend an invitation to a prospect to join, or that someone else will make the effort to make someone feel welcome.  One person cannot equal the sustaining power of a whole local association.  Be that active member that gives a person the reason to join the builders association and stay.  Be the one that encourages a new member to get involved because they see you involved, and don't be shy about what you do for the association," states Hamrick.  

To learn more about this SPIKE click here.

Register Online for the 21CBEC!

Attendee Registration for the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference (21CBEC) is now available online at www.21buildingexpo.com!

Conference - August 23-25, 2006
Exposition - August 24-25, 2006
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, NC

The Building Blocks of Success.  We've doubled our floor space to accommodate all the interesting and exciting new products you'll see at the 4th annual 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. To learn more about the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference visit the website at www.21buildingexpo.com. This year there will be TWO chances to win the grand prize of $10,000! 

STARS AWARDS ENTRIES DUE JULY 21, 2006!

Join us for "An Evening in Paris" as we recognize the talents and achievements of builders, developers, associates, sales & marketing professionals, interior merchandisers, landscape architects, advertising and public relations firms, web developers and others in the home building industry. You do not have to be an entry to attend the STARS Awards Gala - Don't be left out as we celebrate and recognize our colleagues!  

Black Tie Optional * 6:00 pm Champagne Reception * 7:00 pm Dinner/Awards Presentation followed by dancing with The Voltage Brothers, sponsored by KHovnanian Homes

For more information, to register or to purchase a STARS Awards Gala ticket please contact Susan Thompson at Phone: 1.800.662.7129, email:  , or visit our Web site at www.21buildingexpo.com.