Property owners across North Carolina scored another victory on Tuesday, May 6 when citizens in four counties rejected the proposed land transfer tax referendum that appeared on their ballots. Voters in Ashe, Gates, Orange and Tyrrell counties soundly rejected the referendum, bringing the voting record for the transfer tax to 0-20. This remarkable victory follows the pattern established last November, when the measure was voted down in 16 counties across North Carolina. The victory in Gates County followed the defeat of the same measure in November but, this time, by an even larger margin.
The land transfer tax, also known as the "home tax," requires property owners to pay an additional tax upon selling their property based on the value of the property. It places an unfair and unreliable tax burden on homeowners and ultimately makes housing less affordable. A last minute special provision was placed into the North Carolina state budget bill in 2007, which granted counties the authority to place a 0.4% transfer tax referendum on their ballots.
NCHBA is vehemently opposed to the land transfer tax and has worked diligently with its partner, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, through the "It's a Bad Idea" campaign to ensure that these measures would not be approved in these counties. Our attention now turns to repealing this law during the short session of the General Assembly in an effort to continue the promotion and protection homeownership in North Carolina.
NCHBA's share of the campaign came from our Issues Mobilization Fund. However, beating these referenda in 20 counties has been a very expensive undertaking. Please help us "replenish the fund" with your generous contribution. Please contact Jessi Hayes to help us with this effort.
County by County breakdown of May 6 Primary Election results:
It's time to nominate the 2008 NCHBA Construction Trades Teacher of the Year. The award is designed to help HBAs interact with their local school systems and to recognize outstanding educators. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of an instructor in the secondary school system by a local HBA, vocational director or local principal. The process is as follows:
1. Nominations should be returned to the NCHBA by the deadline.
2. Local HBAs should distribute nomination packages in their area.
3. Local HBAs can set their own deadlines to receive nomination packages. If an HBA has more than one nominee, they should select their local winner. Locals are encouraged to recognize their local winner and nominees (examples - meeting invite, plaque, tool donation, etc.).
4. Final selection of the state winner will be made by the NCHBA Vocational Education Committee. Nominations are due by THIS FRIDAY,May 23, 2008.
5. Nominees are encouraged to submit pictures of examples of their work.
The NCHBA Legislative Conference and 2nd Quarter Board and Committee meetings will be held at the North Raleigh Hilton in Raleigh, NC on June 3-4, 2008. The Legislative Reception will be held at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh.
Please complete the registration form and return it to NCHBA (click here to download form). DEADLINE FOR ROOM RESERVATIONS HAS EXPIRED.
DIRECTIONS
Hilton North Raleigh
3415 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, NC 27609
From the West: Take EXIT 10 off I-440 (Wake Forest Road) and turn left. The North Raleigh Hilton will be on your left.
From the East: Take EXIT 10 off I-440 (Wake Forest Road) and turn right. The North Raleigh Hilton will be on your left.
For hotel reservations call 1-800-HILTONS ((800) 445-8667).
Join us for an overland membership journey in search of tomorrow's leaders. Grab your khakis, bush jackets and pith helmets - we're going on The Big Hunt.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 is National Membership Day.
NEW PARTICIPATION PRIZE STRUCTURE THIS YEAR: Participating recruiters will receive prizes for recruiting one, two or three+ new members in May. Why? So every member can participate and be recognized for it. Maybe they can't get three new members, and maybe they can't get two... but everyone can get ONE! Please click here for more information.
The Residential Fire Sprinkler Action Kit provides you with the information you need to know in opposing mandatory fire sprinkler requirements for one- and two-family dwellings in the IRC. The information below covers a wide range of topics from concerns about residential sprinkler systems performance, installation, cost and the arguments made by sprinkler proponents.
The Action Kit highlights many of NAHB's concerns with mandates for fire sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings and the basis for NAHB's opposition to such adoption. It's recommended that all materials be reviewed. Additional assistance is available from NAHB Construction, Codes and Standards staff on 800-368-5242 -x8303 for Steven Orlowski.
The National Associates BUILD-PAC drive kicked-off April 1st and will run through June 30, 2008. Serving as NC State Chairman, Rick Shields has set a goal of $12,000 for this drive. All Associate, Affiliate and Builder members are being asked to contribute to the National BUILD-PAC at this critical time when housing is the major issue affecting our economy.
The NAHB BUILD-PAC speaks loud and clear for the housing industry on the National Congressional level. We all need to support the NAHB BUILD-PAC as the influence comes down from the top - from the US House and Senate. Much has been accomplished by the pressure initiated by NAHB, but more is needed and your National PAC carries a "big stick." It is up to YOU to step up to the plate to make a contribution to the housing industry.
For a contribution of $100 (Century Club) or more, you will be recognized as a National Club Member. Stand-up and be recognized by your peers. All contributions must be personal and can be made on your personal credit card. It's your business at risk, don't let it down. Don't delay, contribute today!
Your completed enrollment form can be faxed to NAHB BUILD-PAC at (866) 314-4602 or mailed to NAHB BUILD-PAC at 1201 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
May is BUILD-PAC month! Throughout the month of May, local associations will be competing against each other to see who can raise the most money for BUILD-PAC. In this critical election year, it is especially important to give so we are able to support pro-housing candidates and fight the battles against our industry.
Local associations are broken down into four groups based on their 2007 fundraising totals. This promotes competition among similarly sized associations. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each category in each group and will be given as followed:
. Highest dollar amount raised between May 1-May 31
. Highest percentage of goal raised between May 1-May 31
. Highest percentage of member participation between May 1-May 31
The winner in each of the four groups of local associations will have the option of receiving the prize money to go toward their local BUILD-PAC reserve or their general fund. This is a great way to earn some extra money for your association!
For those of you asking, "Why should I give to BUILD-PAC," BUILD-PAC helps to financially support chosen political candidates at the state and local levels. It is the political action committee for the North Carolina Home Builders Association. These candidates are bi-partisan and judged strictly on merits and voting record on industry issues. For every dollar given to BUILD-PAC, 30 cents of that money goes directly into your local reserve to help local candidates chosen by your local association. These races include mayor, city council or county commission. So by giving to BUILD-PAC, you are directly affecting elected officials in your area that will help the industry!
If you have ever thought about supporting BUILD-PAC, this is the month to do it!
Contact your local association to find out more about what they are doing to raise money for BUILD-PAC and the rules for contributing to BUILD-PAC!
Are you ready to Soar Above the Rest in your business in 2008? Then it's time to register for the 2008 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. The three-day conference and two-day exposition will be held September 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Online registration is now open. Simply visit the 21CBEC Web site (http://www.21buildingexpo.com/attendees.cfm) and follow a few easy steps to become fully registered for the show. While you're there, take a look around to see how you can build your experience at the show into an Ultimate Adventure. Check out the extraordinary list of exhibitors, the extensive variety of continuing education courses and the spectacular array of door prizes.
Seize the moment! Register today and prepare to Soar Above the Rest.
The STARS Awards Gala is an opportunity to recognize association members who have made significant contributions to the association, the home building industry and the community. The recipients of these prestigious awards will be honored during "An Evening of Patriotic Proportions" on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at the Westin Hotel in Uptown Charlotte, NC during the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference.
Nominate a Builder or Associate member who you believe is deserving of one of these esteemed awards. For more information, please contact Kathryn Atkinson at (800) 662-7129 or email
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Anytime you take a Builders University class at your local HBA, you can earn North Carolina Builder Institute (NCBI) credit, too. Credit applies toward AA and AB designations.
Builders Mutual Insurance Company's risk management experts bring the latest safety solutions and risk management programs to you through Builders University classes. You may even qualify for a Builders Mutual insurance discount by attending and becoming Fall Protection Certified. View the Builders University schedule, and reserve your spot. Seating is limited, so register today!
The HBA of Winston-Salem is offering two opportunities in June and July for members to continue their professional development and help members meet the continuing education requirements necessary for builder members to keep their HBAWS membership in good standing.
JUNE 10
Inspections Issues for Remodeling Projects
Two(2) hours of CE INSPECTIONS credit
Presenter: Dan Dockery
JULY 10
Morning session: Take-Off to Higher Profits
Afternoon session: What Does It Really Cost?
NCBI Accreditation Courses
Presenter: Greg Isenhour
The Lake Norman HBA University now offers the NCBI Accreditation Program, as part of the their program of classes! No longer will you have to drive to Raleigh for your NCBI designation courses. Classes are being held at Mitchell Community College in Mooresville, NC, on a monthly basis. The cost for HBA members is $180 per 8 hours and $95 per 4 hours. Upon completion, builders receive this prestigious designation not only with NCBI, but also with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Builder Confidence Edges Downward In May Home builders remained considerably downbeat as market conditions continued to erode in May, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. The HMI fell a single point to 19, bringing it within one point of the record low 18 set in December 2007 (the series began in January of 1985).
"With the HMI hovering in the historically low two-point range that's prevailed over the past nine months, the message is very clear: The single-family housing market is still deteriorating and Congress and the Administration must move immediately to enact legislation that will help reverse the trend," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn. "A temporary home-buyer tax credit is just the incentive that many prospective home buyers need to go forward with a purchase and help kick-start a housing and economic recovery." click here to read the entire story
New Resource Helps Builders Improve Customer Ratings in Competitive Market Customer service ratings are more important than ever in the home building industry. Builder Books, the publishing arm for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has just released a new resource to help builders impress customers in this competitive marketplace.
Beyond Warranty: Building Your Referral Business, written by customer service guru Carol Smith takes builders step by step through the complicated, but essential process of creating a home warranty program that can improve housing quality and earn satisfied customers and referral business. Surveys have shown that builders who have a plan in place to improve customer service ratings are the ones who are most successful. click here to read the entire story
NAHB Names Green Building Award Winners
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honored 17 building industry professionals from across their country for excellence and innovation in green home building at the 10th Annual NAHB National Green Building Conference in New Orleans on May 11, 2008.
"These honorees are pioneers, artists and building scientists," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn. "They've worked hard to bring sustainable building practices into the mainstream. These winners are not afraid to put great ideas in motion." click here to read the entire story
Publications 
May is BUILD-PAC month! Throughout the month of May, local associations will be competing against each other to see who can raise the most money for BUILD-PAC. In this critical election year, it is especially important to give so we are able to support pro-housing candidates and fight the battles against our industry.
Are you ready to Soar Above the Rest in your business in 2008? Then it's time to register for the 2008 21st Century Building Expo & Conference. The three-day conference and two-day exposition will be held September 10-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center. 
The STARS Awards Gala is an opportunity to recognize association members who have made significant contributions to the association, the home building industry and the community. The recipients of these prestigious awards will be honored during "An Evening of Patriotic Proportions" on 
