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HUD Rescinds Proposed Mortgage Interest Premium Rate Hike
NAHB applauds the decision by the department of Housing and Urban Development to defer a proposed rise in insurance premiums for several key Federal Housing Administration programs that support new construction or substantial renovation of multifamily rental properties. HUD had given notice in November that it planned to push up mortgage insurance premiums on the Section 221(d)(4) program, as well as other programs, by as much as 16 basis points. The increase was scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1 of last year.
HUD delayed its implementation after NAHB and other industry groups voiced strong opposition to the increase. NAHB led a coalition fighting the planned increase, providing economic data and analysis that showed what a tremendous effect such a dramatic increase would have on the program, which overwhelmingly serves renters whose incomes are only 60 to 80 percent of an area’s median income. There are no plans to revisit the increase in 2008.
A total of 38 Senators and 117 Congressional Representatives joined NAHB in registering their opposition to the rate hike.
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Regulatory: Comments on FCC Proposed Rule Change due Feb. 6
The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a rule that would ban bulk billing for video services in multifamily buildings. It already has adopted a rule that bans exclusive service contracts between an owner and any video provider, such as a cable company or a phone company, a decision that gives residents some choice over their video provider. That ban goes into effect March 7, 2008, and it will invalidate the exclusivity provisions of any video service contract in existence on that date.
The new proposal addresses billing, and seeks to ban an arrangement in which an owner makes a contract with one company that will provide service to every unit, sending one monthly bill to the owner instead of the resident. The cost of the cable service would generally be included in the rent, along with other services the owner provides, such as air conditioning or a swimming pool. Under the FCC proposal, each resident would be billed individually.
The proposed rule also would ban exclusive marketing agreements, such as doorknob hangers or informative flyers in leasing or sales offices.
NAHB will be responding to this proposal with comments in opposition. If you would also like to file an individual comment on this proposal, it needs to reach the FCC by February 6, 2008. For guidance as to how to file such a comment, e-mail A.J. Holliday, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8305.
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Legal: Supreme Court Opts Not to Review Fair Housing-Related Case
On January 7, the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to accept review of a case brought by an NAHB member, WKB Associates v. Fair Housing Council. The petition filed by WKB asked the Court to review principles regarding standing, and statute of limitations questions in the context of the Fair Housing Act’s accessibility provisions. A lower court ruling gave expansive standing to sue to citizens’ groups, such as the Fair Housing Council, that receive federal funding to bring enforcement actions against multifamily builders and developers. It also broadened the statute of limitations to allow suit for as long as a non-compliant building stands, disregarding the Act’s language that a suit must be brought within two years of design and construction.
Lower courts have issued contradictory opinions on these points of law, and NAHB was hopeful that the high Court would intervene and resolve the split. Unfortunately, in spite of the skillfully crafted amicus brief by NAHB member firms, the Justices opted not to resolve these issues at this time. NAHB will continue to monitor actions in the courts, and identify appropriate vehicles to keep these important issues on the judicial radar.
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Economics: The Economy “Staggers” into 2008
In the latest issue of Eye on the Economy, NAHB chief economist David Seiders tells how December’s employment numbers shocked everyone, discusses what we can expect from the Fed going forward, and gives his opinion as to when the turnaround will begin. Read the entire issue at this link.
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Calendar: Conferences and Awards
- Green Building Awards Deadline – Jan. 31
If your company is building green, enter your work in NAHB's Green Building Awards competition. For more information, view this page.
- International Builders’ Show – Feb.13-16, 2008
It’s time to register for the International Builders’ Show, in its final year in Orlando. See the exhibits you didn’t get to last year, as well as the many first-time exhibitors. For more information, and to register, view this page.
- 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards – February 29
Enter your firm’s best active adult housing community in the 50+ Housing Councils awards program. Winners will be announced in May at the Building for Boomers and Beyond conference in New Orleans. For more information, view this page.
- Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala – Early Registration Ends Feb. 8
Join top-tier industry leaders at The Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colo., on April 1-3, for an information-packed seminar program and a revamped menu of networking opportunities. It’s NAHB Multifamily’s signature annual event, and one that the industry’s most influential leaders attend. For more information, view this page.
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Dell to Double NAHB Discounts in February
Dell is offering double discounts* to NAHB members from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29 on an array of products designed to meet the technology needs of your company. That means Dell’s normal discounts of 3% to 5% to NAHB members and staff will double to 6% to 10% on essential small business technology, including business-class desktops and cutting-edge notebooks.
[*Double discounts do not apply to the preconfigured systems which are already priced at up to 20% off.]
Go to www.dell.com/nahb to get started. After you have made your selections and are ready to purchase, call your dedicated Dell sales representative at 888-577-3355, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (CST) and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (CST). Your sales representative will apply your NAHB member discount to your order.
NAHB members who have previously ordered from Dell receive a monthly catalog, which includes this double discount offer.
For the most up-to-date details and information on Dell and all the participating companies in NAHB’s Member Advantage program, visit www.nahb.org/MA.
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or to contact us directly, please visit www.nahb.org
l ©2008, National Association
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