We-Connect e-Source - 11/10/2009 (Plain Text Version)View Graphical Version | Subscribe
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Editor... In this issue: The NAHB Bulletin
To be eligible to receive a Designee of the Year Award, candidates must be active designation holders and in good standing. Members of the designations’ governing bodies and home builders association staff members are not eligible. “Our Designees of the Year exemplify the most esteemed qualities of our industry,” said Benjamin Graham, GMB, of The Graham Companies in Middleburg, Va., and chairman of the NAHB Education Committee. “They give to their communities through mentorship, influence and innovation. In everything they do, they elevate the image of NAHB’s designations and housing professionals. They are setting a tremendous example for the rest of us to follow.” The Designee of the Year Award winners will be selected by the respective governing bodies based on criteria set for receiving each award, including a review of the answers to the questions and the support documentation submitted. Nominations for the awards may be made by any person or organization actively participating in the respective designation program. Self-nominations are also accepted. To apply, visit www.nahb.org/DesigneesofTheYear. The entry deadline is Friday, Nov. 13.
NAHB to Shut Down Operations Thanksgiving Week (November 23 - 27)
During this shut down, your NAHB staff contacts will not be in the office or generally available via phone or e-mail. Staff will answer any messages received, during the closure, when they return to the Office and normal business operations are resumed. Should you have a question or concern, during this time period, please contact (insert primary staff contact name and e-mail address) or leave a message with the NAHB Service Center via phone or e-mail at: 800-368-5242 ext 0 or info@nahb.org. Again, responses to any waiting e-mails will not take place until NAHB returns to normal business operations. Your flexibility and patience is appreciated during this challenging time.
Higher Conforming Loan Limits Extended Through 2010
The loan limits will continue to be capped at $729,750 in high-cost markets. Those caps were due to expire on Dec. 31 if Congress had not taken action.
A joint statement issued last week by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on the extension of the home buyer tax credit also called on Congress to extend the expiration period for the higher conforming loan limits and to identify a financing source for the National Housing Trust Fund. On Oct. 26, NAHB, along with the National Association of Realtors® and Mortgage Bankers Association, sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging Congress to act soon to extend the current higher loan limits for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHA that were due to expire at year-end. The letter noted that borrowers had unnecessarily been denied financing because of uncertainty over expiring loan limits and consumers were unable to lock in current interest rates beyond 60 days for loans over $625,500. “The higher limits are a key component of the economic recovery efforts because they help make affordable loans available for a broader spectrum of consumers who want to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage,” the letter said. “We believe these temporary limits have benefited the mortgage industry and consumers during what has been a turbulent period for our nation’s economy,” it said. “In light of the continuing weakness in the secondary market, we urge Congress to take action so that the GSEs and FHA can be permitted to continue providing capital to support loans to families across America.” For more information, e-mail Scott Meyer at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8144.
New NAHB Logo Rolled Out
NAHB appointed a special task force to work with FutureBrand on retooling the association’s visual identity system that applies to all of its numerous constituency groups – from single-family home builders to property managers, remodelers, multifamily builders and land developers, as well as product manufacturers and service providers. "The partnership between NAHB and FutureBrand has led to a branding program that accentuates the role that NAHB plays in building and enriching our communities,” said FutureBrand co-Chief Executive Officer Steve Beck. "The strategic foundation of this program will enhance NAHB's ability to effectively communicate its diverse lines of business, and the brand identity system provides NAHB with a unique and compelling brand expression." Over the coming months, NAHB will be gradually implementing its new logo through cooperative efforts with its 800-plus affiliated Home Builder Associations across the country.
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Not sure how to get started? Let us show you how with an easy to understand overview of what social networks are, how they can benefit you, and how to sign up. Already an expert? Check out a list of options for staying in touch with new information added regularly. Need more insight? View our list of frequently asked questions to go in-depth. Learn more about social networking, join us, and then tell a fellow member to sign up too! For more information or to contact us directly, please visit www.NAHB.org | ©2009, National Association of Home Builders |