ALL DRESSED UP
AND NO WHERE TO GO?
MEET ME AT THE HBAGTA ANNUAL GOLF OUTING & PIG ROAST
JUNE 5, 2009
CROWN GOLF COURSE |
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CALENDAR AND
EVENT LINKS |
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April 27, 2009
Parade of Homes Mandatory Builder Meeting 6:00 pm at the HBAGTA Office |
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May 1, 2009
May 11, 2009
General Membership Meeting - Gio Trattoria in Kalkaska
MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN - "EACH ONE REACH ONE"
June 5, 2009
Annual Golf Outing - The Crown Golf Course
May 19, 2009
National Membership Day - "EACH ONE - REACH ONE!" June 20 - 28, 2009
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EACH ONE-REACH ONE
MEMBERSHIP DEFENDERS UNITE! |
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With extraordinary powers and an outstanding network, there's nothing a superhero can't do!
MARK THE DATES!
MAY 11 - MAY 19 |
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COLORING OUR WORLD A LITTLE GREENER
The Grand Traverse Conservation District in conjunction with the Green Build Grand Traverse Committee distributed some special coupons at the General Membership Meeting April 13. These entitle the bearer to a small white fir seedling that may be picked up at the HBA office NOW. The seed-infused coupon contains wildflower seeds and may be planted after the final frost. With or without it, members are encouraged to pick up the seedlings compliments of your "green" committee. Only 100 seedlings are available so please stop by soon! |
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USEFUL LINKS TO MONITOR ECONOMIC AND HOUSING TRENDS |
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CLICK HERE for links to useful information from government agencies and NAHB that will enable you to monitor the housing market.
To access the latest information available, simply click on the individual links.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!
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Sponsor Link
CONTACT THE HBAGTA TO BECOME A TUESDAY TOOLBOX SPONSOR!
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REMEMBERING MOM ON MOTHER'S DAY?
FTD & NAHB CAN SAVE YOU MONEY! |
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NAHB members can get a 15% discount on all flowers, gifts and gift baskets from FTD, the newest NAHB Member Advantage participating company and the world's oldest and one of the best known brands in the floral business.
Members can choose from gorgeous red roses, Vera Wang exclusive floral designs, spa sets, chocolates, wine baskets and more. They can also take advantage of FTD's "Good as Gold" seven-day satisfaction guarantee of receiving beautiful, floral arrangements and plants that are guaranteed to last at least seven days.
Plus, FTD's same-day delivery and guaranteed satisfaction are also available with "Say It Your Way" bouquets that are delivered with your own personal audio greeting.
With 15,000 retail florists and 45,000 international affiliates, FTD can provide same-day floral service to nearly 100% of the U.S. population. FTD owned and operated U.S. call centers also offer 24/7 availability, including all major holidays.
To use the NAHB Member Advantage 15% discount, visit www.ftd.com/nahb , or call 800-SEND-FTD (800-736-3383) and mention code 17421. |
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DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER
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ADD VALUE TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
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| Greetings! ,
The 2009 Parade of Homes is foremost on our minds this week as we gather all of the information submitted by our 17 Parade Home entries. We are very encouraged by this strong showing of support and participation from our builders this year! Our 2009 Parade participants will meet on Monday, April 27 at 6:00 pm at the Association office to review new processes and procedures for this year's Parade. This is a year of change and re-evaluation of our events and the 2009 Parade of Homes is no exception. The HBAGTA looks forward to showcasing the diverse selection of homes in this year's Parade. Even more exciting will be the tens of thousands of consumers that will have the opportunity to tour these homes. We look forward to your continued support for this "Premier" event in our community.
The 2009 Strategic Plan is almost complete and I would like to thank all who helped with this project. While the process seemed tedious at times, I believe that we have identified some new and positive initiatives that will strengthen us in the future and underscore that our Association is a leader in our community.
Our Golf Committee is excited about changes that have been made to our annual event. A change of venue and some other great surprises will make this a fun and relaxing event! Mark the date, get your group together and sign up for a great day of golf and networking!
Together, we are building a stronger Association!
Kathy
Kathleen Maisonville
Executive Officer
p: 231.946.2305
f: 231.946.1051
toll free: 800.422.5166
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2009 PARADE OF HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS |
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 2009 PARADE OF HOMES AND DEVELOPMENTS
For more information on the 2009 Parade, contact Kerry at the HBAGTA Office.
COME JOIN THE PARADE! |
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SPRINKLER MANDATE IS HOT ISSUE AGAIN |
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Special Meeting:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Waterfront Conference Center
Speaker: Lee Schwartz, VP of Governmental Affairs.
With all the challenges facing the industry, one of the biggest ones that we had hoped to put behind us last year was the issue of sprinkler mandates in one and two-story homes and townhouses. However, this hot issue once again is looming large and we need your support!
Lee Schwartz, MAHB Vice President of Governmental Affairs is making a special trip to Traverse City on Thursday, April 23rd to speak with a small group of interested builders who want to learn how to effectively defeat this potentially devastating legislation.
The event will take place in a small conference room at the Waterfront Conference Center from 5-7 p.m. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served and there is no charge for those attending. However, it is imperative to RSVP so that we can adequately plan for food and table seating. All those interested in learning more are welcome to attend.
Click HERE to RSVP
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NATIONAL REMODELERS MONTH |
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 MAY is National Remodelers Month!
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SURVIVING THE DOWNTURN |
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 Effective Advertising Should Focus on Generating Traffic
If you don't want any of your advertising dollars to go to waste, you need to understand that effective advertising, especially in today's market, must have a singular goal - to generate traffic.
Now, advertising isn't the only way to achieve this goal. A balanced marketing program that includes such elements as highly-targeted print advertising and targeted media, like radio and cable television, can generate traffic as well.
In fact, to be effective, all of your advertising and marketing efforts should work seamlessly with a well-strategized public relations outreach program that should probably include working with real estate brokers, depending upon your market.
Onsite and Offsite Promotions Generate Traffic
One of the best ways to generate qualified traffic in this housing downturn is through special events involving onsite or offsite promotion.
Also, don't forget the role of the Internet. Studies have shown that 80% of purchasers start their home search on the Internet.
You Must Have a 'Call to Action'
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NAHB NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING CONFERENCE |
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The NAHB National Green Building Conference in Dallas on May 8-10 will feature new business management courses on how to green your business that will cover everything from green business practices, the legal issues and liabilities surrounding green building, green government programs and more.
Among the offerings:
"Green Project Management"
Learn how to properly incorporate National Green Building Certification into your project management and scheduling tasks so you can complete jobs on time and see the difference in your bottom line.
Speaker: Cathy Williams, Enviro Custom Homes
"Green Building Legal and Liability Issues"
This course will examine potential green building legal and liability issues such as: unmet customer expectations regarding "green" benefits; contract disputes over terminology; additional costs; unexpected delays; problems with obtaining green building certification; allocation of maintenance responsibilities; warranty coverage issues; and compliance with local green building mandates.
Speakers: David Crump and David Jaffe, NAHB; Patrick Perrone, Esq., K & L Gates; Shari Shapiro, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP
"Valuing Green Homes"
While builders are putting up green homes at a record pace, one of the key concerns they and consumers have is that the current real estate and appraisal system does not always consider all of the costs, value added and savings embedded in construction of environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient homes. Learn about the efforts of appraisers, Realtors® and bankers to fill in this gap.
Speakers: Beth Johnson, Advocates Realty, and representatives from national green real estate programs.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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Date: April 30, 2009
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Presented by: Bruce Frost MBA/DDL
Cost: $175/NAHB members $225/non-NAHB members
Three stages must precede any development: site planning, government approval and site improvements. Get the essential overview of these critical processes, plus a detailed description of each individual step. This course is designed for the newcomer to land development. As a graduate of this course, you will be able to: · Explain the major tasks of land development and the site planning process · Determine the responsibilities of a land developer and important considerations for becoming a successful developer · Adhere to the government approval process and establish techniques for winning support for your new development · Implement the steps and considerations involved in site improvements
DIVERSIFICATION: CAPITALIZING ON NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Date: May 1, 2009
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Presented by: Bruce Frost, MBA/DDL
Cost: $175/NAHB Member $225/non-NAHB Member
Identify opportunities to build and diversify your business. This course examines more than twenty-five different opportunities within the construction industry that are ideal for expansion. Explore the different approaches and options diversification allows including commercial building, remodeling, special use structures and institutional projects. You'll analyze the factors that affect success in diversification and learn the due diligence steps to take when preparing to diversify. As a graduate of this course, you will be able to: · Define the concept of diversification and identify its related benefits and risks · Identify types of businesses that provide diversification opportunities for builders, remodelers, residential contractors and small commercial contractors · Consider aspects of each diversification opportunity before selecting it as a viable option · Determine whether diversification is a desirable option · Identify due diligence that should be performed.
PLEASE NOTE: THE HBAGTA POLICY IS TO HOLD A SCHEDULED COURSE REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF REGISTRANTS. WE DO, HOWEVER, RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. | |
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UNIVERSAL DESIGN / GREEN REMODELING HAVE JOINT APPEAL |
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 A remodeling project that combines universal design and green remodeling can be a strong seller in today's weakened market, particularly with baby boomers "coming of age," according to Mike Vowels, of Stewardship Remodeling in Seattle.
Vowels sees a strong link between the two remodeling concepts because both involve consumers planning for their futures and incorporating sustainability in a home.
But Vowels also cautions that designing the remodeling solution offered to potential clients has to be "seamless and invisible," or consumers won't find it appealing.
"You need to be careful when presenting the subject of 'aging-in-place' to prospective clients because some people are uncomfortable with the language," Vowel says. "People don't want to envision themselves getting old or becoming less capable."
Instead of using the term, "roll-in shower," for example, Vowels talks to his prospects about curb-less European showers. Instead of ramps, he discusses step-less grade changes leading to the front entrance or back patio.
Vowels markets and sells universal design and green remodeling as a total home remodeling solution rather than as two compatible concepts.
"You wouldn't recognize the differences if you didn't point them out," he says. "You have to be able to demonstrate that the remodeled home would have all these tasteful changes without anyone being aware that anything is different or out of the ordinary. None of the changes should look temporary, generic or institutional."
The most effective way to accomplish such a seamless remodel, Vowels says, is to anticipate future needs, plan accordingly and integrate the universal design and green solutions.
"It's about how smart your house can be," says Vowels. For example, a design that plans for future changes can include stacked closets that are properly sized so that they can be converted into an elevator shaft later, if needed. Such pre-planning meets the home owner's needs now and their changing needs in the future.
The approach makes the whole remodeling project much more marketable and easier to sell because there are more features and benefits to sell - and because they work together, he says.
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Thank you for your membership and support of the Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc.
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Copyright 2009 Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Inc. All rights reserved.
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