AGENDA 2011

   THERE IS AN EVER GROWING DEMAND FOR SMALLER-1400 / 1800 S.F., WELL DESIGNED HOMES AS EVIDENCED BY THE SURVIVING BUILDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHO NOW HAVE A BACKLOG OF PRE-SOLD HOMES. THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY IS GOING TO BE " DO WE STAY W/ THE STATUS-QUO" IN AS FAR AS PROJECT FINANCING GOES OR, ARE BUILDERS, AS A COLLECTIVE GROUP, GOING TO GET CREATIVE & INNOVATIVE?......LET'S SEE WHAT THE BUILDERS GUILD IS WORKING ON FOR2011.....

WHY ARE SOME BUILDERS BOOMING?

   Now this is an interesting topic.....There is a definite pattern here that divides the "status quo" general contractors and the more progressive thinking builders. Staying ahead of the curve in this economy often is the difference between being "in" business, or, being "out" of business.
   I've observed over the last 2 years that the popularity of homes w/ 1400-1800 s.f. have sold much faster than those w/ greater  s.f.  -   SIMPLE! Now, here's the defining difference between the builders  producing the smaller homes. The 1st, builds a rectangle from some plan that's been around since the 70s.........this is called "shelter"   The 2nd builder, understands the value of design. And builds homes that are quite livable. Understanding that the amount of material is the same for both homes, it's how it's applied that makes the difference. So, at the end of the day we see the "shelter" bldr. paying interest payments to the bank while he waits for a sale While the more progressive thinking bldr. is logging up "pre-solds"

GRATEFUL

JUST A NOTE OF THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO THAT WE, AS A PEOPLE, CAN ENJOY THE FREEDOMS WE'VE BEEN GIVEN .

WHAT WORKS & WHAT DOESN'T

   After a decade of "bigger is better" way of thinking. We're seeing the buying public re-evaluate that line of thought. As of late, successful smaller builders, are emerging as the Industry leaders. The one thing they all share in common......there is a much greater emphasis on quality of design & size of home. Frank Lloyd Wright was once quoted as saying  " to build a box, is shelter...   To tear a box down, is Architecture "

BUILDERS GUILD SERVICES

   Our association with the Builders Guild, An organization offering great benefits & services to General contractors Nationwide, has one purpose. To increase the builders bottom line. To join the guild, or simply get info. contact:    HBR.guild@gmail.com

NEW HOME SALES REBOUNDING

   AFTER 2.5 YEARS WE'RE SEEING MOVEMENT IN THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING INDUSTRY AS SOME BANKS LOOSEN UP ON THEIR LENDING POLICIES. THAT BEING SAID, IT'S IMPORTANT TO FACTOR IN A FEW MORE ELEMENTS INTO THE PICTURE, THE 1st BEING THE OVERALL POPULATION GROWTH. IN SHORT, EVEN THOUGH THE ECONOMY QUIT....PEOPLE CONTINUE TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES WHICH, CREATES THE NEED FOR MORE HOUSING. COUPLE THIS WITH A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING INDUSTRY THAT'S BEEN ALL BUT STAGNANT FOR THE LAST 2.5 YEARS, PRODUCING FAR TO FEW HOMES TO KEEP PACE WITH POPULATION EXPANSION.
   SO, AT THE END OF THE DAY, I FIND MYSELF FAIRLY OPTIMISTIC. AT SOME POINT IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE THIS SCENARIO WILL BE "SELF CORRECTING" AND WE'LL FIND OURSELVES IN THE MIDDLE OF A HOUSING SHORTAGE.
   NEXT WEEK, WE'LL TALK ABOUT SINGLE FAMILY HOME DESIGN- WHAT WORKS......AND WHAT DOESN'T.