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Reason for hope: When homebuyers get tired of waiting
1 commentIn Columbus, Ohio’s housing market low mortgage rates, the $8K tax credit, and diminished interest in waiting for prices to bottom have real estate pros talking about a possible thaw in the market.
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The enduring power of curb appeal in green construction
Samuel Matchett, who in 1999 purchased the first home built under the EarthCraft House program, was drawn to the house primarily because he liked its design. Its energy efficiency and construction quality were icing on the cake.
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Oklahoma builder, local government team up on green home construction
Red Rock Builders, based in Edmond, Oklahoma, partnered with the city to build an Energy Star-rated home that will be used as a showcase for sustainable, energy efficient residential construction in Central Oklahoma.
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Economic predictions revisited
Economists and housing analysts have become mordantly adept at extracting optimism (and pessimism) from the recession's hard-boiled statistics.
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Practical ideas for political debate: tax credit proposals aimed at homebuyers, investors
House Republicans suggest a $5K credit help borrowers cover refinancing closing costs, up to $15K in tax credit for homebuyers, and a tax break for investors who buy distressed homes and rent them out.
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February new-home sales: An uptick toward stability, or simply another byproduct of low prices?
Economists expected a decline in new-home sales for last month, but Commerce Department figures show a 4.7% increase. The reality is, though, this happened as the median price fell 18% year over year.
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Detours on the road to recovery: Second liens and unemployment's drag on multifamily housing
The government's refinancing program is aimed at first mortgages, but the Treasury Department still needs to come up with a way to satisfy lenders holding second liens. Also, NAHB summarizes builder concerns over unemployment and multifamily housing.
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Couple who developed "transhumanism" architecture are among Madoff victims
Japanese artist Arakawa and his wife, Madeline Gins, who say their intentionally disorienting housing designs prolong occupants’ lives by keeping them challenged, face a serious challenge of their own after losing their live savings to Bernie Madoff.
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Restoring hope that credit will flow again to builders, homebuyers
2 commentsIf private investors buy into the government’s program for clearing troubled assets from big banks, builders, buyers, and the housing market in general could benefit.
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NAHB now selling "National Green Building Standard" document
A product of collaboration between NAHB and the International Code Council, the "National Green Building Standard" describes green practices for all phases of residential development and construction.
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About this blog
If you are looking for the latest building industry news, you've found the right Web site. The news we feature here is written by editors and trusted members of the Fine Homebuilding community on topics that matter most to your business. From code changes to lawsuits to matters of credibility, we'll let you know about the issues that affect your bottom line.
