National Economist Elliot Eisenberg to Kick Off Local Impact of Housing Study for 5-County Area

For Immediate Release

On Tuesday, November 30th, National Association of Home Builders Senior Economist Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., will visit Springfield to preview a local economic impact of housing study as well and to provide several important presentations regarding efforts to get housing back on track and dealing with regulatory threats to that recovery.

Eisenberg's schedule will include a media availability:

Tour of a Home Under Construction

Richmond Subdivision in Nixa, MO 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

10:15 am

Richmond Subdivision

868 E. Stone Crest, Nixa.

Driving instructions:  South on Campbell/160, east on Highway 14, south on S. Tiffany Blvd, east on E. Crystal Ave, south on Elegant Dr, east on E. Richmond Way, south on S. Oak Terrace Dr., east on Stone Crest.

CONTACT: Matt Morrow 417-838-7009

“Home building and remodeling generates income and jobs for local residents, as well as revenue for local governments,” says HBA CEO Matt Morrow. “In general, we know the estimated impact of building 100 single-family housing units is $21.1 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments, and 324 local jobs. Right now, that job impact is critically important to ascertain for our community leaders as they try to move us toward recovery. We’ve commissioned Eisenberg to help us understand these economic impacts for our 5-county area.”

As a Senior Economist with the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C., Dr. Eisenberg holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in economics with First Class Honors from McGill University as well as a Master of Public Administration degree and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Syracuse University. Eisenberg is a frequent public speaker on numerous housing and housing related topics including; the economic impact of homebuilding, the unintended consequences of government regulations on house prices, residential fire safety and how to reduce risk and boost profits using financial derivatives. He is the creator of the multifamily stock index and is the author of more than 45 homebuilding industry articles. Dr. Eisenberg is frequently seen on television and heard on radio and his research and opinions have been featured in Business Week, Fortune, many national and local newspapers, and in numerous other publications.

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Salute To Construction Kicks Off October 26 and Awards Banquet on November 4

The Salute Kick-Off Mixer & Proclamation Ceremony will be at 5 pm on Tuesday, October 26 at the new Houlihan’s (2210 E. Republic Road). Complimentary hors d‘oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. The Proclamation Ceremony will begin at 5:15 pm.

The Annual Awards Banquet will cap Salute 2010 activities on Thursday, November 4 at the Clarion Hotel (3333 S. Glenstone); Social Hour at 5:00 p.m. — Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Social Hour appetizers compliments of Springfield Business Journal. Members of all twenty-five organizations sponsoring the Salute to Design and Construction are encouraged to attend and celebrate 26 years of the Salute to Construction. The Master of Ceremonies this year is Rick Quint.

Awards and Honors to be presented will include:
SCA’s Developer of the Year
SCA’s Project of the Year
AIA’s Superintendent and Craftsman of the Year
NAWIC’s Women of the Year
Scholarships, Photo Contest, Special Awards
“People’s Choice” Table Sponsor Award

Advance Tickets Sales Only - Act Now! Purchase tickets for $25 by November 1; price goes up to $35 after that date.
- Order by phone (862-1313),
- Fax (862-6892) or
- Email sherylsca@sbcglobal.net
- Pick up tickets at outlets below:
Springfield Contractors Association
1313 N. Nias Ave.
862-1313

The Builders Association
521 S. Ingram Mill Road
883-6044

Home Builders Association
636 W. Republic Rod. #D-108
881-3711

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Concludes Successful Weekend: Strongest Attendance since 2007

American Glass' New Shower Display at Remodeling Expo

SPRINGFIELD - As the curtain fell Sunday on the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's annual Home Remodeling Expo, vendors and organizers alike were encouraged. Nearly 5,000 people attended the show - better attendance than in either of the two most recent years of the show. Beyond sheer numbers, vendor evaluation forms indicated those in attendance appeared to be in a serious planning mode for home improvement, remodel or new construction projects.

"That is a refreshing and welcome shift in the mindset of consumers," said Matt Morrow, CEO of the HBA of Greater Springfield. "We know that the economic conditions here have been better than in most markets, but that doesn't mean it has been easy. There is a difficult psychology that can set in with a national recession, causing many people who objectively really should consider buying a home or remodeling the one they are in, to hesitate. Based on what we were hearing this weekend, that psychology could finally be shifting in a more positive direction."

That would be good news not just for the residential construction industry, but for the overall economic picture in southwest Missouri. Every 100 single famlily homes built equates to about 300 fulltime jobs in the region - and millions of dollars in ripple effect throughout local economies. The impact of remodeling projects is similar. As those projects begin happening again at a rate closer to normal levels, overall economic conditions should turn dramatically for the better.

Strong vendor participation (booth space for the show sold out a full week before the show opened Friday) and rebounding attendance for this weekend's local show is consistent with recent national indications of a resurgent remodeling industry. The most recent data from the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), points to double digit growth in remodeling spending by the first quarter of 2011. The study also indicates that home improvement activity appears to be moving beyond simple replacement projects and energy retrofits to broader remodels and upgrades.

Professional association surveys involving remodelers, architects and design professionals also demonstrate homeowner interest in dealing with structural changes such as accessibility and open spaces. People reportedly are asking for more flexible, open, and informal layouts that allow for both ease of movement and fostering a space more conducive to family living. The most recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey results released in August showed improving conditions for kitchen and bath remodeling as well as additions and alterations.

HBA 2010 Home Remodeling Expo Starts This Friday, October 15

The HBA's 2010 Home Remodeling Expo begins this Friday, October 15 at 1 p.m. in the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Attendees will find all the products and professionals under one roof that they would need for any scope of home improvement project.

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Hours:
Friday, October 15 - 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday, October 16 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, October 17 - 11 am to 5 pm
Admission: $4

“It’s no coincidence the Expo’s booth space is sold out. For the first time in several years, home improvement spending is on the upswing,” said Matt Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of the HBA. “Homeowner optimism is on the rise and that means people feel confident investing in their homes. The most recent data from the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity* (LIRA), points to double digit growth in remodeling spending by the first quarter of 2011.” Morrow added the study indicates home improvement activity appears to be moving beyond simple replacement projects and energy retrofits to broader remodels and upgrades.

“That growth also seems to be confirmed on the design trend side of the equation,” Morrow said. “Professional association surveys involving remodelers, architects and design professionals demonstrate homeowner interest in dealing with structural changes such as accessibility and open spaces. People want more flexible, open, and informal layouts that allow for both ease of movement and fostering a space more conducive to family living.” Morrow also pointed to the most recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey results released in August which showed improving conditions for kitchen and bath remodeling as well as additions and alterations. “Analysis indicated that these substantial remodeling projects were the healthiest sector of the market,” Morrow said.

Expo attendees who opt to learn more at one of the Expo's educational seminars will have a special opportunity to win prizes donated by exhibitors including Acme Brick, American Detection, American Glass, DeLong Plumbing, Family Safe, Inventory It All, Metro Appliances & More, Southern Supply Company, Unique Tile, and Screenmobile.

Seminars offered by the HBA Remodelers™ Council include:

Friday, October 15, 1-7
3:00 Green Remodeling: An Overview
4:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?

Saturday, October 16, 10-7
1:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?
2:00 2010 Design Tips & Trends - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Decorating Den Interiors
3:00 There's No Place Like Home - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Meek's - The Builder's Choice

Sunday, October 17, 11-5
1:00 What's Wrong With This Kitchen? - HBA Remodelors™ Council & Decorating Den Interiors
3:00 Which Remodeler Is Right For Your Project?

For a list of exhibitors, click here.

*Released July 10, 2010, by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The next LIRA release date is October 21, 2010.

Sam Clifton Named HBA Builder of the Year - HBA Honors Industry Best at Annual Awards Gala

SPRINGFIELD, MO The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield awarded outstanding builders and associate members for a variety of accomplishments at its annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, September 21 at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center.

“This industry has confronted its share of challenges during the past year and yet so many members have demonstrated they are willing to raise the chin bar for themselves,” said HBA of Greater Springfield President Rusty MacLachlan. “This recognition ceremony made it clear we’ve had no shortage of leadership and professional excellence this year.”

Some awards are based on nominations submitted by members to the Awards Committee for selection while others are based on established criteria and volunteer service. The Award recipients include:

Springfield, MO Makes Forbes' Top Ten Best Housing Markets for Investors List

It has been a tough few years in the housing market, and the Greater Springfield area hasn't been immune. A frequent question on the minds of many is: "When will recovery begin?" The truly astute are wondering: "Where will the housing recovery take hold first?"

A clue to the answer to that question may have come this week, when Forbes.com released its list of the top ten housing markets in America for investors. The Springfield, MO MSA made the list at number nine.

From the story: “To select the best markets for investing, Local Market Monitor (a North Carolina - based real estate research firm) analyzed the 145 Metropolitan Statistical Areas with populations over 400,000 on a variety of factors, including historic population growth, job growth, housing price changes and the mix of jobs in an area, using data through Sept. 1. The investing sweet spot is a market where strong job growth is predicted over the next three years, the population was expanding rapidly before the recession began and home prices are at or near their bottom.”

The story could foretell good news for home builders, buyers and sellers. But it also represents a strong vote of confidence for the near-term strength of the region from an economic development perspective. Consider these excerpts from the story:

• “LMM wasn't looking for markets that had come back--this list identified where they think the housing market will come back, with the greatest chance for price appreciation.”

• "These are markets that in the past year have had sharp turndowns but we think they have longer-term potential," says Wizner. "Markets with longer-term prospects in general have had above-average population growth between 2000 and 2005."

As encouraging as it is for many that Springfield is a market expected to come back stronger and sooner than most, not every real estate investment here is necessarily a good one. Experts agree that the future holds a very different and dicier investment picture from what became the norm before the downturn. Investors will have to pay more attention than ever to studying precisely where those market opportunities exist here. They will have to be much more sophisticated about investment decisions in the future than most were in the past. That’s why the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield made the decision last year to invest in bringing and making available locally an unprecedented level of construction market research and forecasting data. As the local market supplier of MarketGraphics research, the HBA brings invaluable insight to its members, lenders, and the broader real estate industry as an important tool for making careful, wise choices, even in the early stages of recovery.

Still, for many, it will be comfort enough to simply know that there ARE wise choices for real estate investment here. Many in local real estate have become accustomed to the view that, as difficult as it has been in the local housing market, they'd rather do what they do here than anywhere else in the country. Now, it appears, Forbes agrees.

Forbes Article: America's Best Housing Markets For Investors

In Pictures: America's Best Housing Markets For Investors: #9 - Springfield, MO

Francesca Levy's Forbes.com column: Real Estate Investing is All the Rage Again. Should You Cash In?

HBA of Greater Springfield Honored with Three National Awards for Association Excellence

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield this week was honored with three national awards for association excellence. The 2009 Association Excellence Awards were presented in Santa Fe, New Mexico as a part of the National Association of Home Builders' annual Executive Officers Council Seminar. 

Annually, a variety of categories of Association Awards recognize - in a wide range of categories - outstanding work by HBAs of varying sizes from across the country. By receiving top honors in three categories, the HBA of Greater Springfield again was among the most decorated Home Builders Associations in the country. This years awards also mark the fifth consecutive year that the HBA of Greater Springfield has received the top honor in the category of "Best Political Action Program." 

"Of course, receiving national recognition for our association’s work is gratifying and humbling," HBA CEO Matt Morrow said. "But it also serves to underscore what most of us already suspected: we live and work someplace special. The members of the HBA of Greater Springfield are remarkable people who do remarkable things, as if they were routine. Our HBA staff is hardworking and committed to serving those remarkable members at the highest possible level. And those who make up our volunteer leadership (board of directors, committees, councils, etc.) are people of extraordinary vision, purpose, and resolve. They are leaders who - even amid the unprecedented challenges facing our industry – consistently insist on excellence in everything they touch."

Association Excellence Awards presented this week to the HBA of Greater Springfield include:

• Best Service Delivered to Members: Market Analysis & Construction Forecast;

• Best Publication: HBA Housing News Weekly E-Newsletter; and

• Best Political Action Program: Good Government City Council Campaigns

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KY3: New houses going up in the Ozarks buck national trend

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KY3's Linda Russell reported this week that while it may not be the building boom that we saw a few years ago, more buildings are starting to go up in the Ozarks, including new houses.  While the housing market index fell across most of the country last month, it rose slightly here in the Midwest.  In the Ozarks, builders are building and cautiously optimistic.

HBA of Greater Springfield member Bob Fitzgerald is interviewed for the story, as are homebuyers John and Peggy Kubicek.

KOLR: Local Contractors Focus on Work With Permits Down

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KOLR's Jessica Williams reported this week that, while nationwide home builder confidence declined further this week, in the greater Ozarks area, the picture is less bleak. While the home building market here is still a long way from full recovery, encouraging signs can be seen. HBA of Greater Springfield President Rusty MacLachlan is interviewed as a part of the story, and he shared insights on just how critical the residential construction sector of the economy is to our overall success as a region.

To read and/or watch the full KOLR story, click here.

Parade Demonstrates Housing Is In Recovery Mode

If you have been waiting for the best possible time to buy or build a new home, the timing of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield’s 2010 Parade of Homes couldn’t be better for you. The 2010 HBA Parade of Homes (June 18-20 and June 25-27) features a strong mix of both custom and spec homes on this Parade – in every price point. That is indicative of the fact that home building and housing is officially in a legitimate recovery mode. (Download this full release in PDF format by clicking here.)

“In the first four months of 2010, exactly twice as many new homes were permitted as in the first four months of 2009 in our six county region, 462 in 2010 vs. 231 in 2009,” said HBA of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow.

Morrow added that the most recently commissioned MarketGraphics Research Group report also shows new homes inventory for the six county area has now fallen to between 20 to 30 percent of total closings. “That is considered the ‘sweet spot’ for healthy inventory levels,” Morrow said. “When looking at that data closer, by county, we have some segments in Greene, Christian and Webster counties which are officially below healthy inventory levels. That means there’s actually a shortage of new homes in certain price points.”

Among the 17 entries in the 2010 Parade, you will see tremendous diversity -- there's everything from homes built for active adults with an "empty nest", to a sustainable modern farmhouse on acreage in Greene County. As well, the area's first home certified to the ANSI National Green Building Standard will be on Parade this year. In addition to the homes on the Parade, long-time homebuilder A.G. Paul has created a "home" for his dream to bring the Ozarks a quality constructed indoor shooting range.

WHAT? The 2010 HBA Parade of Homes
WHEN? The Parade will run the weekends of June 18-20 and June 25-27.
TIME? Homes are open on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday dates from 1 to 6 pm.
WHERE? The Parade features homes in the Springfield/Greene County area, Republic, Nixa and the indoor shooting range is in Ozark; one of the homes is located in Stone County (Blue Eye).
COST? The Parade of Homes is a FREE event

PUBLIC CAN PICK UP PARADE EVENT MAGAZINES (featuring Parade homes, maps/directions to homes, etc.) at the following locations: The Carpet Shoppe, 1827 E. Seminole St., Springfield; Herrman Lumber Co., 1917 S. State Hwy MM, Springfield; The Light House Gallery at 4113 S. National Ave, Springfield and 218 S. Commercial St., Branson; Maschino’s, 1715 S. Campbell Ave, Springfield; Meek’s – The Builder’s Choice area locations in Springfield, 1551 W. Mt. Vernon, 3231 N. Glenstone, and 3250 E. Sunshine; as well as in surrounding communities, 1355 E. Highway 60, Republic; Highway 160 N, Nixa; 155 Stonetree, Branson; 518 State Hwy OO, Reeds Spring.

MORE INFORMATION: To download more detail about homes, addresses, maps to homes click here.

PARADE ENTRIES:
1. MGM Properties - $649,900, a beautiful lake-front walkout basement home in Silver Fox Estates in Blue Eye.

2. Millstone Custom Homes - $750,000, a craftsman-style, walkout basement home featuring incredible indoor and outdoor kitchens in the Timbers at Riverdale near Nixa.

3. J. Russell MacLachlan Homes – Upper $300’s, beautifully appointed home with an active adult open floor plan in picturesque Kelby Creek subdivision just south of Nixa.

4. Fahrlander Custom Homes – Valued at $385,000, the St. Jude Dream Home in Kelby Creek, this is a lovely two-story home with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. It also offers a media room and a built-in storm shelter. For more information about the St. Jude Dream Home program, visit KSPR.com and click the St. Jude Dream Home link in upper right hand corner.

5. Bussell Building, Inc. - $189,900, an incredible value in the Richmond subdivision in Nixa, this 4 bedroom/2 bath home is also Energy Star rated.

6. King Built Properties - $400’s, this custom European Cottage style home in the Villages at Wicklow is expertly designed and you'll find stunning craftsmanship in every detail including the custom cabinetry and one-of-a-kind exterior style created with reclaimed materials.

7. Paul Construction - The Sound of Freedom USA Indoor Shooting Range in Ozark built by long-time area home builder A.G. Paul offers an incredible recreational experience for both experienced marksmen and beginners. There is also a retail store and training classes are available on-site.

8. Martin Building & Development - $545,000, this gorgeous home in a cul-de-sac of Millwood offers everything a family could want including a walkout basement, spacious master suite and a screened-in porch with a view of the 11th hole.

9. King Built Properties - $500’s, this Spanish Mission style custom home in San Poppi puts the emphasis on outdoor living with an incredible screened-in outdoor living area with motorized screens and an amazing indoor-outdoor fireplace.

10. MGM Properties - $389,900, the ultimate family home, this house offers more than 4,000 square feet including a walkout basement with wet bar, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths in Lexington Square.

11. Up-Tyte Construction – Mid-$300’s, this will be the Ozarks' first home certified to the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard™. Built to the Gold Level, this custom home has an insulated concrete wall system and ground source heating/cooling. (For more information about the ANSI/ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard, visit nahbgreen.org and click on the “Certification” button.)

12. Kenson Goff Homes - $700’s + land, you'll be talking about this home -- which puts an emphasis on sustainability, minimalist design and reclaimed materials -- for a long time to come. A modern farmhouse, it has a wrap-around porch with no pillars to obstruct the view. An ingenious custom louvered exterior shade panel system allows the homeowners to make the most of natural light based on the season.

13. Richland Homes - $199,900, located inside Pearson Park, Springfield's first private all Energy Star subdivision, this 4 bedroom/2 bath home is energy efficient and beautiful.

14. Robbins Custom Homes - $249,900, this one-story home on a quiet street in Phase 2 of Fawn Valley Estates, offers a unique floor plan with a beautiful open kitchen/great room area. Details like the rustic hickory flooring and granite countertops make this an incredible value.

15. Bussell Building, Inc. - $169,900, built in Indigo Ridge subdivision, this Energy Star rated home is quality-built with fantastic detail like knotty alder cabinets and granite countertops. Situated in a great southwest Springfield area location.

16. Bussell Building, Inc. - $134,900, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Republic has so many amenities, including hardwood and tile flooring. The price is almost unbelievable, especially when you consider the fact that it is Energy Star rated.

17. MGM Properties - $118,900, this home in Phase II of the White Oak subdivision in Republic has the quality features you always find in a home built by MGM -- arched doorways, tile flooring, and Beechwood cabinets.

Keep watching the HBA's Parade of Homes blog on SpringfieldHBA.com for video previews of these Parade homes - click here.

Parade Preview - 16 Amazing Homes and an Indoor Shooting Range

You have the opportunity to see some very unique homes in the 2010 HBA Parade of Homes -- there's everything from homes built for active adults with an "empty nest", to a sustainable modern farmhouse on acreage in Greene County. As well, the area's first home certified to the ANSI National Green Building Standard will be on Parade this year. In addition to the homes on the Parade, long-time homebuilder A.G. Paul has created a "home" for his dream to bring the Ozarks a quality constructed indoor shooting range.

The Parade of Homes will run the weekends of June 18-20 and June 25-27. Homes are open from 1 pm to 6 pm on those days. Visit the diverse array of quality-built homes on the Parade route this year:

1. MGM Properties - a beautiful lake-front walkout basement home in Silver Fox Estates in Blue Eye.

2. Millstone Custom Homes - a craftsman-style, walkout basement home featuring incredible indoor and outdoor kitchens in the Timbers at Riverdale near Nixa.

3. J. Russell MacLachlan Homes - beautifully appointed home with an active adult open floor plan in picturesque Kelby Creek subdivision just south of Nixa.

4. Fahrlander Custom Homes - the St. Jude Dream Home in Kelby Creek, this is a lovely two-story home with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. It also offers a media room and a built-in storm shelter.

5. Bussell Building, Inc. - an incredible value at $189,900 in the Richmond subdivision in Nixa, this 4 bedroom/2 bath home is also Energy Star rated.

6. King Built Properties - this European Cottage style home in the Villages at Wicklow is expertly designed and you'll find stunning craftsmanship in every detail including the custom cabinetry and one-of-a-kind exterior style created with reclaimed materials.

7. Paul Construction - The Sound of Freedom USA Indoor Shooting Range in Ozark built by long-time area home builder A.G. Paul offers an incredible recreational experience for both experienced marksmen and beginners. There is also a retail store and training classes are available on-site.

8. Martin Building & Development - This gorgeous home in a cul-de-sac of Millwood offers everything a family could want including a walkout basement, spacious master suite and a screened-in porch with a view of the 11th hole.

9. King Built Properties - This Spanish Mission style home in San Poppi puts the emphasis on outdoor living with an incredible screened-in outdoor living area with motorized screens and an amazing indoor-outdoor fireplace.

10. MGM Properties - The ultimate family home, this house offers more than 4,000 square feet including a walkout basement with wet bar, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths for $389,900 in Lexington Square.

11. Up-Tyte Construction - This will be the Ozarks' first home certified to the ANSI National Green Building Standard. Built to the Gold Level, it has an insulated concrete wall system and ground source heating/cooling.

12. Kenson Goff Homes - You'll be talking about this home -- which puts an emphasis on sustainability, minimalist design and reclaimed materials -- for a long time to come. A modern farmhouse, it has a wrap-around porch with no pillars to obstruct the view. An ingenious custom louvered exterior shade panel system allows the homeowners to make the most of natural light based on the season.

13. Richland Homes - Located inside Pearson Park, Springfield's first private all Energy Star subdivision, this 4 bedroom/2 bath home is energy efficient and beautiful.

14. Robbins Custom Homes - This one-story home on a quiet street in Phase 2 of Fawn Valley Estates, offers a unique floor plan with a beautiful open kitchen/great room area. Details like the rustic hickory flooring and granite countertops make this an incredible value at $249,900.

15. Bussell Building, Inc. - Built in Indigo Ridge subdivision, this Energy Star rated home is quality-built with fantastic detail like knotty alder cabinets and granite countertops. A great southwest Springfield area location.

16. Bussell Building, Inc. - This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Republic has so many amenities, including hardwood and tile flooring. The price is almost unbelievable, especially when you consider the fact that it is Energy Star rated.

17. MGM Properties - This home in Phase II of the White Oak subdivision in Republic has the quality features you always find in a home built by MGM -- arched doorways, tile flooring, Beechwood cabinets -- all for $118,900.

Keep watching the HBA's Parade of Homes blog on SpringfieldHBA.com for video previews of these Parade homes.

Founder of MarketGraphics® Research Group to Provide Residential Construction Forecast at HBA Housing Conference

On Tuesday, May 11 at Ramada Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone, the HBA will host its first Ozarks Regional Housing & Construction Conference. To download the registration form, click here.

The Conference features Keynote Speaker EDSEL CHARLES, the founder and Chairman of the Board for MarketGraphics® Research Group, Inc., a new home market research company. After building more than $100,000,000 of new single family homes during the late 70’s and 80’s, Mr. Charles started MarketGraphics® in 1988. The company has grown to be one of the largest new-home research companies of its type in the United States. MarketGraphics® clients include builders, developers, banks, utility companies, realtors, appraisers and city governments. Mr. Charles will present two keynote sessions: (1) MarketGraphics® Construction Forecast -- Where Are We and What Is Ahead? and (2) MarketGraphics® Indicators - How to Prepare for an Improving Market

"The overall objective of this conference is to provide the private and public sectors with accurate information about the status of the housing and construction industries in a way that helps HBA members and our region revitalize this important segment of the economy to create jobs, increase business activity and improve sales tax revenue," said HBA CEO Matt Morrow.

The conference is designed for Realtors, Commercial Brokers, Residential Builders, Commercial Contractors, Developers, Lenders, Elected Officials, Government Decision-Makers, Planning & Development Board Members and Related Public Sector Staff.

In addition to Mr. Charles presentation and forecast, other specialized sessions include:

-Re-Sale: The State of the Existing/Re-Sale Housing Market (Greater Springfield Board of Realtors and Tri Lakes Board of Realtors)

-MarketGraphics Value Rating Your Portfolio—Rx to Prevent Foreclosure and Create More Value (Joe Zanola, Zanola Company)

-Panel Discussion: In it Together - How Builders, Realtors & Lenders Can Help Each Other Re-Group & Recover

-Future Thinking—(1) When Municipalities Become Hyper Competitive (2) Visioning Demographic, Housing, and Sales Tax Bliss (Edsel Charles & Joe Zanola)

-Innovative Infrastructure Solutions - How to Get Streets, Sewers & More Built Using Other People’s Money (Debra Bassert, Land Development Magazine)

-Five Critical Trends Facing Realtors That Can Make or Break Commissions in 2010 (Joe Zanola)

-Rehabbing, Re-Developing and Re-Selling Distressed Existing Properties (Urban Neighborhoods Alliance/Urban Districts Alliance)

-Winners & Losers Case Studies - Solutions for the Developed Lot Crisis & New Homes Oversupply (Joe Zanola)

Register NOW for Ozarks Regional Housing & Construction Conference

On Tuesday, May 11 at Ramada Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone, the HBA will host its first Ozarks Regional Housing & Construction Conference. To download the registration form, click here. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, click here.

"The overall objective of this conference is to provide the private and public sectors with accurate information about the status of the housing and construction industries in a way that helps HBA members and our region revitalize this important segment of the economy to create jobs, increase business activity and improve sales tax revenue," said HBA CEO Matt Morrow.

The Conference features Keynote Speaker EDSEL CHARLES, the founder and Chairman of the Board for MarketGraphics® Research Group, Inc., a new home market research company. After building more than $100,000,000 of new single family homes during the late 70’s and 80’s, Mr. Charles started MarketGraphics® in 1988. The company has grown to be one of the largest new-home research companies of its type in the United States. MarketGraphics® clients include builders, developers, banks, utility companies, realtors, appraisers and city governments. Mr. Charles will present two keynote sessions: (1) MarketGraphics® Construction Forecast -- Where Are We and What Is Ahead? and (2) MarketGraphics® Indicators - How to Prepare for an Improving Market

The conference is designed for Realtors, Commercial Brokers, Residential Builders, Commercial Contractors, Developers, Lenders, Elected Officials, Government Decision-Makers, Planning & Development Board Members and Related Public Sector Staff.

In addition to Mr. Charles presentation and forecast, other specialized sessions include:

• Re-Sale: The State of the Existing/Re-Sale Housing Market (Greater Springfield Board of Realtors and Tri Lakes Board of Realtors)

• MarketGraphics Value Rating Your Portfolio—Rx to Prevent Foreclosure and Create More Value (Joe Zanola, Zanola Company)

• Panel Discussion: In it Together - How Builders, Realtors & Lenders Can Help Each Other Re-Group & Recover

• Future Thinking—(1) When Municipalities Become Hyper Competitive (2) Visioning Demographic, Housing, and Sales Tax Bliss (Edsel Charles & Joe Zanola)

• Innovative Infrastructure Solutions - How to Get Streets, Sewers & More Built (Debra Bassert, Land Development Magazine)

• Five Critical Trends Facing Realtors That Can Make or Break Commissions in 2010 (Joe Zanola)

• Rehabbing, Re-Developing and Re-Selling Distressed Existing Properties (Urban Neighborhoods Alliance/Urban Districts Alliance)

• Winners & Losers Case Studies - Solutions for the Developed Lot Crisis & New Homes Oversupply (Joe Zanola)

THE 2010 HBA HOME SHOW WILL INSPIRE YOU

Dream. Plan. Improve. Build.

Whether you want to dream, plan, improve or build – the HBA’s 2010 Home Show has everything to inspire your home improvement or building project under one roof. Attendees of the HBA Home Show, which runs from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, January 31, will have an opportunity to visit with approximately 225 exhibitors occupying more than 450 booths in the Springfield Expo Center. Cost of admission is $6. Children under 12 are admitted free. Show times:
-Friday, January 29 – Noon to 8 pm
-Saturday, January 30 – 10 am to 8 pm
-Sunday, January 31 – 11 am to 5 pm

“The Show continues to be the best ‘hands-on’ way for people to experience the outstanding craftsmanship, products and resources that are available for their specific home remodeling or building project,” said Matt Morrow, CEO of the HBA of Greater Springfield. “The home professionals are immediately available to answer questions, look at plans and connect people with up-to-date information about trends in home design and improvement.”

This year’s Home Show will also feature informative seminars and demonstrations. “You can learn more about numerous home-related topics including the latest in house plans, how to take advantage of energy efficiency tax credits, and which home improvements add the most value to your house,” said Morrow. (For a full schedule of Seminar titles and times, visit SpringfieldHBA.com and click on Events, and then click Home Show icon.)

When the HBA polled its member “style experts” about what’s hot in home design, they all agreed that outdoor living and more universal, functional design are driving forces in the industry. Some of their other insights:-Check out improvements in lighting options so you can enjoy your outdoor space at night;
-Expect to see brighter and bolder color choices – navy and gray will also make a comeback;
-More minimalistic looks, less elaborate designs;-Wallpapering one wall with a big pattern or textured paper to create a focal point in the room;
-Ergonomically correct fixtures will be attractive, not institutional looking: handles and fixtures for doors, bathrooms and kitchens will be beautiful and easier to use.

Morrow said that while national information about housing sends many mixed messages, our local economy shows very real signs of strength and that’s always positive for home building, buying or improving. “The latest labor statistics show we’re up 1,600 jobs here. Plus, we don’t have the burden of being overbuilt – our market research shows we are closing on about twice as many homes as we are starting. It projects demand will begin to outpace supply in the first quarter of 2010,” he said.

Morrow also mentioned the fact that people are beginning to understand and respond to the new home loan requirements. “The extension of the Housing Tax Credit beyond just new home buyers is also helping more people take advantage of great values in housing, materials and low mortgage rates,” he said.

What’s New This Year? Home Show2 Squared
This year, there’s another home-related event in the downtown area for Expo attendees to enjoy. Home Show2 (Squared), sponsored in conjunction with Urban Districts Alliance (UDA) and the Urban Neighborhoods Alliance (UNA), is an Urban Living Tour that will feature five downtown condos and five single family homes in the West Central neighborhood. Tour-goers will experience the diverse, innovative housing options being developed in the central part of the city. A shuttle will pick up for the tour at the Expo Center and make a loop to the Tour sites, returning attendees to the Expo, (or people are welcome to drive themselves to see the homes on tour.) The Tour is scheduled for Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31. The cost is $8 or a combined ticket for the Home Show and Tour can be purchased for $10. For more information contact the UDA at 831-6200.

“While people are already in the downtown area for Home Show, they can spend part of the day touring urban condos/homes and enjoy all the other great amenities located in the vicinity such as outstanding restaurants and unique shops,” said Morrow. “You’ll be able to attend two very different but equally entertaining ‘Home Shows’ downtown during the last weekend of January.”