NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

ReporterVolume 6, No. 4 • April, 2013

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214www.nthba.com

Dates toRemember

• Scholarship applications are being accepted thru May 1, 2013.

• Parade of Homes is scheduled for June 1st - 9th. The kick-off lunch will be May 31, 2013 at the Cherokee Room at MSU from 11:30-12:30 sponsored by Landmark Title Company. Ribbon cutting will follow at the Show Case Home, #13 Canyon View Court at 1:00PM

• Be thinking about someone who deserves to be in the Housing Hall of Honor. Applications for nominees will be accepted through July 29, 2013 and can be downloaded from the NTHBA website, www.nthba.com. Start now and avoid the pressure of waiting until the last minute.

• Business Expo scheduled for September 5, 2013 from 11:30AM - 1:00PM.

Watch your mail, the NTHBA website, and read your emails for more information on things that are happening with the North Texas Home Builders Association.

APRIL 11, 20136:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

GOOD TIMES PARTY BARN3136 ARENA ROAD

WICHITA FALLS, TX 76310COMPLIMENTS OF RICK BELZ, OWNER

OF GOOD TIMES PARTY BARN &BUILDERS WHOLESALE

PLEASE JOIN USFOR FAMILY NIGHT

WITHFOOD, FUN & FELLOWSHIP

HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS, CHIPS &DRINKS PROVIDED BY FIRST BANK

• BOUNCE HOUSE• BARREL TRAIN RIDE• BINGO (BOTH ADULTS &

CHILDREN CAN PLAY)

WE WILL BE SELLING CHANCESON A DRAWING FOR A PRIZE TO

RAISE MONEY FOR HOMEPACTEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS POLITICAL

ACTION COMMITTEE

PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 3RD

(940)692-2211 OR nthba.teri@gmail.com

"30 Seconds; Ready, Begin!" "What Do You Do?"

That is a question most builder and associate members, are asked at general membership meetings after introductions are made. How do you respond when the question is asked of you?• I sell lumber?• I provide insurance?• I am a sales rep for lighting fixtures?• I'm a mortgage broker? • I'm a home builder?• I'm a remodeler? Those are just a few of the many disciplines in the member ranks and those are typically the answers to the question, "what Do You Do?" Quite honestly, there is nothing exciting there. You have 30 seconds to present yourself, for the first time. Each person has their own uniqueness, their own brand. Chances are, though, you haven't given it much thought, if you have, great but for those who haven’t let's discuss this a bit further. Let's start with the basics of a 30 Second Commercial:• who you are• your company's name• the product or service you offer• the type of customer you provide your product/service for• how you are different than your competition Seems like more than 30 seconds worth of information but you will be able to streamline after giving it some thought. Take the above information and write it down. After you do, rehearse the answers and blend them together. One tip is to record your 30 second commercial, either just voice or by webcam recording. This would be a better way because you can see yourself deliver the message, facial expressions included. Some would say that in front of a mirror is good as well. It is good, but the video play back is better. You have the chance to "see" how others would see you and hear you. Your 30 second commercial should be the same for everyone you meet in the association. If, after the person you are talking to has an interest, you can elaborate and turn your 30 seconds into two minutes. Always remember it's not about you, it's about how interesting the other person finds you through what you have to say. Here is a link to a site that can help you even further "How to Write Your 30 Second Commercial Exercise" http://prosperitycoaching.biz/newsite_070707/articles_commercial.html

Written by:Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP - NAHB

From The President

RenewalsDavid Bedingfield Homes......David Bedingfield

Wyatt Sheet Metal...........................Jimmy Wyatt

Holstead Brick..................................Bill Holstead

Texas Carpet Outlet........................Lane Landes

Thanks for Renewing!

April Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

Dona Wade..................................................14

Rick Belz.......................................................18

Judy Garrett................................................ 30

Steven Hinson

2

"30 Seconds; Ready, Begin!" "What Do You Do?"

That is a question most builder and associate members, are asked at general membership meetings after introductions are made. How do you respond when the question is asked of you?• I sell lumber?• I provide insurance?• I am a sales rep for lighting fixtures?• I'm a mortgage broker? • I'm a home builder?• I'm a remodeler? Those are just a few of the many disciplines in the member ranks and those are typically the answers to the question, "what Do You Do?" Quite honestly, there is nothing exciting there. You have 30 seconds to present yourself, for the first time. Each person has their own uniqueness, their own brand. Chances are, though, you haven't given it much thought, if you have, great but for those who haven’t let's discuss this a bit further. Let's start with the basics of a 30 Second Commercial:• who you are• your company's name• the product or service you offer• the type of customer you provide your product/service for• how you are different than your competition Seems like more than 30 seconds worth of information but you will be able to streamline after giving it some thought. Take the above information and write it down. After you do, rehearse the answers and blend them together. One tip is to record your 30 second commercial, either just voice or by webcam recording. This would be a better way because you can see yourself deliver the message, facial expressions included. Some would say that in front of a mirror is good as well. It is good, but the video play back is better. You have the chance to "see" how others would see you and hear you. Your 30 second commercial should be the same for everyone you meet in the association. If, after the person you are talking to has an interest, you can elaborate and turn your 30 seconds into two minutes. Always remember it's not about you, it's about how interesting the other person finds you through what you have to say. Here is a link to a site that can help you even further "How to Write Your 30 Second Commercial Exercise" http://prosperitycoaching.biz/newsite_070707/articles_commercial.html

Written by:Michael Kurpiel, CGA, CGP - NAHB

From The President

RenewalsDavid Bedingfield Homes......David Bedingfield

Wyatt Sheet Metal...........................Jimmy Wyatt

Holstead Brick..................................Bill Holstead

Texas Carpet Outlet........................Lane Landes

Thanks for Renewing!

April Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

Dona Wade..................................................14

Rick Belz.......................................................18

Judy Garrett................................................ 30

Steven Hinson Calendar of EventsDeadline for Final Payment for.......................................................Parade of Homes Entry............................................April 1, 2013

Publications and Communications .......................April 9, 2013Committee Meeting ........................................................11:00AM

Parade of Homes & Special Events ....................April 10, 2013Committee Meeting ........................................................10:00AM

Government Affiars ...............................................April 11, 2013Committee Meeting ........................................................11:00AM

General Membership (Family Night)..................April 11, 2013............................................................................6:30PM to 8:30PM

Budget & By-Laws Committee ............................April 16, 2013Meeting .................................................................................9:15AM

Board of Directors Meeting .................................April 17, 2013 .............................................................................................11:00AM

2012 /2013Officers & Directors

President - Steven HinsonVice President - Barney Brock

Associate Vice President - Eric NelsonTreasurer - Martin Litteken

Secretary - Tim SawyerImmediate Past President - Stan Mountain

State Director - Jose GarciaAlternate State Director - Stan Mountain

Life Director - Chuck Dennis

Executive Vice President - Teri Gibson

Builder DirectorsJohn Harmon - 1yrR.J. Wachsman - 1yrDavid Bedingfield - 2yrSteven Klasse - 2yr

Assoicate DirectorsJohnny McClane - 1yr

Larry Park - 2yr

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President Steven Hinson along with State Director Jose Garcia and Director John Harmon recounted their trip to the State Capitol to meet with Representatives James Frank and Craig Estes on February 20, 2013. This day was designated by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) as Rally Day for 2013. Rally Day comes around every two years when there is a legislative session. Approximately 7000 TAB members covered the capitol lawn to voice their opinions on specific issues facing the home building industry. Steven said, “Water was the major topic on everyone’s list”. Without water you lose industries which in turn cause population growth to decline. It’s a trickledown effect that can be devastating. John Harmon mentioned although they had the opportunity to visit the Representative’s offices it would be more effective for members to keep in constant contact with the Representatives while they are out of session in a more relaxed atmosphere and voice their concerns. Steven and Jose both attended the TAB winter board meetings while in Austin. They mentioned each HBA is assigned to a specific area and our HBA shares the area with Ft. Worth and Abilene. Both Ft. Worth and Abilene HBA’s were receptive to being involved in events held by the NTHBA as well as having the NTHBA join in their events. Steven and Jose both mentioned the importance of contributing to the TAB HOMEPAC to help fund candidates who support protecting the interest of the home building industry. Steven said he would like to see the NTHBA become a 100% supporter by reaching the annual goal set by TAB. The goal is $25.00 per member this year. Steven also mentioned the Sunbelt Builder Show is June 24-25, 2013. TAB would like to see more members participate in order to attract more vendors. This would also be an opportunity for members to attend some of the TAB meetings set in conjunction with the show to become familiar with how TAB works for them. Every member is welcomed to attend any and all meetings TAB schedules. After giving members a recap of their trip to Austin, Steven Hinson showed how the NTHBA takes pride in giving back to the community and area counties. Most people recognize the NTHBA from the annual Parade

Serving Wichita, Archer and Clay Counties

1920 Elmwood North Ave. Wichita Falls, Texas 76308

Inc.

Jean Taylor, CESA Maggie Johnson jeant@archertitle.com maggiej@archertitle.com

Delinda DoddMortgage Team

Member

Lane Landes, Owner

2801 Kell EastWichita FallsTexas 76308

Phone (940) 692-5734

Fax (940) 692-0391

tco@wf.net

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF WICHITA FALLS

The OriginalSince 1921

601 Central Freeway EastWichita Falls, Texas 76302

Phone (940) 767-7788Fax (940) 687-3677

Commercial/ResidentialSales, Service,

Installation

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Local Charities Receive Contributions from North

Texas Home Builders Association

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Please continueto Pray

For Rain!

Please continueto Pray

For Rain!4

of Homes that was scheduled for the 60th time last year and proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. However in recent years the NTHBA started giving back more. For the past 3 years the NTHBA has been blessed with the opportunity to give scholarships to individuals wanting to further their education for a career in the home building industry. They are still seeking applications for 2013. Recently the NTHBA began an annual golf tournament to raise funds to give to local charities. On March 7, 2013 the NTHBA was honored to present checks of $1250.00 each to four local charities from the proceeds from the 2012 Golf Tournament. Our goal is to keep the money here in the community. The first recipient was CASA of Red River –Court Appointed Special Advocates who advocate for children who find themselves in the court system as victims of child abuse and/or neglect. Many of them are in foster care and need a “voice in court” in order to find a safe and permanent home as soon as possible. President Katherine Smith accepted the funds for CASA and expressed the money will be used to train volunteers who are assigned to cases to provide the voice for these children by sharing with the court both the child’s wishes and the volunteers recommendations for what is in the child’s best interest.

Bills may protect homebuyers By Valentino Lucio, Staff Writer

State lawmakers have filed four bills that they say aim to protect new home buyers. Home Owners for Better Building, a consumer advocacy group, and the city of Cibolo are spearheading the effort. Democratic Reps. Joe Farias of San Antonio and Lon Burnam of Fort Worth co-authored a bill designed to protect military veterans who buy defective homes. Under the legislation, known as the home lemon law, if a problem covered under the home warranty isn't remedied in three attempts, the homebuilder must replace the house or accept its return and refund the purchase price and closing costs. It also would provide protection related to mold contamination. Originally, the bill was worded to protect all consumers, but Farias said the measure would have been too difficult to get through the Legislature. “We have to look at legislation that at least we can get into the books and then build on it later on,” he said. “I don't even know if we'll get this bill to the floor. But I'm

American National BankMortgage LoansHome Loans From Your Home Town Bankanbhomeloan.com (940)397-2333

Continued on pg 12

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!BRYAN WAGGONER

3907 Kell Boulevar W Texas 76308(940) 691-3641

E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLYADVERTISING RATES

AD SIZE RATE PER MONTH

FULL PAGE AD ...................................................$300.00

HALF PAGE AD ..................................................$150.00

QUARTER PAGE AD ...........................................$75.00

3 1/2 X 3 ..................................................................$50.00

3 1/2 X 2 1/2 ............................................................$45.00

3 1/2 X 2 .....................................................................40.00

3 1/2 X 1 3/4 .............................................................$30.00

3 1/2 X 1 ..................................................................$20.00

1 3/4 X 1 ..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

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committed to helping our veterans, and that's my whole intent: to try to protect our veterans.”Advocates hope to get a committee substitute bill filed that would cover all consumers, not just veterans, said Cibolo Mayor Jennifer Hartman. Another bill Burnam filed would rule out binding arbitration clauses — for disputes between homebuilders and buyers — in contract form required by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, filed two home buyer protection bills, including one that would provide purchasers with construction documents such as blueprints. The other requires a homebuilder to disclose any defects a home might have when it attempts to resell a home. All four bills have been referred to the House Business and Industry Committee. The Texas Residential Construction Commission, the state agency that oversaw the industry, was dissolved a few years ago. Although the commission had its detractors, another regulatory agency never replaced it. There are home warranties in place for home buyers to use, but Hartman said not all issues are covered. She said she decided to help lead the charge after dozens of homeowners in two Cibolo neighborhoods started voicing concerns about cracked foundations, busted plumbing, collapsed driveways and leaky roofs. Hartman added that she also has experienced foundation issues at her home. While homeowners there have relied on their warranties and had their homes repaired on several occasions, some maintain that the problems are never entirely resolved.

LANCE FRIDAY HOMES - Lance Friday Homes began in Midland Texas in the 1980’s by a man named Lance Friday who later teamed up with Barney Brock and then began building Lance Friday Homes in Wichita Falls. Lance Friday Homes has built starter homes, retirement homes, and million dollar homes, for the people of Midland and Wichita Falls, Texas.Lance Friday Homes takes pride in our commitment we make: to provide a model experience for our clients, suppliers and associates that is based on integrity, honesty and Professionalism.To always be available for our homebuyers and to treat them and everyone with whom we are associated with the utmost respect while providing an experience that will be enjoyed by all. Let Lance Friday Homes build the home of your dreams. From the first time you step inside a Lance Friday home, you will sense our commitment to great design. Our homes are selected carefully to be flexible and open, allowing you to enjoy a home which compliments your lifestyle in functional and comfortable ways. Contact: Barney Brock with Lance Friday Homes to build your new home, Phone (940) 447-7600, P.O. Box 4811, Wichita Falls, TX 76308, Fax (940) 228-4435

BINSWANGER GLASS - Binswanger Glass is one of the biggest installers of glass and glass-related products for residential and commercial use and is a major installer of Auto Replacement Glass in the country. Now with 70 locations in 14 states, Binswanger Glass is one of the largest full-service glass retailers in the United States providing mirrors, shower enclosures and replacement glass to the general public.

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703 E. ScottWichita Falls, TX 76308

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!BRYAN WAGGONER

3907 Kell Boulevar W Texas 76308

WINDOWS, DOORSAND MORE!

522 Beverly DriveWichita Falls, Texas 76309 723-1436

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Meet Your Members

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The second recipient was Christmas in Action – A non-profit organization that was originally known as Christmas in April and due to founder Bobby Trimble’s efforts, Christmas in April Wichita County, TX. Inc. was formed in 1983 from the interest and efforts of one of our now city leaders Councilor Mary Ward. In 2004 it broke away from the parent company and the name changed to Christmas in Action. Their mission is to repair homes for the low-income elderly and low-income disabled in Wichita County. Since Christmas in Action started in 1983 over 2000 homes have been repaired. The last Saturday in April is known as Project Day for Christmas in Action and orientations and training are available for volunteer house captains needed to lead home repair projects. In the absence of Executive Director Cassie Ahearn, Councilor Mary Ward and Cassie’s husband John Ahearn accepted the check for Christmas in Action. It was said the donation couldn’t come at a better time and will definitely go to good use helping area residents. The third recipient was DAV Chapter 41 – Disabled American Veterans Chapter 41 is the local chapter in Wichita Falls which reaches out to help those who proudly served their country to protect and preserve the freedoms of the American people then find themselves in situations mentally, physically and economically where they need help themselves. Chapter Commander Joel Jimenez and Service Commander Hugh McElroy explained to members we have many veterans come home after serving their country with physical and mental wounds that require numerous trips to the VA hospital in Lawton and most have no transportation or funds to make these trips. The DAV will transport sometimes up to 20 veterans a week to the VA Hospital for appointments. The DAV also helps pay for prescriptions, utilities and groceries for some of these veterans who are no longer able to provide for themselves. This Chapter of the DAV also has a therapeutic program where they take veterans who have come back from war suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to a hunting lodge in South Texas with other Veterans. This trip helps them to overcome the traumatic memories that keep them from enjoy the everyday sport of hunting

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Steven Sparks (Faith Mission), Joel Jimenez & Hugh McElroy - DAV Chapter 41, Katherine Smith, President - CASA, John Ahearn & Councilor Mary Ward - Christmas in Action and Steven Hinson,

President NTHBA.

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2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100Wichita Falls, TX 76308

940.763.2100 (main line)940.763.2101 (fax)

Justin Davis

or just shooting a gun. It also gives them time to bond with others who experience the same post traumatic stress disorder as themselves. The fourth recipient was Faith Mission – Executive Director Steve Sparks told the members, “This focused Christ-centered ministry assesses individual needs, receives clients into Mission ministries, and determines their personal areas of capability from which to nurture their growth process.” Faith Mission works to change the lives of less fortunate and homeless people so they can become self-sufficient. Faith Mission has two facilities. Faith Mission shelters men and families experiencing homelessness and Faith Refuge shelters women experiencing homelessness and mothers with children. Both shelters offer a one-year program, “New Beginnings”, for persons struggling with addiction. Individuals enter the program voluntarily or by court order. The money will be used to continue their efforts to fight homelessness in Wichita Falls. Each charity expressed their gratitude for the donations and told members there is always room for volunteers if anyone would be interested in volunteering. In closing President Steven Hinson announced the next meeting will be April 11, 2013 at the Good Times Party Barn. This event will be a family night with food, fun and fellowship. The 363rd Training Squadron instructors and families are invited, so please plan to attend and show your appreciation for their service.

ery

NTHBA Member since 1972

Long Name. Big On Service.

1300 Tenth Str

We have been safely installing glass for more than a century, longer than any other glass company. And we still have one of the strongest guarantees in the business; Limited Lifetime Warranty on Auto Glass installation. The Binswanger Team can be reached at (940)767-1429, 2410 Kemp Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX. 76309 and is ready to help. Whether you’re in Wichita Falls or surrounding areas let Binswanger Glass take care of your entire project’s needs.

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(940) 691-4212

“Masters in Home Makeovers”

Serving Texas & Oklahoma since 1971

www.TheEmberShop.com

Fireplaces by

Service and Installation

Xtrordinair

Monessen

Isokern

Stone Age

Mendota

Majestic

Vanguard

Town & Country

Golden Blount

Wood Burning & Gas Wood & Cast Stone Mantels

Outdoor Kitchens

JOHNNY McCLANE4101 McNiel Avenue

Wichita Falls, TX 76308

THE

EmberShop

Debra ClementsMortgage ConsultantMortgage

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2301 KELL BLVD.WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308MAC T9904-010

1204 28th StreetWichita Falls

(940) 766-3291

But Hartman says the problem goes beyond the consumer. The defects cause homes to lose value, which means less revenue for the city, county, school districts and state. “We have to raise taxes on everyone because of our homes' depreciating value,” she said. “We had to raise taxes this year just to maintain the same amount of taxes although we're growing at such a high rate.”The legislative push has received local support from the Bexar County commissioners, who voted to back the initiative last week, said County Judge Nelson Wolff. The city of San Antonio is reviewing the bills, and the City Council could take action early next month, said Assistant City Manager Carlos Contreras.Despite the support, the effort will encounter staunch opposition from homebuilder lobbies with deep pockets. The Texas Association of Builders has already reached out to the authors and other representatives to discuss its opposition to the legislation, said Scott Norman, the organization's executive director. “Homes can be repaired,” he said. “And rarely, if ever, does the cost of a construction defect begin to approach the value of the home. “Builders are responsible for their work. And if there is a home that has construction defects, there is a process under the law and a requirement on builders to repair those houses.” The Greater San Antonio Builders Association will battle locally, having already submitted a letter of opposition to the city. In the letter, the group said implementing such laws would cause builders to increase the overall sales price of homes to cover the added costs of potential home buybacks. Although he called the bills harmful to homebuilders, GSABA President Kyle Lindsey said he sympathizes with homeowners who encounter defects with their houses. “I can appreciate where that homebuyer is coming from,” he said. “I mean, not knowing anything about it and having those issues after making that kind of investment is huge.”vlucio@express-news.net – San Antonio Express News

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8

(940) 691-4212

“Masters in Home Makeovers”

Serving Texas & Oklahoma since 1971

www.TheEmberShop.com

Fireplaces by

Service and Installation

Xtrordinair

Monessen

Isokern

Stone Age

Mendota

Majestic

Vanguard

Town & Country

Golden Blount

Wood Burning & Gas Wood & Cast Stone Mantels

Outdoor Kitchens

JOHNNY McCLANE4101 McNiel Avenue

Wichita Falls, TX 76308

THE

EmberShop

Debra ClementsMortgage ConsultantMortgage

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 2301 KELL BLVD.WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308MAC T9904-010

1204 28th StreetWichita Falls

(940) 766-3291

But Hartman says the problem goes beyond the consumer. The defects cause homes to lose value, which means less revenue for the city, county, school districts and state. “We have to raise taxes on everyone because of our homes' depreciating value,” she said. “We had to raise taxes this year just to maintain the same amount of taxes although we're growing at such a high rate.”The legislative push has received local support from the Bexar County commissioners, who voted to back the initiative last week, said County Judge Nelson Wolff. The city of San Antonio is reviewing the bills, and the City Council could take action early next month, said Assistant City Manager Carlos Contreras.Despite the support, the effort will encounter staunch opposition from homebuilder lobbies with deep pockets. The Texas Association of Builders has already reached out to the authors and other representatives to discuss its opposition to the legislation, said Scott Norman, the organization's executive director. “Homes can be repaired,” he said. “And rarely, if ever, does the cost of a construction defect begin to approach the value of the home. “Builders are responsible for their work. And if there is a home that has construction defects, there is a process under the law and a requirement on builders to repair those houses.” The Greater San Antonio Builders Association will battle locally, having already submitted a letter of opposition to the city. In the letter, the group said implementing such laws would cause builders to increase the overall sales price of homes to cover the added costs of potential home buybacks. Although he called the bills harmful to homebuilders, GSABA President Kyle Lindsey said he sympathizes with homeowners who encounter defects with their houses. “I can appreciate where that homebuyer is coming from,” he said. “I mean, not knowing anything about it and having those issues after making that kind of investment is huge.”vlucio@express-news.net – San Antonio Express News

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DON WRIGHT - PresidentCell: (940) 636-56412606 GRANT STREETWICHITA FALLS, TX 76309Tel: (940) 696-2758fax: (940) 691-3757 Let Us Check Your Shorts

BEST ELECTRIC COMPANY

Builders Give Congress an Earful onRegulatory Excesses

Flawed, unnecessary and costly regulations burden small home builders by raising expenses and slowing the home building process, which ultimately robs builders of time and money and results in higher housing costs for consumers, NAHB told Congress recently. The problem is so severe that a 2011 study by NAHB found that on average, regulations imposed by governments at all levels account for 25% of the final price of a new single-family home.Nearly two-thirds of this regulatory burden – 16.4% of the final price of the house – is imposed during the land development process, resulting in a higher-priced finished lot. About one-third – 8.6% of the house price – is the result of the construct costs incurred by the builder after purchasing the finished lot.Higher regulatory costs are particularly significant in the current business environment, and represent a major obstacle that home builders need to overcome as the market returns to normal conditions.

Small Business Input Imperative on Regulations So lawmakers received an earful when NAHB had the opportunity to talk about the impact of regulations on small home builders at a March 14 hearing by the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations.Testifying on behalf of NAHB, Carl Harris, co-founder of Carl Harris Co., Inc., based in Wichita, Kansas, told Congress that federal agencies must stop ignoring the input from small businesses when making rules that directly affect their livelihood and the way they do business. Federal agencies are circumventing the intent and the letter of a law that is intended to make the regulatory process more cost effective and less burdensome for small businesses, he said. As a result, the regulatory process continues to unnecessarily increase compliance costs and is acting as a drag on the housing and economic recovery. Harris was referring to agency compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), which requires federal agencies to convene a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel to evaluate a regulation's potential impact on small businesses before finalizing the rulemaking process.

1300 Hatton RoadWichita Falls, TX 76301Phone: (940) 767-2506

Commercial/Residential Plumbing, Builder Sales, Appliances, Lighting

Fax: (940) 761-5563(888) 266-1387

www.ferguson.com

Commercial ServicesJohn Thompson

Mike SharpMark Miller

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

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Please remember to pray for all

NTHBA members, for their health,

their families, and their businesses.

We can all use prayer.

10

RWP SERVICES OCE of Texas

Randy PebworthFencing

Custom GatesLandscaping

CHRI DOCKMA COMPANY2071 FM 171

Wichita Falls, Texas 76305Phone & Fax (940) 767-9710

Cell (940) 704-3471 Jerry Fillmon, Owner/Manager

Martin Litteken, Jr., P.E.

2406 Kell BoulevardWichita Falls, Texas 76309-5326

Phone: (940) 322-6450 Fax: (940) 723-6006

2801 Midwestern Parkway, Suite 200Wichita Falls, Texas 76308

LANDMARKTITLE COMPANY

Your title needs handled promptly

940-782-38058011 Se Wichita Falls, TX 76310

Harris, who has represented the residential construction industry on a number of small business review panels over the years, described a process that is seriously flawed. "Far too often, federal agencies either view compliance with the act as little more than a procedural 'check-the-box' exercise or they artfully avoid compliance by other means," he said. "Agencies should seek to partner with small entities to help create more efficient, more effective regulations and, in so doing, reduce the compliance costs for small businesses. We truly are the experts in the field."

Cranes and Derricks Rule For example, in 2008 OSHA proposed the Cranes and Derricks Rule which was intended to protect workers from the hazards associated with hoisting equipment during construction. The Regulatory Flexibility Act required OSHA to convene a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel to evaluate the rule's potential impact on small businesses. However, OSHA did not establish a panel until after the rulemaking process was completed. Harris, who participated on the review panel, explained to OSHA officials that the rule does not take into account the differences between crane applications on residential construction sites and large commercial construction sites. "I personally put forward an effective, feasible alternative that would save lives while keeping the cost of compliance low for small businesses," he said. However, since small businesses were not brought into the process until after the rule was finalized, Harris said his comments "fell on deaf ears. It seemed little more than a procedural hurdle with little interest from OSHA to make changes based on the feedback received." Storm water Discharges In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency issued changes to its policies covering stormwater discharges from developed sites that had major ramifications for home builders. Once again, EPA failed to provide sufficient information about the proposed changes to a small business review panel on which Harris also served. "As a result, we had no way to estimate compliance costs or provide meaningful feedback on ways to reduce the regulatory burden for small businesses," he said.

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ACME BRICK COMPANY

6701 Seymour Hwy.Wichita Falls, TX 76310

Harold NewtonBranch Manager

(940) 691-9679 office(940) 691-2560 office(940) 691-9678 faxhnewton@acmebrick.com

"Unfortunately, the pattern is often the same: Agencies either fail to comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act by ignoring the statutory obligation to convene a small entity review panel or convene a panel but fail to provide the panelists sufficient information concerning the proposed rule to allow them to evaluate regulatory options or provide alternatives," Harris added. In his testimony, Harris provided numerous other examples – lead paint abatement rules, OSHA reporting requirements on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, critical habitat designations and other instances where a smarter and more sensible regulatory process would benefit the housing industry, home builders and small businesses as well as consumers. "Unfortunately, all too often federal agencies view compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act as either a technicality of the federal rulemaking process or, worse yet, as unnecessary," Harris said. "I urge Congress to seek ways to improve agency compliance with this law."

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4301 Jacksboro Hwy.Wichita Falls, TX 76302

(940) 763-2265Fax (940) 763-2200

sstroud@snbt.netwww.snbt.net

SANDY STROUDPresident

Did You Know...Fun Facts for the month of April

The month of April holds many historically significant dates. How many of these did you know?

•April 1, 1748- The ruins of Pompeii were found•April 2, 1877- The first Easter "egg roll" on the grounds of the White House was held.•April 3, 1860- The Pony Express began delivering mail.•April 4, 1968- Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.•April 5, 1614- American Indian Pocahontas married English colonist John Rolfe in Virginia.•April 7, 1930- The first steel columns were set for the Empire State Building.•April 8, 1974- Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit home run 715, surpassing Babe Ruth's record 714.•April 9, 1959- NASA announced the selection of America's first seven astronauts.•April 10, 1849- Walter Hunt of New York City patented the safety pin. He sold the rights for only $100.•April 11, 1906- Albert Einstein introduced his Theory of Relativity.•April 12, 1861-The Civil War begins with the attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina.•April 14, 1853-Harriet Tubman began her underground railroad helping slaves escape.•April 15, 1865- Abraham Lincoln died after being shot in a theater by John Wilkes Booth.•April 17, 1629- Horses were first imported into the colonies by the American Massachusetts Bay Colony.•April 19, 1775-The American Revolutionary War began.•April 21, 753 B.C.- Tradition says that on this day Rome was founded.•April 22, 1864- The United States Congress mandated that all coins minted as U.S. currency bear the inscription, "In God We Trust."•April 23, 1977- Dr. Allen Bussey completed 20,302 yo-yo loops.•April 24, 1833- A patent was granted for the first soda fountain.•April 26, 1514- Copernicus made his first observations of Saturn.•April 27, 1965- R.C. Duncan patented disposable diapers.•April 28, 1914- W.H. Carrier patented the design for his air conditioner.•April 29, 1997- American and Russian astronauts took the first joint spacewalk.•April 30, 1789- George Washington took office as the first elected U.S. president.