Majority Still See Housing as StrongInvestment
November 13, 2006 - Americans remain highly confident about the nation’s housing prospects, with more than four out of five home owners expecting the value of their home to appreciate over the next five years and nearly seven out of 10 calling it their most valuable investment, according  to results from a new nationwide survey.
“The poll clearly debunks the more sensational media reports speculating on the demise of the housing market,” said David Pressly, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Statesville, N.C. “It is interesting to note that other polls conducted by major news organizations have come up with similar results, indicating that despite the current housing market downturn Americans resoundingly believe that buying a home is the best investment they can ever make.”
The survey of 2,000 households, including more than 1,750 registered voters, was conducted by RT Strategies between Oct. 26-29.
The polling found that 81 percent of home owners believe that the value of their homes will rise over the next five years. Only 13 percent felt their home would fall in value, while 4 percent expected no change and 3 percent were unsure.
In addition, 69 percent of the respondents listed their home as their most valuable investment. By contrast, this was followed by 401(k) and other retirement accounts, with just 11 percent of those polled citing this as their top investment.
Looking ahead, NAHB said the housing market is poised for solid and sustained growth in the future.
“We are in the midst of an inevitable adjustment following the housing boom of 2004-2005 when housing market activity soared to unsustainable levels,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. “Housing demand should stabilize in short order and the downward adjustment to housing production should run its course by mid-2007.
The market that emerges from this correction will display good balance between supply and demand and move to a healthy and sustainable trend based on solid underlying fundamentals.”
2007 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW FEATURES TIMELY ADVICE ON SUCCEEDING IN A CHANGING HOUSING MARKET
November 27, 2006 - More than 100,000 housing professionals are expected to descend on Orlando, Fla., for the 2007 International Builders’ Show (IBS).With the housing market slowing from record levels, the educational sessions, networking opportunities and state-of-the-art technology and
products featured at the show make attendance critical for any professional working in the industry. Hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the housing industry’s largest annual light construction trade show and exhibition will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Feb. 7-10. Hailed as the “Big Show,” IBS promises a wealth of educational opportunities for housing professionals, with more than 290 educational sessions on topics ranging from sales and marketing, business management and new technologies to design trends.
These sessions offer builders and associates the best opportunity to explore the latest trends and best practices and learn how to grow their businesses. New for 2007 is a “Changing Markets” education track with more than two dozen classes, including forecasts for the home building and remodeling industries, advice on penetrating new markets and sessions that address the fundamentals of today’s marketplace.
• Cut Construction Costs: 20 Proven Techniques—Historically, land and direct construction costs have represented 78 to 85 percent of a new home’s sales price. Learn the 20 ways to bring these costs down to 70 percent to improve profitability without cutting the value and quality of your homes.
• Using the Internet in a Changing Environment—FromWeb-based software to online marketing, there is a lot the Internet can do to improve your efficiency and profitability in a changing environment. Learn what’s out there and how to integrate it into your business.
• It’s a Whole New World: Make Money in 2007—The market has returned to reality, and that reality is more competitive than ever. Now is the time to ensure that you are in the right place—the right product with the right pricing and the right sales and market
• Selling Smart to Builders: Your Best Plays for a Changing Market – As the market changes, associates need to understand the best ways to present their products and services to builders. Learn the latest techniques and strategies that salespeople for associate member firms are using to get builders’
attention in the midst of a changing business climate.
“Changing Markets” is being offered to help building professionals stay competitive in the current economic climate and is just one of 19 different educational tracks available to IBS attendees. For more information on registering for classes and to see the full array of educational offerings, visit
www.BuildersShow.com/Seminars. Visitors can also see what the show has to offer at www.BuildersShow.com/VTS, a virtual showcase for exhibitors and their products.
The 2007 International Builders’ Show is not open to the general public. Building industry professionals and their affiliates are welcome to register by visiting www.BuildersShow.com. Discounted online registration ends Jan. 5, 2007. On-site registration begins on Sunday, Feb. 4.

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