CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association December 2011|Volume 24|Number 12
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: It Was a Very Good Year
It was a very good year for GHBA and its members. With 65,000 jobs created in Houston, increased attendance at most association events, three Benefit Homes closings, new GHBA staff and more, we have much to be thankful for in 2011 and much to look forward to in the coming year.
8 Government Affairs Update: 2012 Rebuilding
On October 24, Dr. David Crowe, the chief economist and senior vice president at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), spoke to home builders and elected officials forecasting the future economic landscape of the building industry for 2012.
10 GHBA Remodelors Council Wins Four CADRE Awards
The local Remodelers Council was tops in the 2011 CADREs, taking home not one, not two, not even three, but four awards in the annual competition, announced during the NAHB Remodelers annual gala at the 2011 Remodeling Show.
14 GHBA Wraps Up 2011 with Shining Accomplishments at Star Awards
The Greater Houston Builders Association was a stand-out in 2011 as numerous GHBA members won awards at the Texas Association of Builders Star Awards, including three Grand Award winners from the local roster.
16 Discuss Financing With Buyers in Terms That Reduce Their Fears 18 Benefit Homes Update
With financing such a critical component of the home buying decision, it's crucial to understand the financing process and know how to explain it in order to better reduce the fear of it among home buyers and close the sale.
A ‘Home for Good’ was recently sold in Towne Lake, a Caldwell Companies development in northwest Houston. The home is loaded with upgrades and amenities, with the majority of the proceeds benefitting three local charities. Caldwell Companies donated the homesite, and Newmark Homes built its Woodhaven Plan for the fundraiser.
20 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News Open Door Mission celebrates HomeAid project at dedication.
Departments 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 24 People & Projects 28 Education Calendar 30 New Members & Renewals 35 Custom Builders Council 35 Montgomery County Division 36 Remodelors Council 39 Bay Area Builders Association 40 Sustaining Associate Members 41 Sales & Marketing Council 43 HOME-PAC Roster 47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 13 Adopt-a-Family Program 15 GHBA Chili Cookoff 27 International Builders Show 33 Spring Golf Tournament 36 RMC Holiday Party
Photo Album 22 BBQ & Wild Game Cookoff 26 Product Expo 37 RMC Halloween Networking 39 BABA Installation Banquet 41 SMC Battle of the Builders
ON THE COVER
Greater Houston Builders Association Mission To provide advocacy, education, and meaningful services to benefit its members and the housing industry.
www.ghba.org
9511 West Sam Houston Pkwy North, Houston, TX 77064 (281) 970-8970 phone; (281) 970-8971 fax
Advertising/Editorial Information: Contact Brittany Feldmann at (832) 215-7232 or
bfeldmann@ghba.org. Houston Builder encourages members to submit articles for publication. Articles should relate to members and to the homebuilding industry. For questions or to submit a letter to the editor, email
bfeldmann@ghba.org.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | DECEMBER 2011 3
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