CONTENTS Builder HOUSTON
The Official Magazine of the Greater Houston Builders Association February 2013|Volume 26|Number 2
FEATURES 6 President’s Message: Make the Connection
GHBA offers countless opportunities to connect with industry peers and potential clients. Put your membership to the best use by getting involved.
8 Government Affairs Update: Advocacy Report 12 Houston Has Turned the Corner 13 We Love our SPIKES!
Proposed changes to Chapter 42 come nearer to a vote. These amendments are crucial to the future growth of Houston. GHBA members will have the opportunity to discuss our issues with legislators face to face at Rally Day on Feb. 20.
More than 850 guests were onhand to hear Mike Inselmann of Metrostudy report on the future of homebuilding in Houston. The news was encouraging with predictions of continued improvement of the local economy and housing demand and starts.
GHBA's membership recruiters are among the most valued members of the GHBA. Spikes are the membership leaders of our association, building the voice, power and influence on every level. At the January 10 Forecast Luncheon, Spike award winners were recognized for reaching recruitment milestones.
16 What We're Up to: GHBA's 4th Quarter Report Card
The GHBA staff is always busy looking for ways to improve member services. Here's a quick look at what the association has been up to lately. .
20 Benefit Homes Project Begins 33rd Year with $8 Million+ Donations
22 Buyers Bypass Budget Bullet 24 It's National Designations Month
GHBA members can be proud of the fact that they have been responsible for millions of dollars worth of donations to the GHBA’s oldest charity, the Benefit Homes Project.
How the mortgage interest deduction (MID) changes will affect builders and buyers. Built Green Custom Homes invests in hombuilding's "Masters Program." 28 "Take a Minute" for HomeAid Houston News HomeAid Houston celebrates 10 years of giving hope to Houston's homeless.
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
In honor of National Designations Month, GHBA is offering discounted courses throughout the month of February. Show your customers you've got what it takes by earning a professional designation.
For builders with 10 years of industry experience, did you know that you can get your Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and your Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations by June of this year? The Built Green Custom Homes team has earned a total of five GMBs and seven CGPs, and you can too! Find out more on page 24.
Departments 5 HOME-PAC Roster 6 President’s Message 8 Government Affairs 26 Education Calendar 30 New Members & Renewals 32 New Member Profiles 36 Sales & Marketing Council 38 Associate Council 38 Housing Activity Survey 39 Bay Area Builders Association 40 Custom Builders Council 41 Montgomery County Division 42 Remodelers Council 44 GHBA Partners / Sustaining Associate Members
47 Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events 9 Legislative Rally Day 10 Million Dollar Circle Awards 14 "Spring Swing" Golf Tournament 18 Texas Bash 21 Builder CEO Speed Selling Event 23 HomeAid Houston Golf Tournament 31 Recruit & Win Contest 33 SMC Battle of the Builders 34 Houston's Best PRISM Awards
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 | FEBRUARY 2013 3
ON THE COVER
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