No it isn’t the spotted owl or Barton Springs salamander. How about new homeowners? The federal government, in a complete overreaction to some problems in the mortgage industry, has now spent over three years making building and buying a new home next to impossible. Is there a hidden agenda? I don’t know, but I do know that now with rumors of taking away the mortgage interest deduction, capital gains tax breaks, and raising the threshhold for getting a mortgage in the first place, makes me wonder.

Homeownership is good for individuals and families, good for communities and good for the economy. Did you know that just in the Houston area alone, even at the depressed rate of new home starts, the homebuilding industry contributes $3 Billion to the local economy and 60,000 jobs? Demand that your elected officials at every level do all they can to bring home buying and home building back. Home building has led our country out of the last half dozen recessions. Don’t let the feds make it impossible.

Another year, another great awards event. Builders, developers, remodelers, associates, and individuals were all honored last Saturday night at the House of Blues. With over 300 entries and twenty plus independent judges, this is no easy task, but the best and the brightest shone that night. I am reminded of the phrase “you have to play to win” because there are many Greater Houston Builders Association members that do not enter Houston’s Best – and they should! So next year, take a little time and enter your home, your room, your remodel, your brochure, YOURSELF! And join the hundreds of folks who come out for a great evening. And if you are in the homebuilding industry and do not belong to GHBA, you are missing out on all kinds of benefits. Call us at 281-970-8970 to get details or go to our website www.ghba.org. See you soon.

Great news! The Trendmaker Benefit Home in the Woodlands just sold. Thank you Trendmaker, The Woodlands, and all the vendors!

Yesterday a groundbreaking ceremony for the Village Builders home in Oakhurst in Kingwood had a great turnout despite the weather.

Over thirty years of projects, GHBA has donated over $5 million dollars to the three charities, Texas Childrens Hospital, Alzheimers Association and HomeAid Houston. The homebuilding industry cares!

The Greater Houston Builders Association’s charitable programs, specifically Benefit Homes, was recently recognized as the Outstanding Community Service Organization for 2009 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Nominated by the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, one of the three beneficiaries (Alzheimer’s Association and HomeAid Houston), GHBA will be recognized at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon in November. Regardless of the economy, the residential construction industry just keeps on giving.

The Greater Houston Builders Association’s Houston’s Best Awards (formerly PRISM) on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at the House of Blues was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed the new venue, the program, and the entertainment. If your company was not represented in the show and the Parade of Homes, next year make it a point to be there! Lots of folks will get some good marketing from their efforts.

Welcome to the Greater Houston BA blog, a great location for you to find the latest news, updates, event information and discussions! We encourage your direct participation and would appreciate hearing your voice in the local home building industry. Contact us today for access and instructions and get your voice heard.