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National Home Builder's National Convention

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with NP Dodge Company

I am attending the NHB convention in Las Vegas NV. What strikes me is the quiet reserve all hold for the new home market and not the bullish attitude normally demonstrated at the annual meetings. Attendance is down again this year and the trade show is not as large as it has been in the past which is no surprise.

What I have seen is a large increase in energy efficient green building products and affordable sizing of new home designs like the automobile industry. I believe we are seeing a para-dine shift in the new construction industry.

I had an interesting discussion with the Moen fixture representative. He indicated that product lines were going back to basic Chrome in a move to represent old values. He indicated that in down markets consumers retreat to old faithful products such as chrome bathroom fixtures. He also indicated that brushed chrome would remain popular for kitchens. Manufactures are trimming their product line options offering fewer choices for the consumer to hold down costs.

Financing of builder inventory remains a major problem for home builders as banks have tighten their lending standards. Not only is sales volume challenging so is trying to get new product on the market to satisfy the consumers current preference. All in all it will be a challenging year ahead for the home builders.

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Jim Startzman
Long and Foster Real Estate - Wilmington, DE

Thanks for the info.  It will be challenging for them

Jan 21, 2010 06:30 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hi Mike,

Thank you for sharing an informative and helpful post.

John Pusa

Jan 21, 2010 06:49 AM