The Digest | Jul-Sep 2023

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HOUSING FIRST

6 From the Board Chair

John Quinlivan discusses the importance of defending our industry

8 Elite Sponsors

Thank you to our industry partners

UP NEXT

10 Events

See what’s coming up next for industry events

14 Need to Know

A quick look at what’s going on at your association

IN THE INDUSTRY

18 Advocacy in Action

Stay updated with our 2023 legislative session summary

22 Legal Update

Arguments were heard in two building permit profit lawsuits

24 Industry Data

New home construction shows gains as overall market activity stalls

BUSINESS TIPS

26 New Construction Buyer Habits

The latest trends and homebuyer insights shaping the new construction industry

30 75 Years of the Parade of Homes

Take a look back at the history of our signature home tour event

34 Q+A: Ask the Social Expert

Sarah Hinderman answers common questions on social media marketing

Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE BOARD

BOARD CHAIR JOHN QUINLIVAN, Gordon James

VICE PRESIDENT ART PRATT, Pratt Homes

TREASURER TIM FOHR, Lennar

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT DALE LOEFFLER, Marvin

SECRETARY PETER MARTIN, Pella Windows & Doors

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT JAMES JULKOWSKI, Julkowski, Inc.

PAST ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT SUNNY BOWMAN, Dakota County Lumber Company

BOARD + COMMITTEE CHAIRS

ADVOCACY CHAIR TONY WIENER, Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.

AMBASSADOR CHAIR KRISTIN REINITZ, Admit One Home Systems

ARTISAN HOME TOUR CHAIR AMY HENDEL, Hendel Homes

LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR JAMIE THARP, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC

PARADE OF HOMES CHAIR SARAH DULONG, Ron Clark Construction

PAST PRESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE MEG JAEGER, Mega Remodel

REMODELERS CHAIR ANDY MICHELS, Michels Homes

SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS CHAIR KIRK VAN SLOOTEN, Denali Custom Homes, Inc.

MEMBER AT-LARGE KARYN BRADDOCK, Anchor Builders, LLC

MEMBER AT-LARGE JOHN KRAEMER, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Staff

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JAMES VAGLE

ASSOCIATION STAFF

SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT SARAH ADAMS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL INITIATIVES MANAGER MARY BETH BLOM

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER LAURA BURT

MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER KIM CARTER

DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER EMILY DOHENY

VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS KATIE ELFSTROM

SENIOR DIRECTOR, HOUSING POLICY NICK ERICKSON

ART DIRECTOR MANDY FINDERS

VICE PRESIDENT, LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL AFFAIRS MARK FOSTER

VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS & WORKFORCE INITIATIVES TOM GAVARAS

SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC BRAND PARTNERSHIPS KATE GUNDERSON

SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE TAMMI HALL

DIGITAL MEDIA & BRAND CONTENT COORDINATOR SARAH HINDERMAN

DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST SOFIA HUMPHRIES

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP SALES KORI MEEWES & BRAD MEEWES, and more by Kori

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JANICE MEYER

PROJECT MANAGER OF THE HOUSING FIRST MN FOUNDATION ERIN MILBURN

COMMUNICATIONS & INDUSTRY CONTENT COORDINATOR KRISTEN OBER

MEETINGS & EVENTS MANAGER MARY CATHERINE PENNY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HOUSING FIRST MN FOUNDATION JESSICA RYAN

CREATIVE SERVICES & TECH COORDINATOR CASEY SCOZZARI

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP FULFILLMENT COORDINATOR LAURIE SPARTZ

EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR KATE WIGLEY

Defending our Industry

With the 2023 legislative session concluding, it’s a good time for an update on recent activity at the Capitol and its impact on our industry.

I am pleased to share that Housing First Minnesota successfully defended the industry’s interests during the 2023 session, halting all but one of the multiple challenging proposals brought to the discussion.

Successfully halting initiatives like the creation of a new housing tax for future transportation projects, a new standard for energy code changes on-demand, and the proposed ban on the construction of single-family homes for rent, shielded our industry from new, unnecessary cost increases and disruption.

The major disappointment of the session was the Minnesota Legislature’s passage of the wage liability issue, which will have ramifications for our industry. We are working with the industry legal community on an education plan, as well as studying options to challenge the poorly constructed law change.

I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to each and every member of our organization. Your help, support, and active participation were instrumental in our success at the Legislature.

As we move forward, I urge you to stay engaged and involved. We will keep you informed about any updates regarding wage liability and a handful of other business-related changes impacting all companies in Minnesota. Your continued support is vital as we navigate these challenges together.

Thank you, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in keeping Housing First Minnesota as the leading voice for our industry.

Make it a great summer,

JOHN QUINLIVAN 2023 HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA BOARD CHAIR

Elite Sponsors

Housing First Minnesota would not be as strong or successful without our Elite Sponsors. Thank you to our biggest associate supporters!

2022 INITIATIVES

O NT E M P O R A R Y

C O NT E M P O R A R Y

W IN D O W S A N D

DOO R S C R E A T E D

F O R Y O U R V I S I O N .

F o r y o u r p r o j e c t s t h a t d e s e r v e n o t h i n g l e s s t ha n e x t r a o r d ina r y , c h o o s e t h e c o n t e m p o r a r y s t y l e o f P e l l a R e s e r v e O u r a u t h e n t i c d e s ig n s p r o v i d e u n c o m p r o m i s e d a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l w i t h e x p a n s i v e g l a s s , s l e e k , m i n i m a l p r o fi l e s a n d t h r o u g h - s t i l e c o n s t r u c t i o n O f f e r i n g v i r t u a l l y un l i m i t e d c u s t o m i z a t i o n w i t h c o r n e r u n i t s , p u s h - o u t c a s e m e n t s a n d s p e c ia l s h a p e s

P a r t n e r w i t h P e l l a t o a c h i e v e y o u r u n iq u e v i s i o n w i t ho u t c o n c e s s i o n s P e l l a R e s e r v e d e s ig n s i n t e g r a t e s e a m l e s s l y i n t o y o u r p r o j e c t w i t h h ig h - p e r f o r m a n c e p r o d u c t s a n d c u s t o m si z e s a n d c a p ab i l i t i e s

C O V E R E D B Y T H E

B E S T L IM IT E D

L I F E T IM E W A R R A N T Y

F O R W OO D W IN D O W S & P A T I O DOO R S . *

Events

Members Only

OMYou’re invited to our exclusive Members Only event series! Join us for a night of networking, learning, and growing your business. Connect with industry peers, meet new partners, and get to know the newest members of the association during our happy hour. Plus, hear from industry experts.

July 26

Golf Open

It’s time to tee off! Join us for a fun afternoon on the course. The annual Golf Open features games, giveaways, prizes, great food, and networking. Connect and mingle with industry partners before and after the shotguns and while on the course.

August 3

Foundation Building Futures Golf Classic

Swing to end homelessness! Our Foundation’s golf scramble is a fundraising event to support our work building housing for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. Grab a sponsorship opportunity to join in on the fun.

September 12

Fall Parade of Homes

We’re celebrating 75 years of the Parade of Homes! There is no greater opportunity for members to showcase new homes to qualified homebuyers than our home tours. Hundreds of new homes across the Twin Cities are open Thursdays-Sundays from noon-6 p.m.

September 9-October 1

Fall Remodelers Showcase

Remodelers often tell us they get 50% or more of their annual leads by participating in the Remodelers Showcase. See remodeled homes open across the Twin Cities for three days from noon-6 p.m.

September 29-October 1

Clay Shoot

Don’t miss your shot to enjoy an afternoon of fun and network in a unique way! Sign up as an individual or bring your crew and form a team for an afternoon on the range.

October 5

FIND THE ENTIRE 2023 EVENT CALENDAR & REGISTER ONLINE AT HOUSINGFIRSTMN.ORG/EVENTS

REGISTER AT HousingFirstMN.org/ Events

GOLFER REGISTRATION SOLD OUT DINNER-ONLY AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

GOLFER REGISTRATION SOLD OUT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

SEE HOMES AT ParadeofHomes.org

SEE HOMES AT ParadeofHomes.org

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE REGISTER AT HousingFirstMN.org/ Events

BRING YOUR VISION TO US

Fall Artisan Home Tour

The Artisan Home Tour is your chance to step inside homes designed and constructed by exceptional builders and remodelers. Get inspired and explore incredible residences that blend artistic vision and craftsmanship.

October 6-22, 2023

BIG Night

Celebrate the industry in a big way! The Building Industry Gala (BIG) Night is an evening to celebrate all the incredible work of the industry and honor our award winners including our Reggie, ROMA, Trillium, and other Housing First Minnesota award recipients. This year’s BIG Night we’ll be celebrating 75 years of home tours as we give special recognition to the legacy of our Parade of Homes brand.

October 27

Need to Know

Fall Awards Deadlines

Your hard work deserves recognition! Enter the Housing First Minnesota awards program that recognizes excellence in several areas—from quality and value of construction to business ethics. Enter so we can celebrate the fine work you do!

DETAILS AT HousingFirstMN.org/Awards

ROMA Entry Due: June 9 (CLOSED)

Fall Reggie Entry Due: July 10 (CLOSED)

75th Anniversary | Fall Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase

We are celebrating 75 years of the Parade of Homes! This fall, we are proud to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the largest Parade of Homes in the country and the trusted brand that provides homeownership opportunities for Minnesotans. Join us throughout the tour for celebratory community gatherings and a look back at the history of the tour.

Parade of Homes:

September 9-October 1, 2023

Remodelers Showcase:

September 29-October 1, 2023

SPONSORED BY

Bennie Entry Due:

July 14

Builder, Remodeler, Associate of the Year Entry Due: July 14

MN Green Path Leadership Award Nominations Due: July 14

Rising Star Nominations Due:

July 14

Robert L. Hanson Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations Due:

July 14

Fall Trillium Entry Opens:

July 21

Fall Trillium Entry Due:

August 25

Online Contractor University Classes

Earn your continuing education credits through Contractor University’s online courses. With more than 40+ courses available, you’ll find specialized classes that provide useful and practical knowledge to apply to your business.

SPONSORED BY

ONLINE COURSES AVAILABLE AT ContractorU.com

Premier Showroom:

Two of the most established and well-respected companies in Minnesota are here to meet your window and door needs. When you combine the legacy of Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. with the craftsmanship of Marvin, you get Minnesota’s premier showroom.

Since 1886:

Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. has been providing quality products and creative custom solutions to its customers since 1886. They serve luxury homebuilders and remodelers as well as commercial contractors in the Twin Cities area.

Quality Products:

As a homebuyer or remodeling customer, you can depend on Shaw/Stewart to be the trusted source to provide your builder or remodeler with quality products, responsive service, and creative solutions for your project.

Professional Support:

When you're ready to select windows and doors, join your contractor on a visit to the Marvin Design Gallery and confer with their professional design staff. You'll see the latest offerings from Marvin and feel the difference in quality, design, and craftsmanship.

All of the window and door displays are set in realistic vignettes, designed to help you imagine the possibilities for your own home.

Make Your Vision A Reality

Need to Know

Green Path Designated Builder

Become an industry leader with the Designated Green Path Builder program. Enjoy recognition in both building industry and consumer marketing, and gain access to exclusive Designated Green Path Builder program benefits.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION AT MNgreenpath.org

Create Your Member Profile

As a member of Housing First Minnesota, your company has been added to our online association portal at HousingFirstMN.org. This website makes it easy to search and connect with fellow association members, stay in the know with industry updates, and register for our upcoming events. The member portal is the best way to take advantage of association benefits and keep your team engaged with all Housing First Minnesota offers! When you first join Housing First Minnesota, the main contact we have on file will automatically have a profile created for them. But it’s important that everyone from your company creates their own individual profile so that everyone can take advantage of association benefits, register to attend member events, and stay in the loop!

Update Your Member-Affiliate Logos

Did you know you have access to use our logos and service marks? These logos are a great way to show your membership to the leading association for builders, remodelers, and industry partners. Review any web pages or print collateral that may contain Housing First Minnesota affiliation logos to ensure they are up to date!

Subject to compliance with our Housing First Minnesota Service Mark License Agreement.

LEARN MORE AT HousingFirstMN.org/Logos-ServiceMarks

Lot Listings

Have lots to sell? We can help. Share the details on your available lot/land/acreage and we will post your listing on HousingFirstMN.org.

SUBMIT THE LOT LISTING FORM AT HousingFirstMN.org/LotListings

2023 Legislative Session Summary

New Homeownership Tax & Energy Code expansion stopped; Wage Liability change becomes law

In the most challenging legislative session in a generation, Housing First Minnesota led a successful industry defense against an array of issues like the creation of a new housing tax, an expansion of the residential energy code, the banning of single-familyfor-rent construction, and the raiding of the contractor recovery fund. Our professional staff, attorneys, and dedicated volunteers held back most of the opposition initiatives, shielding the industry and Minnesota’s homeowners from a host of unnecessary and expensive new rules, costs, and mandates.

The only opposition issue to advance is a new liability requirement for wage requirements downstream through the subcontractor chain. Housing First Minnesota mounted a comprehensive defense throughout session including testimony from multiple industry experts and attorneys, an array of amendments to improve the bill, and a wave of industry grassroots engagement.

In the end, the Legislature and Gov. Walz pushed forward despite broad construction industry opposition, and the bill was signed into law. It will take effect on August 1, 2023,

for contracts signed after that date. Housing First Minnesota will organize education opportunities to help our institutions understand and comply with the new law.

“This was definitely a legislative session unlike any other. There were many harmful initiatives that were introduced throughout the year, but day after day your Housing First legislative team defended the industry and your homebuyers,” said Mark Foster, vice president of legislative and political affairs. “Thank you to all of the members that reached out to their legislators over the course of the session. It truly had a positive impact.”

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HOUSING TAX STOPPED

Despite an aggressive push from many local governments and their associations, we were successful in halting the creation of a new homeownership tax. This is a topic the industry has been engaged in for many years following the landmark ruling in Harstad v. Woodbury that ruled cities do not have the authority to charge this tax. The language had the potential to raise the cost of housing by $5,000-$10,000 per home. The House Transportation Committee heard the bill, but the Senate did not.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE EXPANSION HALTED

Through the committee process, legislators adopted language that would have created a new process of adoption for the residential energy code. This would have introduced new problematic concepts such as “mitigating the impact of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing and optimizing energy efficiency and improving resiliency of new buildings.”

Housing First Minnesota expressed serious concerns throughout the committee process that the new language would significantly add to the cost of housing in Minnesota while our new housing is already significantly more energy efficient than our existing housing stock. Ultimately the problematic residential language was removed.

WAGE LIABILITY BECOMES LAW

Since the introduction of the language in February, Housing First Minnesota’s team at the Capitol engaged with the authors of the legislation and the activists pushing for the language. The lone proponents of the language boldly exempted themselves from the new requirements and left the rest of the industry to deal with the new law.

Both Housing First Minnesota members and lobbyists testified at every committee hearing on this bill and warned legislators of the impacts this language would have on the industry.

Additionally, legislative allies introduced numerous amendments in committees and on the House floor to try and improve the language, but they were broadly dismissed by legislative leadership.

This was definitely a legislative session unlike any other. There were many harmful initiatives that were introduced throughout the year, but day after day your Housing First legislative team defended the industry and your homebuyers.”

MARK FOSTER VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Finally, Housing First Minnesota engaged the industry in an expansive grassroots effort in opposition. Hundreds of industry leaders contacted legislators in opposition, but the language was included as part of a larger labor bill anyway.

At the end of the day, the Legislature and Gov. Walz ignored numerous arguments that the substantial costs imposed on contractors will inevitably hurt small- to medium-sized contractors and subcontractors, increase costs, and decrease affordable housing.

NEW SINGLE-FAMILY-FORRENT BAN BLOCKED

As originally crafted, this language would have banned new single-family rental construction as well as new duplex and triplex construction unless one unit was homesteaded. Additionally, it would have left builders with fewer options when buyers cancel a purchased home already under construction. The Housing First Minnesota lobbying team expressed these concerns and more during the committee process and ultimately the bill did not advance. However, we do expect future conversations around the subject to arise.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING REQUIREMENT IMPROVED

The Legislature adopted language to require the state building code to establish a minimum number of electric vehicle-ready spaces, electric vehicle-capable spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations within or adjacent to new commercial and multifamily structures. Importantly, this requirement exempts residential structures with fewer than four dwelling units.

CONTRACTOR RECOVERY FUND PROTECTED

Solar contractors that implement roof panels will now be required to pay into the contractor recovery fund going forward. The original language of this bill would have allowed consumers to utilize these funds going back to 2016, despite these contractors never paying into the fund previously.

ZONING MODERNIZATION MAKES SLOW, BUT STEADY PROGRESS

For many years Housing First Minnesota has been at the forefront of the conversation around zoning modernization policy that would allow for the construction of more new starter homes. The House Housing

Committee hosted one hearing on this subject, but the Senate did not have a single hearing on the subject. During the floor debates on the housing omnibus bills, zoning amendments were introduced. While the language was ultimately voted down, both Housing Chairs indicated that there would be a deeper dive into the subject next legislative session.

SICK TIME MANDATE & PAID FAMILY LEAVE TAX COMING SOON

Over the coming years, businesses of all sizes will be required to have two new paid time off requirements. The first focuses on short-term leave for individuals or family illnesses.

Starting January 1, 2024, employers will be required to offer a minimum of one hour of sick leave earned for every 30 hours, leading to six full days of sick leave per year. Additionally, a new statewide paid family and medical leave program funded by an employer payroll tax was established. Both the payroll tax and benefits payout will begin on January 1, 2026.

Employers will be required to offer up to 20 weeks of leave per year if an employee has qualifying life events.

Thank you to all of the members that reached out to their legislators over the course of the session.

It truly had a positive impact.”

MARK FOSTER

VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

Building Permit Profit Lawsuits

Hennepin County Judge Francis Magill heard arguments this spring in the lawsuits brought by Housing First Minnesota alleging the cities of Corcoran and Dayton overcharged for new residential building permits. An April 7 hearing covered both cases and comes nearly two years after the lawsuits were filed.

SEPARATE CASES, SIMILAR ARGUMENTS

While both cases were heard together, involve the same underlying case law, and were raised by the same plaintiff, these are two separate court cases.

The suits against the cities of Corcoran and Dayton allege the cities inflated the cost of building permits above the cities’ costs for inspection and plan review. Minnesota uses a fee-for-service model for building permits. State law requires these building permit fees to be “fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the actual cost of the service for which the fee is imposed.”

At the April 7 hearings, Magill heard arguments in both cases simultaneously.

From 2018-2021, Housing First Minnesota alleges the city of Corcoran collected more than $2.5 million in surplus building permit

revenue, which was then placed into the city’s general funds and was used to pay for municipal development projects.

During the hearing for the city of Dayton, the discussion was similar. According to court filings, the city was accused of overcollecting $2.9 million for the years 20182021, with all but $200,000 diverted to the city’s 409 Fund.

“As our briefs illustrated and our attorney highlighted in today’s hearing, both the cities of Corcoran and Dayton were overcharging new residents for building permit fees and earmarked the profits to build up surplus funds which Minnesota law and agency guidance explicitly prohibit,” said James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota. “Given the depths of Minnesota’s housing challenges, this is especially troublesome. We look forward to Judge Magill’s decision.”

BUILDERS’ STANDING QUESTIONED

In both hearings, lawyers for the cities challenged Housing First Minnesota’s ability to bring the lawsuit and attempted to dismiss any claims of harm.

Greene Espel PLLP, the law firm representing both cities, argued that Housing First Minnesota lacks standing to bring a suit against these cities on this topic since Housing First Minnesota itself was not harmed by the city’s permit practices.

The cities’ attorneys also argued that since the building permit fees are included in the cost of the home, homebuilders are not harmed by overcharging for building permits.

A decision from Magill could take several months.

New Home Construction Shows Gains as Overall Market Activity Stalls

Throughout much of the first half of the year, the housing market began to slow to a pace not seen since before the pandemic began. Buyers began pausing their home searches due to rising mortgage rates and overall economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, Minnesota’s massively undersupplied housing market has preserved the strong demand for new homes across the state. As a result, builders are looking toward the second half of the year with optimism.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), builder confidence in the market rose five points to 50 in May; the fifth straight month of rising confidence among builders surveyed. This index considers any reading over 50 to be of positive sentiment

on a combination of market conditions such as current sales and buyer traffic.

“Lack of existing inventory continues to drive buyers to new construction,” said Robert Dietz, NAHB’s chief economist. “In March, 33% of homes listed for sale were new homes in various stages of construction. That share from 2000-2019 was a 12.7% average. With limited available housing inventory, new construction will continue to be a significant part of prospective buyers’ search in the quarters ahead.”

New home sales were strong across the country in April, according to Zonda. Zonda’s data shows activity in this area of the market was up month-over-month, year-over-year, and compared to 2019.

This was the first time all three of these comparison points have been positive since March 2021. However, homebuilders are also feeling the pinch of rising interest rates and economic anxiety.

“Over 70% of builders are telling us that current mortgage rates are their biggest hurdle when it comes to housing demand,” said Ali Wolf, Zonda’s chief economist. “Assuming we resolve the debt ceiling debacle, there are reasons to believe mortgage rates could come down over the next 12 months on economic uncertainty and a narrowing of the spread between the 10-year Treasury yield and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, but for now, a substantial improvement is hope rather than reality.”

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WHERE BUYERS BOUGHT NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES

As the housing market continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer demands, Zillow has released its 2023 New Construction Consumer Housing Trends Report. The report delves into the latest trends and insights shaping the new construction homebuyer industry, providing valuable information for builders, developers, and real estate professionals.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report.

LOCATION & CUSTOMIZATION

When it comes to the appeal of new construction homes, two key factors are at the forefront of the discussion: location and customization.

MAKING IT THEIR OWN

Buyers’ desire to customize their homes is one reason new construction homes continue to compete well against existing homes. In fact, this desire has increased in 2022, with 35% of new construction buyers stating that they intended from the start of their search to buy a home they could customize during construction. This is up from 25% in 2021.

While 44% of buyers planned to buy a completed home, 21% sought out a home that was already under construction and that they could customize. This growing

enthusiasm for customization is a major trend among new construction buyers this year.

“In 2022, new construction buyers were really attracted to the opportunity to customize their homes throughout the construction process, rather than looking for a completed home to move into right away, which was more common in 2021,” said Jeff Tucker, senior economist with Zillow.

To leverage this trend, it is important to communicate the possibilities of customization during the sales process. This approach can empower buyers to have a greater say in their purchase, potentially leading to more commitments.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Over the last three years, there has been a growing acceptance among buyers of the idea of new construction homes in older developments. An increasing number of new construction buyers are opting to purchase homes in existing communities rather than in all-new communities or subdivisions. In 2022, only 67% of buyers

chose the latter option, a decrease from 70% in 2021 and 77% in 2020.

Producing homes within these established neighborhoods is a potentially advantageous option to consider alongside all-new communities.

DIGITAL

Digital tools play a crucial role as they enable buyers to visualize homes that are still under construction. In 2022, new construction buyers were more open and eager than existing-home buyers to embrace 3D virtual tours, virtual floor plans, and other digital tools.

STREAMLINE THE BUYING PROCESS

According to Tucker, “Compared with existing-home buyers, new construction buyers are more interested in digital tools, across the board, to understand and shop for homes.”

This presents an opportunity for builders to focus on the digital tools that their buyers prefer to use. These digital tools have become so advanced that 43% of new construction buyers reported feeling at least somewhat confident making an offer to buy a home without physically touring it if they could view a virtual tour. Even so, buyers of both new construction and existing homes still prefer in-person tours to 3D tours when making their final decision.

“New construction buyers were more likely than existing-home buyers to agree that dynamic floor plans were helpful when searching for a home,” Tucker said. “But that didn’t come at the expense of in-person

tours. Over three-quarters of new construction buyers agreed that the only way to really understand the layout of a home was to see it in person.”

ENHANCE THE IN-PERSON EXPERIENCE

Digital tools not only aid in the research process but also complement in-person activities that buyers have with builders and agents. In 2022, 68% of new construction buyers preferred to schedule in-person tours online, a trend that has been increasing over time from 66% in 2021 and 59% in 2020. Interestingly, only 58% of existing-home buyers in 2022 preferred to schedule in-person tours online. Builders can take advantage of these digital tools to streamline traditional face-to-face interactions and provide buyers with convenience and flexibility in shopping.

HOW BUYERS FEEL ABOUT 3D VIRTUAL TOURS

HOMEBUYER WISH LIST

New construction buyers often have clear preferences for their new homes. As many of these buyers aim to customize their homes from the ground up, their wish lists of must-have amenities are expanding.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

The importance of community has significantly increased among new construction buyers this year, with 53% of them prioritizing it, marking a 15 percentage point rise from 2019. This can be attributed to the rising demand for shared amenities like gyms and clubhouses, which have become popular since the pandemic. Additionally, buyers are placing more value on proximity to family and friends. While remote work has people spending more time at home, this trend underscores the fact that shared perks and social connections are still crucial for many buyers.

ENERGY BENEFITS

The disparity in preferences between new construction buyers and existing-home buyers is most evident in their energyrelated priorities. Energy-efficient homes not only save money but may also increase property values. This may explain why 77% of new construction buyers deem it extremely important, while only 56% of existing-home buyers share the same view.

SMART HOUSE

New construction buyers are increasingly interested in smart home features that offer control over lighting, locks, heating, and other components. In 2022, 61% of new construction buyers rated smart home capabilities as highly important, compared to only 29% of existing-home buyers who considered it critical to their move. Over the past few years, the importance of smart home capabilities in new construction has been rising steadily, from 34% in 2019 to 45% in 2020 and 58% in 2021.

Overall, the report highlights the distinctive advantages of new construction projects and assesses the impact of emerging technology on the way buyers search for new homes. Buyers have evolved in the last year, and builders can leverage data-driven insights to plan for the future – in 2023 and beyond.

NEW CONSTRUCTION BUYERS WHO SAID SHARED COMMUNITY AMENITIES WERE HIGHLY IMPORTANT

The Birthplace of the Home Tour

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE PARADE OF HOMES

The Twin Cities are famous for many things: Prince, the Juicy Lucy, our Mall of America, the Honeycrisp apple, and the largest, most successful home tour in the country: the Parade of Homes. The modern home tour concept’s origin story starts in Edina in 1948 when the then Minneapolis Builders Association came together to showcase what new construction had to offer homebuyers.

This fall, the Parade or Homes will celebrate 75 incredible years of helping

Minnesotans find builders, remodelers, design inspiration, and homes.

When the Minneapolis Homebuilders Association set out to create the Parade of Homes, they hoped it would help promote new homes and were impressed with the great turnout of homebuyers. Many other organizations saw the success of the Parade of Homes and replicated it across the country. Today, the Parade of Homes remains the oldest and largest home tour in the United States.

FROM THE TREND HOME TO THE PARADE OF HOMES

Initially called the “Trend Home,” the first home tour by the Minneapolis Builders Association was a collaboration of six member builders looking to showcase the best of what new construction had to offer. The Trend Home was located in the Edina Highlands area and was a wild success with visitors lining up around the block to see inside.

The History of the Parade of Homes

1948: Six builders collaborate on a Trend Home in Edina drawing crowds and setting the stage for the success of our Parade of Homes, scattered-site home tours.

1950: The first scattered site Parade of Homes is held by the Minneapolis Builders Association with 10 model homes from 10 builders.

1950s: The Parade of Homes continues to grow in popularity. The St. Paul Area Builders Association starts their own tour.

GIs back from the war were ready to find homes and start their families which made the Parade of Homes a valuable shopping opportunity.

The Queen of Homes royal court represented the annual Parade of Homes, now held in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

1973: Parade of Homes celebrates 25 successful years and is proud to have grown to nearly 100 homes.

1984: The first official Parade of Homes logo was introduced with custom chrome-look lettering.

1995: Parade of Homes logo was updated for a fresh ’90s look.

1996: The BATC Foundation Dream Home program began with two exclusive high-end homes selected as fundraisers for the charitable arm of BATC, the Builders Outreach Foundation (today you know them as the Housing First Minnesota Foundation), collecting $5 entry fees and helping raise dollars to support their work building and remodeling homes for families in need.

1996: ParadeofHomes.org created an online digital tour guide.

The first official Parade of of

1998: Parade of Homes celebrated 50 years with a commemorative logo.

2000: The Remodelers Showcase was folded into the Parade of Homes family, becoming the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase.

into

2006: Parade of Homes fall showcase hits a record of 1,259 homes in one event.

2011: The Green Path Energy Tour became a special section during every Parade of Homes tour to provide families an easy and independently verified way to identify energyefficient new homes.

2014: The Artisan Home Tour by Parade of Homes was launched, adding a curated high-end, ticketed tour of exclusive new and remodeled homes every June.

2023: The Parade of Homes celebrates 75 years of showcasing new and remodeled homes, builders, remodelers, and home products and services to area families.

REALTOR.COM

STAR TRIBUNE

The Trend Home in 1948 and today.

Minneapolis Tribune writer Harvey Ingram noted that, “there was no stinting the construction and furnishings of the home. It could have been built much more cheaply but instead it emphasizes the best possible quality of everything.”

The Trend Home set the stage for the Parade of Homes. In 1950 the Minneapolis Builders Association launched the first scattered-site Parade of Homes with 10 homes from 10 builders. According to the Star Tribune, families were waiting at the doors of the first Parade Homes long before the doors opened.

“Throughout the afternoon, builders watched the crowds, bug eyed in disbelief. Never in their wildest dreams had they believed people would turn out in such force,” noted the Star Tribune.

By the 1950s both the Minneapolis Builders Association and St. Paul Area Builders Associations had formed Parade of Homes events and the newest style of home promotions was up and running.

WE BUILT THIS CITY

Today, the Twin Cities Parade of Homes remains the premier home tour event in the country and an integral part of our community. The success of the Parade of Homes helped shape how the Twin Cities look today.

Down Memory Lane

A recent survey estimated that over 200,000 people visit the tour each year -- making it one of the highest attended events in the Twin Cities. With more than 350 homes featured in each event, there are countless families across our region who have found their home on the Parade of Homes.

The Parade of Homes has inspired homebuyers and families to build their dream home. It has altered how we sell homes in the Twin Cities and is recognized across the country for its unique ability to drive home sales traffic.

A LEGACY WORTH CELEBRATING

The Parade of Homes has a proud history presenting the leading homeownership event in Minnesota. We have welcomed Minnesotans to celebrate homeownership for decades and watched our region grow.  The success of the tour speaks volumes to the commitment of the members of our association and the power we have when we work together for the common goal of creating homeownership opportunities for Minnesotans.

Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy this fall. We’ll be hosting several special events to invite the entire community to celebrate the Parade of Homes’ incredible history.

Art Pratt, Pratt Homes, secondgeneration homebuilder “Pratt Homes was incorporated the year after I was born, so I was raised in the homebuilding industry. The Parade of Homes has always been a part of our family business -- and our lives. My earliest memories of Parade Homes involve helping during the rush to finish and clean up the home the day before the tour starts. As a 10- or 11-year-old kid, I couldn’t do much, but it was fun to feel like I was helping. I got pretty good at mowing the lawn at our model homes. My cut lines were always perfectly straight.”

Sarah Dulong, Ron Clark Construction, Parade of Homes Committee Chair

“I hosted in our model home for the first time in the Spring Preview in 1997. It was such a great experience to see what people had to say about the homes and visit with them. We still have our annual ‘Ron Clark groupies’ that come every tour.”

Blake Swanson, Swanson Homes, third-generation homebuilder

“I do have a lot of memories of going through the Parade Homes, mostly when I was little and it was about not touching the walls or getting the homes dirty, but it was fun to show them off to friends and family and that sort of thing. When I was younger, I was the guy cutting the grass in the front, getting them ready for the tour.”

Social Media Expert

with Sarah Hinderman

Q. There are SO many social channels now. How can my company decide which ones to focus on?

For the housing industry and B2C marketing, I highly recommend Facebook and Instagram — two of the most-used platforms for people of all ages. Plus, you can repurpose most content for both platforms.

Q. Do you have any time-saving hacks for busy businesses?

Q. What’s the best way to show off my latest project or event on social?

content calendar. Then, you can book a full

Bulk. Create. Content. I can’t stress how important it is for small businesses to set aside dedicated time for brainstorms, blog writing, graphic designing, and planning a content calendar. Then, you can book a full day for filming or photoshoots where you have a clear goal, shot list, and the right people on hand.

LinkedIn is helpful for B2B and recruiting, but it doesn’t require frequent posting to keep your profile relevant.

but it doesn’t require frequent posting to

If you don’t have a dedicated social media employee who knows trends and filming tricks, TikTok generally shouldn’t be as high of a priority.

After you’ve gathered all the content essentials, prewrite and schedule posts in advance using a tool like Sprout Social or Hootsuite. Then, you can feel confident your social game won’t suffer while you focus on other important tasks.

Good news, you can usually squeeze multiple content pieces out of one topic. If you just launched a new appliance, do a photoshoot for an Instagram post, create a Reel of someone using it, write a blog about the top features, and film someone answering the most asked questions customer’s usually have. If you’re wrapping up a remodel project, post some before and after photos, create a graphic of a client testimonial, set up a timelapse video of staging day, and interview a team member about the work that went into this project.

Digital Media & Brand Content Coordinator, Housing First Minnesota

No one format is necessarily the best for everyone – social media is more about your company presence, creativity, and knowledge of your customer’s interests.

Q. What’s the deal with hashtags?

Every platform is different, but understanding how to work with the algorithm and maximize your content’s reach is essential for effective social media strategies. Hashtags help apps like Instagram and LinkedIn recommend your content to interested audiences and pop up for relevant searches.

The more tailored, the better. I recommend one to three generic (but trending!) hashtags like #interiordesign, #hometour, #smallbusiness and two to four hyper-specific hashtags (think: #goldhardware or #velvetcouch) based off unique elements in your photo.

Q. How do I work with local influencers?

You could also search Instagram for a local social media influencer that’s involved in your market. Many of them have set rates they’ll charge for a social post or will promote your business in exchange for free merchandise. Just ask for their media kit or be honest about your budget and goals to see if a partnership will be a good fit.

good fit.

Using specific and relevant hashtags puts your content in front of your target audience, even those who don’t follow you. This can lead to further reach, new followers, and increased engagement.

Using specific and relevant hashtags working on together.

Partnering with influential individuals or companies in your niche is an effective way to get your business noticed and spread brand awareness. As part of the housing industry, you probably partner with builders, suppliers, designers, etc. on a regular basis. So why not connect with them about a partnership? You could trade social media posts, mentioning and tagging each other in the project you’re working on together.

As our digital media and brand content coordinator, Sarah Hinderman manages our consumer and association social media accounts. She executes a variety of media campaigns, including influencer marketing, social media ads, and email communications. With her creative ideas, copywriting skills, and a little Gen-Z flair, Sarah brings content to life to engage digital audiences.

As our digital media and brand content coordinator, Sarah Hinderman manages our consumer and association social media accounts. She executes a variety of media campaigns, including influencer marketing, social media ads, and email communications. With her creative ideas, copywriting skills, and a little Gen-Z flair, Sarah brings content to life to engage digital audiences.

Foundation Gala Breaks Records

The ninth annual Housing First Minnesota Foundation Fundraising Gala was an unforgettable evening

Gala by the Numbers

$420K RAISED AT THE GALA

450 ATTENDEES

The Housing First Minnesota Foundation hosted its biggest night of fundraising during its annual gala on April 14 at Quincy Hall. Throughout the evening, a sold-out crowd of 450 builders, remodelers, trade partners, and Foundation supporters raised a record-setting $420,000 for Minnesotans in need.

The program began with remarks from community partners and residents who have been impacted directly by the work of the Foundation. Then, the 2022 award recipients were recognized for going above and beyond in supporting the work of the Foundation. Lennar Minnesota was awarded the 2022 Build Partner Award, Richard and Bonnie Berg of Contract Interiors, Inc. were presented the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, and the 2022 Hearts in Housing Awards were awarded to Mike and Carole Petersen and Cavan and Cindy Lasch.

The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is currently taking on its biggest effort to date. In 2023, it plans on completing four brand-new homes in Minneapolis complete with four accessory dwelling units. These homes will be a part of the Foundation’s Housing for Heroes project, which provides housing for veterans facing homelessness.

The evening also featured a live and silent auction, a live fund-a-need, and an after-party with casino games that were all a major success.

The amazing level of support from the event helps make it possible to address homelessness in our community, and this wouldn’t be possible without industry supporters – thank you!

1 BUILD PARTNER AWARD

1 HEARTS IN HOUSING AWARD

1 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

50 SPONSORS

$197K+ IN SPONSORSHIPS

Construction for Change

The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is full speed ahead on two large projects. The first project is four new Housing for Heroes homes, plus four accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for veterans experiencing homelessness. The second project is a complete remodel of four apartments for women who are going through addiction treatment. These apartments will give them the opportunity to live with their children while in recovery. All these projects are scheduled to be completed this year!

Housing

We are so proud to collaborate with organizations like Avivo, MACV, Lennar, and Nor-Son, which are helping to build a better world. Thanks to the contributions of our donors, we can continue to fund our build projects that benefit communities in need of housing. We are planning more community build projects next year to continue our vision of ending homelessness in Minnesota.

BUILD PARTNER

We are looking for passionate people who are ready to make a tangible impact in the lives of those in need of housing. We are seeking partners interested in taking on the rewarding challenge of building or renovating spaces for our nonprofit community partners. Your contribution will not only provide a home for an individual or family in need, but it will also help to build a stronger, more connected community. Email Erin Milburn at Erin@HousingFirstMN.org to learn more.

This home and ADU will be finished with landscaping in June.

The Foundation broke ground in May. Irving Avenue is the 11th Housing for Heroes home with build partner Lennar.

This completed project marks the 8th Housing for Heroes home – a community build partnership with MACV, Lennar, and the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. Five veterans are settling into this space on their journey to success.

The Foundation is on track to complete both the home and ADU in August.

Build partner Nor-Son will soon kick off renovations on four apartment units for Avivo.

Help support our mission to build safe housing for Minnesotans in need.

Giving back isn’t just something we do at

First MN Foundation –it’s who we are.

SPRING AWARD WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS OF OUR SPRING REGGIE AND TRILLIUM AWARDS!

Since 1968, the coveted Reggie Award SM has recognized excellence in design and construction of homes in the Parade of Homes. The Trillium Awards honor the associates and trade partners for their collaboration with these award-winning builders.

Foundation Gala

It was a night of generosity and celebration at the Housing First Minnesota Foundation Gala! Builders, remodelers, trade partners, and supporters joined together to support the Foundation’s vision to end homelessness in Minnesota. With your generous giving, we exceeded our fundraising goal to a record amount of more than $420,000! Funds will go toward our work building and renovating housing for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

April 14, 2023

DRINK TICKET SPONSOR

Bridgewater Bank

CHAMPAGNE WALL SPONSOR

Julkowski, Inc.

FocalPoint Flooring, Cabinets & Design

Habitation Furnishing + Design

J Carsten Remodeling

James Hardie Building Products

Lampert Lumber

Larkin Hoffman

Lyman Companies

Metropolitan Hardwood Floors

Michels Homes Movement Mortgage

Pella Windows & Doors

Tradition Mortgage, LLC

PRINTING SPONSOR

Turn-Key Signs

SILVER SPONSORS

Andersen Corporation

Hendel Homes

Herregan Distributors

Marvin

NorthStar Home Technologies

Pulte Group

RHC Flooring, LLC

Robert Thomas Homes

Top Floor, Inc.

Ulteig Engineers

BAR SPONSORS

Fireside Hearth & Home

LP Building Solutions

Minnesota Construction Law Services, PLLC

Renovation Systems

The Builders Group

DESSERT SPONSORS

Bell Bank Mortgage

Summergate Development

BRONZE SPONSORS

CO-PRESENTING SPONSORS

WINE SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

Members Only

New and longstanding members gathered at the North House in Minneapolis for the first-ever Members Only event this spring. Our new event series brings together members of the association for a night of networking, learning, and business growth.

April 27, 2023

During happy hour, attendees were treated to drinks and small bites and were free to mingle. The highlight of the event was the influential panel of industry leaders who shared words of wisdom during the evening presentation.

Artisan Home Tour 10th Anniversary Celebration

To commemorate the 10th year of the Artisan Home Tour, builders, remodelers, sponsors, advertisers, and associates involved with the tour over the years joined together for an anniversary celebration at Hackamore Brewing Company in Chanhassen. More than 100 association members showed up to try some craft beers at the new brewery, mingle with peers, and commemorate 10 years of Artisan.

May 23, 2023

Housing on Tap

Industry members and housing stakeholders turned out at Indeed Brewing for a discussion with MaryJo Webster, data editor for the Star Tribune, on her work covering housing access in the Twin Cities. The event kicked off Housing Affordability Institute’s Housing on Tap series, which features conversations with individuals and organizations that play a pivotal role in the housing conversation.

May 24, 2023

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE SUPPORTING PARTNER

Summer Artisan Home Tour

Artistic vision, unmatched craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind homes – this summer’s Artisan Home Tour was a spectacular event with thousands of visits across the 23 homes.

June 9-25, 2023

AUDEN STREET

AUDEN STREET

AUDEN STREET

GRAND MASTER SPONSOR

JOURNEYMAN SPONSORS

AUDEN STREET

We’ve had a busy spring! Check out some photos from member-favorite events this quarter.

Artisan Anniversary

Members and tour participants over the years gathered to celebrate 10 years of the Artisan Home Tour!

Members Only

New and longstanding association members gathered for our first-ever Members Only event—full of networking, learning, and business growth.

@sarah_shahana

Mary Beth Blom

RecordBreaking Gala

@renovationsystems

@chaunceehollingsworth

Marla Krippendorf

MACV Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

@heberthomes @dorogroup

New members

AbleLight

Daniel Podoll ablelight.org

800-369-4636

Auden Street: Digital Marketing Agency

Nicole Mendoza audenstreet.com

701-566-2671

Blingle!

Brad Sullivan

blingle.com/northwestminneapolis-minnesota

763-220-2057

Bold North Real Estate

Ben Ancel boldnorthrealestate.com

612-492-1442

Capital Construction, LLC

Derek Muelken capitalmn.com

952-222-4004

Capital One Business

Brian Gendreau

612-202-4414

Cardinal Financial

Josue Boutouli

651-494-2034

Chirigos Designs

Bridget Chirigos chirigosdesigns.com

952-656-3188

CloseSimple

Brooke Volkert closesimple.com

651-354-1112

Coldwell Banker Realty - Lisa Piazza

Lisa Piazza

Lisa-Piazza.com

612-751-0976

CW Design, PLLC

Catherine Deutschlander cwdesignmn.com

763-416-0096

Divine Shine Cleaning

Darren Kelley divineshinehome cleaning.com

767-363-1880

Donnelly Stucco Services, LLC

Ben Horsch DonnellyStucco.com

612-722-4200

Edge Home Finance -

Brad Schmidt

Brad Schmidt edgehomefinance.com/ team-member/ brad-schmidt

651-964-9670

Edge Home Finance -

Josh Little Josh Little loansbylittle.com

507-210-7227

Edina RealtyKen Larson

Ken Larson EdinaRealty.com/ kenneth-larson-realtor

218-390-2100

The Champions Club is a way to recognize those members that are passionate about the association and share the good news of membership. There will be year-end prizes for top individuals. Start referring today!

ELEA HEALY, LLC

Joanna Schnedler eleahealy.com

612-547-7247

Engel & Voelkers

Lake MinnetonkaAshley Gullickson

Ashley Gullickson ashleygullickson.com

651-353-0362

First Community Mortgage

Gary Korf Jr. firstcommunity mortgage.com 612-578-0182

Forthright Insurance, LLC

Jeremy Thompson forthrightinsurancemn.com 763-772-2877

Gabberts

Gina Caliva gabberts.com 952-927-1500

Helico Emily Northenscold helicocontracting.com 763-276-1837

Heritage Exteriors

Kala Kaehler heritage-exteriors.com 320-796-5001

Integrate Properties, LLC

Ian Peterson 612-328-5252

Kenzo Construction, Inc. Dylan Magnuson kenzoconstruction.com 763-843-4485

Lemke Home Improvements, Inc. Michael Lemke lemkeseamless.com 218-287-0240

Loomis Homes

Erik Loomis loomis-homes.com 952-994-6924

Luke Hanson Homes Lucas Hanson 763-360-9942

Midwest Home Magazine Lori Miller midwesthome.com 612-371-5880

Northwoods Real Estate Group, LLCJulie Parker Peak Julie Parker Peak nwregmn.com 612-387-2793

Prairie Modern Anju Bhatia 732-910-5912

Rebecca Cashmore Interiors

Rebecca Cashmore rebeccacashmore interiors.com 651-208-0066

RJLANDSCAPING, LLC

Ryan Jensen rjlandscaping.net 612-532-1324

Service Associate Construction Services, LLC

Harry Londer constructionminnesota.com 612-202-0755

Sticks N Bricks Construction, LLC Eric Perkins sticksnbricks construction.com 612-219-0234

The Expert Co. Justin Persinger theexpertcompany.net 952-393-2260

Tyler Miller Team Tyler Miller tylermillerteam.com 612-750-1368

UGM Surfaces Jeff Armantrout ugmsurfaces.com 312-561-7215

White Bear Glass Mike Collette whitebearglass.com 651-426-3289

STRAIGHT

50 Points —for each warm lead: a company you’ve already personally communicated with about Housing First Minnesota membership

FULL HOUSE

200 Points — for each rejoin: a company that dropped and you had a major hand in getting them to rejoin

a company you’ve already personally communicated with about Housing First Minnesota membership a company that dropped and a major getting them to rejoin

• Email Membership@ HousingFirstMN.org

• Email Membership@ HousingFirstMN.org

ROYAL FLUSH

FEDA, onstruction2style

• Scan QR Code and fill out form

• Scan QR Code and fill out form

300 Points — for each new member: your referral becomes a member of Housing First Minnesota

Robert Thomas Homes ANDY MICHELS, Michels Homes

Affinity Programs

We seek companies that thoroughly understand the building industry and provide products at rates generally not available to the public. Give these folks a chance to see what they can do for you.

SEE MORE AT HousingFirstMN.org/MemberOfferings

Product Discounts

HOMESPHERE

Learn how you can join over 2,700 builders receiving incentives and rebates from building product manufacturers. Rebates often exceed the cost of membership and it’s easily manageable!

Melissa Wolf

331-431-7433

MWolf@HomeSphere.com

SHERWIN WILLIAMS

• Competitive and customizable pricing for members

• Local quotes on wall and floor coverings, window treatments, and spray equipment

NPP 800-810-3909

CustomerService@MyNPP.com

VERIZON

Significant discounts on monthly access, smart phones, tablets and accessories. 22% discount on monthly cell phone service.

NPP

800-810-3909

CustomerService@MyNPP.com

Business Operations

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN

Our Association Health Plan (AHP) helps small businesses in the residential construction market provide insurance to their employees. Fully insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield and managed by North Risk Partners, the AHP is a great way to recruit and retain employees with an average savings of 7-10% for participating companies.

Janice Meyer

651-697-7566

Janice@HousingFirstMN.org

PROJUL

• The #1 rated construction management software solution

• Receive 20% off annual subscriptions

NPP

800-810-3909

CustomerService@MyNPP.com

Gas Discounts

HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES

• Special promotions for members

• Save 10 cents per gallon for the first 90 days

• Save 5 cents per gallon all the time

Don Keis 952-830-8889

FleetSales@HolidayCompanies.com

7-ELEVEN & SPEEDWAY

• Business fuel card program

• Fuel rebates up to 5 cents off per gallon at Speedway & 7-Eleven locations

• Mobile management tools

Avani Mehta

630-698-0118

Avani.Mehta@WexInc.com

Vehicle Discounts

JEFF BELZER’S COMMERCIAL SALES

Members receive a $750 discount off any new vehicle purchased from Jeff Belzer’s Plus, enjoy a free service loaner, free pickup/drop-off for service work, and express commercial service.

Adam Engdahl

651-633-3500

AEngdahl@JeffBelzer.com

We’ve brought together an array of members-only benefits that positively impact your bottom line.

Serving the Professional Contractor

ABC Supply is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United States and one of the largest distributors of siding, windows, and select exterior and interior products. Founded in 1982, ABC currently has more than 760 locations nationwide. Specializing in select product lines and categories, ABC offers the professional contractor competitive pricing, superior service, and the highest quality building materials available.

Check us out online at abcsupply.com or visit us in: