The Nail, February 2012 by Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee (HBAMT)

YOUR COUPONS NEEDED!

The 2012 HBAMT Membership Drive is gearing up for a strong showing this spring and your help is needed to fill this year’s New Member Coupon Book with fantastic offers! The Coupon Book is a strong recruitment tool and will be distributed only to those members who join during the Membership Drive. WOW them with your best deal to quickly make a new contact AND help the Membership Committee reach their recruitment goals for this year’s drive. Using the form below, return your COUPON offers to the HBAMT today! Deals contingent ONLY upon presenting coupon are preferred (i.e., no “with purchase” qualifiers) and all offers are subject to approval by the Membership Drive Committee.

2012 HBAMT MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - COUPON SUBMISSION FORM Your name ________________________________ Company ________________________________ Best contact: Phone ______________________________ Email ______________________________ Your coupon ______________________________________________ Coupon value $____________ Please describe your coupon offer in detail (terms, limits, expiration, etc) ________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Return to: HBAMT - Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee | 9007 Overlook Boulevard | Brentwood, TN 37027 Telephone (615) 377-1055 | Fax (615) 377-1077

Green Building Council ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP Sign up now to sponsor each monthly meeting of the Green Building Council in 2012 and save!

ERIN RICHARDSON - President STEVE BERTASSO - Vice-President STEFAN PETER-CONTESSE - Secretary/Treasurer

“Greening the American Dream in Middle Tennessee”

An HBAMT Green Building Council Annual Sponsorship allows you to promote your company at each council meeting for a fraction of the cost of their monthly rates - in fact, you’ll save over $3,200.00!

GBC ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP = $1,000.00 Annual Sponsors will receive these GREAT BENEFITS in 2012:

Recognition on all GBC marketing materials and at every meeting in 2012. Sponsor highlight; five (5) minute presentation at one monthly meeting in 2012. Opportunity to leave marketing materials with attendees at each meeting. Opportunity to set up a mini-display table during lunch (11:00-11:30 a.m.) at each meeting. RSVP one (1) week prior to each meeting to confirm table. 2012 Annual Sponsorship = SAVE $3,200! (1 month price of $350 x 12 = $4,200).

To start taking advantage of this great offer and secure your Annual Sponsorship, complete the form provided below and return it to the HBAMT today. Yes! I’d like to purchase a 2012 Green Building Council Annual Sponsorship for $1,000.00 Your name: ___________________________________ Company: ________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ City, St: ______________________________ Zip: ________ Telephone: (_____)_____________________________ Email: ___________________________________________ Payment: Check enclosed | Credit Card | Bill me Credit Card: __________________________________ CC#:______________________________ Exp: __________ Visa or Master Card only

Signature: ____________________________________ Print Name: ______________________________________ Card Holder

Card Holder

The HBAMT Green Building Council RECYCLED PAPER

Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee - 9007 Overlook Blvd., Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 377-1055 Fax: 377-1077

THE

NAIL The official magazine of Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee President Dan Strebel Vice President James Franks Secretary/Treasurer Michael Dillon Executive Vice President John Sheley

Editor and Designer Jim Argo Staff Connie Nicley Pat Newsome

THE NAIL is published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting the American dream of homeownership to all residents of Middle Tennessee. SUBMISSIONS: THE NAIL welcomes manuscripts and photos related to the Middle Tennessee housing industry for publication. Editor reserves the right to edit due to content and space limitations. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: HBAMT, 9007 Overlook Boulevard, Brentwood, TN 37027. Phone: (615) 377-1055.

4 The NAIL z February 2012

FEATURES 9 Recent court decisions will affect home builders BY

STEPHEN LUND

Two recent court cases result in decisions that will affect home builders.

10 2012 Home Show returns to AgEXPOPark in February The 2012 Home Show is set for a 3-day run beginning Friday, February 24 at the Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park (AgEXPOPark) in Franklin.

12-14 Home Show layout and registration form There’s still time to secure your space at the 2012 Home Show. Select from our available booths* and return your completed registration form, found on page 14, to the HBAMT today to reserve your exhibit space. *Booth layout as of 01/31/11; booths shown as unsold are not guaranteed to be available when your registration form is received.

CONFERENCE ROOMS AVAILABLE Need space for an upcoming meeting, seminar or special event? Call the Home Builders Association and reserve one (or both) of the spacious, first-floor conference areas. Located in the heart of Brentwood at the HBA’s first-class office building, each room makes an ideal venue for both business and social engagements alike.

Boardroom Members Non-members -

$350* $600*

Classroom Members Non-members -

DEPARTMENTS 6 News & Information 15 SPIKE Club Report 16 February Calendar 16 Chapters and Councils

$250* $500*

Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call (615) 377-1055 for availability and reservation information. *Each room requires a deposit of $100 (refundable) and half the amount of the rental fee due prior to date of occupancy. Boardroom furniture may not be taken from the room or rearranged. The Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee

9007 Overlook Blvd., Brentwood, TN 37027 615/377-1055 Fax: 377-1077

ON THE COVER: Find all of your home improvement and decorating needs at the 2012 Home Show, returning next month to the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Secure your space at the show today by completing the registration form on page 14 and returning it to the HBAMT offices. See page 10 for more details about the upcoming show.

February 2012 z The NAIL 5

NEWS&INFO

From left: Don Alexander and Brian Laster from InfoSource, and John Whitaker, Metro/Nashville Chapter President. Laster delivered a presentation reviewing the previous year’s building activity at the chapter’s January meeting.

Single family housing starts rise 4.4 percent in December ationwide production of new single-family homes rose 4.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 470,000 units in December, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Commerce Department. This marked a third consecutive increase and the fastest pace of single-family housing starts since April of 2010. Meanwhile, the overall number of housing starts for the month declined 4.1 percent to a 657,000-unit rate due to a 20.4 percent dip on the more volatile multifamily side. “The report adds to the growing evidence that demand for new, single-family homes is finally starting to firm up in an increasing number of markets nationwide,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, Nev. “This emerging trend is allowing builders to put more crews back to work, and could be even stronger if not for the overly tight credit conditions that prevail for both builders and buyers, as well as the continuing foreclosure crisis and the

The report adds to the growing evidence that demand for new homes is starting to firm up. 6 The NAIL z February 2012

challenges of obtaining accurate appraisal values on new homes. Policymakers should be doing everything possible to alleviate these problems and nurture the fledgling housing recovery in order to promote job and economic growth.” “This report is in keeping with our expectations for slow but steady improvement in the single-family market, where production hit its lowest yearly rate in over 50 years in 2011,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Meanwhile, it should be noted that the decline in multifamily starts in December was coming off a dramatic increase from the previous month and simply brought that sector back closer to trend. Apartment production generally continues to gain strength heading into 2012 after posting a more-than 50 percent gain in 2011.” Looking forward, NAHB is forecasting gains of approximately 17 percent in both single- and multifamily housing production in 2012. Combined single- and multifamily housing starts fell 4.1 percent to a 657,000-unit rate in December due to the multifamily side retreating 20.4 percent from a big gain in the previous month, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 187,000 units. However, for the year as a whole, overall housing production (see page 15)

Remodelers Council President Don Mahone (far left) thanks Mark Friedman and Tim Ferguson from Regions Mortgage for sponsoring the council’s January meeting. Friedman spoke to the council about how to “expand a remodeling business by using the proper lending.”

The Green Building Council’s 2012 leadership team meet prior to the council’s January meeting at the HBAMT. From left: GBC President Erin Richardson, All-American Contesse, E3 Innovate, and Pest Control, Stefan Peter-C Steve Bertasso, True North Development. At the meeting, Peter-Contesse delivered a presentation detailing new Energy Star requirements for the new year. Special thanks to John Ganschow and Trus Joist for their sponsorship of the council in 2012. If you would like to sign on as a GBC annual sponsor for the upcoming year, please complete the form found on page three (3) of this issue and return it to the HBAMT.

Voters place high value on homeownership y an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters’ attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues. “The American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream and preserving a federal commitment to homeownership is essential to maintain a thriving middle class and get housing and the economy back on track,” said Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies. Conducted on Jan. 2-5 on behalf of the NAHB by the Republican and Democratic polling firms of Public Opinion Strategies in Alexandria, Va., and Lake Research Partners in Washington, D.C., the comprehensive survey of 1,500 likely voters includes data from key political “swing areas,” including National Journal political analyst Charlie Cook’s swing House and

Senate seats and Stuart Rothenberg’s presidential swing states. The survey, which has a margin of error of ±2.5 percent, is a follow-up to a similar national poll conducted last May. The poll shows that three out of four voters – both owners and renters – believe it is appropriate and reasonable for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership. This sentiment cuts across regional and party lines, with 84 percent of Democrats, 71 percent of Republicans and 71 percent of Independents agreeing with this statement. Also, two-thirds of respondents say that the federal government should help home buyers to afford a long-term or 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Moreover, 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction. These figures held firm across the political spectrum, with 77 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Independents against doing away with the mortgage interest deduction. Meanwhile, 68 percent would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to abolish the deduction, a figure that

2012 Showcase of New Homes

Showcase scheduled to return May 9 through May 20 of this year. Home builders, developers & REALTORS®, showcase your available properties while supporting the HBAMT’s Annual Showcase of New Homes! Set for two four-day weekends beginning Thursday, May 9 and ending Sunday, May 20, the scatter-site event features homes from all price points across the middle Tennessee area.

DISCOUNTS! Suppliers, lenders, manufacturers, REALTORS® and many more recognize the advantages of promoting their products in big events like the Showcase and will offer discounts to get their products into your Showcase home. EFFECTIVE MARKETING! Because the Showcase is a scattered-site event, you can build or show the type of home you specialize in. MODEL HOMES ARE ENCOURAGED. LOW ENTRY FEES! You can be a Showcase Builder for as low as $1,000! For that low fee you get multi-media advertising by HBAMT, three yard and directional signs and a Showcase page in the Showcase Home Buyers Guide (plan book) which includes a color picture of your house, floor plan, description and directions. Visit the Showcase of New Homes page at www.hbamt.net/HBAMT_Showcase.htm to download your registration forms today! Or call (615) 377-1055 and request the forms via fax.

was virtually identical across all party affiliations (69 percent of Independents and 68 percent of Democrats and Republicans). A majority of voters are also against proposals to reduce the mortgage interest deduction, eliminate the deduction for interest paid for a second home, limit the deduction for those earning more than $250,000 per year, scale back the deduction for home owners with mortgages above $500,000 and do away with the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans. “With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage homeownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction,” said Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners. Among the poll’s other key findings: • 96 percent of home owners are happy with their decision to own and 84 percent who are “underwater” (owe more on their mortgages than their home is worth) expressed the same sentiment. • 79 percent of home owners would advise a family member or close friend just starting out to buy a home, and 69 percent of those who are underwater on their mortgage would offer the same advice. • 74 percent said that despite the ups and downs in the housing market, owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make. • Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best long-term investments. • 78 percent of respondents said that owning their own home is very important to them. • Nearly seven out of 10 voters who are not currently home owners (68 percent) said it was a goal of theirs to buy a home. The findings are consistent with the results of other surveys. In a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in June, 89 percent said that homeownership is an important part of the American Dream and more than 90 percent indicated that it is important for the federal government to continue the mortgage interest deduction. According to a Pew Research Study conducted last March, 81 percent of respondents agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make and 81 percent of renters surveyed said they would like to buy a house. “Even in a down housing market, homeownership remains a core American value, with the vast majority of citizens who do not currently own a home saying they want to buy a home,” said NAHB President Bob Nielsen. “Those running for office in November need to understand that voters will not look kindly on any candidates who seek to dismantle the nation’s longterm commitment to homeownership.” Poll results can be downloaded at www.nahb.org/homeownershippoll. February 2012 z The NAIL 7

NEWS&INFO

Remodeling Market Index rises to five-year high emodeling sentiment rose to the highest level in five years, according to the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter of 2011. Released January 26, the RMI increased to 46.6 in the fourth quarter from 41.7 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the RMI component measuring current market conditions rose to 48.4 from 43.0 in the previous quarter. The RMI component measuring future indicators of remodeling business was also positive, increasing to 44.8 from 40.4 in the previous quarter. An RMI below 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is lower (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is higher. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity. “As more consumers remain in their homes rather than move in this economy, remodelers benefited from a gradual increase in home improvement activity, taking us to a five-year high,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Ft. Collins, Colo. “2011 ended on a strong note for the remodeling industry.”

Current market conditions improved significantly in all four regions over the third quarter of 2011. The RMI reported higher market activity in two important categories: major additions 52.3 (from 45.2) and minor additions 50.1 (from 45.7). Future market indicators in each region also experienced gains from the previous quarter. Two of the indices reported a level over 50: calls for bids at 50.7 (from 45.4) and appointments for proposals at 50.1 (from 43.3), while work committed for the next three months only rose to 31.5 (from 29.9). “With several key components above 50, the latest RMI provides reason for guarded optimism going forward,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “The residential remodeling market has been improving gradually, mirroring the trend in other segments of the housing market. Stringent lending requirements and economic uncertainty continue to be a drag on demand, but we expect a modest growth in remodeling activity to continue throughout 2012.” For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

John Sheley presents Don Crawford with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRF) a check representing the donation made by the Triton Stone Group Parade of Homes to the agency’s “Wounded Warrior Project.” The TWRF program was the benefitting charity of the 2011 Parade.

8 The NAIL z February 2012

Recent court decisions will affect builders Two recent court cases resulted in decisions that will affect home builders. BY STEPHEN A. LUND

ennessee law often places stricter standards on residential builders than it does on commercial contractors. For example, there are certain implied warranties that apply to residential construction, but not commercial construction. Arbitration clauses in contracts concerning a residence must be initialed or separately signed by the homeowner, otherwise, they are unenforceable. Not so in commercial contracts. In the last quarter of 2011, two new court decisions came down that affect home-

owner usually takes the opposite position. The Tennessee Supreme Court finally resolved the issue, holding that, as a matter of contract law, the general is liable to the owner for any deficient work, even if that work was performed by a sub. Further, the general is liable even if the subcontract specifically states that the sub is exclusively liable for the work. This new framework does not leave the general without recourse against the sub, though. If the general pays the owner for the sub’s defec-

builders (and probably commercial contractors, too).

tive work, the general can probably recover from the sub the amount paid the general paid to the owner. The significant difference this new case makes, though, is that the general must pursue such payment from the sub rather than requiring the owner to pursue the sub. Further, the general can insist on mechanisms to protect it from the sub’s defective work, such as a bond,

Who’s liable for subcontractor’s poor work? The first case deals with who is liable to an owner for a subcontractor’s deficient work. Understandably, the general often takes the position that the sub is liable to the owner. The

making the general an additional insured, or an indemnity agreement. What damages can be awarded a homeowner for defective construction? The other recent court decision involved the types of damages a homeowner can be awarded for defective construction. The purpose of damages is to put a homeowner in as close a position as possible if the home had been properly constructed. Thus, a homeowner can normally obtain the cost to repair or (if repairs are impossible) replace defective items. In a recent case, however, the Court of Appeals held that a homeowner was entitled to the cost to replace all of the windows, even though some were functional. The Court so found because the defective windows had been discontinued, so the homeowner could not replace the defective windows with functioning matching windows. This recent case does not, however, stand for the proposition that a homeowner is always entitled to have matching items (and, therefore, the replacement of functioning, nonmatching items). In this particular case, the homeowner’s windows all matched when the owners purchased the home. The court found that because the owners would have had matching windows had the builder properly constructed the house, they were entitled to replace the functioning windows so that the new windows would match. This result may occur with some regularity in future cases, but will be significantly fact-dependent. Although neither case drastically alters a homebuilder’s obligations or rights, the legal landscape is not becoming any friendlier. Carefully drafted contracts can help limit a builder’s exposure (but not eliminate it). In light of these recent cases, now is a good opportunity for builders to revise their contracts. Stephen A. Lund is an attorney with Tune, Entrekin & White, P.C., who assists clients in commercial disputes, with a particular emphasis on construction and employment-related issues. Steve sends out a monthly email newsletter covering aspects of construction law. If you would like to receive Steve’s newsletter, please contact him at slund@tewlawfirm.com.

February 2012 z The NAIL 9

Home Show set for return to AgEXPOPark HBAMT’s annual 3-day event opens Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. he HBAMT’s 2012 Home Show is right around the corner! A middle Tennessee tradition for over 40 years, the annual 3-day event returns Friday, February 24 at the Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park (AgEXPOPark) in Franklin, Tennessee. Home Show hours on Friday and Saturday are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the latest remodeling, building, and redecorating ideas, straight from the experts and professionals.

part of The Home Show. This year’s show will feature the most cutting-edge designs, technologies, products and services in the industry.

WANT TO CONDUCT A HOME SHOW SEMINAR?

Seminars As always, The Home Show has more to offer than just exhibits. Many of our exhibitors perform instructional demonstrations right at their booths and informative seminars will once again provide attendees the chance to glean professional secrets from the experts themselves.

The 2012 Home Show committee is currently looking for topics and speakers to fill out the their 3-Day Seminar schedule. Contact Connie Nicley at cnicley@hbamt.net or Jennifer Earnest at jennifer@finishesgroup.com to submit your seminar ideas.

Building and Remodeling The Home Show is your complete resource stop for information on where to build, what type of floor plan to choose, what designs are most popular, the most cost-effective construction materials, and a host of other facts you need to consider when building or remodeling your own home.

“The Home Show is designed to offer consumers all sorts of product information for the home,” says Jennifer Earnest, Home Show Chairman. “That means you don't have to live in a house to benefit.” Earnest goes on to explain that “those living in houses, apartments, condominiums, or any type of home you can imagine, will get some good ideas at the Show.”

New Products & Technology The newest and latest in home building materials and consumer house wares are always a big

The 2012 Home Show opens February 24 at the AgEXPOPark, site of the 2011 show (shown here).

10 The NAIL z February 2012

Admission is $10.00 and free for children 12 years and under. Parking is free.

HAVE A NEW PRODUCT OR SERVICE TO PROMOTE? The Home Show committee is also looking for new products and/or services that might be appealing to media outlets or beneficial to advertising and promotional materials. Contact Connie Nicley at cnicley@hbamt.net or Jennifer Earnest at jennifer@finishesgroup.com to submit your new product or service.

See spread on pages 12-13 to locate available booths. Find your commitment form on page fourteen.

February 24-26, 2012 Williamson County AgEXPOPark Exhibitor application & contract for exhibit space Name _____________________________________________ Company __________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________

Return this completed form to the HBAMT to reserve your space at the 2012 Home Show!

City ___________________________ St _____ Zip ________ Phone ____________________ Fax _____________________

Member Rates*

Mobile ____________________________________________

First booth (10’ x 10’) ............................................................... $595 Additional booths (10’ x 10’) .................................................. $495

Email _____________________________________________ PLEASE LIST ALL PRODUCTS & SERVICES YOU WISH TO EXHIBIT This is mandatory (Please see Rule #1 in Show Regulations)

___________________________________________________

Non-Member Rates First booth (10’ x 10’) ............................................................ $1,200 Additional booths (10’ x 10’) ............................................... $1,200 Members and Non-Members: A 50% deposit holds your booth. Full balance must be paid by January 1, 2012, no exceptions.

___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Do you have something new to the market?

Yes No

Will you need to have a truck/van in the building? Yes No Estimated time you will need to set up your display _________ Your move in time will be sent to you before the show.

Number of booths ___________________ List 3 choices of booth locations: 1st ___________ 2nd ___________ 3rd ___________ Are you a member of the HBAMT? _________________ If you are interested in an HBAMT membership please call (615) 377-1055. Amount Enclosed ________ Payment: Check Visa/Mastercard Card Number _________________________ Exp. _________ Name on Card (Please Print) _________________________________ Signature __________________________________________ I HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY ALL SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS Applicants signature: _______________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________ Please return completed application with payment to:

Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee 9007 Overlook Boulevard, Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (615) 377-1055 Fax: (615) 377-1077 -- www.hbamt.net 14 The NAIL z February 2012

SPIKE REPORT

What is a SPIKE? SPIKES recruit new members and help the association retain members. Here is the latest SPIKE report as of December 31, 2011. Top 20 Big Spikes Jim Ford Virgil Ray Bill King Mitzi Spann Jim Fischer Terry Cobb James Carbine Dan Stern Bruce Hancock Kevin Hale Tonya Jones Bill Towe John Whitaker Reese Smith III Jennifer Earnest Steve Moody Sonny Shackelford Michael Apple Cyril Evers Anne McKnight

908 809 776 586 566 561 318 306 297 282 271 262 257 256 254 215 207 185 180 179 Life Spikes

David Crane Jackson Downey

175 169

(Housing starts rise cont’d) was pegged at 606,900 units, which was 3.4 percent better than the overall number of starts in 2010. Regionally, December housing starts rose 54.8 percent in the Midwest following a big decline in the previous month. The Northeast posted a 41.2 percent decline that offset a big gain in the previous month, while the South and West also posted declines of 3.0 percent and 17.6 percent, respectively. Permit issuance, which can be an indicator of future building activity, held virtually flat at a 679,000-unit rate in December. Single-family permits rose for a third consecutive month, by 1.8 percent to 444,000 units, while multifamily permits declined 3.7 percent to 235,000 units. Regionally, permits rose 5.8 percent in the Midwest and held unchanged in the West, but declined 6.5 percent in the Northeast and 0.6 percent in the South in December.

Builder Confidence continues to rise Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes continued to climb for a fourth consecutive month in January, rising four points to 25 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is the highest level the index has attained since June of 2007. “Builder confidence has now risen four months in a row, with the latest uptick being universally represented across every index component and region,” noted Nielsen. “This good

Louise Stark Jim McLean Davis Lamb Harry Johnson Steve Cates C.W. Bartlett Bud Wells Steve Hewlett Tonya Alexander Bert Dale Tom Kelley Tim Ferguson Johnny Watson Bill Kottas Carmen Butner Lee Santiago Dave McGowan Kim Dykes B.J. Hanson Randy Parker Erin Richardson Jeff Slusher John Baugh Bob Pitts Duane Vanhook Jordan Clark Don Bruce Jim Ford, Jr. Sam Carbine Hill McAlister Joe Morgan Gerald Bucy John Broderick Al Davis Sheila Rawlings Bernie Laine Greg Langley Beth Sturm Benny Sullivan

163 162 154 146 140 138 125 119 118 116 115 104 101 97 95 95 90 89 79 74 71 69 68 67 67 63 62 61 58 57 54 53 51 47 47 46 46 46 46

Kim Nichols Bryan Edwards David Hughes Andrew Neuman Kay Russell Peggy Krebs Chuck Clarkson Andy Wyatt Brad Butler Al Hacker Wiggs Thompson Ray Edwards Dan Strebel David Lippe Steve Wheeley Alvin Basel John Ganschow Matt Burnett

45 44 44 44 43 37 36 35 34 34 33 32 32 31 30 29 29 25 Spikes

James Franks Ed Bouillet Robin Thacker Lori Fisk-Connors Trey Lewis Judith Redd Jess Dillon Tracy Lomax Eric DeBerry Liz Cruse Marty Maitland Frank Tyree Kelvey Benward Lou Farringer Ron Myers Pam Smith David Jones Bridget Thompson

23 22 21 20 20 17 16 13 12 11 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6

news comes on the heels of several months of gains in single-family housing starts and sales, and is yet another indication of the gradual but steady improvement that is beginning to take hold in an increasing number of housing markets nationwide -- and that has been shown by our Improving Markets Index. Policymakers must now take every precaution to avoid derailing this nascent recovery.” “Builders are seeing greater interest among potential buyers as employment and consumer confidence slowly improve in a growing number of markets, and this has helped to move the confidence gauge up from near-historic lows in the first half of 2011,” noted Crowe. “That said, caution remains the word of the day as many builders continue to voice concerns about potential clients being unable to qualify for an affordable mortgage, appraisals coming through below construction cost, and the continuing flow of foreclosed properties hitting the market.” Each of the HMI’s three component indexes registered a fourth consecutive month of improvement in January. The component gauging current sales conditions rose three points to 25, which was its highest point since June of 2007. The component gauging sales expectations in the next six months also rose three points, to 29 -- its highest point since September 2009. And the component gauging traffic of prospective buyers rose three points to 21, its highest point since June of 2007. February 2012 z The NAIL 15

FEBRUARY CALENDAR SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Sales & Marketing Council

HBAMT Remodelers Council

Dickson County Chapter

HOME SHOW

AgEXPOPark in Franklin

Green Building Council

HOME SHOW AgEXPOPark in Franklin

CHAPTERS & COUNCILS CHAPTERS CHEATHAM COUNTY CHAPTER Chapter President - Roy Miles: 615/646-3303 Cheatham County Chapter details are currently being planned. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 310 DICKSON COUNTY CHAPTER Chapter President - Mark Denney: 615/446-2873. The Dickson County Chapter meets on the third Monday of the month, 12:00 p.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dickson. Next meeting: Monday, February 20. Price: free - lunch dutch treat. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 307 MAURY COUNTY CHAPTER Maury County Chapter details are currently being planned. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP line: 615-377-9651, ext. 312; for callers outside the 615 area code, 1-800-571-9995, ext. 312 METRO/NASHVILLE CHAPTER Chapter President - John Whitaker: 615/843-3300. The Metro/Nashville Chapter meets on the fourth Monday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 304

16 The NAIL z February 2012

ROBERTSON COUNTY CHAPTER Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Robertson County RSVP line: 615-377-9651, ext. 313. SUMNER COUNTY CHAPTER The Sumner County Chapter meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the new Hendersonville Library. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 306 WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHAPTER Chapter President - BJ Hanson: 615/884-4935. The Williamson County Chapter meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 305 WILSON COUNTY CHAPTER The Wilson County Chapter meets on the second Thursday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the Five Oaks Golf & Country Club in Lebanon. Next meeting: Friday, February 24 at the AgEXPOPark in Franklin, Tennessee. Topic: “A Tour of the 2012 Home Show.” Price*: $20 with RSVP; $25 w/o. Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 309 *Builders free pending sponsorship.

COUNCILS CUSTOM BUILDERS COUNCIL Council President - Alan Looney: 615/309-8200. The CBC meets on the second Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: to be announced.. Price: free pending sponsorship. Council RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 311 GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL Council President - Erin Richardson: 615/883-8526. The Green Building Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: Wednesday, February 22. Price: free for Green Building Council members thanks to our sponsors; $20 for non-members with RSVP ($25 w/o). Council RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 308 HBAMT REMODELERS COUNCIL Council President - Don Mahone. The HBAMT Remodelers Council meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 11:00 a.m. at varying locations. Next meeting: Wednesday, February 15. Location and topic: to be announced. Price: free for RMC members with RSVP; $15 for non-members with RSVP ($20 w/o). Council RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 301 MIDDLE TENN SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL Council President - David Lippe. The SMC meets on the first Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: Thursday, February 2. Topic: “Builders Are From Mars (and we like it that way!). Special Educational Event - Earn 3 CE Credits from TREC. Price: free for SMC members with RSVP ($20 w/o); $20 for nonmembers with RSVP ($25 w/o). Council RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 302.