The Voice April 2015

Contents

Columns

6 Chris Taylor, BIA President 14 Commercial Builders Outlook

Departments & Features 4 6 8 9

10 12 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 24 25 25

BIA Board Members Save The Date 2015 Home Show What Real Estate Trends to Expect in 2015 Learn. And Earn.

2015 Parade of Homes News Makers Business Breakers New Regulations Affect Homeowners in 2015 FHBA Discounts BIA Builder Member List New Member List Women’s Council of Realtors Breakfast Okaloosa Growth Management May is Membership Month!

Spring Legislative Conference

Cover

VOICE

THE

OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1962 april 2015

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HOM June 6 - 14, 2015 – PROGRAM SPONSOR CLUB –

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HOME

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30 Years of Service at EFCU

17 13 27 24 8 24 10 2 8 5 19 20 18 14 7

1980 Lewis Turner Blvd.

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone - 850.863.5107 Fax - 850.864.2037 www.biaow.org

Alan Baggett abaggett@biaow.org Jennifer Fleming Director of Marketing and Communications

jgf@biaow.org

17

Welcome New Partner Families

# Central Site: Watersound Origins

Advanced Concrete Supply Inc. Architectural Gutter Systems LLC Beach Community Mortgage Bonded Builders C.M. Taylor Contracting, Inc. Centennial Bank Century 21, Patsy Bland Team Emerald Coast Association of Realtors Florida PACE Funding Agency Gatlin Lumber & Supply Company Gulf Power Habitat For Humanity, ReStore Janssen Construction Management, Inc. Key Lime Construction, LLC Linn’s Prestige Kitchens and Baths Okaloosa Gas Paradise Closets & Storage ResortQuest Real Estate REW Materials Ruckel Properties, Inc. Service First Air Conditioning • Plumbing Suntrust Mortgage Waterstone Mortgage

Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, Inc.

Executive Vice President

Advertisers: 13 26 11 28 13 19 9 15

is a quarterly publication of

BIA STAFF:

Robin Heintzelman

36th Annual Parade of Homes Featuring Central Site Watersound Origins

THE VOICE

Published by:

Emerald Coast Marketing & Publishing LLC A Full-Service Media Sales, Creative, Printing and Publishing Company 1234 Airport Road, Suite 123 Destin, FL 32541 Phone - 850.650.1014 CS@EmeraldCoastPubs.com www.ECMarketingandPublishing.com

BIA MEMBERS: Tell us about News Makers Tell us about New Products & New Services Visit us on Facebook Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Inc.

The Voice will highlight new hires, employee achievements and promotions. The Voice will showcase your new products and services.

Follow us on Twitter @BIAOW

Submit description and photo to: cs@emeraldcoastpubs.com Next Deadline: June 12th

2015 Board Members

Executive Committee

President Chris Taylor C.M. Taylor Contracting

Immediate Past President Bobby Fisher Arthur Rutenberg Homes 2014 Builder of the Year

First Vice President Jerremy Whitehead Southern Paradise Homes

Second Vice President Scott Wagner REW Materials

Secretary Garrett Floyd Niceville Insurance

Treasurer Terry Hymel Bluewater Central Vacuum Systems

Immediate Past Second Vice President Carmela Bell ResortQuest Real Estate

Presidential Appointment at Large Betty Sims CHELCO

Presidential Appointment at Large Jim Snider Gulf Power Company

Presidential Appointment at Large Debbie Moore Okaloosa Gas

Board of Directors

Eric Babin Babin Custom Builders, Inc.

Felix Beukenkamp Beukenkamp Building Group

Joe Pelter First Federal Bank of Florida

Rick Goff KGII Development

Jeremy Stewart Jeremy Stewart Construction

Kevin Reeves The Legacy Building Supply Company

Fred DeRamus Sherwin-Williams

Thomas Watkins Watree Construction

Jonny Miller Ronco Electric

John Dowd Jr. Dowd Law Firm

Joe Nacchia Homes & Land Magazine 2014 Associate of the Year

Andy Wilson Wilson Enterprises

4 — The Voice — April 2015

President’s Corner Chris Taylor, C.M. Taylor Contracting Spring is here and the first quarter of 2015 has been a good one. The Voice of the Construction Industry magazine has been a big hit! It has proven itself to be successful for many of the advertisers. For the BIA it’s a perfect tool for getting information out to the members and public as well on upcoming events. I foresee lots of interest and growth in this magazine.

The construction industry appears to be pretty stable at this point. I see a lot of activity all over both Okaloosa and Walton counties. I would say we all need to be thankful for what we have here on the Emerald Coast! Work is plentiful and our surroundings are unbeatable.

“Work is plentiful and our surroundings are unbeatable...”

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The BIA is getting geared up for the 36th year of the “Parade of Homes”! We hope to have just as many if not more beautiful homes than last year. Watersound Origins will be our 2015 Central Site located in Walton County. If you are a Builder and would like to enter a home in the Parade the deadline is April 27th. If you would like more information please contact Jennifer Fleming at jgf@biaow.org or call the office at (850) 863-5107.

I would like to recognize a couple of the BIA’s past presidents and current board members. First one is Jeremy Stewart, owner of Jeremy Stewart Construction. He has been elected secretary and future President of the Florida Home Builders Association. Jeremy is the first person from our area in 25 years to serve at this level.

Secondly I would like to congratulate Rick Goff, owner of KG II Development. Rick has been appointed by Governor Rick Scott to be a member of the Florida Building Commission. Following Hurricane Andrew the commission was established. The Florida Building Code continues to evolve and requires new developments and much interpretation. These members through a consensusbuilding process will team together to achieve the goals that will make our dwellings stronger, healthier and safer. Members represent all involved in the industry.

I can tell you from my experience with these two guys that they are going to make some things happen and represent the panhandle well. If you ever have a chance, please thank them for their dedication to the industry.

If you’re not a member come join us, you’re missing out!

April 7 CEU Course – New Building Codes

June 5 Parade of Homes Kick-Off Party

April 23 BIA Board and Committee Meetings

June 6 – 14 Parade of Homes

April 27 Parade of Homes Entry Deadline MAY IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH! Ask a colleague to join!

Refer a business to become a member!

May 28 BIA Board and Committee Meetings

6 — The Voice — April 2015

June 18 BIA – Walton County Chamber Housing Event July 9 Parade of Homes Awards Banquet July 16 – 18 SEBC - Orlando

October 10 Mike Josey Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament Shoal River Sporting Clays and Shooting Center

Date TBD Annual Nail Drivers Golf Tournament

December 3 BIA Board Installation and Holiday Party

Now Offering Single Close Construction Loans!

A special thank you to EglIn FEdErAl CrEdIt UnIon for being our Ticket Sponsor for the 2015 BIA Home Show!

We would also like to thank LesGo Catering, The Home Depot, PAWS, Ecco Motors Golf Carts, and Okaloosa Saves for helping make the 2015 Home Show so successful!

Members and exhibitors said they recieved lots of leads. Be sure to be part of the fun next year!

FRANK J.B. JANSSEN

Homes for Heroes

President STATE CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR CBC1253992

850-830-2453 cell 850-837-7181 office fjbjanssen@cox.net

Jordan Air

www.JanssenConstructionMgmt.com

Affordable Home Improvement

Paradise CLOSETS & STORAGE Add Beauty & Value to Your Home!

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Phil DiDonato Shalimar, FL

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Authorized Dealer

For the Emerald Coast

Please visit us at www.ParadiseClosets.com 8 — The Voice — April 2015

2016 Home Show Mark your calendar for Feb. 27-28

What Real Estate Trends to Expect in 2015 As housing recovers, prices in many markets across the U.S. have shot up. In fact, RealtyTrac reported that the median sale price of U.S. single-family homes and condos in October had reached its highest level since September 2008. Price appreciation and the lure of foreclosures created a feeding frenzy for real estate investors willing to pay cash and made it harder for traditional buyers to compete.

But experts say that 2015 will be marked by a return to normalcy and balance for real estate markets across the country. Stan Humphries, chief economist for Zillow.com, predicts that home value growth will slow to around 3 percent per year instead of the 6 percent seen recently, and that will make real estate less attractive to many investors. “It's been a tough market for buyers," he says. "I think it's going to get easier in 2015. Negotiating power will move back to buyers and away from sellers. It will be a much more balanced market." (Too many buyers and too little inventory, or the opposite, contribute to an unbalanced market.)

Redfin.com's chief economist Nela Richardson agrees. "It's been a clear pattern that the investor activity has been shrinking over time," she says. "Investors like to go in where they can buy low and sell high. Price growth is starting to slow dramatically, so they can't sell much higher than what they buy. Investment property is less compelling in 2014 going into 2015."

Experts predict investors will exit the market, clearing the way for traditional buyers and millennials.

More inventory and less competition from investors means even traditional buyers are becoming “more picky, and they're willing to let a home go if they don't think it's a good fit for them," Richardson adds. "Buyers are less worried that they'll miss out on something. Houses are more like buses now. If you miss one, another one will come along." Whereas buyers might waive contingencies in the recent past to make their offer more attractive to sellers, they're now more likely to insist on contingencies for financing and inspections.

Wilson Minger Agency, Inc. 1350 East John Sims Pkwy.

Niceville, FL 32578 Toll Free: 800-369-2403

Patsy Bland Team

Patsy Bland, Realtor as Seen on HGTV

850.685.5447

Bill Bland 850.685.5446

Bob & Janeen Booker 850.865.6473

Michele Clark 850.376.8989

Debbie Lowmiller 850.217.6828

Integrity ~ Experience Dedication ~ Results

Buying or Selling...

Go with the Winning Team!

Continued on Page 20 www.biaow.org — 9

LEARN. AND EARN.

Take advantage of the best educational opportunities available to the home building industry.

Your Building Industry Association of Okaloosa - Walton Counties, Inc. membership automatically makes you a member of the Florida Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Home Builders. This means you have access to NAHB Education – the best available in the industry.

NAHB Education has courses for everyone, from the novice to the experienced professional.

Do you have a special interest or a knowledge gap you need to fill? Check out www.nahb.org/education for a listing of a wide variety of subjects. Attend an event or take some courses that could make a major difference in the way you operate and run your business.

Many members earn professional designations to differentiate themselves from their competitors. They also want to provide their clients added value by staying abreast of an ever-changing industry.

NAHB Education offers 44 diverse classes that support 13 designations representing various industry niches like sales and marketing, business management, green building, aging in place, land development and many more. Courses are hosted by over 100 HBAs around the country. Visit www.nahb.org/education to

Serving Local Builders for 33 Years 20 Time National Award Winning Design Team Custom Cabinetry – Incredible Style at Value Pricing

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10 — The Voice — April 2015

find a class near you or to get more information on these and other professional designations.

BuilderBooks.com is another valuable source for education and training products. As NAHB’s official bookstore, BuilderBooks.com offers award-winning publications, software, brochures, and more, with many available in both English and Spanish.

Bottom line: The more you learn the greater your chance to grow your business strategically, effectively, and profitably.

Need more information? Give us a call at 850-863-5107 or contact us at jgf@biaow.org.

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www.biaow.org

June 6th - 14th 2015

Central Site:Watersound Origins Nestled on the banks of Lake Powell, the meticulously planned neighborhoods and amenities of the Watersound OriginsSM community embrace the unique environmental resources of the land. Uncompromising aesthetics are reflected in the architectural details of the homes and common spaces, with a maritime coastal vernacular. Origins residents have the best of both worlds: ample lifestyle amenities in a well-designed, thoughtfully planned community surrounded by towering pines stretching out to the shores of Lake Powell‌and the excitement and activities of legendary Highway 30-A only one and a half miles south. Origins welcomes families, seasonal and year-round residents to a lifestyle as rich as the beauty that surrounds it.

SILVER

Extending thanks to the

2015 Parade of Homes Sponsors

www.GulfPower.com

BRONZE OF THE EMERALD COAST

www.ArchitecturalGutterSystems.com

www.Chelco.com

www.ResortQuestGulfCoast.com

www.WarrenAverett.com

www.CoastalBankandTrust.Synovus.com

www.OkaloosaGas.com

www.Ferguson.com

www.EmeraldCoastHomesforSale.net

www.GulfCoastInsulation.com

www.PrimeLending.com

www.SherwinWilliams.com

PATRON Wilson Minger Agency, Inc.

Patsy Bland Team www.BWCVS.com

www.EglinAreaHomes.com

www.KeyLimeConstruction.com

Call Alan or Jennifer at the BIA about entering a home or being a sponsor for this year’s Parade: 850.863.5107 or email jgf@biaow.org | 1980 Lewis Turner Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547

850.301.0306

GATLIN LUMBER & SUPPLY CO. Since 1956

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C.M. Taylor Contracting, Inc. Custom Home Builder New Construction & Remodels Commercial Build Outs Chris M. Taylor, President & Builder

A Part of the Construction Industry Since 1988

85 Garnet Place, Destin, FL 32541

850.830.3305 Chris@CMTaylorContracting.com

CBC1253010 - Licensed & Insured www.biaow.org — 13

NEW!

Commercial Builders Outlook To echo the sentiments of BIA Executive Vice President, Alan Baggett, "It’s like a new beginning, a new era, or a fresh start to what could become the best year ever for the BIA." The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties (BIAOW) desires to continue to be the trusted voice of the industry, providing leadership, education, networking, and information resources to our members, community, and government officials. It is in this spirit that we have launched the "Commercial Builders Outlook" column in The Voice. This quarterly segment will cover all aspects of commercial building knowledge, networking and advocacy.

Additionally, I am excited to announce to the BIA members of Okaloosa and Walton County the formation of The BIAOW Commercial Builders Council (CBC). The CBC will be a council of the BIAOW supporting the commercial builders, tradespersons and other companies who have an interest in the commercial industry. In supporting this council, members will be able to communicate industry issues and solutions, as well as network with other commercial leaders. The council will also be supported

14 — The Voice — April 2015

by the BIAOW Governmental Affairs and will offer continued education courses throughout the year.

We are currently looking for members of the commercial or residential BIA community that may be interested in helping establish the mission and goals of the council. There will be no additional cost at this time for participation; we just want you to bring your ideas for a great council.

If you are interested in more information on this council please contact Kevin Crystal at kcrystal@kwcommercial.com or Alan Baggett at abaggett@biaow.org.

Kevin Crystal Chairman of Commercial Builders Council

Serving Northwest Florida 850-502-3994 Mobile 850-654-2900 Market Center kcrystal@kwcommercial.com www.kwcommercial.com

News Makers Governor Rick Scott Appoints Rick Goff to Florida Building Commission

Robin Heintzelman Recognized

Robin Heintzelman was recently recognized for achieving 30 years of service at Eglin Federal Credit Union. As Senior Vice President of Mortgage Services & Investments, Robin manages the Credit Union’s investment portfolio and oversees all facets of mortgage lending at EFCU.

AFPS Salutes Local Military with Donations

TALLAHASSEE, FL. – Governor Rick Scott announced that Rick Goff, of Niceville and president of KG II Development has been appointed to the Florida Building Commission. Rick is the 2000 Past President of the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa – Walton Counties and a Board member of the Florida Home Builders Association. He is appointed for a term ending January 21, 2019.

ResortQuest 2014 Top Producers

ResortQuest Real Estate announced its 2014 Top Producers at its annual banquet at the Emerald Coast Convention Center March 3rd.

The complete list of “Top 10 Producers for 2014” includes: The Nathan Abbott Team, Destin - $43.1M Janette Klein, Miramar Beach - $22.8M Mary Fletcher, TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort - $10.5M The Mary Stephens Team, Seagrove Beach - $17.9M John Tait and Peter Burke “On the Coast Team,” TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort - $12M Caroline and Chip Wasson “The Wasson Group,” Destin $11.6M Eddie Krasauskas, Santa Rosa Beach - $9M Destin Stegner, Destin - $8.9M Kevin Kramer, Okaloosa Island - $8.8M Rick and Dale Martinez, Ariel Dunes - $8.2M

Zack Linn Promoted

Linn’s Prestige Kitchens and Baths announces the promotion of Zack Linn to Vice President. Zack started at the ground floor with the company in 2004 working in many areas of the organization.

Zack will continue to lead the 35 year old company, with locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Pensacola, as we continue to grow and build upon our commitments to quality and service.

Left to right: Steve Fleming, local veteran and Independence Fund Ambassador; Mike Brown, AFPS; Dana Sudheimer, AFPS; Linda Brown, AFPS; Norm "Frenchy" LaFountaine, Independence Fund Board Member.

December 19, 2014 Advanced Fire Protection Services (AFPS) presented The Independence Fund with a check for $15,000 to benefit local veterans injured in the line of duty. AFPS employees and friends donated throughout 2014. The donation will be used to purchase a custom all-terrain chair for a wounded area veteran.

AFPS’ generosity continues in 2015 as they plan to install a fire sprinkler system in the home of another local hero.

Rick Byars New Position

Rick Byars has been named Gulf Power's Community and Economic Development General Manager. Byars will be responsible for job creation, community building and community development in Northwest Florida, as well as for ensuring the company maintains strategic and credible relationships with key community stakeholders.

Calling All Builders!

Don’t forget the deadline for Parade of Homes entries is April 27th. The Parade of Homes will take place on June 6 – 14 and judging will take place on Monday June 1st.

Not a Builder?

You can still get involved in the Parade of Homes by becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000.

Visit www.biaow.org today to view the official Parade of Homes Sponsorship forms

16 — The Voice — April 2015

Business Breakers New at Waterstone

Waterstone Mortgage is proud to announce the following new mortgage program options: · Doctor’s mortgage program, with 3% down up to $650,000 loan amount and 5% down up to $850,000 loan amount · Construction/Perm One-Time Close loans Waterstone Mortgage was named “The Fastest Growing Firm” by the Milwaukee Journal and “The Top Workplace” by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County welcomed three new partner families in Crestview this year. Each homeowner receives the gift of a zero % interest mortgage based only on the cost of construction, and they must put in 300 hours of "sweat equity," or work on others and their own home to receive this opportunity.

Okaloosa Habitat continues working on the vision of building safe, affordable, decent homes for deserving families with the help of dedicated volunteers, caring church and civic groups, passionate individuals, and committed businesses.

Stephanie Deese and sons

ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals-managed Property to Host Annual Tennis Tournament

TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort, a ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals managed property, will again host the 32nd Annual Helen Drake Invitational tennis tournament, April 15 through April 19, 2015.

Interested players may register online at USTA.com, selecting TennisLink and searching by identification number 150100615 on the Tournament tab. The entry deadline for the 2015 tournament is Friday, April 10, at 5:00 p.m., and match times will be posted online by Sunday, April 12, at 8:00 a.m.

“Outdoor Kitchens”

by Designer Kitchens and Baths

Mike Moras, of Designer Kitchen & Bath, Inc announced that his company will now be known as "Outdoor Kitchens" by Designer Kitchen & Baths, Inc. Mike created the Naturekast Outdoor cabinet line 6 years ago, which now boasts over 300 dealers in the US and most recently teamed up with Trex Decking in designing a full line of outdoor storage cabinets.

Rod & Robin Brown and sons

ChanDrieka Robinson and family

The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is sponsoring a 4Person Scramble Golf Tournament and Fundraiser Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Eglin Golf Course in Niceville benefitting the Emerald Coast TOYS FOR TOTS, A 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization.

Registration begins at 10:00 AM with a Silent Auction and lunch at 11:00 AM, Shotgun start at 12:30 PM... Awards to follow. For sponsorship information, team or single-player registration call ECAR at 850-243-6145 or email: customerservice@ecaor.com.

Come prepared for more than just a day of golf. Bring a toy to receive a mulligan and a throw. www.biaow.org — 17

New Regulations Affect Homeowners in 2015 Increasing energy efficiency has long been the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and in 2015, two new regulations involving air conditioning equipment and water heaters will take effect to support this goal. REALTORS® need to be familiar with the new regulations because the regulations will likely force homeowners, contractors and manufacturers to make difficult and costly decisions.

New Regulations to Trigger Air Conditioning Equipment Replacements

The first change involves raising efficiency standards for air conditioning equipment. Beginning January 1, 2015, new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards will increase from 13 to 14. For those not familiar with the term, SEER is calculated by dividing how much a unit cools by how much energy it uses during a typical cooling season. Therefore, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient a unit is.

“SEER 14 is different from past energy mandates because unlike past mandates, in almost all cases, a full system replacement (both the indoor and outdoor unit) will be necessary to make the system compatible,” says Jeff Powell, president of First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation. “It can get really costly when a new indoor coil unit doesn’t fit in the existing space and structural modifications to the house or building are needed to accommodate the larger unit.”

Some manufacturers estimate the average price increase associated with going from a SEER 13 to a SEER 14 condenser willrange from 55 – 66 percent and total energy savings will differ based on geography, how often a unit runs, and what SEER rating the existing condenser has.

“Once the unit is installed, energy cost savings will vary,” Powell says (see sidebar). “As far as what we recommend, these changes are mandatory, so unfortunately, the reality is homeowners don’t really have a choice in the matter.”

The increase in the efficiency standards will significantly affect air conditioning replacements in southwest and southeast states. In the northern states, SEER 13 split system air conditioners are still acceptable, however heat pumps, packaged air conditioning units and gas packs will need to be SEER 14 or higher.

According to the new requirements, SEER 13 air conditioners manufactured before January 1, 2015, may be installed in south and southwest regions during an 18-month grace period ending July 1, 2016—but it’s unknown whether the existing inventory will last through the grace period. The south and southwest states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Barry Miles, First American’s vice president of operations, notes that if a homeowner’s unit has to be replaced, their contractor must replace the unit according to the new standards for your state.

“Contractors have to understand what’s going on, especially for those in the bordering states,” Miles says, “they need to understand where the lines are from that standpoint. For instance, in states north of Arizona, SEER 13 split system air conditioning units will still be acceptable. The same is true in states north of California.”

18 — The Voice — April 2015

On the positive side, those that make the change will have a more efficient unit. However, Miles believes that in some cases, the cost of the replacement unit could be double for the homeowner. “From our perspective, replacements are going to be more costly,” Miles says. “Homeowners will be faced with tough choices pertaining to modifications. Contractors will be looking at cost increases for the transportation, warehousing and installation of the larger equipment footprint.”

Water Heater Replacements

The second big change involves water heater replacements—an amendment to the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act known as the “2015 DOE Final Rule.” When the amendment takes effect on April 16, 2015, the DOE will require higher energy factor ratings on virtually all residential gas, electric, oil and tankless gas water heaters. This will impact how water heaters are designed, manufactured, tested, distributed and installed, affecting manufacturers, wholesalers, installers and homeowners alike.

“The 2015 DOE Final Rule will affect homeowners needing a water heater replacement differently, depending on the fuel source and size of the existing water heater,” Powell says. “These changes may be relatively minor in some cases, and more significant with larger-volume products. Similar to the change to more efficient and larger air conditioning units, there may not be the appropriate space to house a potentially taller, wider and heavier water heater. This may trigger higher costs due to structural modifications to the residence, as well as the higher equipment cost.”

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www.biaow.org — 19

What Real Estate Trends to Expect in 2015 Continued from Page 9

That said, foreign investors may still find high-end American real estate appealing because of economic turbulence in their home countries. For instance, the U.K. is toying with a so-called "mansion tax" that would apply to those who own properties worth more than 2 million British pounds (or over $3 million), and China has placed restrictions on homebuying in large cities. Some foreign investors also worry about currency fluctuations devaluing money they hold in their home countries. "That section of the market is still all cash – people buying up these huge places because it's safer here than in their own countries," says Herman Chan, real estate broker with Bay Sotheby's International Realty in San Francisco.

Buyers from outside the U.S. may use their properties as a rental, a pied-à-terre (a secondary residence used for travel) or a residence for children studying at American colleges. But for buyers looking for more moderately priced homes, 2015 could offer a respite from bidding wars and all-cash offers. "People who've been on the fence about selling are finally going to pull the trigger, which is great for buyers [because it creates more inventory]," Chan says. "Now people with regular jobs and 20 percent down finally have a chance to get into the market."

For years, many millennials have postponed homeownership in favor of renting, but that may also change next year as a growing number of Gen Yers start families and seek more stability. "By the

20 — The Voice — April 2015

end of 2015, millennial buyers will represent the largest group of homebuyers, taking over from Generation X," Humphries says.

"They prefer smaller units closer to the urban core, so it will be interesting to see whether they follow the time-honored path towards the periphery of the metro."

Baby boomers are also likely to make a move in 2015. Chan says he's "gotten so many calls from baby boomers recently saying, 'We’re downsizing, and we're moving to be closer to our grandkids or our son or daughter.'" With fewer homes underwater, they're finally in a position to sell.

While mortgage rates may not remain at the historic lows seen recently, more people may qualify for home loans as issues like foreclosures or short sales age out of their credit reports and Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae ease mortgage eligibility. Freddy and Fannie recently announced a new mortgage program for buyers with a down payment as low as 3 percent. "Freddy and Fannie have always been the industry leaders, and they're saying, 'It's OK to lend to people who don't have 5 percent down. It's OK to extend credit in a reasonable and safe manner," Richardson says Article Written by Susan Johnson, Reprinted from U.S. News & World Report

Builders ARCHITECT / HOME DESIGN / BLUEPRINTS

Rob-Roy Corporation (850) 651-2706

D.R. Horton, Inc. (850) 660-1701

Romair Construction (850) 269-3399

D.R. Mathis Construction, Inc. (850) 537-8374

CONSULTING / MARKETING

Shoda Construction (850) 862-1666

David Weekley Homes (850) 236-3468

Devcon Services Group, LLC (850) 685-3569

Signature Builders, Inc. (850) 862-3600

Davis Dunn Construction, Inc. (850) 654-9152

Southern American Homes (850) 650-1800

DKM Custom Homes, LLC (850) 650-7539

Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181

Emerald Coast Building Contractors, LLC (850) 654-5897

Tracy Acree Construction, Inc. (850) 862-4389

Emerald Coast Custom Homes, Inc. (850) 217-3712

Tradewinds Development Corp.

(850) 259-2505

Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037

Turner Legacy Homes (850) 528-7027

Florabama Home Renovations, LLC (850) 398-7149

Walton Properties & Construction, Inc. (850) 244-3330

Gary Miller Homes, Inc. (850) 678-5100

Water Crest Homes, LLC (850) 585-8788

Greg Goodwin Construction, Inc. (850) 678-3396

Watree Construction (850) 314-0828

Halifax Homes (850) 460-2601

Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Signature Builders, Inc. (850) 862-3600

CONTRACTORS - COMMERCIAL Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375 Antebellum Construction, Inc. (850) 934-8563 Babin Custom Builders, Inc. (850) 865-5245 Baywoods Development Group, Inc (850) 231-1118 Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673 Cadenhead Development, Inc. (850) 682-5882 CM Taylor Contracting, Inc. (850) 830-3305 Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444 D.L. Curtis Construction, Inc. (850) 244-7120

CONTRACTORS - RESIDENTIAL Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375

Davis Dunn Construction, Inc. (850) 654-9152

Alys Beach Construction (850) 213-5530

Emerald Coast Building Contractors, LLC (850) 654-5897

Antebellum Construction, Inc. (850) 934-8563

Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037

Arthur Rutenberg Homes (850) 862-3600

Ferrin Campbell Construction, LLC. (850) 826-0810

Babin Builders & Development, Inc. (850) 830-1942

Greater Gulf Construction, LLC (850) 729-1600

Babin Custom Builders, Inc. (850) 865-5245

Greg Goodwin Construction, Inc. (850) 678-3396

Barber Construction (850) 862-7629

Henry Company Homes, Inc. (850) 994-0984

Baywoods Development Group, Inc (850) 231-1118

Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156

BCW Construction, Inc. (850) 654-6025

Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426

BetterBuilt of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 729-3826

Jimmy Parish Builders (850) 678-5692

Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673

Joe Michetti Homes (850) 897-2882

Brooks Builders of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 651-9677

Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663

C Squared Home Builders, LLC (850) 585-7193

KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635

Centurion Construction (850) 835-7011

Kirby Properties, Inc. (850) 502-4548

Chi-Mar Construction, LLC (850) 837-8016

Lewis B. Jones Construction (850) 951-9696

CJM Enterprises (850) 689-1370

Mathews Development Company, Inc. (850) 267-2601

CM Taylor Contracting, Inc. (850) 830-3305

McElroy Enterprises, Inc. (850) 678-3165

Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444

OB Laurent Construction (850) 231-4903

Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures (850) 275-0051

O'Shea Builders, Inc. (850) 267-1001

Creekwood Home Renovations, Inc. (850) 936-6212

Robbins Builders, Inc. (850) 939-5464

D.L. Curtis Construction, Inc. (850) 244-7120

22 — The Voice — April 2015

Highland US, LLC (615) 419-9085 Holiday Builders (850) 698-9696 Huff Homes, Inc. (850) 897-6464 J. Becker Custom Homes, LLC (850) 269-3917 Janssen Const. Mgmt., Inc. (850) 837-7181 Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156 Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426 Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663 KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635 KTC Builders (850) 862-3009 Linc Grant Construction (850) 682-4021 Martin Properties of NWFL, Inc. (850) 865-8962 Morris & Company, Inc. (850) 267-2458 O'Shea Builders, Inc. (850) 267-1001 Randy Wise Homes, Inc. (850) 678-9473 Rob-Roy Corporation (850) 651-2706 Samuel Steven & Associates (850) 380-2989 Signature Builders, Inc. (850) 862-3600 Southern American Homes (850) 650-1800 Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181 Tier 1 Custom Builders (480) 677-5961

Builders

Tommy Batson Homes, LLC (850) 305-0999

Babin Builders & Development, Inc. (850) 830-1942

Toolan Development, Inc. (850) 546-0815

Babin Custom Builders, Inc. (850) 865-5245

Tracy Acree Construction, Inc. (850) 862-4389

Beukenkamp Building Group (850) 651-8673

Watree Construction (850) 314-0828

Brooks Builders of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 651-9677

Westerra Development, Inc. (850) 682-6321

C Squared Home Builders, LLC (850) 585-7193

White Sands Contracting (540) 226-9197

Chi-Mar Construction, LLC (850) 837-8016

Whitrock Associates, Inc. II (850) 862-7900

CJM Enterprises (850) 689-1370

Whitworth Builders, Inc. (850) 862-6861

Compass Builders of Florida, LLC (850) 654-9444

Wilson Enterprises of NWFL, Inc. (850) 305-6544

Creekwood Home Renovations, Inc. (850) 936-6212

COUNTERTOPS

Emerald Waters Development, LLC (850) 585-0037 DEVELOPERS

Emerald Coast Custom Homes, Inc. (850) 217-3712 Florabama Home Renovations, LLC (850) 398-7149

Hammock Bay Real Estate, LLC (850) 654-4126

Folkers Windows Company (850) 477-1772

Tiforp Development Corp.

(850) 654-4884

Gary Miller Homes, Inc. (850) 678-5100

Whitworth Builders, Inc. (850) 862-6861

Greg Goodwin Construction, Inc. (850) 678-3396

ENGINEERS - CIVIL / CONSTRUCTION / CONSULTANTS

Jeremy Stewart Construction, Inc. (850) 682-6156

Westerra Development, Inc. (850) 682-6321

Jimmy Henderson II, Const. Co., Inc. (850) 864-5426

FRAMING CONTRACTORS D.R. Mathis Construction, Inc. (850) 537-8374 GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Key Lime Construction, LLC (850) 897-4663 KG II Development, Inc. (850) 682-8635

Welcome New Members

DA Decorative Edge, Associate Member Bill Melton, (850) 830-2613 Sponsor: Debbie Marino, Advanced Concrete ADT Security Services, Associate Member Tom Pikus, (850) 423-5404 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting Acopia Home Loans, Associate Member David Armacost, (850) 502-8586 Sponsor: Brent Acree, Watree Construction BCW Construction, Inc., Builder Member Shane Cannon, (850) 654-6025 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting

C Squared Home Builders, LLC, Builder Member Ralph Calhoun, (850) 585-7193 Sponsor: Garrett Floyd, Niceville Insurance Centurion Construction, Builder Member Michael Jenkins, (850) 835-7011 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting Chesser & Barr, P.A., Associate Member D. Michael Chesser, (850) 683-9945 Sponsor: Dawn Mann, Legacy Insurance D.R. Mathis Construction, Inc., Builder Member Dena Mathis, (850) 537-8374 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting Destin Flooring America, Associate Member Jim Turnpaugh, (850) 650-8511 Sponsor: Kevin Reeves, A-Team Kitchen and Bath

Action Restoration of the Panhandle (850) 622-9700

KTC Builders (850) 862-3009

Arthur Rutenberg Homes (850) 862-3600

Morris & Company, Inc. (850) 267-2458

BCW Construction, Inc. (850) 654-6025

Randy Wise Homes, Inc. (850) 678-9473

BetterBuilt of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 729-3826

Signature Builders, Inc. (850) 862-3600

Blue Danube Contracting, LLC (850) 654-7497

Southern Paradise Homes, Inc. (850) 862-2181

Centurion Construction (850) 835-7011

T&D Builders, LLC (850) 259-3868

Craftsman Homes by Southern Ventures (850) 275-0051

Tier 1 Custom Builders (480) 677-5961

Rock On Kitchen & Bath, Inc., Associate Member Bridget Anderson, (850) 622-1005 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting

Action Restoration of the Panhandle (850) 622-9700

Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, CPAs, Associate Member Chuck Landers, (850) 243-6713 Sponsor: Jeremy Stewart, Jeremy Stewart Construction

Freeport Industries Development, LLC (850) 835-1043 Henderson Development & Design, LLC (850) 650-0066 Huff Homes, Inc. (850) 897-6464 T&D Builders, LLC (850) 259-3868

INTERIOR DESIGN / DECORATING Henderson Development & Design, LLC (850) 650-0066 REMODELING / IMPROVEMENTS 1st Choice Home Improvements (850) 476-8887 Alan Paul Construction, Inc. (850) 689-4375

RESTORATION

ROOFING - CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS Barber Construction (850) 862-7629 Whitrock Associates, Inc. II (850) 862-7900

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES & EXCAVATION Daher Contracting (850) 863-3993

WINDOW TINTING / REPLACEMENT / TREATMENTS Folkers Windows Company (850) 477-1772

Devcon Services Group, LLC, Builder Member Shannon Howell, (850) 685-3569 Sponsor: Carmela Bell, ResortQuest Real Estate Henderson Development & Design, LLC, Builder Member Timothy Henderson, (850) 650-0066 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting Keller Williams Emerald Coast (KW Commercial), Associate Member Kevin Crystal, (850) 502-3994 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting

Service First, LLC, Associate Member Louis H. Gipson, (850) 863-1982 Sponsor: Jeremy Stewart, Jeremy Stewart Construction SmartBank, Associate Member Jenny MacDonald, (850) 269-0871 Sponsor: Chris Taylor, CM Taylor Contracting Waterstone Mortgage Corporation, Affiliate Member Renee Pugliese, (850) 803-2329 Sponsor: Sue Botelho, Waterstone Mortgage Corporation www.biaow.org — 23

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Nuts and Bolts of New Construction Panel

On March 12th the BIA participated in a builder’s panel for over 60 members of the Women’s Council of Realtors. The Nuts & Bolts of New Construction panel consisted of current BIA President Chris Taylor (CM Taylor Contracting, Inc.) joined by Past President Terry Jones (Compass Builders) , Ferrin Campbell (FC Construction) and Bryan McAliley (Randy Wise Homes). This elite panel discussed building procedures, building codes and builder / Realtor relationships. This event is one in a series of meetings the BIA and Realtors have had to strengthen the relationship between the two groups. Thank you to Dawn Johnson, Broker Back Stage Realty and 2015 President of the Women’s Council of Realtors for organizing this event.

24 — The Voice — April 2015

850-685-0686 Free Pick Up

May Means Membership

WE WANT YOU...

TO BE A MEMBER!

BIA members are gathering to make a difference in the future of our association and YOU can be a part of it by saying “YES”!!! Make plans now to get out of the office and help grow YOUR association!

Here’s how you can get involved!

1) Volunteer 2 hours of your time to Help recruit new members to the BIA. This alone provides you with a huge networking opportunity.

2) Donate a prize for the top recruiters During our month long campaign.

3) My company would like to offer an exclusive Member to member discount to every new member that joins.

Don’t Miss Events: April 23rd

4:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.

We Want You Kick-Off Party @ the BIA office Food and Drinks Provided

May 20th & 21st

8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.

2 Hour Team Recruiting Sessions @ BIA Office

To get involved contact Alan or Jennifer at the BIA at 863-5107 or jgf@biaow.org by April 20th!

2015 Spring Legislative Conference

We just completed our 2015 Spring Legislative Conference in Tallahassee and what a success! Members of the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa – Walton (BIA) lead by President Chris Taylor made the pilgrimage to Tallahassee to visit with their legislators and distribute information on our priority bills. Members discussed our top priorities that included Building & Fire Code regulations, water policy, appropriations, construction liability, and exactions; just to name few. Visit www.fhba.com for more information about our legislative priorities.

Photo: Members of the BIA, Bay and Escambia counties meet with Florida House Representative Clay Ingram (center).

BIA member’s left to right, Rick Goff, Jerremy Whitehead, Jeremy Stewart, BIA President Chris Taylor.

www.biaow.org — 25

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