2020 November Building Buzz

BISMARCK-MANDAN HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER 2020 || WWW.BMHBA.COM

BUILDING Building Buzz is a publication of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association.

PROFESSIONALS BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH

PROMOTION OF

Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association 2600 Gateway Ave, Ste 1 Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701.222.2400 Fax: 701.250.9730

www.facebook.com/bmhba

SINCE 1958.

PRESIDENT Sattler Homes 701-255-7628 jeff@bismarckbuilder.com VICE PRESIDENT Aspire Homes 701-426-8583 greg@daretoaspire.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Triton Homes 701-223-3030 jamie.schmidt@investcore.com

Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air 701-222-2155 greg@northernplains.net

www.twitter.com/bmhba

Townsquare Media 701-250-6602 bill.schmid@townsquaremedia.com

www.bmhba.com

Stoneshire Builders 701-471-6935 brian@stoneshirebuilders.com Hallmark Homes 701-471-7634 hallmarkhomes@outlook.com

TREASURER Boulder Homes 701-400-5554 boulderhomesnd@gmail.com Great Plains Rehab 701-400-0676 rtank@primecare.org

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Dakota OutdoorScapes 701-214-1255 mckenzie@ndscapes.com

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Joe Vetter Construction 701-258-9394 joevetterjvc@gmail.com

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Apex Builders 701-527-7899 amy@apexbuildersnd.com

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PAGE 13 Dawn Watson dawn@bmhba.com Office: 701-222-2400 Cell: 701-390-5049

Brittney Roehrich brittney@bmhba.com Office: 701-222-2400 Cell: 701-240-3540

Elysha Head

Representing the diversity of the building industry, the BMHBA consists of building specialists from every section of the construction field and associated industries. Your membership strengthens our voice in Bismarck-Mandan construction sector as well as at a state and national level. Please renew your membership by November 30th, 2020.

Paul Barnum

Charlotte Erickson

Jeff Sattler

Robert Pulver

Michael Zimny

Lisa Vatnsdal

Bryan Dean

Steve Iverson

Dena Wise

Kenzie Meide

Tom Smith

Wayne Friesz

Amy Hullet

Cameron Fleck

Mitch Dahlstrom

Randy Monzelowsky

Erin Schmitz

Amanda Ketterling

Bryan Kutzer

David Flohr

Mike Swanberg

Tammy Blumhagen

Jessie Johnson

2020

November is here and it looks to be bringing some warmer weather along with it. As this building season is wrapping up, I wish you all good luck in finishing up exterior work before the ground freezes.

October was Careers in Construction Month. I would encourage every member to promote careers in construction year-round. As an association, we give multiple scholarships to Bismarck State College. We get in front of our youth with Kids Build Mandan, Lunch with Hero’s program, and a contribution to the Gateway to Science Center.

I would like to thank all the builders who participated in this year’s Fall Parade of Homes. Even with the unique challenges of Covid-19, we had a good turnout. We had 27 homes in the parade and had 2,164 attendees. Thank you

Regards,

2020 PRESIDENT :: BMHBA

to Starion Bank (APP Sponsor), Knife River (Builder Bags), Leingang Home Center (Map Sponsor), MDU (Ticket Sponsor), Choice Bank (Ticket Sponsor), Kupper Chevrolet (Ticket Sponsor), J&R Vacuum (Price Sponsor), and Carpet World (Prize Sponsor) for your sponsorships of this great event.

A percentage of our proceeds went to the Bismarck Cancer Society. Thank you again for your support of this event.

Upcoming Events NDAB Annual Meeting & Banquet · November 19-20, 2020

Holiday Mixer & Board Elections · December 8, 2020

‘15 ‘16 ‘17

‘18

‘19

JANUARY

0

9

1

0

10

FEBRUARY

3

4

5

2

0

MARCH

21 22 14

2

9

32

APRIL

52 29 40

27

26

23

MAY

31 46 29

16

28

23

JUNE

31 43 48

24

18

40

JULY

40 16 60

22

17

34

AUGUST

20 48 16

27

19

29

SEPTEMBER

28 44 26

22

23

43

OCTOBER

54 14 22

15

36

NOVEMBER

16 11

9

11

14

DECEMBER

1

0

1

1

0

‘20

‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

2

0

0

0

10

0

0

0

2

2

4 5

TOTAL

297 286 270 169 201 236

YTD TOTAL

297 286 270 169 201 236

BISMARCK SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING Aspire Homes Copper Ridge Design Copper Ridge Design Copper Ridge Design Copper Ridge Design Copper Ridge Design Copper Ridge Design E Homes Eddy Mitzel Homes Hallmark Homes Investcore J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes

5208 Hendrickson Dr 3408 Knudsen Ave 3416 Knudsen Ave 3500 Knudsen Ave 3504 Knudsen Ave 3512 Knudsen Ave 3600 Knudsen Ave 3818 Silver Blvd 643 Flint Dr 3719 Cogburn Rd 5210 Gold Dr 2934 Peach Tree Dr 2936 Peach Tree Dr 3807 Silver Blvd 3811 Silver Blvd 3906 Nickel St 3910 Nickel St 3914 Nickel St

‘15

‘16

Data not collected for the ETA in 2015 and 2016.

MONTH YEAR

0

0

‘15 ‘16 ‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

‘15 ‘16 ‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

0

1

0

0

2

0

1

1

2

6

5

0

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

3

0

1

4

11

6

4

8

2

8

0

3

0

0

3

6

8

14 12

8

6

4

9

26 13 11

16

11

5

18

2

4

15

11

4

17

2

5

10

2

2

3

21 20 13

13

4

6

1

6

3

3

2

7

9

13

6

11

12

14

0

6

1

8

3

7

2

17

7

13

20

10

16

10

9

16 14 26

11

10

22

4

7

3

9

29 20

9

9

3 0

0

1

7

7

7

6

0

0

0

0

0

0

45

27

36

43

132 123 114 116

71

45

27

36

43

132 123 114 116

71

J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes Joe Vetter Const.

K & L Homes Paramount Builders Paramount Builders Pinnacle Homes Premier Homes Premier Homes Premier Homes Sattler Homes Sattler Homes Sattler Homes Sattler Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes

5312 Gold Dr 5405 Gold Dr 5601 Iron Dr 5603 Iron Dr 2014 Frisco Way 5934 Heritage Ridge 4304 Downing St 4306 Downing St 4009 Clairmont Rd 3305 James Dr 3313 James Dr 3321 James Dr 2702 Boston Dr 321 Santa Fe Ave 4824 Maltby St 5906 Maltby St 126 Kenner Loop 130 Kenner Loop 201 Kenner Loop 203 Kenner Loop

‘15 ‘16 ‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

0

0

0

0

0

2

1

2

1

1

0

0

0

3

0

1

9

9

4

2

4

12

0

6

3

14

5

11

11

14

4

5

0

2

14 16

7

20

10

5

3

1

1

1

8

11

4

4

6

8

5

1

5

1

6

13

9

4

3

11

1

8

2

9

4

5

3

8

9

6

8

5

5

3

3

4

5

2

4

9

9

9

6

5

10

17 10

7

5

3

4

7

3

7

1

2

2

5

0

0

0

3

4

1

0

2

0

1

0

4

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

75

67

40

37

28

20

22

83

80

51

61

60

49

75

67

40

37

28

20

22

83

80

51

61

60

49

Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes

207 Kenner Loop 208 Kenner Loop 209 Kenner Loop 210 Kenner Loop

Big River Builders Big River Builders Boulder Homes Dale Buchholz Const.

Diversity Homes Legendary Homes Prestige Homes Prestige Homes Rudnick Construction

4309 Daniel St 8412 Nicklaus Dr 6209 Derek Dr 7523 Club Hose Dr 8222 Nicklaus Dr 6740 Apple Creek Dr 5047 Butte Dr 7308 Lariat Ln 7622 Club House Dr

Boulder Homes Diversity Homes J.E. Homes J.E. Homes

304 Cobblestone Lp 4216 Bayfront Pl SE 3510 24th St SE 3514 24th St SE

BISMARCK ETA

MANDAN SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING

J.E. Homes JSJ Construction Koch Construction Koch Construction New Look Const.

Scott Berger Const.

Turn Key Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes Verity Homes

406 Cobblestone Lp 400 Mia Ct SE 1004 Division St NE 1102 Chippewa Lp NE 504 Collins Ave 305 5th Ave NE 813 Cobblestone Lp 1109 Shires Dr SE 1113 Shires Dr SE 2106 34th Ave SE 2110 34th Ave SE 2203 Bridgeview Ct SE 3208 Percheron Dr SE 3819 Lillian Ct SE 3823 Lillian Ct SE 3827 Lillian Ct SE 3831 Lillian Ct SE 4808 34th Ave NW

The Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association has hired Brittney Roehrich as the new Membership Director.

BRITTNEY ROEHRICH MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR brittney@bmhba.com Office: 701-222-2400 Cell: 701-240-3540

Brittney comes to the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association with over ten years of experience in Marketing, ECommerce, and Merchandising.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Retail Merchandising at North Dakota State University and graduated with a minor in Business Administration.

She grew up in Minot and moved to Fargo to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She lived there for thirteen years before moving to Bismarck last year with her husband.

For nine years Brittney worked at Vanity Corporate until they closed in 2017. She worked in multiple departments including Human Resources, Merchandising, Marketing, and E-Commerce where she spent seven of those years as the Product Catalog Coordinator overseeing all product on the website. Before moving to Bismarck, she worked at

International Marketing Systems and led a team while overseeing all content published to their selling platforms (Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy).

Her and her husband, Robert Roehrich, have been together for ten years and they married in Jamaica in 2017.

Robert serves as the North Dakota National Guard State Equal Employment Manager. He has also served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 20 years. He and Brittney hold 50% ownership in an LLC that buys and holds real estate property in which they provide rental housing in multiple communities throughout North Dakota.

Brittney is an avid Bison fan and has season tickets to both Bison Basketball and Football. She loves puzzles, going to her family’s cabin on Lake Sakakawea, reading, and soap operas!

Fun Fact! Her father, Joe Stenvold, has been a member of the Minot Association of Builders since 1992. She has traveled with him to many national and local association events over the years.

The Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association is excited to have someone with Brittney’s background and experience join the team to take the association to the next level for their membership as well as their association.

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving we ask that you join us for our Fall Builder Appreciation Evening.

Join us for Food, Drinks & Holiday Cheer!

November 17, 2020 || 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST || 1420 Interstate Loop, Bismarck, ND 58503

Please RSVP to Sue Blair at sueb@hebronco.com

The Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association sponsored and supported the United Way backpack program on October 20 at the Radisson Hotel.

We want to thank all the volunteers that came out and supported the event.

1,100 backpacks were filled with food for students in the Bismarck-Mandan school system.

It was an honor for BMHBA and the Professional Women in Building to take part in the fight against child hunger in our local community.

BMHBA Executive Officer Dawn Watson presented a $2,000 check to the Bismarck Cancer Center with the revenue generated by this year’s Fall Parade of Home Ticket Sales.

The BMHBA would like to personally thank everyone in the Bismarck-Mandan community for supporting this year’s Fall Parade of Homes.

Spread some holiday cheer! We will be having our holiday mixer and board elections on December 8th at the Ramada.

The Holiday Mixer & Board Elections Event will have an open bar with apps.

Head over directly from work to enjoy a cold drink before we call for the election and announce the new directors.

Because of the high attendance this year and with the money generated by ticket sales, we were able to give back a percentage of our proceeds to the Bismarck Cancer Center.

The BMHBA is honored to be able to support and give back to our local community.

Tickets are $30 per member. Sponsors receive free registrations - call the BMHBA at 222-2400 or email dawn@bmhba.com for more info!

Cancellations are required 48 hours in advance of each event for a full refund.

$30 Per Member Tuesday, December 8, 2020 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ramada by Wyndham Bismarck 1400 E Interchange Ave Bismarck, ND 585001

More than 800 people with cancer come to the Bismarck Cancer Center each year to receive state-of-the-art cancer treatment and caring support while staying close to home and with their loved ones.

Combating the housing affordability crisis requires comprehensive strategies at the federal, state and local levels to reduce building costs, boost supply and empower home buyers with a mix of housing choices. One strategy that many communities have adopted is inclusionary zoning (IZ) — local government ordinances that require a certain percentage of new residential construction to be sold or rented at below market rates.

IZ is often adopted under the assumption that it is a simple, expedient method to address affordable housing. However, IZ is far more complicated, and there is conflicting evidence on the extent to which IZ discourages development, raises the price of market-rate homes, creates adequate affordable housing supply, or encourages economic opportunity.

Some evidence over the past decade has shown IZ to be an ineffective tool at promoting affordable housing as it acts as a tax on housing and shifts costs either to market-rate renters and home buyers, or causes developers to build elsewhere.

NAHB has created an empirical tool, the Inclusionary Zoning Calculator Tool, which aims to supplement these conflicting policy studies with concrete data of how IZ requirements impact development choices, including whether or not a developer proceeds on a project. The IZ Calculator Tool uses a sample developer’s pro forma as the template, and allows the end user to input and manipulate

certain variables to show how different incentives and cost inputs may be used to create an economically feasible development.

NAHB’s IZ Calculator Tool comprises two Excel spreadsheets designed to show the effects of IZ on the pro forma for a development consisting of homes built for sale:

• Acquisitions, Development and Construction (AD&C) Calculator Tool: AD&C has inputs and requires cost data for development of lots and construction of housing units.

• Acquisition and Development (AD) Calculator Tool: AD has inputs and requires data for the development of lots only.

Both spreadsheets allow the user to input acquisition and development costs (A&D version), and one of the tools give you the added control of inputting housing unit construction costs (AD&C version). Both versions start with a sheet of general instructions containing links to each page that requires inputs from the user.

The tool can be used by developers, local governments and other stakeholders with an interest in increasing the supply of affordable housing.

To access the tool, and other resources, visit nahb.org.

JOE VETTER IS A SECOND-GENERATION BUILDER OF JOE VETTER CONSTRUCTION THAT HAS BEEN A LOCALLY OWNED COMPANY IN THE BISMARCK MANDAN AREA FOR OVER 35 YEARS. JOE JOINED HIS PARENTS IN THE BUSINESS IN 2014 AND HAS ENJOYED WORKING ALONGSIDE HIS PARENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AS THEY ARE FULL OF KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE. JOE TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN MAKING SURE HIS CUSTOMERS' VISIONS COME TRUE, WHILE MAINTAINING A COHESIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS SUBCONTRACTORS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS. What is an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?

Many of the subcontractors I use to this day have known me since I was a kid helping my parents on the jobsite.

Do you have any advice for someone just entering this industry?

Running a business will not always be easy, but if you continue to believe in yourself good things will come. Also, attention to detail never goes unnoticed and quality will never go out of style. Lastly, trusting, and respecting subcontractors is very important, and establishing a good relationship immediately will take you a long way.

What is a typical day like for you?

It always seems that every day is different from the next. However, on a typical day I check all the current job sites I have and discuss any details with my subcontractors. I then return to the office to answer emails, work on floorplans, and make any necessary calls from the jobsite visits earlier in the day.

If I weren’t working in this industry, I’d be a …

I have always found an interest in epidemiology and think it would be an intriguing field to pursue. However, it is difficult to imagine my life in any other spot right now as I feel I am right where I should be.

What do you hope to see Joe Vetter Construction accomplish in the coming years?

My goal is to continue to build high quality homes to help my future clients achieve their dream home.

What inspired you to enter this industry?

I grew up around the industry as my parents owned the business during my entire childhood. Seeing their passion for their work was always something I wanted for myself in my own career.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Working alongside the talented subcontractors while we all achieve the common goal of building a unique quality-built home.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

I am most thankful for my family and all the great relationships I have in my life.

@joevetterconstruction

@joevetterconstruction

www.joevetterconst.com

Bismarck Public Schools broke ground on one of its two new elementary schools, the one located in northwest Bismarck.

The site in the Elk Ridge addition west of Horizon Middle School is flanked by Tyler Parkway to the east, Ivory Lane to the west and Prairie Hawk Drive to the north.

The Bismarck Public School District is the largest in the state, with nearly 13,300 students enrolled this school year. The elementary division has about 6,000 students. The two new elementary schools will allow for smaller class sizes and will eliminate portables, according to the district. The schools will bring the total number of elementary buildings in the district to 18.

Each new school will have 16 classrooms with an initial capacity of 325 students. They will be constructed so they can be expanded to 24 classrooms with a capacity of 500 students if enrollment growth continues, according to district Business and Operations Manager Darin Scherr. The schools are scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

The Bismarck School Board in May approved the construction of the schools to address rising enrollment and near-maximum building capacities in the district’s elementary schools north of Interstate 94.

Each school is expected to cost between $13.5 million and $16.5 million, according to Northwest Contracting Project Manager Brandon Sandberg.

The district will bond no more than $33 million against its 10-million building fund property tax levy, which was already factored into the district's plans. The construction will have no effect on property taxes.

“These kids will spend more time in the elementary school than they will any other school in their lifetime, so it’s where they build their foundation and that’s what makes these elementary schools so special,” said BPS Board Vice President Jon Lee. Groundbreaking is planned in the spring for the northeastern school, in the Silver Ranch addition east of Sunrise Elementary. The land area at each site is about 15 acres.

Founders of the Dream Center Bismarck secured land on the east side of town with hopes of breaking ground in the spring.

The Dream Center will serve meals seven days a week in coordination with The Banquet and provide free resources and services for those in need.

Founder, Jim Barnhardt, says the plot of land is near the Jenette Myhre school, where they first kicked off adopt-a-block, and serve nearly 146 households in the area every week.

“We were looking for land or a building in that area, and we’re very excited to come up with 1805 Park Avenue because you’ve got the mobile home courts around and some lower income demographics,” said Barnhardt.

Barnhardt says construction on the 10,00015,000 square foot facility will begin in the spring.

Downtown Bismarck is seeing new life.

Ground was broken on October 13 on a new residential building in downtown Bismarck.

The 52 unit, three-story building will sit on the northeast corner of 6th Street and Main Avenue.

The building will be in walking distance to the diverse businesses in downtown.

It’s all in an effort to grow the downtown community with a more 21st century workforce. “This will really boost the products that we have downtown and the excitement and energy downtown. It will allow the businesses that are here to have critical mass of residents to visit their locations,” said Dawn Kopp, the Executive Director.

David Witham with Denizen Partners says the project is expected to be finished sometime in spring.

As the temperatures drop as quickly as the leaves have fallen it is time to reflect on another successful year for NDAB and start to discuss our plans for the upcoming year. Those members that make up our Board of Directors, PAC Trustees and various committees are all valued volunteers. We recognize and appreciate the time they put into helping with the success of NDAB that takes them away from work and family time. While there are too many members to list individually in this newsletter, they are recognized yearly at our Annual Banquet and their efforts are always acknowledged by Sara Frank, NDAB Government Affairs and Communications Director and NDAB CEO · KIM SCHNEIDER 2020 NDAB PRESIDENT myself, Kim Schneider, NDAB Chief Executive Officer. Working NATE APPLEGREN together as a team is what pushes our efforts forward and every single member’s involvement at the local, state and national level are greatly admired and appreciated. If you are interested in learning how to become more involved in the association, please contact your local Executive Officer or ask a fellow local member. Fresh ideas, new friends and hardworking volunteers are always welcome!

NDAB will be hosting their Annual Banquet and Board of Directors meeting November 19-20 in Minot, ND. We invite you to join us on Thursday, November 19 while we install our new State President, Phil Risbrudt (Minot), celebrate and thank our outgoing President, Nate Applegren (Grand Forks), install our new Board of Director Members and celebrate our past year achievements as we toast the upcoming year. Associate of the Year, Builder of the Year, and Builders Engaging Associate Members awards will be presented along with our local membership award. This is one of many great opportunities to network and meet fellow members from across the state. With a lumberjack theme, you get to show off your favorite plaid, play some bingo and team up on family feud! More information on this great event will be forthcoming and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Have you registered yet for the 2021 International Builders Show (IBS) and Annual Meeting of the Membership being held February 9-11 virtually? Yes, IBS is usually held in-person and was planned to be held in Orlando in 2021. Due to travel restrictions and health concerns, NAHB has made the difficult decision to move the event and all of the meetings virtually. We invite you to still take part in all that NAHB and IBS will offer. IBS is the biggest light construction show in the country and, for NAHB members, the centerpiece of Design & Construction Week. IBS is also the time for NAHB’s annual meeting, when the election of our national leadership takes place, as well as dozens of meetings, awards presentations, and other special events to celebrate the achievements of members all over the country.

Registration is now open, and you can learn more by visiting www.buildersshow.com.

Warm wishes to you and yours, Nate Applegren 2020 NDAB President Kim Schneider NDAB Chief Executive Officer

After months of preparing for the 2021 International Builders’ Show (IBS) to be held in Orlando, NAHB made the difficult decision to transition the in-person show to a virtual event. This decision was the result of countless hours of research, meetings with NAHB member leadership, talking with exhibitors and surveying attendees. But ultimately, the health and safety of IBS attendees and exhibitors, as well as the ability to produce a signature event experience, outweighed all other considerations.

For 76 years, IBS has been where the industry comes together to learn, see new products, talk, laugh and just be with the people that could understand their challenges and successes. And as we take IBS virtual, creating those

opportunities and experiences remains our goal. We are committed to producing an outstanding virtual event where you’ll see product launches and cutting-edge housing and design innovations; tour The New American Home and The New American Remodel; learn from the top leaders in the industry, including expert demos; and connect with exhibitors, speakers and other attendees all from the safety of your home or office.

Further information can be found online at https:// www.buildersshow.com/ If you have any questions, please reach out to us at buildersshow@nahb.org.

BUILD-PAC recently hosted a special political town hall for members of the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) with special guest Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI).

NAHB is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting women in the home building industry. With the help of trailblazers such as Rep. Gwen Moore, equality for women in the workplace has become much more attainable.

workplace, which include: juggling a demanding home life; exploring historically male-dominated careers; being the sole or main breadwinner for their families; and the need to be compensated fairly. Rep. Moore believes an education in the trades, specifically citing construction, is a way for individuals to secure a living wage and advance themselves.

Rep. Moore, PWB and NAHB continue to advocate for safe and affordable housing, especially taking into consideration During the virtual town hall on Sept. 15, Rep. Moore and how homeownership can lead to greater financial stability PWB leaders discussed and found common ground over the for women and minorities. unique challenges associated with being a woman in the

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced Extended flexibilities include: • Alternative appraisals on purchase today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend several and rate term refinance loans loan origination flexibilities until Nov. 30, 2020. The changes • Alternative methods for are to ensure continued support for borrowers during the documenting income and verifying COVID-19 national emergency. The flexibilities were set to employment before loan closing expire on Oct. 31.

• Expanding the use of power of

attorney to assist with loan closings

Working in tandem with NAHB, nearly 100 Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Oct. 20 sent a letter to President Trump seeking urgent action on lumber supply shortages that have resulted in unprecedented price spikes in recent months that are threatening the housing industry and economic recovery.

and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer calling on the administration to take prompt action regarding soaring lumber prices and supply shortages that are harming the housing sector and the economy.

• A similar message was sent to the U.S. Lumber “These sharp increases are challenging, especially in light Coalition with a request to work together to address of the ongoing shortages in the lumber supply chain caused in part housing to the COVID-19 pandemic. affordability crisis,” • At the end of August, NAHB Senior Officers held talks the congressional with members of the White House National Economic letter stated. “The Council to discuss the impact that soaring lumber National prices are having on the housing industry and to Association of press for immediate action.

Home Builders (NAHB) estimates • At the end of September, the NAHB leadership the recent spike in reiterated strong concerns regarding the lumber softwood lumber supply situation in a virtual meeting with Commerce costs has caused Secretary Ross. the price of an average new single-family home to increase Based on the lumber price trend over the past month, by $16,148 since April 17. The market value of the average NAHB’s ongoing efforts appear to be showing positive new multifamily home has increased by $6,107 over the results.

Lumber prices are currently roughly $750 per same period.” thousand board feet — down nearly 20% from their midThe letter adds that housing can create jobs and boost September peak but still far too high. NAHB will continue the economy, but in order to do so, we must address the working on all fronts to find solutions that will ensure U.S. rising costs of lumber and other building materials. home builders have access to a stable supply of lumber at Lawmakers called on the administration to “bring all reasonable prices to keep housing affordable for stakeholders to the table and work to find a solution to hardworking American families. address lumber scarcity and subsequent price spikes to ensure everyone’s needs are met.”

This is the latest action by NAHB to urge Congress and the administration to address this urgent issue.

•

In August, letters were sent to President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross

Median single-family lot prices came down in 2019, breaking their relentless climb for the first time since 2013, according to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction data, The 2019 median lot price was $45,000, which amounts to a 9% decline since 2018, when half of the lots were selling at or above $49,500.

The West divisions — Mountain and Pacific — stood out as the two Census divisions where lot values continued to grow rapidly, with the Pacific setting a new record high with half of the lots priced above $95,000.

A Regional Breakdown Some of the most expensive lots are in New England. Half of all sold single-family homes started in New England in 2019 report lot values in excess of $110,000, though below the 2018 record of $140,000. New England is known for strict local zoning regulations that often require very low densities. Therefore, it is not surprising that typical single-family spec homes started in New England are built on some of the largest and most expensive lots in the nation.

The Pacific division has the smallest lots. However, median lot value reached $95,000 in 2019, the second most expensive value in the nation and a new nominal record for the division. As a result, Pacific division lots stand out for being most expensive in the nation in terms of per acre costs.

In sharp contrast with the rest of the nation but aligning with the neighboring Pacific, the Mountain division recorded a strong rise in lot values, with median values jumping from $50,000 in 2018 to $65,000 in 2019. This made Mountain division lots the third most expensive in the United States.

At the other end of the lot value distribution are two divisions in the South — East South Central and South Atlantic — where half of the lots are sold for $35,000 or less. The East South Central Division simultaneously recorded the second largest lots in the nation, thus defining some of the most economical lots as well as lowest per acre costs in the nation.

Most home builders know the value of incorporating smart home technology into their builds, and if there’s one device they shouldn’t overlook, it’s smart leak detectors.

Marble countertops and exposed beams aren’t the only features buyers want. And home builders know that, which is why they’ve incorporated more smart home tech over the years. This addition gives potential buyers the modern and customizable environment they seek while also providing builders the opportunity to differentiate developments without breaking the bank.

Statistics show homes will increasingly incorporate technology, and consumers will want it.

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63 million American homes will qualify as “smart” by 2022, according to Berg Insights. In 2019, there were about 140 million homes in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So what’s the key takeaway?

That means 55% of American homes could be smart in two years.

69% of U.S. homes have at least one smart home device, says the Consumer Technology Association.

About 60% of new home buyers will pay more for smart features, according to the “Smart Home Technology in New Homes” report.

Data shows smart home technology, just like home design features, is a significant consideration for potential buyers. And home builders have an opportunity to capitalize on this interest to introduce and sell an elevated way of living that is hyper-customizable.

While the market offers options, there’s one device builders shouldn’t overlook: smart leak detectors. Their necessity lies in the ability to alert and help home owners reduce water damage risk, thereby protecting the home buyers’ investment — and their personal belongings.

Leak Detection Devices are a Must Smart leak detectors go beyond comfort to offer a necessary service, without which can result in catastrophic home damage. A few reasons they should be a part of smart home tech offerings:

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Reduce the chance of water damage, which is 7 times more likely to occur than fire damage,

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according to Insurance Information Institute.

Show you have buyers’ best interest at heart by protecting their investment.

Offer customers comfort, convenience, cost savings and, above all, peace of mind.

Leak Detector Features to Look For While devices offer a range of capabilities, the most advanced leak protection offerings have these key features.

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Instant Updates. Real-time notifications are crucial for staying informed and stopping a potential problem, so look for devices that show customers water data and usage 24/7.

Multiple Alert Types. A leak alert can protect homes from major water damage, but there are other things that can indicate a forthcoming leak. Look for diverse alert types, such as abnormal usage, freeze and pressure alerts, so home owners can prevent leaks before they happen.

Shut-off Valve. Getting an alert is a preventative first step. Devices with a shut-off valve, such as the StreamLabs Control, give home owners more control, allowing them to turn off the water until they can call a plumber.

Compatibility. For further connectivity, look for smart leak detectors that can integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so users can receive water data and take actions just by using their voice.

StreamLabs is the smart home leak detection brand from Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a market leader and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Get to know StreamLabs and its full range of capabilities at www.StreamLabsWater.com or at 1877-700-4242.

2600 Gateway Ave, Ste 1 Bismarck, ND 58503

The Holiday Mixer & Board Elections Event will have an open bar with apps. Head over directly from work to enjoy a cold drink before we call for the election and announce the new directors.

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

1400 E Interchange Ave Bismarck, ND 585001