February 2013 Reporter

Reporter Volume 6, No. 2 • February, 2013

NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

4410 Fairway Boulevard • Wichita Falls, TX 76308 • P: 940.692.2211 • F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com

General Membership Meeting February 7, 2013 Kemp Center for the Arts 1300 Lamar

Guest Speaker will be Ashton Gustafson with Bishop Realtor Group.

Renewals

From The President Steven Hinson

Best Electric.....................Don Wright Fidelity Bank......................Justin Davis

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP - If you read your emails from the Texas Association of Builders, you might have noticed an Servicemaser...........................Don Irby article published by the Dallas Morning News with this headline: Wilson Office Supply..........Tim Sawyer “NorthTexas home sales for 2012 reach highest point since 2008.� The article states that the North Texas market saw a 16 percent gain in single-family sales and a median home sales price increase of 8 percent from the year before.

We all know that an article from the Dallas Morning News may or may not be telling the forecast for us here in Wichita Falls, but things are looking up here, too. The MLS statistics from the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors holds true to the article in the Dallas Morning News. They Cassie Ahearn........................................................... 02 show that the total number of sales from Delinda Dodd................................................................. 02 2011 to 2012 was up 1480 from 1419 and Mike Nieto.......................................................................... 05 the total dollar amount of houses sold Doug McCulloch................................................................... 08 improved from $165,799,860 to $174,085,582. So, even in our local Bobby Diltz............................................................................... 08 market we witnessed a jump in the Pam Esch..................................................................................... 10 right direction, leaving us with hopes Gary Birkenfeld............................................................................. 11 that good things are just over the horizon for our great town.

John Thompson.............................................................................. 11 If 2013 is to fall in line with 2012 Dennis Probst................................................................................. 15 we can look forward to a Gordon Drake................................................................................ 16 productive and lucrative year.

Harold Newton.............................................................................. 20

Thanks for Renewing!

February Birthdays

Barney Brock................................................................................. 22 Steven Klasse............................................................................... 23 Larry Park................................................................................... 26 Jerry Fillmon............................................................................ 27

Happy Birthday!

2

Calendar of Events

2012 /2013 Officers & Directors

General Membership Meeting..................................Feb. 7, 2013 .............................................................................................11:30AM Membership, Meeting & Education........................Feb. 12, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................10:00AM Publications and Communications.......................Feb. 12, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................11:00AM Parade of Homes & Special Events.......................Feb. 13, 2013 Committee Meeting........................................................10:00AM Government Affairs Committee............................Feb. 14, 2013 .............................................................................................11:00AM Budget & By-Laws Committee...............................Feb. 19, 2013 Meeting.................................................................................9:15AM Board of Directors Meeting...................................Feb. 19, 2013 .............................................................................................11:00AM RALLY DAY - Austin.................................................Feb. 20, 2013 Arts Alive! 2013 Home .................Feb. 23, 2013 9AM to 6PM & Garden Show..............................Feb. 24, 2013 11AM to 5PM Parade of Homes Entry.................................................................... & Deposit Deadline..................................................Feb. 28, 2013

President - Steven Hinson Vice President - Barney Brock Associate Vice President - Eric Nelson Treasurer - Martin Litteken Secretary - Tim Sawyer Immediate Past President - Stan Mountain Builder Directors John Harmon - 1yr R.J. Wachsman - 1yr David Bedingfield - 2yr Steven Klasse - 2yr

Assoicate Directors Johnny McClane - 1yr Larry Park - 2yr

State Director - Jose Garcia Alternate State Director - Stan Mountain Life Director - Chuck Dennis Executive Vice President - Teri Gibson

National As s oc iation of Home B uilders

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tco@wf.net

Meet Your Members KLASSE HOMES Hands On Attention - Steven Klasse insures excellence in every area of your home by personal involvement in every aspect of your dream home during construction. No one works harder making sure the house is built with the highest quality. Steven and Catherine are a team dedicated to making sure you are pleased with your new home.

Our History - As a leading provider of new home construction, we take pride in offering the finest in quality and workmanship at an affordable price. We are dedicated to serving the needs of our customers each and every day and we will make your new home experience both satisfying and enjoyable.

Klasse Homes is a “hands on building contractor� which enables us to pass subcontractor savings on to our home buyers as well as guarantee a better quality of workmanship in our homes. Our customers are surprised at the quality materials and craftsmanship we are able to offer at a very competitive price. Each home is unique and we do not build the same plan over and over. When you walk into your new Klasse Home you can take pride that no other home is exactly like it.

Customer Care - Klasse Homes has been building quality dream homes since 2004 and we pride ourselves in providing a no-stress process while catering to your needs during and after the home construction process. From professional landscaping to custom decorating based on your unique preferences and tastes, Klasse Homes provide the services that show we care about you and want your home building experience to be the best experience.

Locations - Klasse homes is a preferred builder in the Bridge Creek Estates off McNiel and Southwest Parkway in Wichita Falls, Texas. But we are not limited to that neighborhood or even to Wichita Falls. We can build on your lot in Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Henrietta, and other surrounding communities.

Contact Steven Klasse at 940-642-3129 or visit our web site at www.klassehomes.com where“The Name Says It All� and let us get started on your new home.

Continued on pg 6

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Ferguson Veresh offers: The Best in Service Ferguson Veresh team consists of highly skilled techniciansRemember who are ready your residential Always to to doserve Business with Association needs.

Service at your convenience -Our technicians are available for any emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our normal business hours are 8 am to 5pm.

Regardless of the time or type of service you need we strive to work with your schedule. We’ll even call you at home, work or on a cell phone to let you know when we’re on our way Ferguson Veresh offers complete plumbing, heating, air and electrical commercial care. From designing and constructing complex mechanical systems to replacing chillers and unstopping drains, Ferguson Veresh has the strength of quality to carry out any mission, large or small. Our service technicians and construction associates are experienced in delivering quality installations and repairs.

Telephone: 940-692-4600, Fax: 940-692-1774, Address: 703 E. Scott - Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week We proudly serve the following areas in North Texas: Archer City, TX ~ Bellevue, TX ~ Bowie, TX ~ Burkburnett, TX ~ Byers, TX ~ Charlie,TX ~ Electra, TX ~ Henrietta, TX ~ Holliday, TX ~ Iowa Park, TX ~ Jolly, TX ~ Kamay, TX ~ Lake Arrowhead, TX ~ Lakeside City, TX ~ Olney, TX ~ Petrolia, TX ~ Quanah, TX ~ Scotland,TX ~ Vernon,TX ~ Wichita Falls,TX ~ Wichita County ~ Windthorst, TX

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BRYAN WAGGONER

3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 (940) 691-3641 Continued on pg 12 )D[ ‡

E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com

NTHBA REPORTER MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES AD SIZE

RATE PER MONTH

FULL PAGE AD...................................................$300.00 HALF PAGE AD..................................................$150.00 QUARTER PAGE AD...........................................$75.00 3 1/2 X 3..................................................................$50.00 3 1/2 X 2 1/2............................................................$45.00 3 1/2 X 2.....................................................................40.00 3 1/2 X 1 3/4.............................................................$30.00 3 1/2 X 1..................................................................$20.00 1 3/4 X 1..................................................................$15.00

Always Remember to do Business with Association Members!

We always have room for more ads!

Please contact NTHBA 692-2211 to set up your ad.

5

Continued from page 5

The North Texas Home Builders Association has created a Government Affairs Committee.

The committee is chaired by Wayne Pharries and members on the committee include John Harmon, Stan Mountain, Troy Thompson and Chuck Vergauwen. The mission of the North Texas Home Builders Association Government Affairs Committee is to increase awareness of political issues that affect the home building industry and promote participation in the political process by actively lobbying officials and representatives by providing financial support to the Texas Association of Builder’s professional lobbying efforts.

While PACs and other special interest groups have gotten a bad name lately, they are a fact of political life. There are special interest groups lobbying our representatives as you read this who have interests that are directly opposed to ours in the homebuilding industry. The only effective countermeasure is for those of us in the homebuilding industry to get involved. As individuals, our voice is very weak, but as a group, we can have a major impact on the legislation coming out of Austin. With over 3000 pieces of legislation being presented during the legislative sessions the North Texas Home Builders Association feels it is important to support the Texas Association of Builders HOMEPAC committee.

HOMEPAC does extensive research to find and support candidates who will work toward keeping the home building industry strong and prosperous.

Please take time to participate as the new committee explores ways to raise funds to support TAB’s HOMEPAC. As little as $25.00 per member will enable the NTHBA reach the goals set each year by the Texas Association of Builders.

When you became a member of the North Texas Home Builders Association you also became a member of the Texas Association of 6

Builders and National Association of Builders who both have lobbyist on staff sifting through all the legislation that is being presented to make you aware when action needs to be taken to fight for or against a bill that might have a chance of being passed. They also work closely with OSHA, TECQ, the international code council and various other entities to help alleviate some of the burdensome regulations that they impose on the building industry. These staff members are not paid through either the HOMEPAC funds or the BUILD PAC funds but only through your membership dues and revenue created through events such as the Sun Belt Builders Show and the International Builders Show. This is just one more important benefit of being a member of the NTHBA

Save the Date!

Please make plans to join us in Austin on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 for Rally Day! Rally Day is the best way for members to familiarize themselves withthe issues that face the residential construction industry and, more importantly, deliver our legislative agenda straight to the doorstep of our legislators. This is also a great way to build relationships with legislators and network with other members within the association. Rally Day is the perfect event for new members to attend and see firsthand what TAB does for them and their businesses as well as how your government relations team advocates on behalf of the home building industry at the Capitol.

As in years past, we will have an address from an elected official and a legislative update on the South Steps of the Capitol.This year, lunch will be on your own in between your Capitol visits. We will wrap up the day’s festivities and join us for a legislative reception at the historic Driskill Hotel.

Your support is needed to protect our entire industry, and TAB asks that you and your local association make the commitment to travel to Austin on Wednesday, February 20 for Rally Day 2013. We look forward to you being a part of this special—and effective—legislative event.

If you have any questions about Rally Day 2013, please feel free to contact AshleiLeck at (512) 476-6346.

Let’s get ready to Rally!

Long Name.

Big On Service.

1300 Tenth StrFFU t

NTHBA Member since 1972

Do You Want Fries with That A simple question that has made The McDonald's organization millions of dollars more. When you order a Big Mac or any sandwich, the question is, do you want fries with that. If 50% of the people say yes wow, just look at the additional revenue. Even if only 10% said yes, think about the added revenue.

So the question to you today is: What is your question when a client places an order? Maybe you don't have one?

Maybe you have one but don't use it. Like most people. Maybe you just say thank you and fill out the forms and complete the order.

Let me tell you something, no matter what business you are in, you are missing a tremendous opportunity to increase revenue. The best time to upsell is when you sell. The absolute best time but yet few do it.

One place that really has forgotten this is your gas station. They use to ask, "You want us to check your oil." Do you know how much oil they sold? One place that has finally stepped up is the US Post Office "You need some stamps with that?" Most people do.

Are you looking to make next year the best year ever. Then this is something you need to look at as it relates to your product or service. This is something you need to add to your offering. This is something that can really help you increase sales.

Continued on page 8

7

TAB executive director updates builders at January membership luncheon

By: Lee Grace

Scott Norman, executive director of the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), discussed the current legislative agenda with the members of the North Texas Home Builders Association on Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Kemp Center for the Arts.

The TAB is the third largest builder association in the nation with more than 10,000 members and 29 local home builders associations. Norman said the legislative session in Austin started last week with many major issues before it. He noted that the state senate is more conservative after the last election while more than half the members of the Texas House of Representatives are in their first or second term.

Among the major issues is how to deal with the fast growing population. Texas is expected to double in population in the next 50 years. This causes major concerns about the state’s water capacity and useage. Expanding the number of lakes and ways to provide the population with the water it needs is a major concern. He noted that there is $11.4 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help fund future water projects.

School finance is another major topic in Austin. Norman expects a special session laster this year after the 180-day regular session to deal with school finance. There are 1,080 school districts throughout the state. Because of funding issues, vocational education programs are being dropped across the state. “This is leading to massive worker shortages in places like West Texas,” he said.

Norman also talked about funding political candidates who believe in free enterprise and private property rights.

He stressed the importance of TAB’s HomePac to raise money for candidates. “Our goal this year is a contribution to our PAC of at least $25 from every member.” He added that $450,000 was given out to candidates for the last election. “To have a voice in Austin, we have to play the game.”

Continued on page 9

Continued from page 7

Simple examples of doing this.

2525 Kell Blvd., Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 940.763.2100 (main line) 940.763.2101 (fax)

Justin Davis

1. You are a house painter - just contracted to paint the living-room - walls, ceiling and woodwork.

- Would you like to add some boarder around the top of the room?

- Would you like us to do the doors coming into the room also?

- How about the foyer coming into the living-room?

Keep thinking.

2. Landscaper - you just got job cutting grass.

- Would you like us to seed?

- Would you like those trees trimmed?

- Should we clean your sidewalk, gutters and windows?

3. Printer - new client just ordered a brochure - Do You want some new business cards?

- How about a sign with your new logo?

- Want some banners?

- How about a calendar?

- Stationary?

Continued on page 9

8

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Continued from page 8

Norman noted that the Sunbelt Builders Conference & Trade Show is moving to San Antonio this year. The dates are June 24-25. He said there will be 220 exhibitors on hand. “It’s a great time and place to take your family for a vacation. The J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort has two PGA golf courses and everything else for a family vacation.� The conference has special room rates for those who call now.

He also noted that OSHA is sending 200 inspectors to Texas. “Every builder must have a safety plan on file.

We have developed model safety plans for our members.�

Norman said the Texas economy is picking up. “Sales taxes for new car purchases are up 30 percent!�

Preceeding Scott Norman’s talk, Wayne Pharries, Government Affairs Committee chairman said the Rally Day in Austin is set for Feb. 20. He urged as many members as possible to attend. He also urged support for the HomePac. Continued on page 10

Commercial Services

3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308

John Thompson Mike Sharp Mark Miller

Continued from page 8

I think you get the idea. Ask the simple question and get some more business and make some more money.

Come up with the questions and use them. If you don't ask, you will never find the answer. They already bought, they like you, and they are open. Why are you not trying to increase the value of the sale? Remember if only 10% bite - that is an increase in sales. Look at your business. Determine the question and start asking.

Remember, failure creates success. If you don't ask, you never know. Š2011 Reprinted with permission from Coach Manny Nowak, a full-time professional speaker who specializes in leadership programs that pay off. For more information, go to http://www.MannyNowak.com/ or call 856-358-4021.

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Continued from page 9

Lastly, it was announced that member John Harmon has earned his Graduate Master Builder certificate, joining Alan Hinson as the only two members with that professional rating.

North Texas Home Builders Association President Steven Hinson is shown with Texas Association of Builders Executive Director Scott Norman.

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JOHN B. HARMON EARNS GRADUATE MASTER BUILDER EDUCATIONAL DESIGNATION In January 2013, John B. Harmon of Harmon & Holcomb Homes, Inc. became one of a select group of professional homebuilders nationwide to attain the Graduate Master Builder (GMB) designation, identifying him as one of the building industry’s top professionals.

Administered by National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Education, the GMB program is sponsored locally

by North Texas Home Builders Association (NTHBA).

“I am pleased to have completed the requirements for this educational designation,” said Harmon. “The curriculum is very comprehensive, and as a result, I believe I can provide better services for our clients.”

GMB graduates complete an intensive series of courses, including business management, financial management, negotiating skills, and land acquisition/development. Harmon also completed training in green building techniques to become one of North Texas’ only designated Certified Green Professional (CGP).

Harmon and his business partner, Ed Holcomb, continually strive to become well-educated in cutting-edge building techniques. Through their combined training, they are able to offer quality and energy-efficient homes to their clients at Harmon & Holcomb Homes, Inc. The North Texas Home Builders is happy to have both Alan Hinson and John Harmon with the Graduate Master Builders Designation as members of the association.

To learn more about the Graduate Master Builder designation, visit www.nahb.org.

Because we are committed to the success of the builder industry.

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Contact us for more information about why Stewart Title is the right partner for you.

Randy Schaffner Stewart Title Company of Wichita Falls 2733 Midwestern Parkway, Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 (940) 691-5600

11

703 E. Scott Wichita Falls, TX 76308

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ACME BRICK COMPANY (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office (940) 691-9678 fax hnewton@acmebrick.com

Once again the North Texas Home Builder’s Association is seeking applications for our annual scholarship program. Please familiarize yourself with the qualifications and make sure you don’t miss the opportunity for financial assistance or helping someone else get assistance. The NTHBA is proud to be able to do their part in assisting in education to help promote good quality people in the home building industry. Applications are available at www.nthba.com.

Deadline for submission is May 1, 2013.

Harold Newton Branch Manager

2013 Parade Home Entries being accepted. February 28, 2013 is the deadline for entry form and $500.00 non-refundable deposit.

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