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Builders

utlook

2013 issue 8

Government relaxes mortgage down payment rules By Ilyce Glink MoneyWatch Federal regulators proposed on Wednesday (August 29) a new rule that would make mortgage lending standards less restrictive. The proposed new Qualified Residential Mortgage rule, released jointly by six government agencies, was cheered by both consumer advocates and mortgage industry members--who typically don't see eye-to-eye on much--largely because it eliminates much stricter down payment rules that the previous version of QRM would have created. The new proposal aligns QRM with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule, which was finalized earlier this year but won't be effective until Jan. 10, 2014, according to the CFPB. The CFPB's QM rule requires lenders to underwrite home loans based on the borrower's ability to repay the loan, a step the agency took to combat some of the bad lending practices that led to the housing crisis. Under the CFPB's QM rule, borrowers must provide income documentation that they can repay the loan, and that their debt-toincome ratio does not exceed 43 percent, among other requirements. It does not, however, have any rules requiring lenders to ask for a set down payment amount. QRM would have required lenders to demand a 20 percent down payment from borrowers. The rule was intended to prevent unqualified borrowers from taking out a mortgage they can't handle, but housing advocates and mortgage industry members argued that it instead prevented too many qualified and responsible low- to middle-income borrowers from taking out a mortgage. Since the QRM rule was initially proposed in 2011, it has received over 10,000 comments from banks, securitizers, consumer groups, members of Congress and other stakeholders, according to Martin J.

Gruenberg, chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which was one of the six regulators that released the new proposal. Many of those comments attacked the original QRM rules. The proposed changes, on the other hand, are causing nearly universal joy to ripple through housing and mortgage groups. "This new proposal shows that regulators listened to the comments from the wide range of stakeholders involved," said Chris Estes, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference, an affordable housing advocacy group. "Aligning the QRM rule with the QM rules will allow more American families to become homeowners and ensures that housing markets can remain strong in the future. This is especially important for communities that are still rebuilding from the foreclosure crisis." That sentiment was echoed by a number of groups. The National Association of Realtors President Gary Thomas called it a "a victory for homebuyers and the future of homeownership in this country." Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David H. Stevens was pleased to see the QRM rule line up with the QM rule. "The [CFPB's] QM standard already clearly stipulates what is considered to be a safe and sound loan," he said. "Adding additional layers of regulation would have contracted credit for firsttime home buyers and borrowers without large down payments, and prevented private capital from entering the market." However, the proposal also includes an additional approach that would utilize the CFPB's QM

standards, but add a 30 percent down payment requirement. That idea is likely to be far less popular with commenters. Thomas called it a restrictive measure that dramatically favors the wealthy. "Research shows that it would take the average American more than 25 years to save enough money to buy a modest home with a 30 percent down payment," he said. Other groups agreed, calling the steep down payment unnecessary and a reversal in the progress the rest of the proposal makes. The six agencies--the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Comptroller and Currency and the Securities and Exchange Commission--are taking comments on the proposed changes through the end of October. The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors速 President Gary Thomas: "The re-proposed Qualified Residential Mortgage rule announced this morning is a victory for homebuyers and the future of homeownership in this country. This version of the QRM rule will give creditworthy buyers access to safe and affordable loan products without overly burdensome downpayment requirements. "The new standards, which align with those applied to Qualified Mortgages, are stringent enough to protect consumers from unscrupulous lending practices while also creating new opportunities for private capital to reestablish itself as part of a robust

and competitive mortgage market. "Realtors速 were among the most vocal opponents of the first QRM rule proposed in April 2011 because it would have denied millions of creditworthy Americans access to the lowest cost and safest mortgages. We applaud the regulators for removing the 20 percent downpayment requirement and for adopting reasonable credit and debtto-income standards. "In addition to the main proposal that we support today, regulators introduced an unfavorable alternative that would require buyers to put 30 percent down to qualify for a QRM loan, a restrictive measure that dramatically favors the wealthy. Research shows that it would take the average American more than 25 years to save enough money to buy a modest home with a 30 percent downpayment. "Realtors速 will continue to oppose any regulation that requires unreasonably high downpayments from consumers. We are committed to working on behalf of America's hardworking families to ensure that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home has the opportunity to pursue that dream, now and into the future." For more information and analysis of the QRM rule, visit the Qualified Residential Mortgage and Risk Retention topic page on Realtor.org. The National Association of Realtors速, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

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Builders Outlook

2013 issue 8

HEAT UP YOUR HOME SALES. Football season is here. It’s time to fire up the grill, mix the marinade and enjoy an evening on the patio cheering on your favorite team with friends and family. Natural gas can help. From grills and fire pits to lights and torches, building outdoor living spaces equipped with clean, efficient natural gas gives your customers a chance to enjoy the big game from the comfort of home. For more information on building with natural gas, contact Eduardo Lucero at ealucero@texasgasservice.com or (915) 680-7216. www.TexasGasService.com

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2013 issue 8

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Builders Outlook

President’s Message | Edmundo Dena

El Paso Disposal

President, El Paso Association of Builders

We’re back in the swing of things with summer winding down, the kids back in school and folks getting ready for the last holiday of the season. Then it’s football, before you know it’s Halloween, then we get turkey dinner, and finally Christmas. Sometimes I think that this is how it goes and just as fast. For the association it’s time for closing the year, choosing leaders for the future and making plans for the politics that always seem to be in season, never out on vacation. So over the next month we will be looking for someone to get onto the executive ladder to be President in three short years. We are also hunting for board members and council chairs. I have to tell you that as I look back I couldn’t have been more insecure about getting on the board when I first did and then stepping into the executive was a real eye opener. But as I start to look back I can honestly tell you that I love this ride not just for the ride itself but because of the great people I’ve surrounded myself with. Leadership requires a lot of help and support. I didn’t know it until I got involved. Now it’s your turn and I hope that you’ll let us know if you’d like to be considered for the board or the ladder. Don’t be afraid because you’ll have others helping along the way. I hope all of you have had a great summer and that the upcoming fall season is generous to us in this crazy business of housing. Now go and sell something.

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Builders Outlook

Perspective

2013 issue 8

|

Ray Adauto, Executive Vice President EPAB

I witnessed government in action on Tuesday, August 20, and it left me flabbergasted. It started out as an invitation to a neighborhood meeting with City Representative Larry Romero to talk about a proposed move to change Monroe and Van Buren Avenue (Central El Paso) into two way streets after over three decades as one way streets. It seems that the residents have had enough of the racing down Monroe to finally ask for some way to slow that down, or eliminate as much of that activity as possible. You can’t blame the residents for not wanting speeders since it is a neighborhood street and one with long overdue paving needs. Like so many streets in the city this one hasn’t been paved in at least twenty years, maybe more like 30 or more. Pot holes, poor surface, utility cuts and weather have beaten Monroe up. Some months ago a couple of racers hit a big dip in the road at a high speed and went airborne causing one car to land upside down.

City pays $2.7 million for speeding ticket The neighborhood told the city to fix the problem. As a temporary solution a three way stop was placed at the intersection where the dip was. So far that has helped slow traffic as intended; but that hasn’t placated the residents and here’s where the city comes into the picture again. Apparently meetings were held when Susie Byrd was the rep for that district and she directed the street department to look into how to “calm” the traffic in the neighborhood and to change Monroe into a two way street. Low and behold the plan is presented and it’s a doozy. Not only will the city come and change the traffic flow to two ways but now they’ll place three roundabouts on Monroe and Van Buren between Piedras and Dyer. Not one or two, but three. And the department will also extend the curb corners out to narrow the intersections and provide a “more walkable” environment. Monroe was designed narrower than Van Buren and so now Van Buren will be narrowed and shaped into a “properly designed

neighborhood street, not a thorough fare”. That according to Ted Marquez, director of Transportation, is the best solution. Should I say the most expensive also? Two other alternative solutions were presented but aren’t as grandiose as ‘crop circles’ at intersections. The alternates are about 1/20 of the cost of the crop circles but as the audience of twelve people was told by Marquez “the funding is approved so we can start right away,” Funding. When a statement like that comes out of a government official you should ask the hard questions, and I did. What kind of funding? What will that cover? How much does a new traffic light cost? What does the crop circle cost? How much parking will you take away with the narrowing of the street? Have you engaged Fort Bliss? First of all crop circles cost between $50,000 and $70,000 each to construct. That does not include the plans or the shrubs inside the crop circle. It also doesn’t take into account any problems such as drainage problems, underground utility

connections, etc. A new traffic light is somewhere around $50,000 each multiplied by the number needed per intersection. By the time I added up the construction and purchasing for this project both Representative Romero and I came up with $2.7 million for this work on two streets. Two point seven million is not chump change in anybody’s pocket, certainly not the taxpayers. Are there less expensive methods. No doubt but as one of the attendees said, “I don’t care how much it costs because the city owes us this, and anyway it’s paid for already”. I argued but it fell on deaf ears. If ever a statement was made to show exactly how we’ve become so much in debt that was it. Two point seven million taxpayer dollars for that speeding ticket and so long as I get it who’s to care how much it cost. So as you read this just know that the city has seen crop circle after crop circle and little paving all over the city. Add it up and you’ll understand. Take that to the bank.

2013 issue 8

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Builders Outlook

Industry News Rising Home Values Impact Affordability in Second Quarter From NAHB

Nationwide housing affordability slipped several notches as recovering markets witnessed significant firming of home prices in the second quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released today. In all, 69.3 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of April and end of June were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $64,400. This is down from the 73.7 percent of homes sold that were affordable to median-income earners in the first quarter, and the first time that the measure has fallen below 70 percent since late 2008. “Housing affordability has been hovering near historic highs for the past several years, largely due to exceptionally favorable mortgage rates and low prices during the recession,” observed NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. “Now that markets across the country are recovering, home values are strengthening

at the same time that the cost of building homes is rising due to tightened supplies of building materials, developable lots and labor.” “Rising home prices signal the improving health in housing markets, and the median price of all new and existing U.S. homes sold in this year’s second quarter, at $202,000, was well ahead of the second quarter 2012 median price of $185,000,” observed NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Together with rising mortgage rates, this contributed to affordability slipping to the lowest level in more than four years. Such movement would be less concerning were it not for ongoing discussions regarding potential changes to the mortgage interest deduction and federal support for the secondary mortgage market, both of which play enormous roles in keeping homeownership affordable.” While Ogden-Clearfield, Utah, was rated the nation’s most affordable major housing market for a fourth consecutive quarter, a newcomer – Utica-Rome, N.Y. – claimed the title of most affordable smaller market in the latest HOI. In the larger metro, 92.8 percent of all new and existing homes sold in this year’s second quarter were affordable to families

earning the area’s median income of $70,800. This was slightly lower than the 93.4 percent of homes sold that were affordable to median income-earners in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, just over 97 percent of new and existing homes sold in Utica-Rome in the same period were affordable to families earning that area’s median income of $63,800. Other major U.S. housing markets at the top of the affordability chart in the second quarter included Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pa.; YoungstownWarren-Boardman, Ohio-Pa.; and BuffaloNiagara Falls, N.Y., in descending order. Smaller markets joining Utica at the top of the affordability chart included Kokomo, Ind.; Cumberland, Md.-W.V.; Vineland-MillvilleBridgeton, N.J.; and Bay City, Mich. For a third consecutive quarter, San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, Calif. held the lowest spot among major markets on the affordability chart. There, just 19.3 percent of homes sold in the second quarter were affordable to families earning the area’s median income of $101,200. Other major metros at the bottom of the affordability chart included Los AngelesLong Beach-Glendale, Calif.; Santa AnaAnaheim-Irvine, Calif.; New York-White

Plains-Wayne, N.Y.-N.J.; and San JoseSunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.; in descending order. All of the least affordable small housing markets were in California in the latest quarter. At the very bottom of the affordability chart was Santa CruzWatsonville, where 30 percent of all new and existing homes sold were affordable to families earning the area’s median income of $73,800. Other small markets at the lowest end of the affordability scale included San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Salinas, Napa and Santa Rosa-Petaluma, respectively.

Hike in G-fees no longer seems justifiedt By Jacob Gaffney, Executive Editor, HousingWire.com

The credit risk pricing implemented for a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac securitization is meant to mirror "what would be required by private sector providers," Federal Housing Finance Agency acting director Ed DeMarco said in testimony to the Senate Banking Committee testimony in April. "We expect to continue increasing guarantee fees in 2013," he also predict. Analysts took the statement to heart. In 2012, g-fees increased twice bringing today's average to between 52 to 55 basis points. So the bet is how high will the next g-fee hike go? There is plenty of chatter recently. "Investors expect further hikes given recent FHFA statements," said Barclays (BCS) in a note to clients. "The magnitude of hikes will depend on the type of housing finance system that emerges." Estimates range somewhere between 70 to 100 basis points could be the eventual FHFA target. The FHFA will not speak to future movements as a matter of policy. However, Goldman Sachs (GS) analyst Alec Philips said more hikes are unnecessary from a credit-risk perspective. "Even assuming stress losses of 2.7% (the loss experienced in the 2007 vintage of prime mortgages of credit quality and documentation similar to current production) and a 15% return on equity, a guarantee fee of only 28bps would be needed, less than the roughly 50bps charged currently (guarantee fees had typically hovered in the 25bps range," he said in an email. "But FHFA has mandated multiple increases over the last few years," he concluded. In an exclusive interview with Bill Ashmore, president of mortgage financier Impac Mortgage (IMH), the view is largely the same as Phillips. With the Fed set to begin tapering and interest rates rising, and the private market showing little ability to take on the GSEs, a rise in g-fees doesn't seem justified at this point. "They’re trying to push it to 70 basis points, but they’ve got to hold that off," he told HousingWire for the September magazine. "They want more non-agency securitizations to occur, well $4 billion occurred in the first quarter, but after the run up in rates, there have been none since then that have occurred in the last 30 days." So on one hand, DeMarco noted that increasing guarantee fees is part of the goal of contracting the Enterprises’ dominant presence in the marketplace. And if that is the goal, the FHFA will likely hike g-fees. "The hope is that at some point the increases in guarantee fees will encourage private capital back into the market," he said in the speech. "We are not there yet, but in conversations with market participants, I think we are getting closer." Well, we were getting closer, but in light of recent economic developments a rise in gfees may do more harm than good.

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Builders Outlook

2013 issue 8

2013 ISSUE 8

Builders

Builders Outlook

utlook on the scene |

General meeting EPAB held a board and general meeting Thursday, August 8, at the El Paso Club. Featured speaker was Emma Schwartz, President of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation. She previewed upcoming projects associated with the new biomedical research center coming to the MCA.

7

the new cityscape

Artspace Not Chosen for Housing Funds

Artist’s rendering of what the Artspace Lofts project may look like if built in downtown El Paso.

State Awards Tax Credits to Three Other Area Projects The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has decided not to award any tax credits to the Artspace Lofts artist housing project planned for downtown El Paso. The agency opted to give tax credits to three other qualifying projects in the area. Artspace had applied for $1.077 million a year for ten years in housing credits but was ranked lowest out of six El Paso projects that applied under the “Urban” category. Officials with the project may apply again in the future, or may look for financing assistance elsewhere. If built, the project will bring 51 affordable live/work units in a fivestory building to the corner of Missouri Avenue and Oregon Street, next to the downtown Doubletree Hotel. It will also include 7,500 square feet of multipurpose non-profit space. City officials donated the land for the project last year to the El Paso Community Foundation, the former home of the El Paso Saddleblanket store which the City received in a land swap deal. City Council will

meet in executive session at its next meeting to discuss the project. Two other project won tax credits from the TDHCA in the “Urban” category, Verde Palms, a 152 unit development on El Paso’s east side, and Villas at West Mountain which would bring a 76 unit complex to the west side. Another project, Montana Vista Palms, also received tax credits under the “Rural” category. It will be a 48 unit development on the far east side of the city. The TDHCA awarded $57.8 million in tax credits statewide. The credits are part of the federal Housing Tax Credit Program which are used to offset federal tax liability dollar-for-dollar. Developers who receive funds will offer reduced rents for a specified number of units once construction is complete. For more information on the program and awarded funds, visit the TDHCA website, www.tdhca.state.tx.us.

City Continues Pocket Park Trend West Side Property to be Transformed Another vacant property will soon become a neighborhood pocket park in west El Paso, and the City will hold a community meeting next week to inform the public about the project. The City has awarded the contract for the Fiesta/Balboa Park and construction should begin in late August. The property currently consists of a concrete slab, driveway, and sidewalks for what used to be a single family home. Construction crews will clear out the .20 acre lot and install a new basketball court, playground equipment, colored concrete sidewalks, rock walls with wrought iron detail, a landscape scheme with irrigation, and lighting fixtures.

The new pocket park will take the place of a leveled residential lot.

The small, pocket park will serve the neighborhood in the surrounding streets. Currently, residents must cross busy Mesa Street to the north or travel over half a mile to the southwest to reach the nearest parks. City officials will hold the community meeting about the project on Thursday, August 22, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at Putnam Elementary School, located at 6508 Fiesta Drive. Funding for the project comes from 2012 Quality of Life bonds approved by voters. The $197,777 contract was awarded to Black Stallion LB Construction of El Paso in May. The park should be ready for use in February 2014.

Content provided by El Paso Development News visit: elpasodevnews.com

Drivers who want to continue on Pebble Hills Boulevard must take an alternate route.

Filling the Pebble Hills Gap City Makes Moves to Connect Boulevard to Zaragoza Drivers traveling east on Pebble Hills Boulevard currently hit a dead end just about 800 feet west of Zaragoza Road. On the other side of Zaragoza, Pebble Hills continues to the east. It’s a gap in the City street that has existed for many years, and a problem officials are trying to fix. Unwitting drivers and neighborhood residents alike must take alternate routes, some through residential streets, to get to Zaragoza Road. Tierra Mina Drive and Tierra Sonora

Drive have become makeshift detour routes in the area. Two properties stand in the way of the completion of Pebble Hills Boulevard in this area, and an item on the upcoming City Council meeting agenda indicates that officials have made “several” offers to the owners of the properties to acquire the land. City Council will vote on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 whether or not to approve a $176,064 contract with Moreno Cardenas, Inc. of El Paso for design and construction management services related to the project. The City will still be responsible for right-of-way acquisition. According to the contract’s Scope of Work, $600,000 is budgeted for actual construction, an amount the contractor expects is too low. Construction will consist of some demolition work, drainage work, street construction, sidewalks, ramps, bicycle lanes, and fencing. Lighting, landscaping, and traffic lights will also be incorporated into the construction phase. The tentative Project Schedule shows that construction documents may be ready by January 2014. Construction bidding may begin at the time if the City has succeeded in purchasing the portion of the properties needed to extend the street.

The three new freeway overpasses can be seen in this photograph taken from the Transmountain rest area. (CRRMA)

Loop 375 NE May Open by End of 2013 Construction ‘Well Ahead’ of Schedule An update presented to the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) at its August board meeting states that the Loop 375 freeway project in northeast El Paso could open sometime in December. The project’s contractor, J.D. Abrams of Austin, is “well ahead” of schedule, according to the 2nd quarter Progress Report. Multiple milestones are highlighted in the report, including completion of the excavation work under US-54 that will create an underpass for Loop 375. The freeway will dip underneath both the US-54 freeway lanes and the gateway frontage roads. Work continues on all three street overpasses that are part of the project, at Kenworthy Drive, Rushing Boulevard, and Alcan Avenue, mainly preparation for the laying down of

freeway lanes. This will be followed by barrier work. Decorative concrete panels are still being placed along the freeway to create support walls. The panels were designed by public artist Vicki Scuri (vickiscuri.com) and are diamond and triangle patterns that represent geometric shapes of mountains and diamondback rattle snakes. The same design will also be seen on the Loop 375 Transmountain project on the west side of the Franklin Mountains. Scuri’s designs will also be seen at the I-10/Airway aesthetics project, coming soon. The Loop 375 Northeast project had an official completion date in July 2014. The $50 million, 3.0 mile project began construction in December of 2011 and completes a gap in the Loop 375 freeway between US-54 and Dyer Street. Once completed, commuters using the freeway will not have to stop at any traffic lights while travelling through northeast El Paso. CRRMA officials reviewed the update at the August 14, 2013, board meeting. Details can be viewed at the authority’s website, crrma.org.

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Builders Outlook

2013 issue 8

Expert Advice

Joe Bernal Employee Benefits of El Paso

See EXACLTLY what your 401(k) or Profit Sharing plan could look like before making any decisions!! Myths about 401(k) Plans for Small Businesses MYTH: 401(k) Plans are too expensive to administer FACT: Cost, when measured in terms of taxes, show how much more cost effective a 401(k) plan can be over a SIMPLE or SEP MYTH: Administration is a burden and Highly Compensated Employees are limited. FACT: Changes in retirement legislation and technology provide a lot of flexibility in contribution and allow business owners to actually target higher contributions for key employees MYTH: SIMPLEs/SEPs are easier to administer FACT: Many SIMIPLEs/SEPs are not operated correctly and often issues

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arise as a result of little or no help with setup and ongoing administration. Is it time for a retirement plan UPGRADE? Who doesn't like an UPGRADE? SIMPLE IRAs and SEPs are great 'starter' retirement plans that get the job done when a business is first starting out. However, these plans often become too restrictive to meet the needs of a growing or changing business. Consider the ability to enjoy 401(k) deferrals, “catch-up” contributions, non-uniform Employer contributions, a 6-year vesting schedule on any Employer money, higher overall savings limits, better investment performance & even Roth deferrals!!!! NOW THAT’S AN UPGRADE These more custom plan designs can be built to keep more money in your pocket, target your most valuable employees &/or reduce the cost of

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2013 issue 8

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Builders Outlook

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Builders Outlook

2013 issue 8

Expert Advice

David De Rego Hardware Specialities & Glass Co., Inc.

What’s trending in Cabinetry?

There are a growing number of people who take their cabinets seriously. In fact, the cabinets are often the most prized components of a kitchen, bathroom, entertainment center and sometimes even in the garage. The design, aesthetics and functionality can make or break the entire room's overall appearance. Consumers have become more educated about everything related to their homes, and their cabinetry is no different. An overall trend toward furniture-grade cabinets has taken a firm hold in the marketplace. Now consumers are turning their attention toward more particular aspects, such as pullout waste cans, slide out towel bars and pull-down shelves. These accessories often are requested by

clients who are aging or may have special physical needs, but many others see the benefits as well. This, she says, points to an overall customization movement that puts as much emphasis on function as it does on form. People want their cabinets to perform at a high level. They're even paying attention to the hidden hardware by specifically requesting soft-closing undermount slides for drawers and soft close concealed hinges for the doors. Another cabinetry trend has grown from the consumer's demand for professionalgrade appliances in the kitchen. In addition to high-end, stainless-steel refrigerators and commercial-quality cooktops, such things as warming,

cooling and dishwashing drawers have become very popular. Wood-finished cabinets are still the style of choice; they represent about 80 percent of all cabinets’ purchase, according to a 2011 survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. And even though consumers are demanding furniturequality styling, they are opting for a more casual appearance overall. Many of these have multistep finishes and glazes to make them look like antiques that have weathered generations of use. Glass-front cabinets are also in demand, although only on certain cabinets where contents are easily arranged and kept neat for an uncluttered appearance. Appliance garages that house microwaves, blenders and other countertop appliances help keep the room looking neat and clean. Maple and cherry are still the most popular wood varieties; wood types such as alder and birch have been getting a lot of attention. For more information contact a professional cabinet designer or your local cabinet hardware supplier.

2013 Issue 8

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Builders Outlook

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org

Membership News UPCOMING EVENTS | SEPTEMBER 12 BOARD MEETING 12:00 NOON EPAB OFFICE

OCTOBER 10 11:00 BOARD MEETING 12:00 GENERAL MEETING EL PASO CLUB CHASE BANK BLDG.

OCTOBER 11,12,13 HOME & GARDEN SHOW EL PASO CONVENTION CENTER

OCTOBER 29 HALLOWEEN BOWLING EVENT 12:00 Noon BOWL EL PASO

NOVEMBER 13 EL PASO DESERT OPEN PAINTED DUNES 9:00 SHOTGUN

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14

Builders Outlook

2013 issue 8

Associates Council

Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply Greetings, I hope you have had a wonderful summer and that business has been good. It seems like yesterday that it was Memorial Day and now we are heading for the Holiday season. Time flies when we are having fun. First on the list is the next Associate’s council meeting which will be held Wednesday September 4th 3:30 PM at the association office. We have a lot to discuss so please mark your calendar. Coming up

on the agenda is the Costume Bowling outing at Bowl El Paso October 29th at 12:00 noon. Participant fee is $100 per team which includes lunch and beverage. We also have lane advertising available where you can place a banner on the wall and a mention in the Builders Outlook. Call Margaret at the association office for details. Then our next big event is the West Star Bank El Paso Desert Open Pro –am Golf Tournament which was sold out before we had a chance to advertise it. This is one tournament where you have to be a pretty good golfer since you’re mixed in with a Pro. Our member golf course Painted Dunes will again host us on November 13. We’re looking for some advertisers who’d like to share the excitement of this tournament as hole advertisers, goodie bag suppliers, and hole in one providers, and many more opportunities to showcase your business. Call Margaret 778-5387. That’s about all for now; see you at the meeting on Wednesday September 4th 3:30 pm.

Call 778-5387 for more information today.

Builders

utlook

www.elpasobuilders.com www.epbuilders.org 6046 Surety Dr. El Paso, TX 79905 915-778-5387 • Fax: 915-772-3038 ■ execuTive oFFicerS edmundo Dena – President Accent Homes Frank Torres – vice President GMF Custom Homes edgar montiel – Secretary/Treasurer Palo Verde Homes Sam Shallenberger – Associates chair Western Wholesale Frank Arroyos- immediate Past President Cisco Homes ray Adauto – executive vice President El Paso Association of Builders

■ TAB STATe DirecTorS Doug Borrett, Karam Co., Life Director Randy Bowling, Tropicana Homes ■ NATioNAL DirecTorS Bobby Bowling IV. Demetrio Jimenez NATioNAL ASSociATioN oF Home BuiLDerS (800) 368-5242

TexAS ASSociATioN oF ■ couNciL/commiTTee cHAirS Associates council Sam Shallenberger Build PAc Randy Bowling Desert Green Building council Javier Ruiz Land use council Sal Masoud Young Designer Award John Chaney remodelers council Rudy Guel membership retention Mike Santamaria, Greg Bowling Finance committee Edgar Montiel Women’s council Lorraine Huit ■ ADviSorY To THe BoArD J. Crawford Kerr, Attorney, Firth, Johnston & Martinez ■ BoArD oF DirecTorS Juanita Garcia, Icon Custom Builders Samira Gonzalez, Edwards Homes Walter Lujan, Dawco Construction Carlos Villalobos, Pointe Homes Don Rassette, Rassette Homes Beverly Clevenger, Automated Division 6 Builders Frank Spencer, Aztec Contractors Kathy Parry, Hunt Communities Sal Masoud, Del Rio Engineering Robert L. Foster, Southwest Land Development Services Leti Navarette, Custom Dream Homes Linda Troncoso, TR-Engineering Lance VanDeman, Hub International John Chaney, Passage Supply Joe Bernal, El Paso Employee Benefits Ken Wade, El Paso Building Materials Ruben Orquiz, MTI Ready Mix Kathy Carrillo, Pioneer Bank Henry Tinajero, West Star Bank Paul Zacour, Zacour & Associates Chuck Gabriel, Carpets West Ted Escobedo, Snappy Publishing Lorraine Huit, Cardel Design Javier Ruiz, Border Solar & Senercon

BuiLDerS (800)252-3625

2012 Builder member of The Year Frank Arroyos Cisco Homes 2012 Pat cox Award Mike Santamaria Mountain Vista Homes 2012 Associate of The Year Sam Shallenberger Western Wholesale Supply John Schatzman Award Hunt Companies

Honorary Life members Rudy Guel Brad Roe Cliff Anthes Wayne Grinnell Chester Lovelady Don Henderson Anna Gil

Past Presidents committed to Serve Greg Bowling Kelly Sorenson Mark Dyer Mike Santamaria John Cullers Randy Bowling Doug Schwartz Robert Baeza

Bobby Bowling, IV Rudy Guel Anna Gil Bradley Roe Bob Bowling, III E. H. Baeza Hershel Stringfield

ePAB mission Statement: The El Paso Association of Builders is a federated professional organization representing the home building industry, committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community by providing affordable homes of excellence and value. The El Paso Association of Builders is a 501C(6) trade organization. © 2013 Builder’s Outlook is published and distributed for the El Paso Association of Builders by Snappy Publishing 240 Thunderbird • Suite C El Paso • Texas • 79912 915-820-2800