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    HBA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AWARDS 26 STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

    Over the past nine years, the Charitable Foundation of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBA) has awarded $197,000 in scholarships to children of HBA members who meet criteria set for the program.  This month, the HBA Charitable Foundation awarded $27,000 to 26 students.  

    The scholarship program is funded by annual events, including the HBA Golf Classic and through private contributions to the Charitable Foundation.  Congratulations to the following HBA Charitable Foundation Scholarship recipients:

    Student Name, School
      Brandon Bogle, Clemson
      Robert Branham, Clemson
      Rebecca Byrd, USC
      Katie Chiles, USC
      Cal Coggins, USC
      Elizabeth Coggins, College of Charleston
      Lucy Dinkins, USC
      Patrick Fletcher, USC
      James Joel Futter, USC
      Richard Gallup, Winthrop University
      Brockton Hall, Clemson
      Clay Hendrix, USC
      Jani Keck, Midlands Technical College
      Mary Michelle McLeod, Presbyterian College
      Alex Mitchell, USC
      Amanda Mitchell, USC
      Clay Mitchell, USC
      Cameron Monteith, Clemson
      Carly Eryn Ogan, USC
      Shannon Ashley Smith, USC
      Drew Stevenson, Clemson
      Carrie Walker, USC
      Clay Walker, USC
      Mary Myers Walker, Clemson
      Evan M. Yates, Clemson
      Samantha Yeoman, USC

 

 

    GREEN HOME EXPO THIS JULY IN COLUMBIA

    The Green Building Council of Greater Columbia presents the first Green Home Expo this July 16 at the Medallion Center in Columbia, SC.  The event will feature exhibits from local companies focusing on green products and services for the home.  In addition to exhibits, the Green Home Expo will have break-out sessions for attendees and door prizes.  

    One of the main goals of the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia is to educate builders and consumers to the practice of green residential construction.  With over 80 different green home certification programs on the local, state, and national levels, there is a lot of confusion in the marketplace as to what is and is not green.  The council hopes to clear up some of that confusion with this expo. 

    Along with the one-day expo, two education classes will be offered on July 15 – 17 that offer a more in-depth look into green homebuilding.  Upon completion of the classes, a student will qualify for the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation through the NAHB University of Housing.  Anyone who is interested in signing up for the classes is invited to do so. 

    For more information on exhibiting or attending the Green Home Expo and for more information on the educational offerings that week, please visit www.columbiagreenbuilders.com or call (803) 256-6238.

     

      

 

 

 

    $8,000 HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT INFORMATION

    The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has put together information for consumers on the new $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit.  Follow the links below to see this information on Facebook, YouTube or at federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

     Facebook Link      YouTube Link      Website Link

    Interested in buying a new home?  Contact one of our member companies to find your next home in the greater Columbia area and take advantage of this new tax credit!  

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    NEW! - HUD Action Allows Home Buyers To Use $8,000 Tax Credit For Downpayments On FHA-Insured Loans

    HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan’s decision to allow consumers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover their down payment and closing costs on FHA-insured mortgages will be a big boost to the housing market, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
     
    “The biggest obstacle for first-time buyers is coming up with a down payment,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “We commend Secretary Donovan for acting decisively to enable buyers to access the tax credit at the time of closing. This will help to stimulate home sales, stabilize housing and get the economy back on track.”

    The measures announced by HUD would allow FHA-approved lenders; federal, state and local government agencies; and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to supply home buyers short-term or “bridge loans” up to the amount of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.

    Longer term loans secured by second liens can also be used by government agencies and FHA-approved non-profit organizations to facilitate home sales. Several state housing finance agencies have introduced such programs and a number of agencies are considering that possibility.

    More information about these programs can be found on the National Council of State Housing Agencies Web site at www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/3/34/2920.

    Previously, the home buyer would have been unable to access the tax credit until they filed their next annual tax return or an amended 2008 tax return and received the refund from the IRS.

    Robson and others NAHB leaders discussed this matter and other housing-related issues with Secretary Donovan last week.

    “Secretary Donovan shares our view on the need for a housing and economic recovery,” said Robson. “We appreciate his leadership in moving swiftly to help first-time home buyers to access the tax credit up-front at the time of closing.  The timing could not have been better as we are in the midst of the crucial spring home buying season.”

    The next step is to see how FHA-approved lenders use HUD’s new guidelines to actually monetize the tax credit for first-time home buyers and structure the payback provisions of the loans.  NAHB encourages lenders to act promptly to put these provisions into place.

    To qualify for the tax credit, first-time home buyers must actually close on their home purchase by Dec. 1, 2009. Buyers can take the credit on their 2008 or 2009 income tax return.

    For further information about the tax credit – including a detailed question and answer section and a number of home-buying resources for consumers – log on to NAHB’s consumer Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. A Spanish version is also available to provide detailed information on the tax credit to Spanish-speaking first-time home buyers.

     

     

     

 

 

 

    TOP FIVE HOME MAINTENANCE PROJECTS

    During National Remodeling Month this May, review some tips from professional remodelers on maintaining your greatest investment, your home. Regular home inspection and repair will help maintain the condition of your home and save on costly emergencies in the future.

    An informal poll of professional remodelers revealed five tips for maintaining your home to keep it in top condition and support home value. Proper home maintenance should start with a regular inspection of the home’s exterior and the heating and cooling system to ensure the home is running smoothly. 

    1.      Inspect the roof.

    An examination of the roof will reveal spots that need repair, preventing leaks that ruin home interiors and valuables. Regular roof maintenance prevents roof problems leading to structural damages and other expensive emergencies.  

    2.      Add insulation.

    Most houses can benefit from installing or repairing the insulation barrier in the home. Adequate attic insulation, in particular, keeps the home from losing energy with wasted heating and cooling. A better insulated home means less work for the heating and cooling system and lower energy bills.

    3.      Repaint surfaces.

    A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home by updating the color palette and giving the home a shiny new start. Quality paint jobs also protect surfaces and prevent problems like rotting wood. Consider using no- or low-VOC paints for reducing fumes while drying and keeping the home air quality more comfortable.  

    4.      Monitor flashing and caulking.

    Worn window flashing and caulking allows water to penetrate the walls, causing damage to drywall and framing. Asking a professional to inspect windows can prevent water intrusion, saving thousands in major repairs down the road. Additionally, examine caulking and sealing in bathrooms to ensure water isn’t leaking into walls or floors.

    5.      Check the water heater and heating and cooling system.

    Waiting until the water heater, furnace, or air-conditioning fails will cost more in emergency repairs. Bring in experts to assess these units to ensure they are functioning and receive needed repairs. Newer water heaters and HVAC systems can increase home efficiency, bringing down water and energy bills.

     

    For more information about remodeling visit www.columbiaremodelers.com or www.nahb.org/remodel.  

    Click here to find a local home improvement professional to help you with your next project.

     

     

 

 

The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia Remodelers council recently awarded the Remodeler of the Year and Remodeler Associate of the Year, and also completed the 2008 Columbia Remodelers Awards program.

 

  Chuck Grimsley of Grimsely Builders (left) was awarded the Remodeler of the Year Award by 2009 Columbia Remodelers Chairman, Tommy Hollingsworth.  

   Chuck has been a long-time member of the HBA of Greater Columbia and the Columbia Remodelers, and held the position of Chairman of the council in 2008.  

 

The Remodeler Associate of the Year Award was also voted on by members of the Columbia Remodelers, and the winner is Judy Phipps of Foam Insulation Company, Inc.  Judy recently joined the Executive Committee of the council and took the position of REDO/REMIX Home Improvement Show Chairperson for 2008 and 2009.  

The HBA of Greater Columbia Remodelers was formed in 1986 by members of the HBA of Greater Columbia and currently has 115 members.  The goals of the group include the education of professional remodelers, their associates and the general public to ethical and up-to-date, best practices in the industry.  Learn more at their website, www.ColumbiaRemodelers.com.

 

 

     In addition to these awards, the council also held its annual Columbia Remodelers Awards (CRA) program which recognizes the quality of work performed by members of the council.  This year 15 entries were received in the program and ten awards were given.  The CRA program accepts entries in a variety of categories including Best Bathroom Remodel, Best Kitchen Remodel and Best Renovation/Room Addition.  Professional remodelers from outside of the Columbia area then visit each entry and judge them on a variety of criteria to determine the winner in each category.

See the entries and winners of the 2008 Columbia Remodelers Awards on-line at www.ColumbiaRemodelers.com.  You will also be able to visit and speak with some of the award winners at the upcoming Home & Garden Show this March 13 - 15 at the Fairgrounds.  Winning projects will be featured in the June issue of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.  

 

 

 

     

     

     

    ELECTION OF 2009 HBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Barry Davis of Barry Davis Homes, Inc. will serve as President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) in 2009.  He has been a member of the association since 1989 and has been on the HBA Board of Directors since 2006.  Davis has presented homes in many Parade of Homes and Tour of Homes events over the years.  He is a member of the Builder/REALTOR Joint Legislative Committee and the HBA Political Education Committee.  Davis attends many HBA meetings as well as the HBA of South Carolina and National Association of Home Builders annual conventions. 

    Barry was born in Charleston, SC and raised from the age of three in Columbia, SC, where he attended A. C. Flora High School.  He then attended the University of South Carolina for a few years and then entered the U.S. Navy Reserves.  Upon completion of his time in the Reserves, he continued his education at what is now Charleston Southern University where he attained a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Economics.  After college Barry worked as a buyer for Rockwell International, Materials Manager for Owens Steel, and with Cooper Air Tools. Today, he is owner and president of Barry Davis Homes, Inc.  He and his wife Earline have two children, Alan S. Davis, a Civil Engineer in Columbia, and Craig C. Davis, Band Director at York High School.  Barry and Earline are members of Lexington United Methodist Church.

    Serving as the 2009 HBA Board of Directors are: David Hilburn, South Capital Group, Inc. as Vice President; Bennett Griffin, Frank B. Norris & Co. as Associates Vice President; Wade McGuinn, McGuinn Group as Treasurer; and Tony Thompson, CMB, CGR, CAPS, CGP, Remodeling Services Unlimited, Inc. as Secretary.

    In addition, the HBAGC elected two Associates Directors and two Builder Directors to the board for terms of two years each.  Associate Directors are Clark Gregory of RBC Bank and Ron Roe of Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors.  Builder Directors are Patrick Dunbar of Dunbar Builders, Inc., and David Watkins of Shumaker Homes, Inc.

    Chairpersons of HBA councils also have a seat on the Board of Directors.  Included here are Steve Corboy of SB Communities, LLC serving as Chairman of the Land Development Council; Robin McLeod of McLeod Construction as the Chairperson of the Kershaw County Chapter; Beth Gardner of RMS-Realty & Marketing Services serving as Chairperson of the Sales and Marketing Council of Greater Columbia; Tommy Hollingsworth of T & H Construction Company, Inc. representing the HBA of Greater Columbia Remodelers; and, Mike Lowman of Mike Lowman Homes, Inc. serving as Chairman of the Green Building Council of Greater Columbia.

    Davis was installed as President of the Home Builders Association at the association’s Annual Holiday Ball on December 6, 2008.  All new board members will begin their terms in January 2009.

     

     

    2008 BUILDER AND ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE YEAR

    Each year the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC) holds its annual Holiday Ball in Columbia.  It’s an evening of fun and celebration, and recognition of those who have helped the home building industry throughout the year.

    Prior to the Holiday Ball, the HBAGC membership votes for their choice of nominees for the Byron Crosthwaite Builder Member of the Year and the Award William H. Peters Award recognizing the Associate member of the year.

    The Byron Crosthwaite Builder Member of the Year is George Delk of Delk Homes, Inc.  George has been a member of the HBA since 1987 and served as President of the association this year.  He is a member of the HBA Political Education Committee, an HBASC Director, an appointee to the HBA Charitable Foundation Board, and a participant in the most recent Membership Drive.  George is a member of the Finance Task Force, Disaster Relief Team, Builder/REALTOR Joint Legislative Committee, Land Development Council and the Sales & Marketing Council.  He has also served as President of the Kershaw County Chapter of the HBA.  George also is serving on the Richland County Land Development Code Roundtable responsible for rewriting land development codes.

    His family moved to Pontiac, SC from Whittier, CA when he was only one year old, and he has lived there ever since.  George attended Spring Valley High School and then started in trim work with his father.  He found steady work with Carl Brazell, a homebuilder in Elgin, who encouraged him to build his first spec home.  In 1987, George founded Delk Homes, Inc. of which he is currently owner and president.  He and his wife Cathy have 2 children, Adam and Aubrey, and are members of Spring Valley Baptist Church.

    The Home Builders Association also gives an award for Associate Member of the Year.  This award, named after William H. “Billy” Peters, recognizes a member who represents the association in an outstanding manner in the business community, and who devotes tireless service to the improvement of the association.  This year’s recipient of the William H. Peters Award recognizing Associate Member of the Year is Mark Bostic of Square One Design Service.  Mark has been a member of the HBA since 1991.  He is a member and past Chairman of the Sales & Marketing Council and the Columbia Remodelers.  He is also a founding member of the Green Building Council and is serving as the first Chairman of the group, making him the only member to serve as Chairman of three HBA councils.  This year Mark served on the HBA Board of Directors as Green Building Council Chairman, exhibited in both home shows presented by the HBA, and participated in the HBA Membership Drive.  He is an active member who attends most HBA and council meetings, the state convention and Builders Day at the Capitol.

    The Gordon A. Harrison Award is given each year to an outstanding home builder in the spirit of the man it is named after.  Harrison is remembered for his high personal character and integrity, and his commitment to helping others.  This year’s recipient of the Gordon A. Harrison Award is Michael T. Lowman of Mike Lowman Homes, Inc.  Mike has been a member of the HBA since 1995.  He is the Immediate Past President of the Home Builders Association and also serves as a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Director and as an HBA of SC Director and Chairman of the HBASC Codes Committee.  Mike is a member of the Joint Builder/REALTOR Legislative Committee and he is a Gold Hammer Club Member of the SC Builders PAC.  In 2006 Mike received three REGAL Awards including the James Georgaklis Builder Executive of the Year award.  He teaches Certified Sales Professional (CSP) courses for the Sales & Marketing Council, hosts ABCs of Building classes, and participates in charitable activities benefiting St. Lawrence Place. In addition, he is a partner in the HBA Builders Care Home at Aldersgate.

    The association also awarded Essex Homes, SE as Corporate Member of the Year.  Essex Homes, SE employs over 70 people and has 30 Builder, Associate, Affiliate and Council memberships in the HBA.  These 30 members have taken an active role in the association by serving on committees, participating and leading councils and by being active throughout all levels of the association.  Essex Homes, SE not only participates in many HBA events and functions, they also make many of them possible through sponsorship including the SC Builders PAC Golf Tournament and HBA Golf Classic.  Essex Homes, SE is also a major contributor to the HBA Legal Action Fund.  We are proud to name them the Corporate Member of the Year.

    The Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia would like to commend the award winners on their hard work throughout the year.  They have not only served the home building industry well, but the Columbia community and the entire state have benefited from their dedication and work.

     

     

     

     

    HBA of GREATER COLUMBIA MASTER BUILDERS

    The Home Builders Association of South Carolina began the Certified Master Builder Designation program in 2005.  The Master Builder designation is assurance that the builder has a level of professionalism together with the knowledge and skill to meet customer expectations and ensure homeowner satisfaction.

    Certified Master Builders must complete rigorous training and education requirements, satisfy specific licensing and insurance requirements, have completed at least three major construction projects in the past two years, and are recommended by their peers.

    Nine members of the HBA of Greater Columbia are currently Certified Master Builders: 

    Carl Berry, B & B Master Builders, Inc.

    Keith Berry, B & B Master Builders, Inc.

    Thom Chumney, Mungo Construction, LLC

    Chris Condon, Mungo Homes, Inc.  

    Kay Evans, Treasury of Homes Builders, Inc.

    James G. Graves, Colony Builders of Carolina

    Steve Kimmett, Benchmark Builders, LLC

    Ken King, P & K Construction, Inc.

    Steven Mungo, Mungo Homes, Inc.

    Tony Thompson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, Remodeling Services Unlimited  

    Although South Carolina has one of the most rigorous licensing requirements in the country, the Home Builders Association of South Carolina has begun this program to allow builders to go up even higher.

    “This program is good for our builders,” says A.P. Neal, Master Builder Committee Chairman, “but it is even better news for consumers.”  Neal says only twenty states require a person to take a written test to be licensed.  “Although we are one of those states, we have felt we could do even better.”

    Congratulations to these members on their accomplishment.  We hope to see more Master Builders in our ranks soon. 

    For more information on the Master Builder program, please contact Mark Nix at the HBA of SC at (803) 771-7408. Click here to see the complete list of SC Master Builders.

     

     

     

     

    Quarterly Economic E-newsletter

    Another new feature this year is our Economic E-newsletter that we compile and send to members every quarter.  See the current edition below.  Advertising is available in this e-newsletter.  Click here for information.

    See the latest issue here (February 2009)

     

     

     


       

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