(EDITOR'S NOTE: Throughout the year, various OSHBA meetings have provided important information for our membership. In a look back, and to the future, we share news vital to you.)
Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma— Norman building permits are up 8 from 2013, with year-to-date permits totaling 326.
Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa— Housing starts reported for the Tulsa metro area September year-to-date totaled 2,149 and included starts reported for Claremore and Rogers County.
Bartlesville Home Builders Association — Bartlesville's EO said the builders are staying busy, and there seems to be quite a bit of activity in the area. They continue to meet the first Tuesday of each month at Sterling's Restaurant to discuss any topic that anyone wants to talk about.
Ardmore Home Builders Association — Housing prices in the Ardmore area are up and the real estate market remains strong. New restaurants and hotels are under construction with a TJ Max and Chick Fil A scheduled to open, along with renovation of the Mountain View Mall. Building activity in area communities of Lone Grove and Plainview remains strong with more land available for future development, although infrastructure issues remain to be resolved. The City of Ardmore is in a landlocked situation and future development is stymied.
Stillwater HBA reports the association always battles much of the home building occurring outside the city limits, and outside code restrictions, which also skews the permit numbers. Stillwater's permits are down 30 percent over last year, with only two permits let in July, for example. And of this, 22 housing starts were outside the city limits. Hats off to past president Kent Bradley, who is a newly elected county commissioner.
Southwest Oklahoma Home Builders Association — Construction is projected to decline 10 percent for the year, which is attributed to cutbacks at Fort Sill because of military budget sequestration. There has been one building per month since May and a projected number of less than 40 for 2014. Last year's permits total 50-60 new homes. Many builders are getting out of the business due to over-inventory and lack of available financing. Inventory levels are high in Lawton. It is the slowest since the early 80s and the most difficulty environment in which to sell a home in 30 years. "Times are tough down here."
Enid HBA reports building permits are up, but there is still a shortage of residential properties. Many out-of-city builders are arriving on the scene.
