Brandon Perkins
How many of you have ever said, or heard it said, "NAHB does not help my business?"
Well, I heartily disagree. I want to share with you a few things that have happened lately. Today, let's look at the bottom line of the ledger on NAHB's advocacy efforts and how they have saved builders money. I will let you be the judge.
Of course, membership in NAHB is about a lot more than just dollars and cents. It's about networking, industry-specific education and a world-class research center. It is difficult to put a dollar value on benefits like that.
But, you can put a dollar value on advocacy. And by advocacy I am talking about a voice for us on Capitol Hill. The dollar value is a number, and it is a big number.
$5.7 Billion. Yes, that's billion with a capital B.
NAHB's advocacy efforts in 2011 on the Hill and with regulatory agencies will provide members with $5.7 Billion in either reduced costs or increased revenues this year. The savings fall into 8 broad categories, but I am going to highlight just 3:
Restoration of Higher FHA Loan Limits
I'll begin with reinstatement of FHA loan limits. This represents the largest share of savings for builders -- $1.9 billion. In late 2011, Congress allowed higher FHA loan limits that were in effect in 2010 and 2011 to expire. Later, after an intense campaign by NAHB, the higher FHA loan limits were reinstated.
Home builders would have lost more than 6,000 new home sales this year if the higher loan limits had not been reinstated.In all, NAHB's action on the FHA loan limits saved builders just over $1.9 billion.
Environmental Protection Agency
The next largest savings - $1.4 billion - are due to NAHB's actions related to regulations and requirements imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Following regulatory and legal challenges by NAHB, the Environmental Protection Agency admitted that the government did not have sufficient data to support a numeric limit for stormwater discharges. EPA then withdrew its proposed effluent limitation guidelines, an action that will save builders $1.2 billion this year.
A different EPA action affecting remodeling will save $240 million this year.
EPA required a third-party test for lead to be conducted following professional remodeling of homes built before 1978.
NAHB argued that EPA had already imposed a regulation that all professional remodelers must be trained in lead abatement procedures, so the "swipe test" requirement was unnecessary.
Tax Code
The expanded 1099 reporting requirement in the tax code would have required companies to file a 1099 form for every corporate purchase over $600. NAHB strongly objected to the reporting requirement, and it was removed, saving members $140 million.
Conclusion
There's no question that $5.7 billion is a very impressive number. But that really is just a fraction of the value that NAHB provides.Members tell us time and again that the three things they value most from NAHB are advocacy, education and networking opportunities.From the 20 Clubs to informal contacts with fellow members at local and state events and the IBS, NAHB provides superb networking opportunities.
And I think we all know the value of calling the EO at our local or state association - or talking to staff in Washington - to get answers to the questions that keep us awake at night.
The bottom line is that NAHB membership is the best possible investment you can make in your business and your future.You can't argue with the return on your membership investment. At every level - from the local HBA to the state HBA to NAHB headquarters in Washington - helping members stay in business and thrive is our top priority. Your 80-person Advocacy staff at NAHB includes lobbyists, lawyers, regulatory professionals, economists and public affairs specialists delivering value on your member dollars every day, every hour.
The $150 of your membership dues that goes to NAHB buys you $5.7 billion.
That's a good return on your investment.
Thank you for all you do for the industry. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Your 2012 President,
Brandon Perkins
Capitol Visit - an important MEMBER event!
Later this month, on March 28th we will be holding our annual State Capitol Day for Homebuilders. This is the first time we are separating the event from the Spring Board of Directors.
This event is open for any member that wants to participate.
We will begin the day at 8:30 am at the new COHBA Event Center. We will have a briefing and some talking points for you to go to the Capitol.
You will travel to the Capitol, meet with your elected officials, and then we will reconvene at COHBA for a debriefing session and a light lunch.
Please RSVP to us at OSHBA if you plan to go. You can call us at (405)843-5579 or email me at mikem@oshba.org. We urge you to participate in the American process.
Spring Board of Directors - April 5th
On Thursday, April 5th, the Oklahoma State HBA will be holding its Spring Board of Directors meeting. There will be a few committee meetings that morning (schedule to be determined) and the Board meeting will begin at 11:45 am. As usual, this will be a working lunch meeting. Board packets will be emailed to you in the next couple of weeks. (If you must have paper, please print them as they will not be provided at the board meeting.) We will display some of the necessary, but not all, information on the screens. (IPads and tablets are welcome!)
