Parade to Open June 7; Featuring New Home Styles, $10,000 Automation Giveaway

The 23rd annual Parade of Homes, June 7-15, is a great event for anyone that is looking to gain ideas for their current home, or looking to buy or build a new home.  This year’s Parade features new homes, remodeled projects and a business remodel.
“Parade homes of all styles and price ranges can be seen throughout Kalamazoo County,” says Scott DeLoof, president of the HBA. “This year we are taking on the theme of energy efficiency, many of the homes will be highlighting its energy efficient features. Consumers Energy is our Luminary Sponsor, they are partnering with us to educate as many people as possible about how they can save money by having an energy efficient home.”
Homes in the Parade range from $150,000 to more than $900,000; some are custom homes, but many are currently for sale. Builders and their representatives are on-site to speak with visitors and answer questions. This year’s Parade is featuring a wide variety of exciting features from breathtaking lake homes to theater rooms, an indoor workout pool, wine rooms and much more. This is the perfect event to find improvement concepts for your home.
“Parade visitors will have a chance to win an amazing prize this year,” says DeLoof. “A $10,000 Control4 home automation system, provided by Integrated Smart Technologies, could be won by entering at any or all Parade Homes visited on the tour.” You must be 18 or older to enter.
The Parade will operate Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m, Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m, Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m, and some homes are open Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.  Please note that homes in the Remodel category are open June 13-15 only.
Admission is $12.00 per ticket and children 12 and under will be admitted free.  Tickets can also be purchased in advance for $10 at any Kalamazoo area Lake Michigan Credit Union location. All tickets include dining deals from local restaurants including: Asiago’s Bakery & Deli, Epic Bistro, Fieldstone Grill, Martell’s, The Union and Central City Tap House.
The Parade of Homes is an official event of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo and is sponsored by Consumer Energy, WKZO and WVFM, MLive Group, Integrated Smart Technologies and Lake Michigan Credit Union.  

Dr. Tim Fischell Speaks to HBA About Fitness, Diet

Dr. Tim Fischell, left, autographs a copy of his book for Sean Willis as Dale Shugars looks on. Fischell spoke at the HBA’s general membership meeting in April. He spoke about the importance of fitness and diet as part of a person’s overall health.

Dr. Tim A. Fischell, M.D., was welcomed as guest speaker at the Home Builders Association’s general monthly meeting, April 9, at the WMU Fetzer Center. He spoke about his published book Burn Calories While You Sleep, Change Your Metabolism and Be Thin, Fit, Healthy and Live Longer. Dr. Fischell lives in Kalamazoo and is currently affiliated with Borgess Health System.
He emphasized on the obesity epidemic in America and how we need to change the way we think about eating. “First you need to understand why you’re gaining weight.” He joked about how “salads aren’t healthy with eight ounces of fatty dressing on them,” he said.
He gives 10 key rules about food and eating. Number one: “If you are not hungry, don’t eat!” Most of what he talks about is just common sense. We have all been told not to eat if we are not hungry, but as he also said “our parents always said, clean your plate or you’ll get no dessert.”
Which leads into his rule number two: “When you’re full, you’re done!” He shared his secret recipe for half-the-calorie French fries: “Take half your French fries and throw them away!” And number three: “Dessert is not a reward for breaking Rule 2.”
In his book, he also has a few simple tips about food and eating. In closing he closing he said “Teach this to your children, this is how we stop the obesity epidemic in this country!”
Dr. Fischell also noted that a person’s metabolism slows down as he or she becomes older because we lose muscle mass as we age. He recommends adding activities into your fitness routine that will add muscle mass.

Mike Holmes Returns to Kalamazoo to Thrill Expo Audiences with ‘Right’ Message

Bill Signed Into Law, House Bill 4134

House Bill 4134, sponsored by State Rep. (and Home Builders member) Margaret O’Brien was signed into law recently by the governor to become Public Act 494. The bill reduces the non-homestead taxes on an inventory or “spec” home for builders. Present for the signing of the law were, from left to right Dawn Crandall, from the state association, Margaret O’Brien, Gov. Rick Snyder, State Rep. Marilyn Lane and Dale Shugars, from the local association.

Jennings Shares His ‘Be Great’ Message to Home Expo Audience on March 8

  

Potential Customers Flock to Home Expo

David Brown of Stay Dry Basements talks with a potential customer at the 2013 Home Expo. Many exhibitors report good response in obtaining quality leads from the expo. Approximately 15,600 guests and vendors attended this year’s expo at the former Sam’s Club in Portage. There were 216 exhibitors covering nearly 100,000 square feet of floor space at the event.

NFL Star Greg Jennings at the Home Expo

Kalamazoo Home Expo Packed with Excitement, New Events

His message of “making it right” back to Kalamazoo on Saturday, March 9, to the Kalamazoo Home Expo for two performances.
Holmes exposes shoddy workmanship by contractors on his television show and fixes the problems to show viewers how to avoid costly mistakes that can affect their life’s biggest investment and family’s safety. Holmes will make two appearances at the Home Expo on Saturday – at 11 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are still available at www.KalamazooHomeExpo.com.
In addition to Holmes’ performances on Saturday, the Kalamazoo Home Expo will feature two new events for the 2013 event.
Professional football player Greg Jennings will speak on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. about dedication and commitment to your goals to achieve greatness. Jennings played football locally at Kalamazoo Central and Western Michigan University before becoming a sensation with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.
The SPCA of Kalamazoo will host “Happy Homes, Happy Pets” event on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be opportunities to learn from pet industry experts about caring for your pets and keeping them healthy and happy.

Housing Outlook Continues to Brighten but Recovery Still Faces Headwinds

 is expected to pick up momentum in 2013 but headwinds along a number of fronts could impede the pace of the recovery, according to economists speaking at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas last week.
“Nearly every measure of housing market strength – sales, starts, prices, permits and builder confidence – has been trending upward in recent months and we expect to see gradual but steady growth along these lines in 2013,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.
In particular, Crowe said that house prices are up nearly 6 percent on an annualized rate over the past 10 months, and that “this has been a trigger for demand to return. People feel comfortable if they buy a house that it will appreciate, not depreciate, in value.”
Other factors that bode well for the housing outlook include low mortgage rates, strong housing affordability, rising household formations and the fact that two-thirds of U.S. housing markets can now be considered improving, according to the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index.
For the past five quarters, housing has acted as a net contributor to the economy, steadily increasing its share to 12.8 percent of economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2012.
However, Crowe cautioned that builders continue to face several challenges, including stubbornly tight mortgage lending conditions, inaccurate appraisals, rising materials prices and a declining inventory of buildable lots.
Moreover, continuing gridlock in Washington over how much more fiscal tightening is needed to stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio, along with calls by some policymakers for major changes to the mortgage interest deduction, threaten to negatively impact consumer confidence and future housing demand.
Setting the 2000-2003 period as baseline benchmark for normal housing activity, Crowe reported that residential remodeling has returned to previously normal levels and that remodeling activity is expected to post a 2.4 percent increase in 2013 over last year.
Meanwhile, multifamily production, which has posted a 273 percent gain from its fourth quarter trough of 82,000 units in 2009 to 306,000 units in the final quarter of 2012, is expected to reach what is considered a normal level of production by 2014.
The single-family market, which has the farthest to go, was running at 44 percent of normal production in the fourth quarter of 2012. Single-family starts are expected to steadily rise to 52 percent of what is considered a typical market by the fourth quarter of this year and 70 percent of normal by the fourth quarter of 2014.
NAHB is forecasting 949,000 total housing starts in 2013, up 21.5 percent from 781,000 units last year.
Single-family starts are anticipated to rise 22 percent from 535,000 last year to 650,000 in 2013, Crowe said. They are expected to jump an additional 30 percent in 2014 to 844,000 units.
On the multifamily side, NAHB is anticipating that starts will increase 22 percent from 246,000 units last year to 299,000 in 2013, and rise an additional 6 percent to 317,000 units in 2014.
Housing to Lead the Economy in 2013
Echoing many of the same concerns cited by Crowe regarding the spending and budget impasse in Washington, David Berson, senior vice president and chief economist at Nationwide Insurance, said it is still too soon to completely rule out the chance that a policy stalemate will lead to an economic downturn.
However, he said a more likely scenario is that the Administration and congressional Republicans will likely reach some type of agreement that addresses the pending deadlines concerning the debt ceiling, sequestration and continued funding for the federal government.

Berson projected GDP growth of 2 to 2.5 percent this year, with slower first quarter growth in response to the unresolved spending issues before the economy picks up modestly as the year progresses. If the full spending sequester is triggered and $85 billion in defense and non-defense cuts is implemented this year, then 2013 growth could fall to 1 to 2 percent.
If a relatively positive outcome occurs on the spending debates in Washington, Berson said this will pave the way for the housing and auto industries to lead the economy in 2013. Low mortgage rates, steady job growth, stronger household formations and widespread house price gains over the past year are all positive for home sales.
At the same time, in places where buyers are ready to go forward with a purchase, persistently tight mortgage credit standards continue to limit the number of creditworthy borrowers from entering the housing market, he said.
“The problem is mortgage lending standards are way too tight,” he said. “If we were at a scale of nine or 10 in 2005-2006, we are at a two today. We want to be around a five.”
Moreover, Berson noted that several federal agencies will be releasing final rules later this year on a national qualified residential mortgage standard that could further restrict mortgage lending.
Low Mortgage Rates
Drive Housing Demand
Qualified buyers who gain access to credit will find affordable home loans, according to Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac. He said that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages will stay below 4 percent through the end of 2013.
The refinance boom for single-family homes associated with low mortgage rates is expected to continue this year but gradually taper down. While overall mortgage originations are forecast to fall 15 percent in 2013, Nothaft said that home purchase originations will be trending higher, thanks to a projected 8 percent increase in home sales this year.
U.S. house prices increased 4 percent between September 2011 and September 2012, according to the Freddie Mac House Price Index, and this included price hikes in 42 states. By comparison, home price appreciation only occurred in a handful of states during 2010-2011.

Nationwide home prices are expected to rise 2 to 3 percent in 2013, added Nothaft. With the oversupply of vacant homes at their lowest level in a decade, this will further ease downward price pressure.

Rental vacancy declines have occurred in most markets since 2010 and U.S. apartment values are up about 8 percent over the past year. This has led to an increase in rental rates, but rents still remain relatively low adjusted for inflation, said Nothaft.

Nothaft forecast 930,000 housing starts for 2013 and Berson said starts could hit 980,000 this year.

Upton Talks at the HBA

U.S. Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), center, came to the Home Builders Association office in Kalamazoo on Dec. 14 to discuss what is going on in Washington with our members. Of particular interest with HBA members was discussion over the fiscal cliff. Upton told a group of 23 gathered at the meeting that the fiscal cliff is a great concern and he is concerned about the lack of effort from the president to prevent the country from going over the cliff.

Housing Starts Slip, Permits Rise In November

Following an above-trend rate of production in October, nationwide housing starts slipped 3.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 861,000 units in November, according to newly released data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, permits for new construction rose to their strongest level in more than four years, with a 3.6 percent gain to 899,000 units.
“Many builders have reported improving conditions in their local housing markets and are increasingly optimistic about the spring buying season, but they are being very careful not to get ahead of demand,” observed Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “Meanwhile, tight credit conditions are still the chief obstacle to a quicker recovery.”
“The starts report for November reflects a readjustment to a more sustainable level of production following significant gains in the previous two months,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “That said, starts in this quarter are still running well ahead of the third quarter, and we are on track for a projected 25 percent improvement in housing production for all of 2012. Moreover, the fact that issuance of building permits hit its fastest rate since July of 2008 in November is indicative of the continued, modest growth that we expect to see in new-home construction through 2013.”
Single-family housing starts declined 4.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 565,000 units in November, while multifamily starts edged down 1.0 percent, to 296,000 units.
Regionally, combined single- and multifamily starts activity was mixed in November. While the Midwest and South posted respective gains of 3.3 percent and 2.9 percent, the Northeast and West posted respective declines of 5.2 percent and 19.2 percent.
Permit issuance, which can be an indicator of future building activity, rose 3.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted, annual rate of 899,000 units in November. This was due to a 10.6 percent gain to 334,000 units on the multifamily side, as single-family permits held virtually unchanged for the month, at 565,000 units.
Permits rose in all but one region in November. Gains of 8.1 percent, 2.9 percent and 5.9 percent were registered in the Midwest, South and West, respectively, while a 6.2 percent decline was registered in the Northeast.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The President of the HBA!

Scott DeLoof - President of HBAGK

Scott DeLoof was installed as president of the Home Builders Association at the November general membership meeting at the Radisson in downtown Kalamazoo. DeLoof is one of the youngest presidents to ever serve in that capacity. DeLoof is the second in his family to be president of the HBA, just as outgoing President Dan Martz was.

He’s Back: Mike Holmes Returning to Kalamazoo for 2013 Home Expo

Mike Holmes, America’s most trusted contractor and host of Holmes on Homes® on HGTV, will appear at the Kalamazoo Home Expo on Saturday, March 9 2013, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo has announced.
Scott McGraw, the Home Expo director, said a contract for two appearances has been secured for the 2013 Home Expo. “We’re excited to be able to bring someone of Mike Holmes’ stature back to the area,” he said. “His appearance will help us promote the Home Expo throughout Southwest Michigan and significantly increase exposure of the event.”
Holmes appeared to sold-out audiences for two appearances at the 2011 Kalamazoo Home Expo.
“Mike was a huge hit two years ago and I think his popularity has just grown since then,” McGraw added.
Holmes is known for his tough criticism of shoddy workmanship. He promotes “make it right” in his television show by telling viewers to make sure contractors are licensed and insured.
He often points out that building codes are a “minimum” set of standards for a contractor to follow and insists that homeowners need to demand that all local permits are pulled before a job is begun.
The 2012 Home Expo featured 224 different companies exhibiting in nearly 100,000 square feet of the former Sam’s Club behind Crossroads Mall in Portage. Exhibit spaces for the Home Expo are reserved on a first-come, first served basis. McGraw said the exhibit space is selling fast as the 2013 Home Expo is more than 65 percent sold out already.

11.11.11 Veterans Day Rampathon

 On 11.11.11 volunteers from the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo (HBAGK) are gathering to build a ramp for a local veteran starting at 8 a.m. until completion. Volunteers will construct their 20^th ramp and second Veterans Day ramp, this year for Vietnam Veteran, Michael Alford.   

Michael is a Vietnam veteran that has recently had a knee replacement and is legally blind after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving. Michael is currently a member of the Comstock VFW and serves as the Surgeon General and belongs to the Disabled American Veterans and Marine Core League.

Michael and his wife Nancy love to spend time with their grandchildren, watch the game show network and attend Victory Baptist Church in Portage. They say that they are excited to go outside safely and enjoy themselves.

“This is such a blessing”, says Nancy Alford. We have been through a streak of bad times and we are so greatful for the volunteers building this ramp.”

“This is second time HBA volunteers have built a ramp for a veteran,” says Troy McClure, HBAGK’s Community Projects Chairman. “The Rampathon is my favorite project that I do with the HBA and I am excited to give back to a Vietnam Veteran that has sacrificed so much for this country.”

2011 Fall Parade of Homes

We just completed the second week of the Fall Parade of Homes and we have been getting great responses from the community and builders. One of the homes that has received a lot of attention from visitors is the Home Built by Great Lakes Contractors on the beach in South Haven,  Michigan. In the first two weekends hundreds of visitors toured the one of kind home with a priceless view of lake Michigan.








The home is an award-winning design by Wayne Visbeen priced at $2.35 million with three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

   Perched right on the beach like non other, the Lake Michigan waterfront property with private frontage boasts sweeping panoramic views of the pier and lighthouse as well as amazing sunset views. Furnished 

with a coastal feel throughout, this beach house presents a beautiful kitchen with Viking appliances and offers quartz countertops throughout. The home is for sale! If you are interested in seeing this truly unique home come out and check it out during the last week of the parade, Friday, Oct. 21, 4-8 and Saturday, Oct. 22, 1-8. Tickets are available at the home 758 Monroe Blvd, South Haven, MI. 

A Successful 19th Annual Fast Built

19th Annual Fast Built Committee Members 
and the new home buyer! 


7:50 am on Thursday Sept 15th right before the project begins 

19th Annual Fast Built Project

    For 19 years, Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity (KVHH) and the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo (HBAGK) have worked in partnership with a local family to build the annual Fast Built house.  In 2010, the Fast Built Project took a new twist. Volunteer members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo built a portion of the Kalamazoo Regional Public Safety Training Facility on Nazareth Road.  They built four training building within a large pole barn. The buildings will be used by fire and police departments across Kalamazoo County for training. 

For the 19th Annual Fast Built Project HBAGK will be going back to collaborating with the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity (KVHH) to build a house for an extremely deserving mother. The the house will give her a safe and comfortable place for her to live with her two children. The home buyer has been dedicating lots of her time and energy along side of the HBAGK and KVHH to prepare everything for her home to be built. 

The Fast Built Project will take place on Sept. 15th from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 16th from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. off of Virginia Ave. During the 18 hours crews will be on site volunteers will fully build her home. The home will be move in ready after everything full dries in the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 16th. 

We are a week and a day away from the project, the home buyer along with other volunteers are helping prepare for the day of the build by painting all the interior doors, staining trim, and painting the window trim. The home buyer has chosen a beautiful chocolate brown for the trim that will go throughout her house.