Springfield Business Journal: Signs of Hope: Statistics suggest local economy is on the brink of a rebound

The December 21 issue of Springfield Business Journal got out its crystal ball to see where the most compelling signs of hope are for the local economy in 2010. Among the keys to the whole ecomomic development picture will be a recovering housing and home building market. Matt Morrow, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, was among those interviewed for the story.

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Signs of Hope: Statistics suggest local economy is on the brink of a rebound

by Jennifer Muzinic - Reporter, Springfield Business Journal

Recent statistics from national entities, including the Federal Reserve and the National Retail Federation, seem to point toward a light at the end of this long recession tunnel. Local indicators suggest Springfield's economy is on the mend, too.

"A lot of the things I look for are employment figures," said David Mitchell, associate professor of economics and director of the Bureau of Economic Research at Missouri State University, adding that recent employment numbers in Springfield are improving.

READ MORE AT SBJ.net

Guaranty Title Owners Indicted

November 19, 2009

Springfield News-Leader: Guaranty Title owners indicted

Former Nixa business accused of more than $2.6 million in fraud.

Tara Muck

News-Leader

Owners of a now-defunct Christian County title company have been indicted on federal charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, according to a news release by U.S. Attorney Matt J. Whitworth.

The 19-count federal indictment handed down Tuesday accuses former Nixa-based Guaranty Title Co. owners Richard G. "Rick" Burton, 59, of Nixa, and Kathy Cyrena Allen, also known as Kathy Stanton, 66, of Sarcoxie, of conspiring to defraud financial institutions of more than $2.6 million through a series of illegal financial transfers related to stolen escrow payments.

The owners first came under scrutiny in June 2007 after Springfield-based Great Southern Bank, where the title company held 15 escrow accounts, froze the bank accounts because of insufficient funds. On that same day, Guaranty notified its underwriter, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance -- now LandAmerica Financial Group -- that there was a shortage in its escrow accounts.

The next day, the company abruptly shut down.

A week later, Commonwealth filed a lawsuit in Christian County Circuit Court seeking injunctions against Guaranty and its officers.

Guaranty Title was an agency that issued title insurance polices on behalf of Commonwealth and provided escrow services in real estate transactions. The title company under indictment is not connected to Guaranty Bank, which has nine locations in Springfield, Nixa and Ozark.

In the court affidavit filed with the suit, Kevin Hickey, senior auditor for LandAmerica, said Guaranty was short $4.5 million on its books.

He also wrote that co-owner Stanton "admitted in front of me and other witnesses, a scheme of inappropriately commingling and transferring funds between and among different banks and multiple accounts to replenish shortages and to also mask shortages."

The case continues in Christian County Circuit Court. Messages left Wednesday at LandAmerica for comment were not returned.

In December 2007, the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration filed a complaint before the Administrative Hearing Commission alleging that Guaranty and its owners violated state laws.

Don Ledford, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office, said Wednesday the department of insurance contributed to the investigation but he couldn't provide specifics of the investigation beyond the federal indictment.

According to that indictment, Burton and Stanton are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

They're also charged with six counts of wire fraud related to wire transfers of escrow funds from financial institutions into Guaranty's main escrow bank account.

The two are alleged to have committed wire fraud from May 12, 2005, to June 18, 2007, by defrauding "mortgage companies and individual customers of escrow money which had been wired to Guaranty to pay real estate closing costs."

In May 2005, Burton and Stanton allegedly began taking a portion of the escrow money that had been transferred to escrow accounts -- causing $2.04 million of stolen escrow funds to be deposited into the firm's business operations account and used the money for day-to-day business operations, the indictment said.

The two then allegedly instructed Guaranty's in-house bookkeeper to record deposits of stolen escrow money into Guaranty's business operations account as loans from Stanton or from a fictitious company called "K & S Investments."

Burton and Stanton are also charged with five counts of bank fraud relating to financial transactions that occurred as part of a check-kiting scheme.

According to the indictment, the two allegedly committed bank fraud from April 1, 2007, to June 18, 2007.

Burton and Stanton are thought to have concealed shortages in Guaranty's main escrow account by writing and depositing checks between various accounts held by Guaranty at Great Southern Bank and Ozark Mountain Bank that did not contain sufficient funds to cover the checks.

The scheme caused Ozark Mountain Bank to lose $682,954.

The two are also charged with five counts of money laundering related to financial transactions of wire fraud proceeds.

The indictment alleges Burton and Stanton conspired to commit money laundering from May 12, 2005, to June 18, 2007, by conducting "financial transactions that involved proceeds of the wire fraud and bank fraud conspiracies, in order to promote that criminal activity and to conceal the source of the proceeds of the unlawful activity."

Ledford said this type of fraud wasn't unusual.

"We have had some significant mortgage fraud cases that involved title companies and employees that worked with title companies and were involved with mortgage fraud schemes," Ledford said, adding that many of those cases are in the Kansas City area.

Matt Morrow, executive director of the Home Builders Association of Springfield, said he hasn't been aware of this type of a scheme happening in the area during his nine-year stint with the Springfield HBA.

"Thankfully there aren't that many other incidents like that (in the Springfield area)," Morrow said. "But once is too many."

Ledford said, to his knowledge, Burton and Stanton have not been arrested or appeared in court as of Wednesday.

News-Leader: 'Increase in spending on home building spurs hopes'

On Tuesday, November 3, the Springfield News-Leader ran a front-page headline and story signalling the beginning signs of recovery in the home building industry. The 1A news article follows, or, to read the story directly from the News-Leader site, click here.

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November 3, 2009

Martin Crutsinger

News-Leader

Washington -- Construction spending in September posted a better-than-expected performance, powered by the largest jump in housing construction in more than six years.

The advance spurred hope that the battered housing sector is starting to turn around and will provide support for the overall economy as it struggles to emerge from the worst recession since the 1930s.

The Commerce Department said Monday that total construction spending was up 0.8 percent in September, much better than the 0.3 percent drop that analysts had forecast.

The August performance was revised down to show a 0.1 percent drop rather the 0.8 percent gain first reported.

The overall increase reflected a 3.9 percent rise in spending on residential construction, the biggest jump in housing activity since July 2003. Economists believe that this sector is starting to rebound and should help support an economic recovery.

Locally, builders say housing starts have picked up. But the bigger news is the shrinking inventory of new homes.

Matt Morrow, chief executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, said there could be a shortage of new homes in the area by first quarter 2010, "and that means we'll have to be building some homes pretty quick."

Builder Rusty MacLachlan, president of the Springfield HBA, said the recovery has been slow, "but it is getting better."

MacLachlan said local builders "responded appropriately" to the housing downturn -- "they stopped building."

Combined with a below-normal but "good sales pace all things considered," the inventory of new homes in the area could reach a point soon where new inventory is needed.

MacLachlan, who sits on the board of directors for the national association of homebuilders, is optimistic the industry is on the mend. But there's still reason to be cautious. As construction fell off across the country, building material suppliers cut production, as well.

"If demand returns too quickly, then we're in a position of material shortages," which could drive up prices, he said. "It's a fine line we're walking on the recovery here. We want it to happen, but if it happens too quickly we'll hurt ourselves."

He also expects construction, when it picks back up, to be more conservative.

"I think people are getting a little more realistic about what they need in a house," MacLachlan said. "I think there was a trend for a little while where everybody wanted a little more."

Buyers still want nice amenities, but they're backing off of "too big," he said.

Green building, too, may be more common -- when it's affordable and cost-effective.

"If there's a payoff to going green, I think people want to do it," he said.

Another worry on the national front is that a big part of the activity in recent months may have reflected a rush by builders to start projects that could qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000 offered by the government to first time home buyers.

That tax credit is due to expire on Nov. 30 although a group of senators last week agreed to extend the tax credit for potential buyers who have sales agreements signed by the end of April. Those buyers would have until the end of June to close on their new homes.

The housing industry has lobbied for the extension, arguing that without this support the tentative rebound that is now occurring in housing could be derailed.

MacLachlan said he thinks the extension, as well as another plan being considered that would offer somewhat smaller tax credits to existing homeowners looking for an upgrade, will help.

"I think that will push some people along to go ahead and buy that next house," he said.

News-Leader Editorial: 'Home building news cause for joy'

Following Tuesday's page 1A news story on signs of life in the building industry, the Springfield News-Leader editorialized Wednesday on what great news that would be for the community and local economy. The editorial follows below, or can be read directly on the News-Leader site by clicking here.

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Our Voice

November 4, 2009

Experts say the growth rate can be foundation for future prosperity.

For now, it's just a ray of optimism for home builders.

But it's a bright ray.

Battered by sour economic news month after recent month, a headline Monday could be a harbinger of better days on the horizon.

"Increase in spending on home building spurs hope" were the words atop a 1A News-Leader story Tuesday.

It told how the U.S. Commerce Department is reporting that September showed the biggest increase in private residential building in six years.

Of course, no one's anywhere close to declaring an end to lean times. But the latest numbers have spurred a positive buzz that the housing market is rebounding.

It's sunny in the Ozarks this week, with temperatures approaching balminess. It's a good time for a reprieve from the bleak and the dire.

Take a minute or two to bask in these latest numbers and allow yourself a rosy glance forward.

Economic experts say a return to health for the housing industry will support economic recovery overall.

Cautions about overreacting abound, but one thing is clear: this growth -- a 3.9 percent rise in residential construction -- was not expected. Analysts had been predicting an overall decline in total construction spending, which includes public building projects.

Locally, experts say an upturn could soon create demand for more new homes, because the current inventory has shrunken. These might be smaller homes, perhaps built with evolving, green technology, but at least a demand is predicted.

Builders in Greene and four other nearby southwest Missouri counties also received other soothing news recently.

A market research company -- reporting an analysis of census information, building permits, lot supply vs. demand, the historical rate of demands for new homes and other data -- concluded the Southwest Missouri housing market "is moving in a healthy direction."

Among the key factors noted: a projected 7 percent population growth over the next five years; a "relatively healthy employment picture"; and an economic resilience not enjoyed in other parts of the nation.

Builders had essentially stopped constructing homes due to the downturn. Deciding which kind to build as the market surges back is undoubtedly the kind of problem they'd be glad to tackle.

Hopefully, September wasn't an anomaly.

There's nothing like the sounds of industry -- hammers, nail guns, concrete trucks -- to complement another beautiful, fall day in the Ozarks.

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This editorial is the view of the News-Leader Editorial Board.

News-Leader: 'It's a good time to build'

On Monday, October 19, Springfield News-Leader reporter Cory de Vera had this report from the weekend HBA Home Remodeling Expo:

'It's a good time to build'

Remodeling expo attracts fewer,

but more serious patrons this year.

For Battlefield residents Judy and Jerry O'Dell, the Home Builders Association Home Remodeling Expo was the place to be over the weekend.

After living in their home 33 years, Judy O'Dell said she's ready for some upgrades.

"I'm looking at remodeling the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room," she said. "I'm wanting wood floors, granite tops. I'm wanting marble in my bathroom."

Matt Morrow, executive director of the HBA, estimated that this year's show at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds drew about 4,500 people Friday through Sunday, fewer than the 5,000 to 7,000 that the show has drawn in years past.

But, vendors told him, those who did come seemed to have definite plans for projects. In other years, the show may attract higher numbers of people who come for entertainment.

"They did say the show helps create a few jobs that will help get them through to the next construction season," Morrow said.

If the Remodeling Market Index is an accurate measure, business has been picking up from when the index hit a low point in December 2008.

The RMI is an economic indicator created by the National Association of Home Builders based on a survey that goes out every quarter to 2,000 remodelers around the country. The survey asks questions about the current demand for remodeling for projects under $25,000 and for projects over $25,000.

A second portion of the survey calculates an index number quantifying future expectations of remodelers, based on responses to questions about topics like their calls for bids and their backlog of work.

In December 2008, the index number measuring future expectations hit a low of 18.6, but that climbed to 30 after the first quarter of 2009 and to 34.2 after the second quarter. The index numbers reflecting actual contracts showed the same trend.

Still, those numbers are a far cry from when the indexes were over 50 in 2003 and 2004.

Morrow said anecdotally, he has heard that business for remodelers had been picking up locally, but there isn't an easy way to get hard data for the area.

"A lot of municipalities and most counties in this part of the state don't issue permits (because) they don't have building codes," said Morrow. "So you can't just go down to the courthouse and say, 'How many remodels have we had?' You can for a particular permitting jurisdiction that they happen to track, but you can't do it for all of southwest Missouri."

One trend Morrow has seen is that as demand for new construction has decreased, builders have moved into major remodeling projects instead.

That was true for builder Sam Bradley.

"Almost all the calls that I get have been for remodeling this year, up until about three or four weeks ago," Bradley said.

"Then just this last month I've had five calls for new homes. That's why I think new construction is coming back."

Springfield residents Gary and Tish Orrick came to the show because they are planning to build a new home, starting in the next 30 days.

"It's a good time to build," Gary Orrick said. "With the economy being bad, all of the subs and all of the people who furnish materials for you have lowered their prices."

Judy O'Dell, who was planning major remodeling, said she was spotting good deals, too.

Remodeling appeals to her more than buying a new home because she likes where she lives, she said. In the long run, she believes remodeling will cost less.

"And when you remodel you can do it one room at a time," she said. "You can save your money, do one room, rather than dishing out all the money at once. ... Nowadays with the economy, you have to save for each project."

Pearson Park Highlights Need to Block 'Cap and Trade' Legislation

HBA builder Richland Homes recently broke ground on the area's first 100% ENERGY STAR subdivision. Richland Homes president Brian Willaby has begun work on the first three homes in Pearson Park subdivision, which will require ENERGY STAR certification for all new homes as a part of the subdivision covenants.

Just when home building is showing signs of life (and as the free market is embracing energy efficiency and green building), the U.S. Senate prepares to take up the most restrictive environmental legislation in U.S. history. The controversial "Cap and Trade" bill passed this summer by the House of Representatives by all estimates would drive up the cost of utilities exponentially. The bill also includes costly and unnecessary code requirements for new construction nationwide. The ill-conceived legislation would place potential home buyers in a no-win situation: they can't afford to stay where they are, but they also can't afford to buy a newer, more efficient home.

With the nation's economy still reeling from economic recession with the housing industry virtually on life support, home builders, realtors and other housing advocates are urging Senators to reject the House bill.

In conjunction with the launch of Pearson Park, local news outlets drew the connection between the good intentions of government and the resulting negative impact on today's energy efficient home building options. KY3, KOLR, KSFX, KSPR and the Springfield News-Leader all covered the story. Part of that coverage is available to view and read below.

KY3: Builders worry cap and trade will stifle green growth

KOLR: HBA Builder Richland Homes Launches Area's First ENERGY STAR Subdivision

Springfield News-Leader:

Local Green Subdivision is First of Kind

Developer: Cap-and-trade would hamper project

Didi Tang

News-Leader

The first Energy Star subdivision of Greene County is under construction to demonstrate the feasibility of energy-efficient homes .

But such private, market-driven efforts will be in jeopardy if U.S. senators approve cap-and-trade rules to control carbon emission, said the developer of the 155-lot Pearson Park northeast of Springfield.

"To me, it's cap-and-tax," said Tom Barr, who has stipulated in the subdivision covenant that all homes at Pearson Park must be built to the federal Energy Star standards.

On Friday, Barr and his colleagues in the local building community showcased three energy- efficient homes being built at the 64-acre Pearson Park development.

They seized the opportunity to criticize the proposed cap-and-trade system, contending the new rules would not only hamstring consumers' financial ability to purchase energy-efficient homes but also make construction of such homes more expensive, putting them further out of the reach of American homeowners.

"The new regulations will paralyze the market," said Matt Morrow, executive director of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.

In his opening remarks, Morrow noted the residential home market -- after 22 months of continuing decline -- is finally showing signs of recovery and warned against any regulations that would put the industry back in a lull.

The cap-and-trade system, approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in June, is heading to the Senate this fall.

At the heart of the debate is the eventual cost to businesses and consumers.

On Friday, Morrow said the system has been estimated to raise an average family's utility expenses by more than $1,700 a year.

The cap-and-trade system also would place onerous regulations on construction of energy- efficient homes, making them less affordable, Morrow said.

Barr said market studies have shown homebuyers are willing to purchase energy- efficient homes if they can see tangible monetary savings.

He said green homes are more expensive to build and consumers are less likely to pay extra for some of the environmental benefits that come with a green home.

A green home not only is energy- efficient but also must meet certain standards in other environmental issues such as recycling and material sustainability, Barr said.

Brian Willaby of Richland Homes is the builder of the first three homes at Pearson Park, and Willaby has been working with local contractors and supplies to rein in costs .

An energy- efficient home doesn't necessarily cost more to build because the extra dollars spent on insulation, for example, can be offset by savings in the heating and air-conditioning system, Barr said.

One of the homes, estimated to use only 52 percent of the energy a standard house consumes and the most energy- efficient of the three, costs slightly more to build, Barr said.

Probably half a percent, said Willaby.

"It's a minute percentage," the builder said.

Final cost figures will be tallied when the homes are built, Barr said.

On a price-per-square-foot basis, the homes at Pearson Park will be comparable to non-Energy Star houses, Barr said.

One house, for example, has an asking price of $189,900 with about 1,800 square feet.

An Energy Star home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to the official Web site of the federal program.

These homes are at least 15 percent more energy- efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.

Springfield News-Leader: Local Contractors See More Projects

The Springfield News-Leader reported Tuesday (August 4) that construction spending is up nationwide. Specifically, spending on private residential construction is up, both nationwide and locally. HBA of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow is interviewed for the story, along with Springfield Contractors Association President Dave Robertson, commercial contractor Lowell Thomas (Rich Kramer Construction) and Missouri Department of Transportation spokesperson Bob Edwards.

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August 4, 2009

Local contractors see more projects

Rising construction spending part of national trend.

Didi Tang

dtang@news-leader

Construction spending nationally rose for the second time in three months fueled by increases in residential building and government-funded infrastructure projects.

The report provides evidence the housing sector may be recovering, while the rise in government spending was partly due to the Obama administration's $787 billion stimulus package, economists said.

The Commerce Department said Monday that construction spending increased by a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 0.3 percent in June, defying analysts' estimates of a 0.5 percent drop. May construction spending was revised up slightly to a 0.8 percent decline. Still, June's $965.7 billion in spending was 10.2 percent below the year-ago level.

In Springfield, contractors are beginning to see more projects up for bid, after the industry saw little activity in late 2008, said Lowell Thomas, who is in charge of sales and marketing at Rich Kramer Construction.

"There are some government-funded projects available," Thomas said. "And there is a pickup in locally-funded projects."

For example, area school districts and O'Reilly Auto Parts have recently sought bids for their building projects, Thomas said.

"I think people are more optimistic about the economy," Thomas said.

The federal stimulus plan has quickened many transportation and military projects in the area that had been scheduled for coming years, said Dave Robertson, president of Springfield Contractors Association.

The Missouri Department of Transportation, for example, expects to receive $525 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In southwest Missouri, about $66 million worth of road projects are slated for stimulus funding.

All the projects must be under contract by June 2010, said Bob Edwards, a MoDOT district spokesman.

One of the major projects is the widening of U.S. 65 to six lanes between Interstate 44 and U.S. 60 in Springfield, and it has been recently bid out for $26.9 million, Edwards said.

In addition to road projects, local contractors are seeing more projects from regional military bases, such as Fort Leonard Wood, Robertson said.

In Springfield, the AVCRAD facility for the Missouri Army National Guard has recently solicited bids for improvements, Robertson said.

For the first seven months of this year, the city of Springfield issued 3,952 permits, down from 4,980 for the January-July period of 2008, but the monthly gap appears to be closing.

In residential construction, the local market appears to follow the national trend, said Matt Morrow, executive director of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield.

After seeing 22 consecutive monthly drops in housing starts, Greene County issued more residential permits for both May and June than for the same months a year earlier, Morrow said.

"There are two straight increases," Morrow said. "That's a good sign."

SBJ: Home Builders Gear up for Green Showcase in August

In its July 20-27 issue, Springfield Business Journal reported that the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield will host a Green Product Showcase Night on August 18 at the Clarion Hotel. The article also shared the HBA will offer designation classes locally for people who wish to pursue their Certified Green Professional designation. Those courses will be offered September 9-11, 2009. Tuition charges apply. Registration is through the HBA of Greater Springfield's education coordinator, Carrie Smith.

The article appears in the July 20-26 print version of the Springfield Business Journal. You can access SBJ online by clicking here.

SBJ: Interview with Sam Clifton, 'Extreme' Builder

Springfield Business Journal this week interviewed Sam Clifton (Millstone Custom Homes) for its "5Q" segment. Clifton, a member of the HBA of Greater Springfield Board of Directors, recently completed a local build for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition television program. The interview explores the genesis and scope of the project, and Clifton shares his hopes of how the project could positively affect the community.

The interview appears in the July 20-26 print version of the Springfield Business Journal. You can access SBJ online by clicking here.

KSPR: Extreme Makeover Home Edition Reveal: TUESDAY Morning

KSPR 33 has run wall-to-wall coverage of the local build of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - a build led by HBA builder Sam Clifton, owner of Millstone Custom Homes. The big reveal for the local build will be Tuesday, July 21 (shooting starts at 10am - arrive early!). Two recent news stories highlight many of the exciting details for those who would like to take part in Tuesday's big event, including the roll-away of the EMHE bus and a free concert by Ashley Tisdale. Click on the videos below to view the news coverage. To view all the KSPR coverage throughout the EMHE build, click here.

KSPR: Extreme Makeover Home Edition Holds Volunteer Rally

KSPR 33 news reported Wednesday (6/8) on a pep rally and volunteer organization event in preparation for the July 14-21 local build for the popular ABC television show Extreme Makeover - Home Edition. Builder Sam Clifton (Millstone Custom Homes) will head up the project locally. Clifton is a member of the board of directors of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, Missouri. To learn more about the project, visit http://www.millstoneextremedream.com/

Click on the video below to watch, or if you are receiving this message in text format, click here to view the video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com.

Springfield News-Leader: Builders to team up for an 'Extreme Makeover'

Springfield News-Leader

July 1, 2009

Builders to team up for an 'Extreme Makeover'

Charity improvement project for ABC show to commence July 14.

Cliff Sain

News-Leader

Some lucky family is about to get a big surprise.

Springfield builders announced Tuesday that they will rebuild the home of a Springfield-area family for an episode of the TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

The home will be built in six days starting July 14. The show is scheduled to air in September.

The announcement was made by Millstone Custom Homes owner Sam Clifton, who is organizing the project. "The idea of doing this in our community is a neat task," Clifton said. "I wasn't sure how the community would respond."

That's because the network, ABC, provides no funding. The home has to be funded entirely from sponsors and donated labor and materials.

Prior to meeting with show producers the first time, he'd already secured 70 percent of the needed materials . "The other 30 percent, I just hadn't had a chance to ask yet," he said.

Matt Morrow, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, agreed that builders might be making a bigger sacrifice than usual. "As far as the economy, it couldn't be a more difficult time right now to take on a project like this," he said. "That speaks to the character of the people involved."

Charlie Meek, general manager of builders' supply store Meek's, said they were eager to participate because of experience with the show four years ago. "Our experience with Camp Barnabas was outstanding," Meek said.

He also said it would be good for Springfield.

"It's a great opportunity. It's a great time to showcase Springfield," he said.

The builders will focus on making the house green- friendly. No new materials will go to waste, and the builders will recycle everything they can that is removed from the home.

Clifton said he planned to use a type of insulation that would save the family on utility costs.

The family is a closely guarded secret. Burnell said five families -- all with children -- have been selected as finalists, and even the winning family will not know until the day the crews come by to begin work.

This year's show theme is "heroes."

"In some way, the family have been heroes in the community," she said.

Burnell said all five families live within 30 miles of Springfield. ABC informed her that the four families not chosen will be "adequately compensated" but did not go into any more detail.

The builders have to complete a project in six days that normally takes months. "Each day, we'll do a month's work," Clifton said.

He said that, because there will be so many workers on site, safety will always be a priority. And he acknowledged that luck could play a part in getting done in time.

"We obviously hope and pray for no rain," Clifton said.

Additional Facts

How to volunteer

The project will need hundreds of volunteers to do everything from labor to providing water for workers. For more information about volunteering as an individual, company or organization, visit www.millstoneextremedream.com.

Volunteers or those wishing to volunteer can also attend a volunteer rally at 4 p.m. July 8 at Remington's at Kansas Expressway and James River Freeway.

KSPR: ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition Hits the Ozarks

KSPR's Michelle Sherwood reports on Tuesday's announcement that the popular ABC network program Extreme Makeover - Home Edition will hit the Ozarks in July. Sam Clifton (Millstone Custom Homes) will be lead builder on the project. Clifton is a member of the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, Missouri.

Click on the video below to watch, or if you are receiving this message in text format, click here to view the video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com

Clifton Announces Local Build for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in KSPR Interviews

It’s official!! Millstone Custom Homes will build“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Locally

Special Southwest Missouri Family to Receive Dream Home

Millstone Custom Homes announced today it will join ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to build a home for a deserving family here in Southwest Missouri. On Tuesday July 14, 2009, the Millstone team will begin work and oversee an immense demolition and build project that will result in a new home constructed in only one week. Because five deserving Ozarks area families are now being considered for the project, information about the family and home location has yet to be released.

“We are honored and humbled to undertake this project,” says Sam Clifton, owner of Millstone. “When they first called, I thought they were kidding. But this is real. The families are real. And together with our community, this is a chance for all of us to make a big difference. We have been so blessed, and my family and I are thrilled to support a family that needs help in these difficult economic times.”

Clifton was interviewed Tuesday morning (June 30) live on KSPR 33's morning show. Below is video of the two live interviews:

KSPR: Clifton To Build Extreme Makeover Home Edition Project in SW MO (Part One)

KSPR: Clifton To Build Extreme Makeover Home Edition Project in SW MO (Part Two)

Clifton is a member of the board of directors of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. To learn more visit http://www.millstoneextremedream.com/

KY3: Non Paying Customers Put A Pinch on Construction Industry

Contact KY3's Cara Restelli reports on the impact of customers who refuse to pay their contractors for work completed. Story aired on KY3's 10pm news on Monday, June 28, 2009. Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow is among those interviewed for the story.

Click on the video below to watch, or if you are receiving this message in text format, click here to view the video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com

KSPR: Nixa Family Wins 2009 St. Jude Dream Home

KSPR 33 in Springfield held a two-hour telethon to give away the local 2009 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Dream Home. Kevin & Patricia Sutton, from Nixa, MO, won the home Sunday for just $100.

The Suttons' name was drawn from thousands of entries in the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. The giveaway raised $471,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The $375,000 home in the Lions Gate subdivision was built by the HBA Charitable Foundation and Sam Bradley Homes.

Watch the video story by clicking on it below. Or, if you are receiving this post in plain text format, click here to view it directly on SpringfieldHBA.com.

KY3 News: HBA Parade of Homes Offers Something for Everyone

KY3 reported Saturday on the HBA Parade of Homes, open through Sunday, June 28 until 6pm. Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow was asked for a synopsis of the HBA Parade and the current home building economy.

Click on the video below to watch, or if you are receiving this message in text format, click here to view the video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com

KOLR / KSFX: Housing May be on the Rebound Locally

HBA President Rusty MacLachlan and other leaders in the Springfield/Branson area housing industry have encouraging news about the local housing economy. Housing starts, sales, and average home prices have trended upward in recent weeks and months locally. KOLR 10 and KSFX 27 reported on the uptick in their June 18 newscasts. Jennifer Denman reports that consumers have a great opportunity to see some of the finest new homes in the area on the HBA Parade of Homes June 19-21 & June 26-28. Watch the video story by clicking on it below. Or, if you are receiving this post in plain text format, click here to view it directly on SpringfieldHBA.com.

For breaking news "tweets" on the local housing economy, follow Rusty MacLachlan on Twitter

KY3: Sale prices of homes rise, as do sales, in Springfield area

KY3's Ethan Forhetz reports that the Springfield housing market is showing signs of life and recovery. Both the average sales price and the overall number of closings taking place locally are on the rise. One reason why is the 2009 federal tax credit for first time home buyers. Greater Springfield Board of Realtors President Miles Noennig is interviewed and provides market insight in this story, which originally aired June 5, 2009. Click on the video below to watch. Or, if you are receiving this post in text format, click here to watch the story directly on SpringfieldHBA.com.

HBA Remodelors Council Offers Expert Advice via KY3.com to Consumers

KY3 and the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield are partnering on KY3's latest "Ask an Expert" offering. This latest venture offers blog-based expert advice from members of the HBA Remodelors Council on all your home improvement projects. HBA Remodelors Council Chair Andy Flint is interviewed by KY3's Cara Restelli in this June 9 TV news story introducing the program. Watch the story by clicking on the video below, or if you are receiving this post in text format, click here to view directly on SpringfieldHBA.com. Want to post a question for HBA remodelors or browse questions and answers already posted? Just click here to check it out.

KY3: Protect Yourself from Unexpected Liens Against Your Property

Homeowners should take protective steps to select professional contractors and obtain lien waivers on home improvement and construction projects. Contact KY3's Cara Restelli interviews Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow for helpful steps homeowners should take to avoid unexpected liens against their property.

Watch the video story by clicking on it below. Or, if you are receiving this post in plain text format, click here to view it directly on SpringfieldHBA.com.

KY3: Remodeled Springfield home features residential fire sprinkler system

**  View this news story video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com by clicking here  **

KY3's Cara Restelli reports on a 100-year-old home in center city Springfield that is being remodeled - and outfitted with a residential fire sprinkler system. Such systems are supported by fire safety advocates, but their cost can be prohibitive. While some advocate mandating such costly systems as a part of the building code, home builders and fire officials in Missouri have sought middle ground: educating consumers and allowing them the option of paying for the upgrade - or declining it.  

Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow and HBA Remodeler Jack Pugh (B's Rennaisance Renovations) are among those who were interviewed for the story.

When completed, the home will be featured among the entries on the 2009 HBA Parade of Homes, June 19-21 and June 26-28. 

View the news story below, or, if you are receiving this post via plain text newsfeed, you may view the video directly on SpringfieldHBA.com by clicking here.

SBJ: 2008 Shakes Up Real Estate Market Share

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Monday, March 16, 2009

2008 shakes up real estate market share

Springfield Business Journal Staff

Monday, March 16, 2009

Greene County's share of area new home construction showed a slight uptick in 2008 after a steady decline in recent years, according to a five-county study presented to the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield on Friday.

The real estate study covers Greene, Christian, Taney, Stone and Barry counties and was conducted by St. Louis-based Zanola Co. LLC. The firm began conducting market research for the HBA last fall and has committed to updating its data every four months. 

New home construction market shares were determined based on permits issued.

Greene County's share of new home construction in the five-county area in 2008 was up slightly at 39.6 percent from 38.9 percent in 2007, according to Zanola's most recent research. That's down considerably from about 61 percent in 2002. 

Christian County's market share was 24.8 percent, also up a hair from 23 percent in 2007 and up from 18 percent in 2002. Christian County saw a rapid increase between 2002 and 2005, but its share tapered off in 2006 and 2007.

Taney County lost a major slice of market share in 2008, ending the year at about 14 percent, compared to 23.3 percent in 2007. Taney County had consistent increases from 2002 to 2006 but began losing share in 2007.

Stone County saw the greatest increase in market share with 17.6 percent in 2008, compared to 11.9 percent the year before. That's also up from 8.9 percent in 2002.

Barry County ended the year with 4.2 percent market share, compared to 2.7 percent in 2007 and up from 1.9 percent in 2002.

Springfield News-Leader: Quicker Reviews by Greene County Could Boost Green Building

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March 23, 2009

Didi Tang

Springfield News-Leader

Despite their complexity, green projects may soon be able to move through the county's review process as fast as other projects.

"Greene County wants to be on board to promote green buildings," County Administrator Tim Smith said. "We're simply facilitating those who want to do it."

Smith has suggested the county identify qualified green projects -- those seeking to use energy more efficiently and implement better environmental practices by certain standards -- and process their applications promptly.If approved by county commissioners, the proposal could help expedite the review process by weeks, if not months, for green projects.

That would nudge more developers and builders to take on green projects, said Matt O'Reilly, a leading member of the Ozarks Green Building Coalition.

"We're trying to do a good thing and we should not be running uphill to do a good thing," said O'Reilly, who developed Green Circle, a shopping mall that has incorporated various energy efficient and environmentally friendly features.

Matt Morrow, executive director of the Homebuilders Association of Greater Springfield, said builders and developers would support the county proposal as long as it's not done on the backs of non-green projects.

"It's a really good idea that we can save some time on a project that exceeds the regulatory standards by flagging them," Morrow said. "But builders and developers don't want this to be a slow track for things that are not green."

O'Reilly said it is fair for builders and developers of green projects to get preferential treatment because they "go above and beyond the codes."

"We're trying to be responsible," O'Reilly said. "We're not trying to make as much money as possible."

Smith said builders or developers needn't worry about delays -- not when the construction market is dull.

"Everything is on the fast track because we don't have anything to review," Smith said. "We welcome any project, green or not."

Changing the system

The proposal, Smith said, is intended to goad the bureaucracy to become more friendly to green projects.

"The system is resistant to change," the county administrator said. "What we're saying is ... we're going to be more positive."

Current government codes allow for construction of green buildings.

But green projects can trigger more questions in a review process because they often deploy unconventional design and building methods, O'Reilly said.

When trying to clear the regulatory hurdle for the Green Circle project, O'Reilly said he had to shuffle among several municipal departments, submitting additional information to justify his plans.

For example, the design of his stormwater system has unusual features such as rooftop green space and water-absorbing parking surface, prompting the city to ask more questions, O'Reilly said.

With each round of questions, O'Reilly said his files went back to the bottom of the stack for review, and the review process got drawn out.

He estimated he spent about two extra months for the final nod.

A fast-track approach, as proposed by the county, would save much time and money for green project developers, O'Reilly said.

Springfield officials say they have no immediate plans to give green projects any priority in reviewing --but they want to expedite the review process for all applications.

At the county courthouse, Smith said it is the gesture that matters.

"The most important message is that we will move your projects," Smith said.

The county administrator has suggested the county offer a 25 percent rebate in permit fees to qualified green projects, or those that are certified by either the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or the National Association of Home Builders.

The rebate, however, is not feasible now because of a tight budget, but it remains a possibility in the future, Smith said.

O'Reilly said the rebate could be another incentive for builders and developers to go green.

With more green projects, the county also benefits because green projects are less demanding on its infrastructure, O'Reilly said.

Springfield News-Leader: Housing Market Picks Up

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Springfield News Leader

March 18, 2009

Housing Market Picks Up

More people re interested in houses again in the Springfield area, HBA executive director says

However, experts view the surge as a temporary gain.

Martin Crutsinger

The Associated Press

Washington -- Housing construction posted a surprisingly large increase in February, bolstered by strength in all parts of the country except the West. 

While the surge in construction was far better than the continued decline economists expected, experts viewed it as a temporary gain given all the problems the housing industry still faces.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that construction of new homes and apartments jumped 22.2 percent in February compared with January, pushing total activity to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000 units.

Greene County construction permits for those months don't reflect significant growth.

The county issued four single-family home permits in January, compared with five in February. It issued permits for two duplexes and three eight-unit apartment buildings in January and no multifamily or apartment-commercial permits in February. (The numbers reflect all unincorporated areas of the county and any cities that don't track building permits.)

Springfield records for January and February are not yet updated since a virus hit city computers.

Winter weather likely crimped construction permits around Springfield, said Matt Morrow, executive director of the Springfield Home Builders Association. But he said Realtors, developers and builders report they are seeing more traffic at open houses, more phones ringing and more home closings in the last 45 days.

"Nothing happened at the turn of the (new 2009) calendar, and within 45 days all of a sudden people are interested in houses again," Morrow said.

"That doesn't mean we're in a housing boom, but it does mean we're getting a heartbeat again."

After news of the U.S upturn, investors reignited Wall Street's rally, snapping up financial and homebuilder stocks among others. The Dow Jones industrial average and other major indexes all finished with gains of more than 2 percent.

The protracted housing downturn, rising foreclosures and a deepening recession have battered homebuilders and scared off many potential buyers.

"Building permits are indicating that starts could improve modestly in coming months, but we believe the reprieve will be short-lived," Soleil Securities Group analyst Anna Torma wrote in a research note.

Even with the big increase, construction activity remains 47.3 percent below where it was a year ago. The strength in February was led by a sharp gain in apartment construction, which can be highly volatile from month to month. 

KY3: Homebuilders worry about Obama plan to limit mortgage deductions (Re-Post)

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(Technical Issues on Friday's post prompted this re-post on Saturday)

In a Friday (March 13, 2009) roundtable discussion with Missouri U.S. Senator Kit Bond about tax policy, the issue of the mortgage tax deduction was raised by members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, Missouri. KY3's David Cantanese interviewed Senator Bond, HBA President Rusty MacLachlan, and HBA Board Member Lee Beaman about President Obama's proposed tax increases and their impact on small business and home building. You can view the video of the news story that ran on the 10pm newscast directly from SpringfieldHBA.com or you can click here to watch the story on Youtube.

HBA / Zanola Triennial Construction Forecast Tops Evening News Coverage

(CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON SPRINGFIELDHBA.COM)

Both KY3 and KOLR covered the HBA's construction forecast and market analysis event at the top of their newscasts at both 5pm and 6pm tonight (Friday, March 13). To watch the coverage, simply click on the news stories below (if viewing directly from SpringfieldHBA.com), or you can watch on Youtube by clicking here for KOLR's version or clicking here for KY3's version.

KY3 Coverage at 5pm:



KOLR Coverage at 6pm:

KY3: Slowdown in Housing Starts Could Mean Now is the Time to Buy

KY3's Sara Forhetz reported on the 10pm news Wednesday night that housing starts nationwide and locally dropped off substantially in 2008. Commercial construction locally is holding steady, and the dynamics of the current housing market make it a great time to buy your next home. Forhetz interviewed Nick Heatherly, with the City of Springfield's Building Regulations Department; and Matt Morrow, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. To watch the video directly on the HBA website, simply click on it below. Or click here to watch it on Youtube.

HBA Home Show Local News Coverage Recap

The big news coming out of the 2009 HBA Home Show was the success of the event. A vendor sellout and more than 12,000 in attendance defied the expectations of many who were suprised by the activity, optimism and relative urgency of thousands of people thinking of buying, building, or remodeling a home. Following is a sampling of some of the local news media television coverage from this weekend, with special thanks to KY3, KOLR, KSFX, and KSPR. It is by no means an exhaustive collection, only a sampling of the extraordinary coverage the 2009 HBA Home Show received.

Contact KY3 News Story (Tuesday, 2/3/2009) 

KOLR Live In-Studio Interview, Mid-Day Show with Tom Trtan (Thursday, 2/5/2009)

KSPR Live On-Location Montage from Good Morning Springfield (Friday, 2/6/2009)

KSPR News Story (Friday, 2/6/2009)

KY3 Live On-Location Montage from Ozarks Today (Saturday, 2/7/2009)

KSFX News Story (Saturday, 2/7/2009)

KY3: Home Builders at HBA Home Show Hope for Rebound in 2009

Contact KY3's Cara Restelli reported Tuesday on the local housing economy. She interviewed HBA of Greater Springfield President Rusty MacLachlan and HBA Executive Officer Matt Morrow as they worked to set up the 2009 HBA Home Show at the Springfield Expo Center in Springfield Missouri. To watch the news story click on it below or simply click here.

Springfield News-Leader: Get Advice on Home

Tuesday's Springfield News Leader offered a preview of this weekend's HBA Home Show:

Get advice on home

February 3, 2009

News-leader staff

Who couldn't use some advice from experts about making the most of your new or existing home?

The 2009 Home Builders Association Home Show Friday through Sunday will cover everything from what's hot in design to improvements that add the most value to your home.

More than 240 exhibitors will occupy 480 booths at the Springfield Expo Center, 638 St. Louis St.

Admission is $6 per person or $10 for an event pass for all three days. Children 12 and under get in free.

Times: noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

HBA executive officer Matt Morrow said he believes there's considerable evidence that the Springfield area may be ripe with pent-up housing demand.

"Our recent local market research demonstrates that, unlike many markets around the country, our builders here did not attempt to 'build through' the slowdown. They stopped building new spec homes," he said in a news release.

"We don't have the burden of being excessively overbuilt. Once we begin to see improvements in perceptions about the availability of credit and a more stable national economy, I think our region's housing market will quickly heat up," Morrow said.

One show seminar deals with bursting the notion that banks are not making loans, he said.

"You CAN Get a Loan," will feature a panel of local lenders for those seeking advice about financing.

The session is set for 4 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Today's market, coupled with a temporary tax credit for first-time home buyers and near-record low mortgage interest rates, provides an opportunity for prospective home buyers, Morrow said.

Additional Facts

HBA schedule

Demos and seminars

Friday

- 1 p.m.: Wedi Shower Systems: The Total Solution for Wet Areas 

- 2 p.m.: Which Remodeler is Right for Your Project?

- 2:30 p.m.: How Infrared Technology Enhances Your Energy Choices 

- 3 p.m.: Building on Smart Design: A Whole House Approach

- 4 p.m.: You CAN Get a Loan 

- 4:30 p.m.: Lean Green Water Machines 

-5 p.m.: Color Forecast & Design Trends

Saturday

- 11 a.m.: Benefits of Energy Efficient Glazing

- Noon: Color Forecast and Design Trends

- 12:30 p.m.: Green Building with Electronics 

- 1 p.m.: Building on Smart Design: A Whole House Approach

- 2 p.m.: Improving for Value & Lifestyle

- 2:30 p.m.: Window Replacement -- Improve Your Home While Preserving Its Charm 

- 3 p.m.: You CAN Get a Loan 

- 4 p.m.: House Plan Magic Tricks: You Can Have It All

- 4:30 p.m.: Secrets of Home Security 

- 5 p.m.: Choosing the Best Window to Keep You & Your Budget Green

- 6 p.m.: Color Forecasting 2009: What's Hot & What's Not 

Sunday

- 11 a.m.: How Insulation Really Works 

- Noon: Which Remodeler is Right For Your Project?

- 12:30 p.m.: Solar Energy, the Alternative You've Been Looking For 

- 1 p.m.: House Plan Magic Tricks: You Can Have It All 

- 2 p.m.: You CAN Get a Loan