Local News Media: Housing = Jobs

On Tuesday, November 30, National Association of Home Builders Senior Economist Elliot Eisenberg met with builders, developers, policymakers, and friends of the residential construction industry to share multiple components of the same basic message: housing equals jobs.

Eisenberg discussed the job creation impact of building 100 new single family homes in a community. Job creation happens at multiple phases, including the construction phase, the ripple effect phase, and the occupancy phase. Of all sectors of the economy, residential construction has one of the very highest multiplier effects in job creation. Yet, over-zealous regulatory and legislative efforts can fundamentally alter the economic model, leading to higher prices, fewer homes, and fewer jobs - something no one believes the current economy could endure. That's why issues like mandatory fire sprinklers, onerous impact fees, and others must be re-evaluated entirely as policymakers seek opportunities for economic recovery.

And it is one reason the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is kicking off the area's first ever Local Impact of Housing study. The HBA is contracting with Dr. Eisenberg to analyze the job creation, ripple economic development, and cost impact of building new homes in the Springfield-Branson area. Eisenberg visited a recently-completed new home in Richmond subdivision in Nixa, MO, along with developer Bob Fitzgerald to preview the report. The home is for sale, and was built by Fitzgerals and builder Kenny Bussell, both members of the HBA of Greater Springfield. The day's events drew attention from local media, including KY3, KOLR, the Springfield News-Leader, and others. Here is a sampling of the coverage:

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KOLR: Housing Equals Jobs 



** RELATED ON KOLR: Retired Ozarks Homebuilder Reflects on Current Housing Cycle
featuring HBA of Greater Springfield Hall of Fame home builder Hershel Johns


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KY3: A New Study Looks For Ways the Ozarks Could More Quickly Recover



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Springfield News-Leader: Fewer Homes Equals Fewer Jobs
Study to examine the impact housing has on local economy.

Wes Johnson
News-Leader

When a new home gets built, jobs are created and local businesses get a boost from the new residents who move in.

How much of a boost?

That's the focus of a new housing impact study commissioned by the local Home Builders Association.

HBA has hired Elliot Eisenberg, a noted economist ... READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE

KOLR: Ending Mortgage Interest Deduction Considered to Balance Budget

Among the possible solutions being considered for balancing a far out of balance federal budget is the elimination or reduction of the mortgage interest deduction. A federal panel that was established by the President will deliver recommendations for spending cuts and tax increases to the White House on December 1, and reports are that the mortgage interest deduction is one of the key targets of the panel.

Millions of Americans deduct the interest they pay on their mortgages as one of their most significant tax reduction strategies. The deduction is as old as the income tax itself - both were adopted in 1913.

KOLR / KSFX News covered the recommendation to eliminate or reduce the mortgage interest deduction on its November 11, 2010 newscasts. Reporter Kate Stacy interviewed Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow and Builders Stan and Regina Gutshall, of Hawthorne Creek Homes, for the story.

For best viewing results, watch the video directly on the KOLR / KSFX website by clicking here. Or a lower quality video is available directly below:

HBA Home Remodeling Expo Draws Attention of Local Media

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's annual Home Remodeling Expo today announced it experienced its best attendance since 2007. The enthusiasm surrounding the weekend activities at the Fairgrounds E*Plex drew considerable attention from the local media as well. Here is a summary / recap of a portion of the local news coverage of the event:

KY3: In addition to coverage on their Friday newscasts, KY3 morning host Maria Neider interviewed Shannon Lee (Rock Solid Construction) and Susie Cornell and Denise Wright (Decorating Den) live from the show on the Saturday morning show. Those interviews can be viewed below:

Shannon Lee (Rock Solid Construction) Live on KY3 Saturday AM

Susie Cornell and Denise Wright (Decorating Den) Live on KY3 Saturday AM



Springfield Business Journal (October 11-17 Issue):

Remodeling expo brings professionals, homeowners together

Home Remodeling Expo sells out of booth space

Housing investments require close eye on costs

A Conversation With ... Gene Douglas



KOLR & KSFX:

Remodeling Expo in Downtown Springfield, MO



Springfield News-Leader:

Home remodeling ideas abound at Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield's expo

KSPR: Mandatory Fire Sprinklers for Homes Could Come in 2012

KSPR 33 news reported that the Springfield Fire Department is already pushing for mandatory fire sprinkler systems in all new homes, when Missouri's current moratorium on such honerous mandates expires at the end of 2011.

In 2009 the city decided not to adopt the current code which would, if adopted in its entirety, be illegal under state law because it requires sprinklers in all new homes. Currently the state of Missouri prevents cities from requiring sprinklers be put in new homes. Instead, builders are required to provide homebuyers information that gives them details on the option to put sprinklers in the house, including cost and safety considerations.

HBA of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow was interviewed for the story and emphasized that the focus should be put on older homes built before modern building codes were in place where nearly all residential fire deaths take place. You can news story that aired on Thursday, August 26 below:



Morrow also provided KSPR with a series of documented studies demonstrating that fire deaths happen in older homes (not new ones) and that analyzed the cost per life saved of fire sprinkler systems versus any number of other ways communities might invest dollars to increase safety (widening roads, for example). The cost per life saved of mandating fire sprinkler systems in new homes is 792 times more costly than the average of the other ways communities could spend money on life safety (that's 79,200 percent higher cost per life saved than the other choices). KSPR chose not to utilize the information, but it can be accessed by clicking here.

Thanks to the work of the HBA affiliates in Missouri, the state legislature passed a law last year requiring builders to OFFER installation of a fire sprinkler system at the purchaser's expense and it stated that no permitting jurisdiction can currently adopt a code requiring residential fire sprinklers. But that law sunsets December 31, 2011. To document compliance with this state law, builders who build custom homes or sell spec homes are encouraged have the purchaser fill out the the Residential Fire Sprinkler Option Form, which was developed by the state’s HBA affiliates in partnership with the Missouri Fire Service Alliance. Home buyers should sign this form as part of the official purchase documentation to record the offer and compliance with state law. Builders are then asked to share a copy with the HBA for response tracking. To download the form, click here. An educational brochure for consumers is also available, outling the cost and safety considerations of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems. Download a copy of the brochure by clicking here.