Nearly 90% of Builders Have Trouble Getting Appliances
While builders continue to report they are facing problems obtaining lumber and other building materials, you can add appliances to that list.
Housing Affordability Constraints are Rising
The housing industry is being squeezed. While the sector was the bright spot of the economy for 2020 and possesses considerable momentum at the start of 2021, a number of external factors are restraining the industry as well as the nation’s overall economic recovery.
Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Package
On a party line vote of 50-49, the Senate today passed President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The legislation differs slightly from the bill passed by the House on Feb. 26. As a result, the House will vote on the amended Senate version before the end of next week.
Updated Guidance for 501(c)(6) Organizations Seeking PPP Loans
The Small Business Administration has released updated guidance on what constitutes lobbying for 501(c)(6) organizations — which include local and state home builders associations — that seek forgivable loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Lawmakers Ask Biden and the Justice Department to Act on Lumber
Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) sent a letter to President Biden and the Department of Justice on March 4 urging the administration to respond to rising building materials prices and supply shortages, particularly, lumber, that are harming the housing market and threaten the economic recovery.
Final Independent Contractor Rule Pushed Back Until May 7
The Department of Labor (DOL) has pushed back the effective implementation date of its final independent contractor rule from March 8 until May 7 to “allow the department to review issues of law, policy, and fact raised by the rule before it takes effect.”
ICC Changes Its Energy Code Development Process
The International Code Council (ICC) has announced it is changing the development of its energy code from the current Governmental Consensus Process to its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards process.
Statement of NAHB 2022 Third Vice Chairman Candidate Buddy Hughes
The NAHB Nominations Committee has certified one candidate for 2022 Third Vice Chairman: Buddy Hughes, from Lexington, N.C., who is a member of the Home Builders Association of Davidson County. He will address the NAHB Leadership Council in June at the Spring Leadership Meetings. Here is his statement.
FHFA Extends COVID-19 Multifamily Forbearance through June 30
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will continue to offer COVID-19 forbearance to qualifying multifamily property owners through June 30, 2021, subject to the continued tenant protections FHFA has imposed during the pandemic. The programs were set to expire March 31.
4 Green Strategies from The New American Home
The 2021 New American Home (TNAH) and the New American Remodel (TNAR) showcase the beauty, comfort and efficiency of high-performance building. Both represent the high end of what can be realized through high-performance design and construction but can also provide a practical playbook for all building professionals in building efficient, comfortable and durable homes.
