Official Publication of the North Central Home Builders Association BUILDERS’ building our future together news June 2010 In This Issue: • Washington State Energy Code Delay page 10 • Housing Rates at Historic Lows page 11 North Central Home Builders Association P.O. Box 2065 Wenatchee, WA 98807-2065 Dinner Sponsor H&H Construction North West LLC General and Framing Contractor Moonlight TILE & STONE Moonlight TILE & STONE Beverage Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Bingo Sponsor 2010 Summer Nights Auction & Wine Tasting Gala When: Friday, July 30th from 6 - 9 pm Where: Cashmere Riverside Center 201 Riverside Dr., Cashmere Pre-register by July 16th and save $10 per ticket
Transcript
Official Publication of the North Central Home Builders Association
BUILDERS’building our future together news
June 2010
In This Issue:• Washington State Energy Code Delay page 10• Housing Rates at Historic Lows page 11
North Central Home Builders AssociationP.O. Box 2065Wenatchee, WA 98807-2065
Dinner Sponsor
H&H ConstructionNorth West LLC
General and Framing Contractor
MoonlightTILE & STONE
Moonlight TILE & STONE
Beverage SponsorPresenting Sponsor Bingo Sponsor
2010 Summer Nights Auction & Wine Tasting Gala
When: Friday, July 30th from 6 - 9 pmWhere: Cashmere Riverside Center 201 Riverside Dr., Cashmere
Pre-register by July 16th and save $10 per ticket
You’re building a lot more than houses. Consider this, for about the same price
as carpet pad you can protect your clients and your reputation from mold related issues.
Mold Solutions stops mold before it happens. Our EPA registered, water-based solution is
odor-free, safe and permanent. And we’ll back it in writing for the next 25 years.
Published ByNorth Central Home Builders AssociationMarc Straub4119 Malaga Alcoa Hwy P.O. Box 2065Wenatchee, WA 98807Phone: 509.665.8195Toll Free: 888.616.6169Fax: 509.665.6669
“To promote and protect the building industry in North Central Washington”.
COLUMNS 4 From the Executive Officer 6 Membership & Events Director 8 Message From the NCHBA Government Affairs Liaison
IN EVERY ISSUE 3 Board of Directors 7 New Members 13 Renewing Members 14 Calendar 15 Spike Report
FEATURES 5 Member News: AD&C Outreach Ongoing 5 Member News: Peoples Bank Hosts June NBN 6 Member News: NCHBA and Social Media 9 Member News: Okanogan Coalition for Property Rights 10 Member News: Washington State Energy Code Delay 10 Member News: Chelan County Commissioners Choose a Community Development Director 11 Member News: Housing Rates at Historic Lows 11 Member News: Revised Sewer/Water District Permit Process to Benefit Builders
LOCAL, STATE & NATIONAL
PROUD MEMBER
“Promoting & Protecting the Building Industry in NCW”
NCHBA 3-in-1 Proud MemberDecals Now Available!
NOW AVAILABLE
Call the NCHBA office to get yours
TODAY! 509-665-8195
Why should I care who is running for Washington State Supreme Court Justice?
Supreme Court justices are elected to six-year terms by voters throughout the entire state. There are nine Supreme Court justices on the bench, and Washington residents will vote for three in 2010.
Supreme Court candidates appear on the primary election ballot on August 17, 2010. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the votes cast in the primary, that candidate appears on the general election ballot without opposition. If no candidate receives more than 50% in the primary, the top two candidates appear on the general election ballot on November 2, 2010.
Unfortunately, many voters fail to do their due diligence in educating themselves about judicial candidates—most specifically the Supreme Court judicial races. They ignorantly underestimate just how uniquely important these positions are in our day-to-day lives—either in preserving our rights, or allowing for them to be trampled on in many cases.
Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that affect all of us — family life, education, health care, housing, employment, discrimination, civil rights, public safety — and those decisions can have long-lasting impact. It is critical that our judges make fair decisions based upon open-minded and unbiased consideration of the facts and the law in each case. Judges must know the law, be independent, and be free from external political and economic influences. Voting for qualified judges really does protect the courts.
That being said, the August primary ballot will include two extremely critical opportunities to retain two Supreme Court justices that have a proven track record of defending constitutionally guaranteed property rights and individual freedom. Those two justices are Richard Sanders and Jim Johnson.
Prior to receiving your August primary ballot, we are asking you to visit both www.jimjohnsonforjustice.org and www.friendsofjustice.com in order to complete your due diligence in learning why retaining these two fine Supreme Court Justices is job one! Please, after completing your research, help get the word out to all your friends, family and anyone you know, asking them to vote for both Justice Sanders and Johnson in the primary! I cannot possibly overstate the importance of making your vote count in this primary election. One—if not both—of these critical races will be decided in the August primary election!
I would like to thank the following NCHBA members: Ryan Kelso (Complete Design), John Groen (Groen Stephens & Klinge) and Jack Corning (The John’s Real Estate Corp.) for stepping up to be table sponsors at our June fundraising breakfast for Justice Sanders. Additionally, I would like to thank each of the NCHBA members who attended the breakfast—demonstrating their
support of and commitment to preserving personal liberty and transparency in government.
On another similar note, Douglas County voters will have two candidates to choose from in the race for Douglas County Commissioner, Position 3. Mary Hunt is the incumbent and is being challenged by Steve Jenkins—longtime mayor of Bridgeport. I have had the opportunity to get to know Steve and learn about his vision for Douglas County, and I am extremely confident that he represents the very leadership that is needed to move Douglas County forward.
The North Central Home Builders Association has endorsed Steve’s campaign and I hope that our members in Douglas County will also take the time to get to know Steve. After doing so, I’m certain that you will discover that he is the best choice for commissioner. Once again, if you come to the same conclusion, I ask that you do all that you can to assist Steve by getting the word out to your friends, family and colleagues—asking them to support Steve’s campaign! You can learn more about Steve Jenkins by visiting his website at www.jenkins4douglascounty.com.
Enthusiastically,
From the Executive Officer4
Marc S. Straub
www.LauraMounter.com ~ 509.670.3303
175 E. Penny Rd, Suite B ~ Wenatchee
Bringing Your Dream HomeNew Prices in
Mountain Brook• Starting @ $69,900• Views• All Utilities Available• .50 to 2 Acre Lots
“the August primary ballot will include two extremely critical opportunities to retain two Supreme Court justices that have a proven track record of defending constitutionally guaranteed property rights and individual freedom. Those two justices are Richard Sanders and Jim Johnson.”
Member NewsAD&C Outreach Ongoing 5
WOW, what an evening at Peoples Bank! We had a record breaking turn out!! Thank you, Peoples Bank for the wonderful food
(made by employees) and great beverages. Everyone had a good time and made new contacts in the process. We even had some winners: Goodie Bag Winners were:Dave Parker (D.F. Parker Woodworking)Don Hester (NCW Home Inspections)Brian Vincent (Pacific Appraisal Assoc., PLLC)Dave Bauer (Sunny FM Radio)Mark Neal (MJ Neal Associates)Traci Dry (Mortgage Advisory Group)Winner of the $25 gift card to McGlinn’s and $25 gift card to Liberty Theatre was Igor Nuzechuck (Quality Flooring). Igor is a member prospect that was brought as a guest by Joel Frank, New York Life Insurance. Our next exciting Nothing But Networking will be July 22nd hosted by Concepts Kitchen & Bath Designs, 14 Kittitas Street, Wenatchee. See you there!
• Custom Residential
• Commercial
• Timber Frame
509-679-0667License # ECKERCI953MG
SPECIALTY FRAMING
QUALITY GUARANTEED
COMPETITIVE • EFFICIENT
Member News
Access to Acquisition, Development and Construction loans continues to hamper our members and is playing a huge role in adding to the hardship they are facing. Here is a brief update on what our national association is doing to address this ongoing issue:
• NAHB continues to meet with federal banking regulators to reduce regulatory restrictions on AD&C credit and rein in overzealous bank examiners.
• This spring, NAHB Senior Officers met with Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and other Fed governors, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair and Comptroller of the Currency John Dugan.
• Working with banking groups -- including the Independent Community Bankers of America, Financial Services Roundtable and American Bankers Association – NAHB is seeking regulatory and legislative solutions to the AD&C mess.
• In every meeting, NAHB’s message is loud and clear: The lack of credit for AD&C financing is a serious problem that must be resolved soon – Otherwise it could end the budding housing recovery before it has time to take root.
• To resolve the credit crisis, our national association is urging regulators to issue more flexible guidelines that will encourage banks to maintain funding for AD&C loans in good standing that fall below their underlying value.
• Going forward, NAHB will continue to reach out to every possible bank regulator, lender and policymaker who has the ability to help restore the flow of credit to our industry.
Additionally, NAHB continues to work with all stakeholders involved in the ongoing and serious appraisal issue to enact concrete reforms to ensure that appraisals accurately reflect true market values.
I have this beautiful calendar here in my office that I look at every day! It has some amazing photos of scenery from all around the world. I do my best to keep track of appointments, events, etc. But these days, there is something wrong with it. I am not sure why, but it says that it is already July! Can that really be the case? Could we already be half-way through the year?? It doesn’t feel warm enough to be July…but I guess I will just trust in my beautiful
calendar and keep up with what is on it. Which by the way…is A LOT!
Now that we are into July, events don’t take a break until after the Tour of Homes. Coming up on July 16th, we have our Membership Appreciation BBQ that is sponsored this year by Town Toyota. We are changing the venue. This year, we will be hosting the BBQ at Lincoln Rock Park, shelter A. This park is perfect for our needs and allows us a little more room to play! It is a “pot luck style” BBQ, so bring a side dish to share, if you choose! I would also highly recommend you bring a chair as seating is always limited! And don’t forget to bring the kids…it is always a family friendly event! This is a no charge event too, so give one of our new members a call and invite them to attend with you! Help us to get them started off on the right foot and get them involved!!
About two weeks after the Summer BBQ, we have the ever-so-famous NCHBA Annual Auction & Wine Tasting Gala! All of our wonderful sponsors from last year have returned again for another incredible event! Many thanks to Libke Insurance Agency – Presenting Sponsor; H & H Construction NW – Dinner Sponsor; Moonlight Tile & Stone – Beverage Sponsor; Highgate Senior Living – Bingo Sponsor. Our committee for the auction this year has been incredible and the largest we have had in a long time. Thanks to Kim Bacon, Wall Effects for chairing the event this year! So mark your calendars for Friday, July 30th at the Cashmere Riverside Center. Our new venue is sure to be a huge hit…it is perfect for all of our needs and we are certain you will love it too! So come on out and get involved in this fun and exciting event! If you can’t attend, maybe you have something you would want to contribute! It is a great way to get your name out there in front of all attendees and beyond! You can Be There…without really Being There!!
I would like to close this month’s article by saying THANK YOU to all of our wonderful members. This year has proven to be the toughest so far in the “new economy” and yet, we still have members that are stepping up daily to stay involved and continue to support the NCHBA and our mission, “To Promote and Protect the Building Industry of NCW”. It doesn’t always take $$ to do this either. Attending a Nothing But Networking, a GMD or sitting on a committee shows your support and involvement just the same! This year, I have seen some of our new members jump in head first to get involved and meet people. The simple hand-shake is back and I love it! Going old school has always been my style; stop by rather than call, call rather than fax or email,
hand address an envelope rather than print a label. Any possible way you can show that other person that you have personal involvement in the relationship, business or otherwise, goes a long way! The hand-shake is BACK…and I know a lot of places you can get as many as you would like! Hugs too!!! So come on out and join us for an afternoon or an evening. Meet some people and start building those relationships! Don’t be shy…we are there to help introduce you to new friends if you need us too!
Networking Tip: Always wear your name tag. At work, outside of work and especially at every networking event possible. If you don’t have one, no worries...at almost every NCHBA networking event, one is provided for you...if you RSVP that is! By having that name tag on, people can read your name and read who you work for, they will get to hear your name as you shake hands and introduce yourself. Once the ice is broken, its all downhill from there!! And it all starts with the name tag!
P.S.Don’t be afraid to ask for a business card from the people you meet...more on this topic next month!
Membership & Events Director6
Lindsay Shultz
NCHBA and Social Media
The NCHBA has entered the social media world and we love it! If you’re already a Facebook and Twitter user, you’ll understand what a great tool these services are for staying up-to-date with not only family and friends, but with professional organizations, too!
Jump online and visit the NCHBA website at www.nchba.cc, and look for the Twitter and Facebook icons to begin following us and keeping up with the latest information and news our members need to know!
Member News
National Membership MonthPlease Welcome our May New Members
7
DOING BUSINESS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY TAKES COOPERATION.
THAT IS WHY THE NCHBA ENCOURAGES NETWORKING.CONTACT US TODAY AND FIND OUT HOWWE CAN GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A BOOST.
WWW.NCHBA.CC • 509-665-8195
AFTER HOURS COMPUTER CONSULTINGWes Cusick1552 N. Wenatchee Ave.Wenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 630-6312Sponsor: Susan Day
AMS INSPECTION SERVICESAaron SchreinerPO Box 85Leavenworth, WA 98826Phone: (509) 393-5829Sponsor: Jerry Larson
AURORA QUALITY BuiLdings, inC.Michael & Maureen Holmes2429 Fancher Hieghts Blvd.East Wenatchee, WA 98802Phone: (509) 884-8099Sponsor: Jerry Larson
BiRminghAm EstAtEs, Ltd.Nikki Birmingham3805 School St.Wenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 679-9246Sponsor: Jim Blair
CARPENTER SHANEShane Varrelman6559 Tigner Rd.Cashmere, WA 98816Phone: (509) 421-2277Sponsor: Jerry Larson
ChOiCE dELiVERy, inC.Ed & Lisa WendtPO Box 4869Wenatchee, WA 98807Phone: (509) 669-2190Sponsor: Ken Blodgett
COLUMBIA DISTRIBUTINGTom Thompson255 Appleyard DriveWenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 662-1673Sponsor: Amy Gustin
COLUMBIA FURNITURETerri Holm-NielsenPO Box 1674Chelan, WA 98816Phone: (509) 682-9007Sponsor: Don Cantor
ELITE WOODWORkINGDan AugustsonPO Box 160Waterville, WA 98858Phone: (509) 293-5870Sponsor: Jerry Larson
FORTE ARCHITECTSLenka Slapnicka23 S. Mission Street, Ste. CWenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 293-5566Sponsor: Ken Blodgett
HILDEBRAND CONSTRUCTIONBob HildebrandPO Box 2348Wenatchee, WA 98807Phone: (509) 664-7927Sponsor: Dan Smith
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC & mEChAniCAL, inC.Bryan Williams1512 Walla Walla Ave.Wenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 663-4756Sponsor: Allen Tangeman
INN AT THE RIVERKelli Braddy580 Valley Mall Pkwy.East Wenatchee, WA 98802Phone: (509) 888-7378Sponsor: Dan Smith
J.T. ELLIOTT CONSTRUCTIONJeremy Elliott1116 Madison StreetWenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 630-4073Sponsor: Jerry Larson
LOCAL BOYS’ COnstRuCtiOn, inC.Luca DiehlPO Box 937Omak, WA 98841Phone: (509) 429-9400Sponsor: Ty Olson
RAVENOUS CATERINGDave ToalPO Box 3599Wenatchee, WA 98807Phone: (509) 670-1710Sponsor: Susan Day
SHADY CREEk GARDENS & PONDSDonna Newell388 Omak River Rd.Omak, WA 98841Phone: (509) 422-4444Sponsor: Jake Holt
UP FRONT CONSTRUCTIONJustin Lindsay4035 Stemilt Creek Rd.Wenatchee, WA 98801Phone: (509) 662-4485Sponsor: Jerry Larson
VALLEY INTERIORSJon & Jolene Beem5188 Regan RoadCashmere, WA 98815Phone: (509) 679-2026Sponsor: Jerry Larson
WEhmEyER, LLCScott WehmeyerPO Box 382Cashmere, WA 98815Phone: (509) 782-1438Sponsor: Ryan Kelso
American DreamConstructo Joist Two by Four
INTERESTING LAND-USE HAPPENINGS REGIONALLY
In this column, I usually try to keep members up to date on land-use issues in our tri-county region. This month, however, I’m going to discuss some interesting items from around the region, which will, in one way or another, affect us here.
The shoreline master programs for Okanogan and Chelan counties are under review right now, and there are some contentious issues. Shoreline master programs are the only local development regulations that require review and approval by the Department of Ecology. Predictably, Ecology likes to interpret and manage the shoreline act in a most restrictive way. A big concern for shoreline property owners is the imposition of “buffers” from regulated waters. The City of Burien, for instance, is going through the update process and the proposal supported by Ecology includes shoreline setbacks that would make at least 50% of the existing residences along the shoreline of Puget Sound “non-conforming.” (This is also a real possibility here). When structures and uses become non-conforming, they generally cannot be expanded or reconstructed if destroyed. There has been a good deal of push-back on this idea and the City Council appears to be getting an understanding that the shoreline environment is not pristine and onerous setbacks have no real environmental benefit that couldn’t otherwise be realized through the regular development regulations and zoning. A little common sense is refreshing.
Speaking of Burien, our friend and member John Groen, handled a lawsuit against the City of Burien that eventually ended in his clients being awarded more than $10 million for what I’ll characterize as tortious delay of project approvals. Down in Oregon, the poster-child for growth management, a little old lady named Dorothy English took on the State and Multnomah County. She wanted to do a little development on her property and the government officials admitted that they were withholding approvals based on their desire to have her property acquired for a wildlife park and the Oregon courts agreed and awarded her $2 million, but regrettably, the lawsuit outlived her and the award was to her estate. This issue has been going on for many years and she was very active in the passage of Measure 37, an Oregon initiative that allowed landowners to be compensated for property value reductions coming as the result of zoning and other land-use regulations. The measure was significantly compromised by Measure 49 a few years later. In 1995, Washington voters were presented with a similar measure, but it was defeated as were other similar measures in other western states, with the exception of Arizona. Even though these measures were defeated they were a reminder that over-reaching land-use regulations will meet resistance. (If you want to learn more about this search “Oregon Measure 37” at www.wikipedia.org.)
Our Washington State courts have generally been quite respectful of individual property rights and harsh with heavy handed regulations and they hand down decisions regularly in this regard. They have been particularly critical of the over use of exactions (such as requirements for off-site improvements), and even the Attorney General has issued some guidelines that advise local governments to be very careful about adopting regulations that could be construed as “regulatory takings” which are protected by due-process clauses in our State Constitution. If you want to stay tuned as decisions come down, you can receive email updates of recent decisions, by going to www.courts.wa.gov and subscribing to the free news service. You have to sort through a lot of criminal cases, but it’s very interesting to follow how the courts are ruling.
Our neighbors in Kittitas County are struggling mightily with the Department of Ecology on ground water rights issues, and the Central Washington Home Builders Asssoc. has been front and center in the controversy. It started with DOE imposing a moratorium on new water wells in the upper Yakima River Basin and has now evolved into a water rights exchange process that has some merit, but landowners and builders are finding the implementation fraught with delays and unpredictability. There is great concern that this model might be exported to other counties and our region is a prime candidate. This a very real concern and one NCHBA will be monitoring closely. There are already reports of lenders holding back financing for properties served by “exempt wells” fearing that Ecology might find a way to deny domestic water to these properties.
Message From the NCHBA Government Affairs Liaison Dan Beardslee, Erlandsen & Associates8
Dan Beardslee
Dan Beardslee manages operations for Erlandsen & Associates and has more than 40 years experience in land surveying, land-use consulting, civil engineering support and project management. He also oversees Erlandsen’s GIS department. Send questions or comments to [email protected].
Valuable Membership Benefit
Remember, if you don’t have your construction safety/accident prevention plan in place, you’ll want to be certain to contact the NCHBA office at (509) 665-8195 to get a copy of a customizable sample plan on CD to keep your company in compliance with the Department of Labor & Industries. As an NCHBA/BIAW member, this is a no-cost member benefit to your company! Remember, Donovan Quebedeaux—BIAW Field Safety Representative—is available free of charge to all NCHBA/BIAW members, for on-site safety consultations, safety-related seminars and updates on OSHA and WISHA standards. Take advantage of this valuable membership benefit!
Member News
Okanogan Coalition for Property Rights 9
Page 2Page 1
Page 3
Dan Beardslee manages operations for Erlandsen & Associates and has more than 40 years experience in land surveying, land-use consulting, civil engineering support and project management. He also oversees Erlandsen’s GIS department. Send questions or comments to [email protected].
Attention NCHBA Members
The NCHBA continues to be an active founding member of the Okanogan Coalition for Property Rights (OCPR). The following is the coalition’s vision statement:
OCPR Vision StatementThe Okanogan County Coalition for Property Rights promotes the rights and traditions of landowners in Okanogan County against over-reaching and intrusive government regulations. The Coalition recognizes that property owners alone are the most qualified to determine the highest and best use of their property, and that government must not diminish or deny this sacred right. Consequently, we staunchly defend against all such attempts with the insistence that the needs and best interests of all property owners will always be the guiding principle.
In an effort to keep NCHBA members—especially those members in Okanogan County—apprised of the Coalition’s progress, we’ve included a copy of an open letter recently directed to the Okanogan County Commissioners. For more information on OCPR, please visit the OCPR website at www.okanoganpropertyrights.com.
Washington State Energy Code Delay10
Chelan County Commissioners Choose a Community Development Director
Once again, thanks to BIAW’s threat of a lawsuit, as well as those NCHBA member companies who joined in, the State Building Codes Council took action to delay implementation of the Washington State Energy Code. The Council (unanimously) passed two motions: 1. to enter into emergency rulemaking for the purpose of delaying implementation until October 29, 2010. 2. to enter into regular rulemaking to determine whether implementation should be further delayed until no later than 4/1/11. Public hearings will be held September 10 and October 15 to take testimony on the final implementation date. Now, we need NCHBA members to call, write or email the Council, asking them to scrap the entire proposed code changes, or at the very least, extend the delay for nine months, as requested by Governor Gregoire.
As you’ve read before, the proposed code changes will have disastrous effects on the already fragile economy in Washington State, while negatively impacting housing affordability by adding anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 to the cost of a new home. We
already have an affordability issue in NCW and these senseless code changes will only exacerbate the problem.
The chair of the council resides in Leavenworth and we encourage you to call him and share your concern. His contact info is:
Council Chair Peter DeVries Leavenworth City Council 509-548-4132 [email protected]
It is important to note that the council’s action only effects the implementation date of the code. It does not reopen the code for changes.
For more information visit the SBCC website at: www.sbcc.wa.gov
On June 23, the Chelan County commissioners selected a replacement for the Community Development Director’s position left open by Bill Bailey’s resignation at the end of last year.
A task force of the NCHBA government affairs committee worked diligently in interviewing several of the local candidates who submitted applications for the position. Given the fact that our members and the building community have a significant vested interest in a Community Development department that is run efficiently and effectively, we placed a high priority on being engaged in the selection process.
We agreed with the commissioners in that the three most important qualities the new director should have are:
• Local resident/vested interest in the Valley• Private enterprise experience, and• Strong management skills
The NCHBA taskforce completed its due diligence and provided a recommendation to the Chelan County commissioners, identifying two local candidates that we believe would effectively bring the county, the Community Development staff, the industry professionals and the public together—while turning around a department that has been less than effective for quite some time now.
The commissioners named Jeff Wilson their pick. Wilson resides in Edmonds and will begin as director on July 19. NCHBA leaders are meeting with Commissioner Goehner to learn more about the commissioners decision and what we can expect moving forward. Likewise, we will be meeting with Jeff Wilson early on in order to not only share our concerns and issues, but to begin fostering a positive relationship moving forward.
For buyers looking to achieve the dream of homeownership, today’s historically low mortgage interest rates make this a great time to buy a home.
Currently, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rates are below five percent, according to Freddie Mac — among the lowest rates recorded in 40 years. As recently as June 2007, those rates were around 6.75 percent, and they were in the double-digits a little over 20 years ago.
Why are interest rates so low? Much of it is due to the recent recession and its aftermath. With the economy in the dumps, demand for loans fell sharply. At the same time, investors sought safe places for their money, moving away from stocks and towards fixed-return investments such as U.S. treasury securities and mortgages. Also, the Federal Reserve increased funds in the financial system to keep interest rates low and to support the mortgage market. The combination of weak loan demand and the influx of funds translated into low interest rates on mortgages and other loans.
Since mid-2009, the U.S. economy has gotten marginally better, as seen in improved gross domestic product (GDP) numbers and in declining unemployment rates. Although the economy is still in the early stages of a recovery, the expectation is that interest rates will eventually move higher.
All of this means that now is a great time for home buyers, but this opportunity will not last forever.
As the U.S. economy rebounds, demand for loans will rise. When the Federal Reserve sees that the economy is in better shape, it will take away the additional liquidity it has injected into the
financial markets. Investors will move away from fixed-income assets such as mortgages. All this means that interest rates will likely rise in the not too distant future.
When interest rates go up, the effect on monthly payments can be dramatic. A $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with a five percent interest rate has a monthly payment of $1,074. At six percent the monthly payments increase to $1,199 — an increase of $125 a month. Total interest payments over the life of the loan increase by a whopping $45,165!
Home buyers who are waiting for prices to drop further could be making a costly mistake. Using the example above, if loan rates went up to six percent, the home’s price would have to go down 10 percent — to $189,000 — to maintain the same monthly mortgage payment. House prices have begun to stabilize or have even started to inch upwards in many markets, and it is unlikely prices will drop that much.
Thanks to the efforts of Jon Port, Real homes and the NCHBA Government Affairs Committee, the Douglas County Sewer District and the East Wenatchee Water District has drafted a newly revised connection permit process that will benefit builders.
Important elements of the connection permit process are as follows:
• Change procedure of charging GFC at time of Building Permit sign off. Instead, charge a $300 non-refundable fee at time of building permit sign-off. A savings of at least $2,300 for the applicant at that time. The balance will be due and payable in one year, (unless water meter is purchased before that time). If not connected in one year the non-refundable fee is forfeited and a new application and new fee will be required.
• At the time the water meter is purchased, if applicable, the applicant shall pay in full the remaining balance of the GFC and any other charges for the connection of sewer service.
• All DCSD code provisions shall stay in effect concerning the connection of service.
• Interlocal agreement with DCSD and the East Wenatchee Water District—before issue of water meter, a confirmation from DCSD that connection permit has been paid in full, if applicable.
The districts will vote to adopt this revised connection permit process on July 14. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact Sewer District manager Jim Robins at 884-2484
Revised Sewer/Water District Permit Processto Benefit Builders
Housing Rates at Historic Lows 11
Member News12
“Advertise Your NCHBA Membership With Pride”
Display the NCHBA Logo-• In all of your Printed Advertising• On your Vehicles• On your Place of Business• On your Site Signs
We would like to recognize and sincerely thank the following NCHBA members for their recent participation as state directors during the BIAW Summer Board of Directors meetings, which took place in Spokane in mid-June.
These meetings are very instrumental in helping to establish the unified positions that our state association takes on a myriad of issues that impact our members, the industry and small business in general. When elected by their fellow NCHBA members to serve as BIAW state directors, these members make a commitment to participate in three state meetings every year—requiring that they take time away from their families and businesses to do so. We are grateful for their service and commitment to both the NCHBA and the BIAW!
• Randy Gold• Jim Blair• Dustin Christensen• Ryan kelso• Jay Bollinger• Lisa Carnes• Steve Sadler• Lee Pfluger• Susan Day• Ty Olson• Roger Walters • Joe Ratto • Jim Senst
We would also like to thank Mike Arnold for serving as an alternate state director on more than one occasion!
“Doing Business With a Member is the
key to Building Success”
we thank these valued nchba members for their continuing support!
1 – 4 Year MembersAlliance Restoration, Inc.Central Washington ConcreteClaffey’s PaintingG.J. Headlee Construction, LLCGenerational Wealth Partners, LLCGrette Assoc. Environmental Consult.Highmark Trim & FinishHiline HomesJ. A. Ratto CompanyPrecise Carpentry & PaintingPremier One Properties – Mae HamiltonYetter Fine Finishes
10 – 14 Year MembersBarnes Welding, Inc.Graybeal SignsNorth Cascades Const. Inc.Sanders Construction
Renewing Members 13
15 – 19 Year MembersAmerican RoofingCentral WA Water, Inc.Leavenworth Electric & ExcavationNoble Truss & Lumber, Inc.Plumbco
Ace Bollinger 132.00Scott Davenport 112.50 Larry Bruehl 111.50Dick Ryan 110.00Clark Cooke 104.00Bret Duffin 101.50
Laura Mounter 91.50Ryan Kelso 89.00 Brette Sangster 87.00Jay Bollinger 74.00Greg Emerson 72.00 Dale Erickson 65.00Roger Walters 65.00Jerry Larson 54.50 Bruce Atkerson 54.00Susan Day 54.00Dustin Christensen 53.50
Gary Isaacson 40.50Vince Stimac 36.50Steve Sadler 36.00
Natalie Bennett 22.00Lisa Carnes 22.00Donald Cantor 20.50 Joe Anderson 19.50Darel Ansley 17.00Gary Van Lith 16.50Ken Blodgett 15.00 Lori Brodin 15.00Debbie Feist 14.00
Chris Stern 14.00Jim Blair 13.00Jim Senst 7.50Jeff Brown 6.00Dan Smith 6.00Tom Welch 6.00Corey Van Lith 6.00
Keith Bennett 5.50Nelson Brinckerhoff 5.50Thom Bader 5.00Mike Johnson 5.00Mary Morse 5.00Pam Aguilu 4.00Brent Emory 4.00 Brad Kronschnabel 4.00Bob Mikelson 4.00Paul Powers 4.00 Brian Snyder 4.00David Brown 3.50Perrin Cornell 3.50Greg Reed 3.50 Mike Reed 3.50 Nannette Saint 3.50 Jose Aguilar 3.00Dan Beardslee 3.00 Daniel Dean 3.00Brett LaMar 3.00 Rob Olson 3.00Ty Olson 3.00 Larry Pearson 3.00Arnie Pipkin 3.00Dave Smith 3.00Barb Sutor 3.00Dave Harkey 2.50Malachi Salcido 2.50Art Sanders 2.50Troy Bassett 2.00David Bernett 2.00Stew Cusick 2.00Joel Frank 2.00Ted Fukuzawa 2.00Monte Graybeal 2.00
Amy Gustin 2.00Lennie Holden 2.00Jake Holt 2.00Kelly Ingram 2.00William Lane 2.00Bill Lange 2.00Kent Lenssen 2.00Julie Lester 2.00David Lutz 2.00Jim Peterson 2.00Paul Render 2.00Steve Roeter 2.00Shawn Sigafoose 2.00Allen Tangeman 2.00Norm Winters 2.00Gordie Cockle 1.50Randy Cooper 1.50Lisa Gold 1.50Mike Lowers 1.50Ken Marson 1.50Sue Narte 1.50Jeff Petersen 1.50Charlie Anderson 1.00Chris Bagdon 1.00Lynn Barnett 1.00Cordy Beckstead 1.00Todd Carter 1.00Rich Colson 1.00Jessalyn Davis 1.00Mae Hamilton 1.00Flint Hartwig 1.00J. Curtis Helton 1.00Clark Hicks 1.00Jason Jaquish 1.00Kevin Kalberg 1.00Lorne McCandlish 1.00Dan Rookard 1.00Jean Schweitzer 1.00Mel Thorsen 1.00Robert Witheridge 1.00Aaron Young 1.00Mary Rose .50
