TN Builder News | March 25, 2021
Homebuilder Gives Back During Pandemic 
Ole South, founded by native Tennessean John Floyd in 1986, has grown to be the largest privately owned home builder in Tennessee. Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Ole South is recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Home Builders. 
 
2020 was a record year for Ole South, selling over 1,000 new homes to Middle Tennesseans. As a result, this year Ole South has given over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to over 15 area non-profit organizations that continue to provide vital programs and services throughout Middle Tennessee.  
“During the pandemic, Ole South was able to continue building and selling homes and we know others were not as fortunate. We chose to give back to the community through many non-profit organizations that continue to make a vital difference in these uncertain times.” 
         John Floyd, President and Founder of Ole South
In preparing this article, we came across an previous interview of Mr. Floyd that is worth a quick read. Mr. Floyd answered a few questions and offered advice to people starting out in the housing industry. His direct responses are timeless.
 
Asked, what advice he would give to young people entering the real estate business
Mr. Floyd responded: “Plan on working 70 or more hours a week for the first 10 years and you will make it. Otherwise, plan to fail.”
Congratulations to John Floyd and all team members at Ole South on their record year in 2020. 
LUMBER:
The Impact of Cost Increases in Your Local News. 
Lumber Prices
Several NBC affiliates across Tennessee replayed a version of this Lumber Price story, featuring Clarksville HBA members. Our members like Shawn Berner did a great job explaining how lumber prices increases have a downstream effect impacting the consumer. If material costs increase, the price of your dream home will increase too.
 
Our combined effort repeating this story is making it into related stories as well. Recent stories promoting Habitat for Humanity’ specialty license plate all mention the high cost of lumber.   
When costs for materials increase, these are passed onto future Habitat homeowners, because their mortgage payment is based on the actual costs we incur in construction,” Habitat Executive Director Rob Selkow said. Clarksville Now + WSMV + WREG
Good Jobs available
Earlier this month the Knoxville HBA also mentioned supplies issues while pushing work force opportunities in our industry. WATE reported for skilled tradesmen, there are plenty of jobs available. “The trades, every trade person that we have is looking for help,” John Cook said. “There is a ton of employment in the building trade.”
Steep Slopes
In Chattanooga Lumber and materials aren’t the only problem. Doug Fisher, Chattanooga HBA’s, has been busy battling another attempt to impose a steep slope construction ordinance. Fisher told the Times Free Press, more regulation is expected to increase home prices. “It could be in the thousands of dollars easily,” Fisher said. “Engineering is not inexpensive. Then the requirement for various types of vegetation could get very expensive.” 
NAHB’s “March Madness” strategy presses Biden administration on lumber prices, supply shortages
The National Association of Home Builders says it is “rapidly and aggressively” working to address lumber prices and supply shortages. After contacting the White House on this issue, the full court press has moved to President Biden’s cabinet, including Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen. NAHB is passing on your urgent concerns on lumber prices and recommending key strategies to ease lumber price volatility and boost supply.
 
Last week, NAHB spearheaded an effort that led to 35 organizations signing onto a joint letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging the secretary to “examine the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate remedies that will increase production.” Read more at NAHB Now.
You can help – Contact Your Congressmen & Senators
Tell their staff how soaring lumber costs are impacting your customers.
Housing’s potential to lead the economy forward is limited as long as lumber remains expensive and scarce. Congress needs to push the administration to undertake a thorough examination of the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate remedies that will increase production. 
Since the U.S. does not produce enough lumber to meet domestic needs, Congress can do its part to boost domestic production by doing a better job of more actively managing federal forest lands in an environmentally sustainable manner. 
Lawmakers should also urge the White House to make it a priority to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement that would end tariffs that are contributing to extreme price volatility. 
Learn more about NAHB’s efforts to provide relief for rising material costs here.
Healthcare Notice for HBAT Members
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace is being reopened thru May 15th. 
The HBATBT Health Plan is open for quoting and enrollment, as well. 
The HBATBT Health Plan team would like to help you select a policy that meets your needs and budget. Take a look at all your available options before making a decision. 
Contact Key Risk at 423-629-2400 or HBATBT@KeyRiskUnd.com. Or, visit https://keyriskund.com/hbatbt/.
Builders Make Plans to Get Together
Spend a few days at the beach networking with other HBA members!
We’ve all been cooped up for too long, let’s reconnect with fellow Builders and HBA members at the beautiful Henderson Beach Resort, May 23-26, 2021 at our Summer Meeting in Destin, FL.
Attending the Summer Meeting is a great opportunity to build relationships with members from across Tennessee, learn the latest association and industry developments, and get more involved at the state level. It’s also a chance for some much needed relaxation and fun at the beach.
Registration & Hotel
We are excited to return to Destin’s 5-star luxury resort. The Henderson is Florida’s finest beach resort on the Northwest Gulf Coast. HBAT has a room block reserved at a discounted rate of $265 per night. The room block deadline is May 12, 2021.
Participate in Member Savings Programs
Home Builders preach the benefits of doing business with a member. We want you to do business with like-minded people who support our industry. We also encourage you to take advantage of savings by participating in Rebate Programs.
Builders and Remodelers, if you’re not participating in this rebate program, you’re leaving money on the table. Register and claim your rebates www.HBATrebates.com 
NAHB has Additional Savings Programs for Business Savvy Members
Whether it’s a discount on a product or service or a more efficient way to operate, the smart business person is always looking at ways to cut costs and maximize returns.
Through agreements with more than 20 national companies, NAHB offers exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services that can benefit your business, employees and family. 
Make the most of your membership and check out the discounts here.
This online pdf flyer maybe easier to see on your phone.

 

By |2021-06-09T06:46:30-06:00June 8th, 2021|Builder News, Home Page|

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