Tag Archives: Fargo

HBA urges N.D. Senate to reconsider actions on HB 1020 concerning F-M Area Diversion Project funding, asks Fargo citizens to mobilize

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April 17, 2013 – Yesterday, the North Dakota Senate approved an amendment to House Bill 1020 (by a 24 – 23 vote) that requires the federal government to appropriate its $800 million in funding before the state approves money for the F-M Area Diversion Project. The bill contains the state’s Water Commission budget, which passed 44-3 after the amendment was approved.

Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead Executive Vice President Bryce Johnson says, “On behalf of our nearly 800 member companies, we are calling on the Senate to reconsider their actions yesterday and revisit the vote. North Dakota must take the first step in funding the Diversion project and protect its own citizens!”

The bill allows $450 million in state funding for the diversion project, but it can only be used for levee and dike protection until the full federal share of the cost is appropriated by Congress.

Johnson says, “The local share of funding is being provided over a 20-year sales tax, and the state’s share of the cost would be funded over several biennium. It’s outlandish to ask the federal government to fully fund its share.”

The Diversion project has the second highest economic benefit rating in the country, and the federal government has shown its support by spending nearly $30 million on study and flood protection work over the last four years.

“The Legislature’s actions so far regarding HB 1020 are clearly not supporting the Fargo area and the 200,000 people who live here,” she says. “They are essentially putting our citizens in harm’s way of a historic flood. The divisiveness in our Legislature is very disheartening. This project will protect one out of five North Dakotans. Our Fargo residents should be up in arms and mobilizing to contact their Legislators, especially Senators, about this bill.”

Find your Senator here:

https://www.legis.nd.gov/lcn/assembly/constituentViews/public/findmylegislator.htm

Talking points

  • Ask Senators to reconsider the amendment placed on HB 1020 to show the citizens of Fargo that their state supports protection of their homes, businesses and livelihoods.
  • The Diversion is the only plan that can provide 100-year protection.
  • 200,000 people live within the Diversion’s protection.
  • 100-year protection is needed to eliminate new FEMA flood insurance requirements that could eventually cost some Fargo homeowners holding a mortgage $10,000 to $12,000 per year in premiums.

The HBA of F-M and several business partners including the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber, F-M Area Association of Realtors and the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation support permanent flood protection for the F-M metro market. Community leaders believe that the Diversion needs to be in place if our area is going to remain a viable, growing community with a strong economy. It is vital for attracting larger businesses and industries that provide good income opportunities and attract families and homes.

Parade of Homes set to showcase 74 new homes, 41 Builders

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The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead is proud to announce its Spring Parade of Homes running nine days: April 27-May 5. Sponsored by Marvin Windows & Doors, the Parade covers two weekends for consumer convenience. Hours are noon-5 p.m. weekends and 6:30-8:30 p.m. weekdays. It will showcase 74 newly constructed homes by 41 HBA of F-M Builder members.

Admission is free, and the event will be a scattered-site tour of homes throughout Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Homes will cover all price ranges, including options for those age 55 and better, first-time buyers, people needing more space and those wanting to downsize.

Magazine Details

Parade of Homes magazine featuring 74 new homes will be available April 22 at all Hornbacher’s stores.

Parade of Homes magazines detailing each home entry will be available at all Hornbacher’s stores April 22-May 5. The magazine will be a full-color, glossy publication with a half page dedicated to each home entry. Homes will be represented in full color, with 3-D renderings. Builders also have an option to include a floor plan with home listings. The magazine will include a detailed map to each Parade entry, as well as a condensed listing of all homes entered in the event. An insert with home listings will be published in The Forum April 21.

Web Details

Consumers may access the Parade online at www.hbafm.com beginning April 22. The interactive website will allow consumers to browse homes, view maps and look for builders.

A free Parade application for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad is also available at www.hbafm.com.

Featured Homes

Each year, HBA members volunteer Parade of Homes entries priced $500,000 and higher to be “featured” homes in a fundraising effort to support their industry, Association and charity. Look for more details on featured homes in the event magazine or at www.hbafm.com April 22. The cost is $5 to all featured homes. Money raised will go to Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation, the HBA’s charitable foundation. It supports skill training, education and projects related to the housing industry.

Call the HBA of F-M at (701) 232-5846 or visit www.hbafm.com for more information on this event.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of just under 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Remodeled Home Tour, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show and Fall Home Show.

Habitat for Humanity home is area’s first to achieve National Green Building Standard bronze level

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The Home Builders Care Build for Habitat in north Fargo generated the first home in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area to qualify for the National Green Building Standard.

The Home Builders Care Build for Habitat in north Fargo generated the first home in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area to qualify for the National Green Building Standard. This Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build was sponsored by Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead and its charity, Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation. The house was finished in September, and a dedication ceremony was held last month.

The International Codes Council 700 National Green Building Standard is the first and only residential green building rating system to undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the American National Standards Institute. The standard defines green building for single- and multi-family homes, residential remodeling projects, and site development projects while still allowing for the flexibility required for regionally-appropriate best green practices.

Certification to the standard is provided by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. For residential buildings, four threshold levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald – allow builders to quantify and qualify green building at all levels. At the Emerald level, the highest rating for a residential green building, a building must incorporate energy savings of 60 percent or more. To qualify for Bronze, a home must be at least 15 percent better than the 2006 IECC.

To comply with the standard, a builder or remodeler must incorporate a minimum number of features in the following areas:

  • lot and site development;
  • energy, water, and resource efficiency;
  • indoor environmental quality;
  • and home owner education.

For more information on the standard, visit www.nahbgreen.org.

LAHFH is a locally-run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. The local affiliate was established in 1991 and is dedicated to building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with those in need in Cass and Clay counties. In 2012, LAHFH will complete its 47th home. For more information, visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org or follow it on facebook: facebook.com/lakeagassizhabitat.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of almost 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, Fall Home Show and Remodeled Home Tour. For more information, visit www.hbafm.com.

Home Builders Association’s third-quarter building permit report shows highest construction value ever

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The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead released its 2012 third-quarter building permit report for Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo during a press conference today. The construction industry in the Fargo-Moorhead area is at a record-setting pace so far.

According to the report, total construction value is nearly $434 million, which is the highest ever posted through the first three quarters of the year. The previous high was at $428 million in 2006.

“What fantastic news! It is so exciting to see busy job sites and smiling faces of those working in the home building industry,” says HBA President Terry Becker, Terry Becker Construction, LLC. “After years of flooding and a shaky national economy, it is clear the industry is on a healthy trajectory again.”

Residential construction is also moving at a scorching pace, posting the highest number of housing starts in five years. Through September, the F-M area has posted 732 housing starts. This pace is up 29 percent from the same time period in 2011. (Housing starts include single-family, twin home and row houses.)

Housing starts are up dramatically in Fargo and West Fargo:

  • Fargo is up 59 percent (325 starts – of which 242 are single-family permits);
  • West Fargo is more than double last year’s numbers (322 starts – of which 264 are single-family permits).

Moorhead is on-pace or slightly ahead of where it was a year before. The city saw 73 housing starts through third quarter both this year and last, and its single-family permits are up 22 percent so far this year.

Click here to watch video of the press conference.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of almost 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, Fall Home Show and Remodeled Home Tour. For more information, visit www.hbafm.com.

Fall Parade of Homes, Remodeled Home Tour coming soon

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Fall Parade of Homes slated for Sept. 8-9, 15-16

Consumers have a chance before the leaves fall to view a showcase of 28 new homes by 17 Builders in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, the Fall Parade of Homes will run two weekends, Sept. 8-9 and 15-16. Hours are noon – 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free.

The Fall Parade will include a wide range of prices in developments throughout Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. The homes are built with pride by HBA of F-M Builder members, each with his or her distinct style. Bright yellow and blue directional signs and pennants will mark homes participating in the Parade.

HBA hosts first-ever Remodeled Home Tour: Sept. 15-16

Last year, nationwide expenditures on remodeling topped those on new construction for the first time. To go along with this trend, the HBA of F-M will host its first Remodeled Home Tour in conjunction with the final weekend of its Fall Parade of Homes Sept. 15-16. Hours are noon – 5 p.m. and the event will be detailed in the Fall Parade of Homes event magazine.

Sponsored by Accent Kitchen & Bath, the Tour will feature seven remodeling projects by various HBA of F-M member contractors in existing homes throughout the metro area. Consumers can see a full-house renovation, bathrooms, kitchens and basements, plus more. Bright orange and blue directional signs and pennants will mark homes participating in the Tour.

Magazine Details

Parade of Homes magazines, including details on the Remodeled Home Tour, will be available at all Hornbacher’s stores beginning Sept. 4. The magazine will be a full-color, glossy publication with a half page dedicated to each entry. Remodeling projects will be represented through photographs, and new homes will be depicted through full-color, 3-D renderings. The magazine will include detailed maps to each entry, as well as a condensed listing of all entries in the event. An insert with entry listings will be published in The Forum Sept. 2.

Web Details

Consumers may access the Parade and Remodeled Home Tour online at www.hbafm.com beginning Sept. 4. The interactive website will allow consumers to browse homes, view maps and look for Builders and remodelers.

A free Parade and Tour application for Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad, is also available at www.hbafm.com.

Call the HBA of F-M at (701) 232-5846 or visit www.hbafm.com for more information.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of almost 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Remodeled Home Tour, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show and the Fall Home Show.

Home Builders Association’s second-quarter building permit report shows strongest numbers since 2007

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The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead released its 2012 second-quarter building permit report for Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo during a press conference today.

The construction industry in the Fargo-Moorhead area is off to its strongest start since 2007. Total construction value for the second quarter is over $263 million, which is up almost $100 million from the previous year. Housing start totals are up 90 percent from the number during the same time in 2011.

At its Spring Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Home Builders acknowledged the F-M area as having a 48.6 percent or greater increase in building permits; it was also one of the few areas in the country that experienced an increase in housing value. Click for NAHB’s slides: NAHB Slides

“After three years of flooding and a shaky national economy, it is refreshing to see the home building industry thriving again and crews busy on jobsites,” said HBA of F-M President Terry Becker, Terry Becker Construction, LLC.

Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo each saw a large increase in housing starts compared to last year: West Fargo made the biggest jump, from 69 to 178; Fargo, from 104 to 172; and Moorhead, from 27 to 44 starts in 2012. Along with new housing, both total permit numbers and construction values increased for residential remodeling, new commercial and commercial remodeling.

“The industry still faces some large hurdles in upcoming flood insurance mandates and the long wait for permanent flood protection,” Becker says. “But with our strong local economy, the housing needs are prevalent and that’s a good thing because we are putting people to work and creating jobs.” Currently, there are many great reasons to buy or build.

  • It’s a buyer’s market.
  • Interest rates are extremely low.
  • The area has a wide variety of houses and developments.
  • Home values are steady locally, showing that buying a house is a great investment.
  • Local banks have money to lend.
  • There are great housing incentives available: When buying or building a new home you can save $5,000 in Fargo and West Fargo. There are also incentives for down payment, closing cost and financing assistance as well as remodeling. Check out www.hbafm.com and the “housing incentives” section for more details.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of almost 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, Fall Home Show and Remodeled Home Tour. For more information, visit www.hbafm.com.

Mayors proclaim June Homeownership Month

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Mayors of Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and Dilworth signed a proclamation today at the Home Builders Care Build for Habitat, 902 27th St. N. in Fargo, designating June as Homeownership Month for each city.

Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson reads from the Homeownership Month proclamation while fellow mayors Mark Voxland (Moorhead), Rich Mattern (West Fargo) and Dennis Walaker (Fargo) look on.

Home Builders Association of F-M and the Home Builders Care Foundation have partnered with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to sponsor a home, marking the first of Lake Agassiz Habitat’s 2012 build season.

Press conference attendees included Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker; West Fargo Mayor Rich Mattern; Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland; Dilworth Mayor Chad Olson; Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Director Rob Rich and Home Builders Association of F-M President Terry Becker, Terry Becker Construction, LLC.

Fargo and Moorhead offer home buyer education classes through The Village Family Service Center. Those participating in the home buyer education seminars may be eligible for down payment assistance depending on income. The Village has been offering home buyer education since 1994, and a fact sheet was provided.

Organizations involved in housing such as the F-M Area Association of Realtors, Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead, The Village Family Service Center, Habitat for Humanity and local city governments, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, coordinated the event.

The focus of National Homeownership Month is to recognize efforts to strengthen communities and to give countless American families the information necessary to achieve their dream of homeownership. With today’s continuing low interest rates, homeownership has never been more accessible to so many people. Contributing to a strong economy, home ownership enriches families and has come to symbolize the realization of the American Dream. Home equity accounts for more than half of the total net wealth of the typical home-owning family, making homeownership the primary source of a household’s net worth and the fundamental first step toward accumulating personal wealth.

For more homeownership resources, visit www.hbafm.com or subscribe to the National Association of Home Builders’ HouseKeys e-letter.

Cities offer incentives for new home buyers

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“For sale” and “sold” signs have sprouted like springtime flowers across our communities. At the end of April, the 52nd annual Parade of Homes will present 65 homes newly constructed by Home Builders Association of F-M members. It’s no coincidence that activity is strong: Low interest rates and housing availability combine with wonderful local incentives to provide area residents many ways to make a homeownership dream come true.

Note: the information below encompasses Dilworth, Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. If unlisted, contact your local jurisdiction for more details on specific incentives it may offer.

Tax incentives on new construction

The cities of Fargo and West Fargo offer a two-year tax exemption on new construction that offers thousands of dollars in savings for buyers. The law was updated in 2009 to offer more benefit for home buyers, increase home sales and strengthen a struggling housing market. The improved incentive offers a $150,000 value reduction off building value for two full years to owners of a newly constructed home. This amounts up to a $2,600 per year savings on property taxes, totaling up to $5,200 in savings.

The incentive is available to all jurisdictions in North Dakota due to legislation, S.B. 2247, passed during the 2009 legislation session. The bill doubled the amount of value available from $75,000 to $150,000. The bill also clarified the language to guarantee every qualifying home buyer two full years of benefit. The original bill and value amount were first established in 1983.

“These tax exemption programs in our communities are an incredible deal for home buyers,” said Bryce Johnson, Home Builders Association of F-M executive vice president. “The incentives go a long way to increase home buying activity and help keep the housing industry a robust part of the local economy.”

2012 Home Builders Association of F-M President Terry Becker, Terry Becker Construction, LLC, echoes that sentiment, “The incentives give Realtors a tool that is easy to understand when using it to sell a home, and they give new homeowners an incentive to buy. It provides a little break during a time when costs are the highest.”

Home buyers can get down-payment, closing cost, financing assistance

Home buyer assistance through state and local governments comes in many different forms. Here is a quick rundown of what is available:

Zero interest, deferred payment loans are available in North Dakota through the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program aim to help lower-income first-time home buyers meet their out-of-pocket cash requirements. The home buyer may be eligible to receive the greater of 3 percent of the purchase price of the home or $3,000.

Closing Cost Assistance Program home buyers must be receiving their first mortgage loan from NDHFA, and have a minimum of a $500 out-of-pocket investment. Borrowers must meet the program’s income limits, which vary based on county and family size, and they should meet the normal credit underwriting standards. The purchase price of the property must be within program limits.

For more information visit www.ndhfa.org or contact a participating lender.

Minnesota Housing program first-time buyer programs are available to eligible buyers in Moorhead and Dilworth. The state of Minnesota’s programs give home buyers some choices for assistance. Several options exist for down-payment/closing-cost assistance and mortgage financing, depending on income and borrower eligibility.

Moorhead Neighborhood Services Manager Lisa Vatnsdal says that there are a number of area lenders who participate in below-market interest rate mortgages through Minnesota Housing programs, including Community Activity Set Aside, or CASA, and Minnesota Mortgage Program. Moorhead buyers may also qualify for zero-interest deferred down payment and closing-cost loan assistance programs called Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF) and Home Help.

Even more resources are targeted to Moorhead’s Stonemill Ponds neighborhood; no interest affordability gap loans and special assessment financing are available for qualified first-time home buyers.

Vatnsdal says, “Up to $44,500 may be available to assist eligible home buyers purchase a newly constructed home in this neighborhood.”

Did you know?

Today’s interest rates could get you a $280,000 mortgage for monthly payments that are less than a $100,000 mortgage in 1981*?

Average interest per decade:

  • 2000s    6.3 percent
  • 1990s    8.1 percent
  • 1980s    12.7 percent
  • 1970s    9 percent

*Interest rates peaked Oct. 1981 at 18.45 percent

Visit www.hbafm.com/directory or www.nahb.org for more information and consumer tools.

Spring Parade of Homes set to showcase 65 homes

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The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead is proud to announce its Spring Parade of Homes running nine days: April 28-May 6. Sponsored by Marvin Windows & Doors, the Parade covers two weekends for consumer convenience. Hours are noon-5 p.m. weekends and 6:30-8:30 p.m. weekdays.

Admission is free. The event will be a scattered-site tour of 65 homes Dilworth, Fargo, Mapleton, Moorhead and West Fargo, built with pride by 37 HBA of F-M Builder members. Homes will cover all price ranges, including options for those age 55 and better, first-time buyers, people needing more space, and those wanting to downsize.

Magazine Details

Parade of Homes magazines detailing each home entry will be available at all Hornbacher’s stores April 23-May 6. The magazine will be a full-color, glossy publication with a half page dedicated to each home entry. Homes will be represented in full color, with 3-D renderings. Builders also have an option to include a floor plan with home listings. The magazine will include detailed maps to each Parade entry, as well as a condensed listing of all homes entered in the event. An insert with home listings will be published in The Forum April 22.

Web Details

Consumers may access the Parade online at www.hbafm.com beginning April 23. The interactive website will allow consumers to browse homes, view maps and look for builders.

A free Parade application for Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPod and iPad is also available at http://www.hbafm.com/events/parade-of-homes1.html.

Featured Homes

Each year, HBA members volunteer Parade of Homes entries priced $500,000 and higher to be “featured” homes in a fundraising effort to support their industry, Association and charity. This year, Designer Homes of Fargo-Moorhead and Thomsen Homes, LLC, have chosen to showcase their entries. Look for more details on featured homes in the event magazine or at www.hbafm.com April 23. The cost is $5 to tour all featured homes. Money raised will go to Home Builders Care of Fargo-Moorhead Foundation, the HBA’s charitable foundation. It supports skill training, education and projects related to the housing industry.

Call the HBA of F-M at (701) 232-5846 or visit www.hbafm.com for more information on this event.

The HBA of F-M is a non-profit trade association of over 800 members that has been in existence since 1956. Its mission is to provide quality services, benefits and education to members and the community while representing the collective interests of the home building industry. Its public events include the Spring Parade of Homes, Fall Parade of Homes, Red River Valley Home & Garden Show, Fall Home Show and Remodeled Home Tour.