Remodeling sentiment rose to the highest level in five years, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter of 2011. Released Wednesday, the RMI increased to 46.6 in the fourth quarter from 41.7 in the third quarter. Click here for the NAHB article.

In even better local news, Portland ranked #9 on Remodeling Magazine’s list of the top 100 remodeling markets for 2012.  Last year, Portland ranked #17.  This view was echoed by leaders within the local Home Builders Association of Metro Portland (HBA) and its Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO).

“As more consumers remain in their homes rather than move in this economy, remodelers benefited from a gradual increase in home improvement activity,” said HBA Officer Steve Heiteen, a local remodeler. “2011 ended on a strong note for the remodeling industry.”

“Consumers seem to be feeling more optimistic that we are beginning to move in an upward direction,” noted HBA PRO Chair Steve Klingerman, also a local remodeler. “While high value projects like kitchens and baths are still leading the way, we’re beginning to see more activity in larger projects.”

An RMI below 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is lower (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is higher. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity.

Current market conditions improved significantly in all four regions over the third quarter of 2011. The RMI reported higher market activity in two important categories: major additions 52.3 (from 45.2) and minor additions 50.1 (from 45.7).

“With several key components above 50, the latest RMI provides reason for guarded optimism going forward,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “The residential remodeling market has been improving gradually, mirroring the trend in other segments of the housing market.”

For more information about remodelers in Portland, Oregon, visit www.hbapdx.org.

About Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland
The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing almost 1,000 builders, remodelers, trade contractors, suppliers and industry professionals.  Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents.

Metro District 3 – Craig Dirksen

Metro District 5 – Sam Chase

Clackamas County Chair – Paul Savas

Clackamas County Commissioner Position 3 – Martha Schrader

Washington County Commissioner Position 1 – Betty Bode

Washington County Commissioner Position 3 – Roy Rogers

Portland Mayor – Charlie Hales

Portland Commissioner – Mary Nolan

Portland Commissioner – Steve Novick

In addition to the endorsement by the HBA, in many of these races a decision was made to contribute financially. In all, more than $14,000 was contributed on behalf of the HBA by our Political Action Committee (PAC) – Oregonians for Affordable Housing (OFAH). All of these candidates can use your support. Not only do candidates need financial assistance, but they need additional support such as sign locations, phone banking, and fundraising. If you would like to help in any of these races, contact Justin W. at the HBA to see what you can do.

Are you a builder looking to showcase your homes and communities?

This free service is included in your HBA membership. Now, when consumers visit the HBA website they will be able to find details about all your communities, plans and spec homes. You will also be able to highlight your promotions and homes directly to consumers. It will drive high quality traffic to your website, to your communities and leads.  The HBA website gets thousands of high quality visits each month and these can become leads to you.  To sign up, visit http://www.builderhomesite.com/listings/hbas and fill out the request form. Please make sure on the form to include the name of HBA as HBApdx. Once you fill out the form, you will be contacted by a BDX representative who will facilitate posting your info on the site.

Homes in the Ultimate Open House run the gamut in size, price range, style and location across the five metro-area counties. All HBA member builders are invited to participate in the show, which is free to the public and set for April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2012.

Don’t let this great marketing opportunity pass you by! Sign up today by visiting downloading the Official Entry Packet or calling HBA at 503-684-1880.

See the Smart Home Remodel, extravagant gardens, and hundreds vendors all in one show

Portland, Ore. –  The HBA is thrilled to announce that Spring is just around the corner and so is the 65th Annual Portland Home & Garden Show!  Each year thousands of attendees gather at the show with ideas, plans and dreams, and the Portland Home & Garden Show is ready to deliver expert solutions.  Get ready to tour the amazingShowcaseGardens, see the 2012 Smart Home Remodel, plus visit with hundreds of vendors inside theExpoCenter – this is clearly the show of choice for homeowners and gardeners alike.  Plus we will have special guests, John and Sherry Petersik of YoungHouseLove – the famous bloggers will be at the show!

Remember If you are interested in being a vendor at this year’s February show, there is still time to participate [HBA members receive a discount on booth space fees]. Come to the Portland Home & Garden Show, one of the largest shows of its kind inOregonfor the past 65 years; visit the show this February 22 through 26. Sponsored by the HBA of Metropolitan Portland, andToyota- the official vehicle of the show.

Portland Home & Garden Show Highlights:

One of the more popular attractions at the show are the Showcase Gardens.  These gorgeous garden displays are sure to inspire, amaze and allow those wanting an expert’s touch… to find the professional to make a difference for your home.  Here is your chance to see new garden designs, themes, color trends, stunning materials and of course plants of special interest. No matter what your taste in gardens or landscape design, you’ll find a garden filled with inspiring ideas for your own home or project and the experts at the ready.

Be sure to check out the 2012 Smart Home Remodel. Robert Knowles Construction along with designers Troy Farnsworth and Jennifer Myers are heading up a team of dozens of local companies to build a home from the ground up in less than 52 hours – all inside theExpoCenter!  This house will have a beautiful full sized bathroom with wheel chair access and other universal design benefits. The home will feature solar arrays, gorgeous outdoor living spaces, energy saving appliances, bamboo cabinets, recycled countertops, high performing walls (energy efficiency) and automatic window shades.  The home will educate attendees about the simple features that a homeowner can incorporate during a remodel, or new home construction project.  Come see this outstanding example of today’s smart home!

Green Street will feature a grouping of vendors who provide green, smart and energy efficient solutions for today’s homes.  TheGreen Street vendors will be energy efficiency experts and have knowledge on durable and envelope focused products for residential homes. Homeowners who are looking to upgrade their home systems (heat, cooling, power), or concerned about indoor air quality or lowering their energy bills must head straight to the street of answers…Green Street!

Yes, its true, the internationally famous bloggers – John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love are slated to be at the Portland Home & Garden Show!  John and Sherry are 29 and their house is 49 and It’s practically old enough to be their mom, but they treat it like it’s their baby. They are not experts, just DIY dorks who like learning as they go and sharing their adventures and misadventures with the world. That’s right, they’re bona fide full time bloggers as well as stay at home parents who are raising a one year old while juggling DIY projects, post-writing, book-writing, and lots of other bloggy goodness. They like to say that they make a modest living by blogging about living modestly. Now it’s just a matter of finding enough hours in the day to keep up with their ever growing to-do list and share every last detail on this little slice of the internet that they call home.  Their appearance at the Spring Home and Garden Show will include talking to exhibitors about products, ideas and what’s new to help with their DIY tasks as well as an invite only Blogger Q&A followed by an open Meet and Greet with the couple.  You can follow them at www.YoungHouseLove.com.

The Original Plant Sale is back!  The Plant Sale will have dozens of the finest nurseries in the area participating – providing the ultimate in spring fun and ideas.  A great selection of plants is available including grasses, perennials, shrubs, plants of special interest and more.

The Home Depot’s Do-It-Yourself Stage is a great user friendly feature for the Portland Home & Garden Show, where Home Depot pros help attendees become skilled at simple projects around the home. Each day of the show, the Home Depot will be offering classes, tips and great resources, plus it’s a ton of fun!

It’s a show within a show! See the orchids bloom within the The Portland Orchid Society displays. For those enchanted by these remarkable flowers you can find an amazing array of orchids on display and for sale at the show.

DATES:               Wednesday, February 22, 11 am – 8 pm

Thursday, February 23, 11 am – 8 pm

Friday, February 24, 11 am – 8 pm

Saturday, February 25, 10 am – 8 pm

Sunday, February 26, 10 am – 6 pm

ADMISSION:      $10 general admission for adults. Kids age 12 and under free!
$2.00 discount coupons available at www.otshows.com.

LOCATION:        Expo, 2060 North Marine Drive

MORE INFO:      Call 503-246-8291

WEB:                   www.otshows.com

Facebook:          www.facebook.com/pdxhomeandgarden

January 6th 8:30am-4:30pm or January 25th 8:30am-4:30pm

Classes are located at the Home Builders Association at 15555 SW Bangy Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035.

EPA certification is required for firms that perform renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities, and schools. This class is taught by an EPA approved trainer who follows lead-safe work practices.

Upon successful completion of this course participants will receive a Certificate of Completion stating that they are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the requirements of EPA Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP).

FOR GRANT ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION INFORMATION, please contact:

Skye Feltz, (503) 594-3452 skyef@clackamas.edu

or Kim Hikade, (503) 594-6413, hikade@clackamas.edu

*The number of no-cost trainings is limited by the grant monies available, so please call soon to reserve your space.

** This project is sponsored by the Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County and is funded by an Oregon State Energy Sector Partnership grant through the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Worksource Oregon is an equal opportunity employer/program.
WorkSource Oregon es un programa/empleador que respeta la igualdad de oportunidades.

Special thank you for Clackamas Community College for making this grant happen.

Congratulation to the entire 2012 Board of Directors:

President
Gordon Root, Root Holdings
First Vice-President
Steve Heiteen, Portland Remodel
Vice President-Treasurer
Jan Lewis, Tryon Creek Construction
Vice President-Secretary
Nate Bond, ProBuild
Past President
Karl Finkelnburg Builder
Developer Directors
Keith Knowles, Robert Knowles Construction
Joe Robertson, JDR Contracting Alan
DeHarpport, Roundstone Development
Rich Bailey, Rich Baily Construction
Tony Marnella, Marnella Homes
Kevin Wann, Pacific Lifestyle Homes
Jeff Fish, Fish Construction
Jamie Harris, Elite Development
Phil Pahlisch, Pahlisch Homes PRO Directors
Thomas Payne, Craftsman Homes Group
Steve Stolze, SLS Remodel and Additions
Steve Frazier, Contract Furnishings Mart
PRO Chair
Steve Klingerman, T.H.E. Remodel Group
Associate Directors
Bill Joseph, Dunn, Carney & Tongue
Kimberly Wheeler, Bank of the West
Theresa Springer, Pacific Residential Mortgage
Angela Todd, Angela Todd Designs
Craig Zell, Zell & Associates
Victoria Garcia, Pacific NW Title
Political Action Chair
Laurie Butler, First American Title
Government Affairs Chair
Matt Wellner, Metro Land Group
Membership Council Chair
Brian Schmidt, Olsen Homes Inc.
Appointed Director
Kent Ziegler, Ziegler Enterprises
Past President Directors
Jim Standring, Westland Industries
George Lorance, Milgard Windows

Pictured: Steve Heiteen (First Vice-President), Jan Lewis (Vice President-Treasurer), and Nate Bond (Vice President-Secretary) were sworn in as officers of the HBA.

Builder of the Year – Tim Breedlove, Renaissance Development

Tim Breedlove’s participation and involvement over the last few years is valued by the HBA. His perspective on key issues is a positive contribution to the Board and Committee meetings he attends. Tim consistently pitches in wherever needed and brings together different parts of the association. He served as a panelist at builder forums, supported HBA home tours and events, and promoted the work of PRO and remodelers.

Remodeler of the Year – Steve Pruitt

Steve Pruitt, founder of Cascade Restoration & Remodeling, is a constant presence at the Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO) Executive and Marketing Committees where he regularly contributes his knowledge and experience. As an active participant in HBA/PRO programs, he was a big winner at this year’s Excellence Awards. He attended the remodelers roundtable discussions in addition to being the 2011 Chair for the Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Trade Contractor of the Year – Keith Knowles

Keith Knowles wears two hats these days as both a builder (Robert Knowles Construction) and a trade contractor (LiveLight Energy). Keith is a current HBA Board Member and the 2011 Building Green Council Chair. He was instrumental in the construction of the 2011 Smarthouse at the Spring Home & Garden Show by donating his time, his staff’s time and materials. He also donated time and product to the NW Natural Street of Dreams and the PAC House.

Associate of the Year – Louise Farrar-Wegener

As an active member who contributes greatly to the HBA, Louise farrar-Wegener of Z-3 Design Studio Inc. went above and beyond this past year by giving a lot of her time and expertise. Louise is a long-time participant on the PRO Marketing and Executive Committees, as well as the Tour of Remodeled Homes. This year Louise donated her time and energy to the NW Natural Street of Dreams VIP Outdoor Living Pavilion and the Fall Home & Garden Show Tweet Lounge.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Pat Dignan

Pat Dignan, of NW Natural, began his involvement with the HBA in the 1970s when NW Natural started providing gas for residential construction.  Pat joined NW Natural as an administrative assistant to the Vice President. After a variety of positions with the gas company, he was elected Vice President of Marketing and continued in that capacity until his retirement in 1992. Pat was very active with the HBA as a board member in the 1970s. He also served for 6 years on the NAHB National Research Center Board. In 1997, Pat was chairman of the Street of Dreams. Because of Pat, a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship was created and continues to flourish between the HBA and NW Natural.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Bonnie Hayes

Bonnie Hayes began serving the Oregon housing industry as a Builder Services Representative and Branch Manager for Trans-America Title Insurance Company.  As a member of the HBA, she was actively involved on committees and as a National Director.  Because of her involvement with the HBA, Bonnie recognized the home building industry needed representation in local government and ran for Washington County Commissioner.  Bonnie received the NAHB State & Local Government Affairs Government Official of the Year award and was inducted to the Oregon Housing Hall of Fame.

This recognition is in honor of Bonnie, who passed away in December of 1996. Her legacy lives on through the animal shelter in Washington County named in her honor and in the HBA Lifetime Achievement award.

Spike of the Year – Kimberly Wheeler

With a recruitment total of 16 new members in 2011, the HBA is pleased to present Kimberly Wheeler, Bank of the West branch manager, with the Spike of the Year award for the sixth consecutive year. The HBA thanks Kimberly for all the time and effort she gives to the association, especially as this year’s Membership Chair.

President’s Award – Nate Bond

Each year the President honors a member with an award for the support they provided during his year as President. Karl honored and surprised Nate Bond from ProBuild with the HBA President’s Award this year for his generous involvement in the HBA. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee as well as a major sponsor of HBA events.

Robert Denk – Assistant VP, Forecasting & Analysis, National Association of Home Builders
www.nahb.org

Click here for Robert Denk’s slide presentation

Mr Denk’s responsibilities include developing econometric models of national, state and metropolitan area housing activity, as well as providing ad hoc analyses on a range of housing sector issues. Mr. Denk has been an economist in Washington DC for over 20 years working in the private, non-profit and government sectors.  Mr. Denk received a B.S. from the College of Social Sciences at Michigan State University and an M.A. in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Todd Britsch – President of New Home Trends Inc.
www.newhometrends.com

Click here for Todd Britsch’s presentation

Todd Britsch started out in the industry in 1988 gathering data for New Home Trends Inc and is currently in his fifth year as President of the company. He left the company for 12 years and came back in 2002. Since that time he has helped the company grow by 400%. He has done this by understanding the market, the data and the customers that use New Home Trends services. Under Todd’s leadership and with the dedication of the New Home Trends team, the company has expanded into Portland and Salem Oregon, Treasure Valley and Coeur D’Alene Idaho and Spokane Washington. In his seven years back with the company Todd has worked with countless industry professionals to better understand the housing market.

Ken Perry – President and CEO of Broker Knowledge Group
www.brokerknowledge.com

Click here for Ken Perry’s presentation

Broker Knowledge Group is a training and consulting firm that specializes in mortgage, real estate and finance education.  As a 15-year veteran of the mortgage industry, Ken’s vast interactions training mortgage professionals inspired him to pursue his dream of bringing positive change to the mortgage industry on a much larger scale.  Broker Knowledge Group is an approved course provider of the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and is dedicated to bringing a unique, not-what-you-expect style of education to its clients by mixing passion and humor with extreme knowledge.  As a native Californian, born and raised in the Bay area, Ken’s center of operations is now based in Portland, OR, although his speaking engagements take him all over the United States.  Ken currently lives in Camas, WA with his wife and three children.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors: Parr Lumber, NW Natural, The Oregonian, Landye Bennett Blumstein LLP, and Theresa Springer of Directors Mortgage