August 4, 2005

Inside Veritas -
Article 1 - Contrary thoughts on the Kelo v. New London Ruling
Article 2 - What about those record July auto sales and “employee” pricing?
Article 3 - Existing Market Activity
Article 4 - Mortgage Rate Activity
Article 5 - Taxation and Finance by Rachor; Purman & Tucker CPAs
Taking your spouse on a business trip
Association News Update From Laura
Economic Update - A manufacturing upswing?
BS: Still about Nothing in particular
Housing Industry Update
Would you like to see a previous Veritas Issues? Click Here

Contrary thoughts on the Kelo v. New London Ruling

For the past six weeks I’ve been hit with a barrage of e-mails and articles attacking the recent Supreme Court ruling in “Kelo v New London.” While it’s been accepted practice that governments can use the concept of “Eminent Domain” to condemn property so it can be used for the public good (highways, schools, etc), the majority in the Kelo decision said that an economic development purpose, even if it’s not to be publicly owned, can qualify for “public good,” and eminent domain can be used as a tool to accommodate that purpose. So, for example, in an economically deprived area, job creation is in the “public good,” and “eminent domain” can be used to acquire land to build (perhaps) a Toyota plant. In other words, the court recognized something our industry’s been preaching for (at least) three decades — economic growth is in the “public good.”

What’s amazing (to me) has been the reaction against the ruling running across the political spectrum, and from groups like NAHB. The far right, understandably, calls it a violation of basic property rights. The far left claims it’s designed to drive poor people from their homes, also understandable in 21st Century paranoid terms. But, what about groups like NAHB?

Using the NAHB’s data on the impact of housing, I’ve stressed the public value of housing development to hundreds of government officials over the years. Now, the highest court in the land agrees that development serves the “public good.” Yet the organization that promotes growth and development is opposed. I don’t get it!

What You Think!

Tell us your thoughts on this matter. Call Barry at 603.2200, or e-mail him at barry@bamfhome.com

Back To Top

What about those record July auto sales and “employee” pricing?

When America’s auto makers released their July sales’ reports at the beginning of the month, there was little surprise when the record numbers were announced, and “employee pricing” was given credit. GM’s sales were 15.2% above July 2004, which was minor in comparison to Ford (+28.5%) and Daimler/Chrysler’s (+25.1%) rise over the same period.

However, without “employee discounts,” Toyota, Honda and Nissan experienced rises in sales of 8.1% to 15%, helping to bring July sales to an all time record of 1.81 million (beating the record set in Oct. ‘01 when GM began the 0% interest post 9/11 program).

When GM began its “employee pricing to all” program, industry analysts warned that it would be damaging to its, already precarious, bottom line. And, as Ford and Chrysler followed suit, the same concerns were expressed for the U.S. industry as a whole.

However, what those analysts, perhaps, failed to understand is that the “employee price” fluctuates due to market conditions, just like normal pricing. So, it was conceivable that employee pricing was no different than other recent sales’ gimmicks.

Interestingly enough, we checked a few models’ “employee price” before and after the new programs and, while not scientific, they suggest the new deal may have been

more beneficial to the companies than the buyer. For example, we found a Cadillac lease that climbed about $82 per month; a Jeep 4x4 with a $3,000 (18.9%) price increase; and a Chrysler lease that virtually doubled. So, when third quarter profits (or losses) for U.S. auto makers are released in fall, don’t be shocked if the earnings’ far surpass analysts’ estimates.

With that said, you can see by the chart to the right have made little dent in the con- tinued loss of market share on a y-t-d basis for the U.S. companies. While the “Big 3” may have taken 63.6% of July’s share, they are down 0.4% for the year (1.5% from ‘03) while Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are up 1.1% (3% from ‘03).

Back To Top

Existing Market Activity

After skipping a month, a new record was once again set for sales of existing homes, which sold at a 7.33 million unit rate in June and, yada-yada-yada, the median price jumped 14.7% to $219,000 since June ‘04.

Michigan & Metro Flint

As with the nation as a whole, state and local homes are selling at a record pace. However, unlike the U.S., not at record in- creases in price levels.

Michigan, which shows average (rather than median) prices has experienced an increase of just 1.2% in comparison to the first half of 2004, while the Flint area’s actually showing continuation of declining prices (down 4% since ‘04; 12.8% since ‘03).

Local Inventory

However, the big issue at the local level has been inventory, with roughly 5,600 homes on the market at any given time. To put it all in perspective, we created a seasonally adjusted sales’ rate from 3 years of data, and found homes were selling at a rate of 6,430 during the 2nd quarter. At that rate of sales there are currently 10.3 months’ inventory on the market ... nationally the supply’s 4.3 months’ inventory.

Back To Top

Mortgage Rate Activity (From July 7, 2005 issue)

Another month; another Federal Reserve rate hike; and lower 30 year fixed mortgage rates ... in other words, nothing’s really changed since we went against conventional wisdom in March, stating we don’t think the bond market believes the economy’s strong enough to support inflation, and long term rates remain low. However, we can anticipate slight upward movement (5.6% range) when Freddie Mac reports later this (Thursday) afternoon ...

Back to top

Taxation and Finance by Rachor; Purman & Tucker CPAs
Taking your spouse on a business trip

You may be expecting to take a business trip in the near future and were interested in whether you can deduct the costs of having your spouse accompany you.

The rules for deducting a spouse's travel costs are very restrictive. First of all, to qualify, your spouse must be your employee. This means you can't deduct the travel costs of a spouse, even if his or her presence has a bonafide business purpose, unless the spouse is a bona fide employee of your business. This requirement prevents deductibility in most cases.

If your spouse is your employee, then you can deduct his/her travel costs if the presence on the trip serves a bona fide business purpose. Merely having your spouse perform some incidental business service isn't enough to establish “business purpose.” In general, it isn't sufficient for her presence to be "helpful" to business pursuits-it must be "necessary."

In most cases, a spouse's participation in social functions isn't enough to establish a business purpose. That is, if her purpose is to establish general goodwill for customers or associates, this is usually insufficient. Further, if there is a vacation element to the trip (sight seeing, etc.), it will be more difficult to establish a business purpose for her presence.

On the otherhand, a bona fide business purpose exists where your spouse's presence is necessary to care for a serious medical condition that you have. If your spouse's travel satisfies these tests, the normal deductions for business travel away from home can be claimed. These include the costs of transportation, meals, lodging, and incidental costs such as dry cleaning,phone calls, etc.

Even if a spouse's travel doesn't satisfy the requirements, you may still be able to deduct a substantial portion of the trip's costs. This is because the rules don't require you to allocate 50% of costs to your spouse. You need only allocate to her any additional costs you incur. For example, in many hotels the cost of a single room isn't much lower than the cost of a double. If a single costs $150 a night while a double costs you $200, the disallowed portion of the cost allocable to your spouse would be $50. And if you drive your own car or rent a car, the cost will be fully deductible. Of course, if public transportation is used, and for meals, any separate costs incurred by your spouse wouldn't be deductible.

Back to top

Beyond Seinfeld: It’s still about "Nothing" in particular

“Dawgs” who mess with “Gators” get BIT

There’s a new hero in the continued “property rights” struggle. Daryl Cook is a Florida “Gator,” with three pigs, several goats, and a rooster named “Spurrier” (though we expect a crowing “Meyer” by mid fall), angering his Georgia “Dawg” neighbors in that “way upscale” Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody.

Cook, a 45 year old civil engineer (U of Fla grad) lives on a large lot in an area where most homes are over $1 million. However, while the land around him is zoned residential, his is zoned for agriculture. When he tried to get his lot rezoned to build two homes, his neighbors objected. So, despite a favorable recommendation from planning staff, the county’s planning commission caved in when confronted by a mass of neighbors, supported by the “Dunwoody Homeowners’ Association (arguing the Master plan called for 1 house per acre on Cook’s property). Of course, most lots nearby, including a new subdivision next door, are much smaller.

So Cook, who calls himself a “sore loser,” decided if agriculture is what they want, agriculture’s what they’ll get!

First, he spray painted his house in his alma mater’s colors, and dubbed his homestead the “Swamp,” after the nickname for the U-F football stadium (where historically, Gators have devoured their UGA Dawg’ rivals).

Next, he bought the farm animals and began cutting trees, posting signs offering “Free Firewood.” And soon, he expects to plant wax beans, corn and squash.

The remedy for these now “anti farm” neighbors? Drop their objections to Cook’s rezoning.

Note: Special thanks to ABC (Good Morning America) for bringing this story to our attention, and the Atlanta Constitution for its more ‘in-depth’ coverage.

“Seinfeld” Brief:

We’ve heard of the health benefits of “moderate drinking.” Now we find, according to a Syracuse University professor, there’s an “drinkers’ bonus” in 10% to 25% higher wages for moderate drinkers (2 drinks per day) versus (otherwise) equal teetotalers ( WSJ; 7-13-05 ).

Back to top

Association News and Events by Laura

THE FALL PARADE OF HOMES FINAL DEADLINE IS APPROACHING!

When we hit the “early entry” (July 20th) deadline we had 18 models for the eventthat’s set to open Saturday, October 8th, running to Sunday, the 23rd (Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends).

Entry fees are now at $2,900 ($1,850 for second entries by the same builder), if entered by August 27th.

Regarding that “final deadline:” In recent Parades, we’ve had an average of 3 to 4 builders attempting to enter after the deadline, and put them on a waiting list — which means, if someone drops out; and, IF we can work the waiting home into Housing Quarterly, we will accommodate the participant. However, we’ve only been able to accommodate two builders over the past four parades .... So, if you wish to participate, don’t wait!

Normally, 30% to 40% of the entries come in between the early entry and deadline period, so we now anticipate roughly 27 entries for the event.

The contracts were mailed out June 23rd — If you didn’t receive one, or mis- placed yours, we urge that you call the association office at 810.603.2200, immediately.

Early Entry Participants Include:

Vantage Homes;
Alexander Homes;
Del Pratt Builder;
J W Morgan Construction;
Centex Homes (2);
Lausman Homes (2);
Mallard Ponds;
Lexington Properties (2);
Valley Ridge Construction;
Saratoga Homes;
Abbey Homes;
C & L Homes;
SonRise Homes (3).

Also, we want to remind Housing Quarterly advertisers that we need all contracts and artwork by August 29th. With the layout change we made this past spring, we should be able to accommodate all advertisers (even those wanting full page color) who respond by the deadline. However, if you want a partial page color ad, we should know as soon as possible.

# # # #

Just a quick note on the Golf outing: While it originally sold out in ten days, we were able to accommodate all but 4 members on the waiting list as a couple of foursomes backed out. So, it sometimes pays to get on a waiting list. Also, we ended up with sponsors and contests on 16 holes ... look for the full report in the September issue.

# # # #

And, speaking of September, don’t forget we’ll be starting up the meetings again for fall, with the first scheduled for September 21st, at Bonapartes. And, if you’re setting your calendar, the following meeting’s on October 19th.

# # # #

A “kinder, gentler,” PAC? If you receive a request from “Friends of Housing,” rest assured, there is a sense of legitimacy. The MAHB’s political action committee changed its name from B-Pac at the summer convention

Economic Update: A manufacturing upswing?

Normally in this issue, we’d focus on the first estimate of 2nd quarter GDP, which apparently grew at a 3.4% rate (see graph to right). However, since 1st quarter growth was revised upward by 22.6% from the first estimate to the final revision, we’ll concentrate on some interesting news on the manufacturing, and particularly the auto industry front.

First, one couldn’t help but note the Institute for Supply Management’s July report, showing a surge in manufacturing activity during the month. While the report represented the 26th consecutive month of sector growth, the data within the report suggested legitimate strength with the “production” activity component soaring more than 10% from June.

What was interesting with the surge in production was that, after 40 consecutive months of higher prices on materials, manufacturers actually reported a decline in prices for July.

However, if anything points to continued strength, it’s the “Inventory” component of the index for, both, manufacturers and customers. Both are low, with customers being noted as “too low,” as orders were already up nearly 6% over the previous month.

And, perhaps more critical to the local economy, the employment component surged 6.6% (of course, over the past 2 years growth in the index has had virtually no impact on manufacturing jobs).

Normally, a strong ISM report merely raises expectations while manufacturing employment brings disappointing results. But this time, there’s some reason for optimism.

Prior to the release of the July report, “BusinessWeek” published an analysis titled “A Head of Steam on the Factory Floor,” suggesting a “gust of investment spending led by the transportation and energy sectors” has boosted demand of “industrial gear.” It pointed out that the consensus of analysts expects earnings of the “54 industrial companies in the Standard and Poors 500 should climb

19% this quarter, and 22% in the next.” And, that’s on the heels of an expected 19% rise in the 2nd quarter.

But the item that really caught our eye in the analysis related to the fact that manufacturers had been cutting costs since the ‘01 recession and now, with “limited production capacity and strong demand” have been able to raise prices. Now, “com-panies are using the money from price hikes to pay for new equipment, plants and new employees.”

Now, adding more credence to the likelihood of near future manufacturing growth was a Wall Street Journal article about how “economists expect production to rise, boosting growth.” The primary point, in line with this “update,” is that “retailers and manufacturers will be restocking inventories and ramping up production to keep up with demand.”

New Housing Activity

Half year totals are in, and new annual records (at least from a national perspective) appear almost assured. However, as we’ve been noting since mid winter, that may not mean much for Michigan, and particularly its southeast region.

While single family starts remained at a rate well above last year’s record, the single family sales’ level hit a new monthly all time record at rate of 1.374 million units which (as you can see in the chart below right) is well (14%) above the rate last June. However, what we find far more notable, is that sales are now up 7.3% over ‘04’s six month level at 690,000 year-to- date.

Also, while total starts are up 5.1%, single family is up 5.8%. But, what’s more notable is the activity in the number of units in buildings with 2 to 4 units. In a sign that the condo market continues to be exceptionally hot, we find the numbers in those building to be up 17% (with the combined single family/condo up 5.98%).

State; Region; County

Unfortunately, when it comes to statewide construction data, all we have to go by are preliminary figures from the Census, which aren’t adjusted until the following spring. However, the data do provide somewhat of an indicator for comparison.

Well, for the first half of 2005 we find the government’s single family permit numbers 1,350 units below the same period in ‘04. Furthermore, when we add those 2 to 4 unit buildings to the mix, we find a decline of 1,540, or 6.8% behind ‘04’s level.

Regionally, we’re fortunate to have Housing Consultants’ reports on a monthly basis, providing a more accurate reading. But, unfortunately, that reading shows the region down 13.5% (with Oakland, Washtenaw and Livingston Counties each down between 21% and 27%).

While Genesee County continues to be the only one in the region ahead of last year, that rise is just 2.2% (recall, it was up 60% through February). The chart above provides a comparison of each month in 2004 and ‘05. While we were up 146 units (39.8%) in the first quarter, we were down 124 units (20.1%) in the second.

Of course, due to the surge of permits in February (to preempt the proposed energy code change) the first half data are somewhat distorted. However, as we look at the region as a whole, realizing that local growth has been dependant on the regional economy, we can’t be overly surprised by the second quarter decline.

What we find most notable about the Genesee County data is the 44.6% drop (139 to 77 units) in activity in the Fenton and Linden areas, the local sector most closely tied to the total region. The rest of the county’s actually up 9.9%.

However, the communities experiencing the largest declines (over 60%) are in Oakland and Washtenaw counties:

Rochester Hills (down 262 units; -72%); Orion (down 91; -74%); Auburn Hills (92 units; -68.6%); Holly Twp (81 & -62.8%); Pittsfield Twp (131 & -64%).

So, who’s doing really well? This may come as a big surprise, but there’s a city with a 110% rise in housing starts y-t-d ... AND, it’s hosting the ‘06 Super Bowl! But, its residents aren’t all that happy ... Its Mayor lost 2/3 of the Primary vote!

Look Here for Previous Issues of Veritas

Volume 17 Issue 7 July 7, 2005 - Articles include (Mandatory Education/Higher License Fees -- In YOUR Future, What about that dreaded IRS audit?, Economy seems too fragile )
Volume 17 Issue 6 June 3, 2005 - Articles include (House Price Index Shows More Disparities, Auto Sales Report - May, ISM index falls! Who cares? )
Volume 17 issue 5 May 12, 2005 - Articles include (Parade Kicks Off with Sunny Skies; Great Attendance, Commuting Expense, Growth Slows; Sales Soar )
Volume 17 Issue 4 April 8, 2005 - Articles include (Why does manufacturing get all the breaks?, New Housing Activity, Q1 auto sales; same story )
Volume 17 Issue 3 March 4, 2005 - Articles include ( Incredible Numbers Show Housing Impact, Energy Code Victory, GM; Ford Problems Continue: Losing Sales & Market Share, Fastest Growth Since 1999 )
Volume 17 Issue 2 February 4, 2005 - Articles include ( Exhibitors' Night: Event grows each year; expect 40+ displays, Housing Opportunity Index Highlights Price to Income Disparity, Existing Market Activity)
Volume 17 Issue 1 January 5, 2005 - Articles include ( Despite Fed; Spring warnings; '04 rates held at historic lows, Will the Top 10 Builders Control 40% of the U.S. Market by 2010?, Can You Build "Affordable" Housing?)
Volume 16 Issue 12 December 8, 2004 - Articles include (Auto/Manufacturing Downfall’s Impact on Regional Economy, State House Prices Continue to Lag, Are homes selling 58% faster than in the ‘90s?, ‘04 Tax Bills: Breaks for Individuals)
Volume 16 Issue 11 November 10, 2004 - Articles include (3rd quarter housing data solid, but real concerns developing, Affordability decline at wrong time, BAMF Directors 2005, Auto Sales Strong but U.S. Share Shrinks)
Volume 16 Issue 10 October 8, 2004 - Articles include (Strong September Auto Sales Tempered by Incentives; Share, Appeal of a Code Ruling, BAMF Director Nominations, IRS Rules: Child Tax Credit, MAHB Warns on Energy Code)
Volume 16 Issue 9 August 26, 2004 - Articles include (Dangerous Tax Reform Plans on 2nd Bush Term Agenda?,
DEQ Loses BIG!, Talk about the BIG Hype!, State Manufacturing Jobs at New Low,States/Locals Depend on Housing)
Volume 16 Issue 8 August 11, 2004 - Articles include (Michigan Supreme Court Really Does Stand for Property, Rights, Auto Sales Up, Location; Location; LoWhat?, Pay Now ... or, Pay Later?, Jobs’ outlook keeps deteriorating)
Volume 16 Issue 7 July 8, 2004 - Articles include (“Big 3” Still Losing Market; But Find New Ways to Move Jobs,
Building Homes with Robotic Labor?, New IRS Audit Initiatives, Jobs’ data raises political concerns )
Volume 16 Issue 6 June 7, 2004 - Articles include (1st Quarter Metropolitan Price Data Raises Serious Questions,
What about North America’s Border War?, May Auto Sales Up?, “Pistons:” Economy’s Last Defense?)
Volume 16 Issue 5 May 14, 2004 - Articles include (Parade Opens: Response defies weekend's stormy weather, Awesome Facility sets up “Empire” to Strike Back, New IRS Audit Initiatives, Jobs strong for 2nd month; Rates?)
Volume 16 Issue 4 April 14, 2004 - Articles include (Proposal “A” 10 Year Coverage Lacked Sense of Facts; History,
Builders Note: Grand Blanc Sewer/ Water; Mich. Code, State Funding Begets Desperation)
Volume 16 Issue 3 March 5, 2004 - Articles include (4th quarter existing home prices plunge while home values soar, Warning! OSB Price Replay?, Auto Sales: Still the Same Old Story, Audits — New IRS Audit Initiatives)
Volume 16 Issue 2 February 6, 2004 - Articles include (Vehicle Sales Tell Different Story, Taxation and Finance - Supplying a Company Auto to Employees, Growth strong; but those markets?)
Volume 16 Issue 1 January 7, 2004 - Articles include (Treasury “Witch Hunt” Targets Michigan’s Builders, Building Remains Target, Price v Value May Suggest “Base” Interest Rate, Keeping “growth” in perspective )
Volume 15 Issue 16 December 2, 2003 - Articles include (Michigan’s home appreciation still lags behind the nation, Housing Industry News Briefs — November, New tax revisions make year end review particularly important in ‘03)
Volume 15 Issue 15 October 30, 2003 - Articles include (Grand Blanc Moratorium Ends as BAMF Accepts Twp. Agreement, Regarding Veritas’ Schedule, Tax Act of 2003 — Dividends and Capital Gains Rate Reductions)
Volume 15 Issue 14 September 2, 2003 - Articles include ( Meeting will Focus on Michigan Land Use Council’s Report, Maybe Warren Buffett has a Point; California Property Taxes too Low?, Business and Nonbusiness Bad Debts)
Volume 15 Issue 13 August 18, 2003 - Articles include (No surprise as Land Use Council Ignore’s Causes of Urban Decline, “Peoples’ Republic” Jumps First; Ann Arbor Plans Green Belt “Mote”, Selling Investment Property)
Volume 15 Issue 12 July 30, 2003 - Articles include (Brace Yourself: “Land Use Council” Report Coming in August, Sprawl and “Flynt’s” growth industry, Gephardt: New "Monarch" in Waiting, Signs point to improvement -- but!)
Volume 15 Issue 11 July 8, 2003 - Articles include (Faulty Federal Jobs’ Data May Invigorate “Anti-Sprawlers”, “Metro Home Sales Sputter”, Gephardt: New "Monarch" in Waiting, Investment Property, Employment Degeneration Continues)
Volume 15 Issue 10 June 24, 2003 - Articles include (Habitat House Dedicated; Case Family Become Homeowners, “Metro Home Sales Sputter”, “Mein Kampf” Dogma Evident In Sprawl; Smoking Attacks)
Volume 15 Issue 9 June 3, 2003 - Articles include (House Deflation: Economists haven’t figured it out yet,
‘03 Tax Bill — Breaks for Individuals, Growth ; manufacturing; deficits )
Volume 15 Issue 8 May 14, 2003 - Articles include (CCIF Decision Critical for Fight Against Anti-Sprawl Forces, Auto, Prices and other briefs, Myron Orfield: U-M’s Second Coming of Ed Martin?, Economy sluggish but still growing)
Volume 15 Issue 7 April 23, 2003 - Articles include (April Speaker to Focus on that Chronic Building Crisis, Water rates; autos and other briefs, MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Auto industry impact really shows )
Volume 15 Issue 6 April 3, 2003 - Articles include (Granholm Enlists her “Republican Guard” in War on Sprawl (action needed), Changes in the Michigan Single Business Tax, War news impact beats economics)
Volume 15 Issue 5 March 17, 2003 - Articles include ( Newly Published OFHEO Data Highlights Impact of Proposal “A”, MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Promotional Expense Deduction Limit, Weak jobs' data shakes confidence)
Volume 15 Issue 4 March 3, 2003 - Articles include (8 month nightmare could soon be over with County bond resolution, MAHB’s Policy; The Irony of it All, Now business side showing strength)
Volume 15 Issue 3 February 12, 2003 - Articles include (Biggest “Exhibitors’ Night” Ever!, Crisis Management Plans for 2003, Sewer and Water Update, So, the jobless rate dropped 0.3%?)
Volume 15 Issue 2 January 23, 2003 - Articles include (Tell Your Story! Meeting to Focus on Sewer/ Water Impact, Local activity skewed by “Top 20”, What’s with these local rentals?, Sewer/Water Focus Shifts to County)
Volume 15 Issue 1, January 8, 2003 - Articles include (Granholm’s dilemma: Can’t slow “sprawl” and balance the budget,
GM gains market share again in ‘02, What’s with these local rentals?, Crisis Management Plans for 2003, Sewer/Water Focus Shifts to County, Manufacturing sets off stock rally)
Volume 14 Issue 22, December 19, 2003 - Articles include (Health Benefits’ Costs Up 14.7% in ‘02; A drag on employment?, BAMF/Habitat for Humanity: In Progress on Nichols Ave, Health Insurance: It’s “Deja Vu”, Planning 2002 Stock Capital Losses)
Volumce 14 Issue 21, December 3, 2002 - Articles include (3rd quarter appreciation down slightly: “Flint” leads Michigan, Planning 2002 Educational Expenses, Sewer and Water Update, Confusion adds to confidence woes )
Volume 14 Issue 20, November 13, 2002 - Articles include (Guess who’s under attack from California’s environmentalists?
2002 Elections’ Anecdotes, Planning 2002 Educational Expenses, Pretty Quiet for an Election Year)
Volume 14 Issue 19, October 29, 2002 - Articles include (New Home Sales break record for second consecutive month
Leadership Set for 2003, Cost Segregation, Pretty Quiet for an Election Year, Housing impact even more dramatic)
Volume 14 Issue 18, October 10, 2002 - Atricles include (Steve Easley to Speak: “Mold and Mildew, a Growing Concern”, Area’s Industry was Base for WSJ article, Options for Business Auto Expenses)
Volume 14 Issue 17, September 24, 2002 - Aricles include (“Habitat House” taking shape after active framing weekend, Moratorium Still in Affect, Squeezing Small Builders, When legal action’s the only alternative)
Volume 14 Issue 16, Septenber 9, 2002 - Articles include (Jeff Wright to speak: Moratorium, water line, head 9/18 agenda
Squeezing Small Builders, Your Company's Business Plan: Roadmap to Success, Jobless rate falls, so does confidence)
Volume 14 Issue 15, August 22, 2002 - Articles include (Despite denials, housing "bubble" could burst; but probably not here, Sewer/Water Moratorium, Education Savings Program, Indict Secretary "Don" Evans,Was Commerce "cooking" the books?)
Volume 14 Issue 14, July 30, 2002 - Articles include (MAHB directors run for cover on statewide sewer and water crisis,
Sewer/Water Moratorium, Three Critical Primary Races, Weak employment - weak confidence)
Volume 14 Issue 13 July 16, 2002 - Articles include (Moratorium draws focus to statewide sewer and water crisis, The Feeling of Helplessness, Job Applicant Background Check, Insurance Premiums Choking Employment?)
Volume 14 Issue 12 June 25, 2002 - Articles include (Your health insurance premiums now finance European socialism, After 12 Painful Years, Relief on the Architects’ Seal, Financial Records' Retention, Insurance Premiums Choking Employment?)
Volume 14 Issue 11 June 6, 2002 - Articles include (The "Real" winners in Income Growth: Gaines/Argentine Twps,.Census exposes "Farm" legend, Financial Records' Retention, Dollar's decline is cause for concern)
Volume 14 Issue 10 May 29, 2002 - Articles include (Revenue Sharing: What the State Withholds; Housing can Give Back, Cancellation of network news?, New 2001 Audit Statistics, Road Commission's Subdivision Development Progress online)
Volume 14 Issue 09 May 9, 2002 - Articles include (Farm Bill Legacy: As Always, Policy Comes in Second to Politics, Court Strikes Rogue Law, Home Office Deduction Rules, Growth Up; Jobs Down; Markets Schizoid)
Volume 14 Issue 08 April 29, 2002 - Articles include (Sewer and Water Capacity: The Primary Issue for Michigan Growth, “Fortune” knows “Flint” 2002, Employees Called to Active Duty, Local Existing "Prices" Soar)
Volume 14 Issue 07 April 3, 2002 - Articles include (Can't clone your best employees? profiling can be the next best option, What about North America's Border War?, Local Existing "Prices" Soar)
Volume 14 Issue 06 March 20, 2002 - Articles include (Michigan's leadership in home appreciation values seems over, "Max Bickford" Educates America on Sprawl, Early Withdrawal from Individual Retirement Accounts)
Volume 14 Issue 05 March 5, 2002 - Articles include (When National Retailers Bring About Blight, Rules for Deducting the Cost of Computer Software, Home Builders’ Liability Crisis, Is it “Dewey Defeats Truman;” Circa ‘01?)
Volume 14 Issue 04 February 20, 2002 - Articles include (Little Change in Local Housing Trends as South/East Dominate, Independent Contractors; how to classify workers,Warning! Grand Blanc Builders)
Volume 14 Issue 03 February 5, 2002 - Articles include (More than thirty exhibits set for fifth annual “exhibitors’ night”, Need a different type of economic thinking, Benefit: Group - Term Life Insurance, Reality: area activity fell in ‘01)
Volume 14 Issue 02 January 23, 2002 - Articles include ( Local housing data surprises, Local affordability slips in Housing Opportunity Index, ‘02 Rates for Mileage; FICA threshold, As signs point up; why the uneasiness? )
Volume 14 Issue 01 January 7, 2002 - Articles include ( Former Governor/Ambassador to speak at January 16th meeting,
State’s #1 in Home Ownership, How times change in 12 years, 1 negative quarter a recession makes?)
Volume 13 Issue 23 December 10, 2001- Articles include (State Housing Activity Plummets in Fall, “Recession” Aside: It’s mostly a banner year for housing, There’s Tax Relief for Bad Debts, 1 negative quarter a recession makes?)
Volume 13 Issue 21 October 31, 2001 - Articles include (State’s New Housing Activity Down 5.8%, A New Danger Lurks in Detroit, Tired of Unsolicitated Mail, Telemarketing and E-mail?, Anti-Sprawl issues take ‘back seat’)
Volume 13 Issue 20 October 18, 2001 - Articles include (Parade shows little fallout from Sept. 11, Most Important Parade: Ever!, Charitable Donations and Tax Deductibility, Anti-Sprawl issues take ‘back seat’ to economics)
Volume 13 Issue 19 October 5, 2001 - Articles include (‘Flint’ area activity still leads the state, Most Important Parade: Ever!, Thought there were no inflation worries?,“big” question; what’s the impact of 9/11?)
Volume 13 Issue 18 September 19, 2001 - Articles include (Housing comes together for victims, The day we learned so much!, Sales and Use Tax for Contractors, What if home prices collapse?, “big” question; what’s the impact of 9/11?)
Volume 13 Issue 17 September 4, 2001 - Articles include (U.S Real Estate values soar 8.6% in Q2, Farmers whine; Americans pay!, New Rules Regarding Making Mid-Year Plan Elections,What if home prices collapse?).
Volume 13 Issue 16 August 17, 2001 - Articles include (Administration imposes 19.3% tariff, Biting the Hand that Feeds You, Assisted living residents’ monthly fee deductibility, Economy weakens and sentiment rises)
Volume 13 Issue 15 August 1, 2001 - Articles include (State Housing activity may be sliding, The industry that defies gravity, BAMF Truck for local events?, GDP falls, but corporate profits could rise)
Volume 13 Issue 14 July 17, 2001 - Articles include (Senate Bill 351 gets immediate effect, Nightmare on Pennsylvania Ave, Education Tax Breaks in 2001 Tax Act, Sprawl Battle: State v County, Vanishing Surplus is story of the week)
Volume 13 Issue 13 July 2, 2001 - Articles include (State/region: single family activity falls, Rulings explain last fall’s “big $”, Employee v. Independent Contractor or ‘W-2 v 1099’, Gasoline Prices + Confidence = Growth?)
Volume 13 Issue 12 June 19, 2001 - Articles include (Did weather hurt existing home sales?, They should read there own paper!, Opportunities & Pitfalls: “Tax Relief Act of ‘01”, Slowdown: continuing or bottomed out?)
Volume 13 Issue 11 June 5, 2001 - Articles include (East Coast/N. Calif: Prices go Wacko, Left Wing Attacks on NAHB Staffer, New Retirement Plan Distribution Rules, Surprise! Confidence up; jobless down)
Volume 13 Issue 10 May 23, 2001 - Articles include (The “New Frontier” of Metro-Detroit?, Census data made economists look like morons, Greenspan limbo: How low will he go?)
Volume 13 Issue 9 May 8, 2001 - Articles include (Spring Parade Opens Saturday, Business News & Issues, Term limits + new salary = pension opportunity, Taxation and Finance, GDP’s growing, and so are jobless lines)
Volume 13 Issue 8 April 24, 2001 - Articles include (Local tax base growth exceeds population, Housing gets its due; but are “they” listening?, Consumers are spending; but business?)
Volume 13 Issue 7 April 2, 2001 - Articles include (County plan calls for $1,000 tap-in Fees, Home values soar; area prices recover, The Equity Affect & America’s Economic Psyche, Michigan Legislative Update)
Volume 13 Issue 6 March 20, 2001 - Articles include (Does “Fed” action impact mortgage, How much power over private business is legit?, MRC Delay: New Target - 7/31, How big will tomorrow’s rate cut be?)
Volume 13 Issue 5 March 5, 2001 - Articles include (State's appreciation rate below U.S. in '00,Venice: A 21st Century Atlantis?/Michigan’s “Greens” take action, Economy: Recalling a mid ‘50s commercial)
Volume 13 Issue 4 February 21, 2001 - Articles include (An historic 1st: Local economy’s in 6 year period of stability,
New housing stand’s alone?, “Triggers” to protect from surplus’ euphoria, Stair Geometry Confusion?)
Volume 13 Issue 3 February 6, 2001 - Articles include (Michigan housing activity off by 1620, Local; Regional permit decline in line with state & nation,“Chrysler” situation brings bad memories, Single State Code Coming May 30th?)
Volume 13 Issue 2 January 16, 2001 - Articles include (New code is focus of 1st meeting of ‘01, Cost of business operations, “Exec” government in county’s best interest, Environmentalists attack Interior nominee)
Volume 13 Issue 1 January 3, 2001 - Articles include (3rd quarter existing home prices soar, Building Officials’ 2 Day Training, Will surging economic fears be self fulfilling?, The big question: soft landing, or recession?)
Volume 12 Issue 23 December 7, 2000 - Articles include ( Time for another burning of “Money?”, Building Officials’ 2 Day Training, Economic expectations often unrealistic, Is the Fed getting ready to cut rates?)
Volume 12 Issue 22 November 16, 2000 - Articles include ( 3rd quarter local data show prices fall, Vehicle sales showing softness, Perhaps election results were definitive, Economy strong amid “modest” slowdown)
Volume 12 Issue 21 October 31, 2000 - Articles include (Building activity down 17.8% thru Sept?, County Leaders deserve reelection, Vote ‘divide and conquer’: its our only hope, Q’3 GDP cools; but is slowdown imminent?)
Volume 12 Issue 20 October 17, 2000 - Articles include (Beyond Prescription Drugs & Education, The $230 billion surplus: real or fantasy?, Looks like growth may well have returned)
Volume 12 Issue 19 October 3, 2000 - Articles include (Campaign: “Housing is Forgotten Issue”, Job Creation study’s analysis ignores local economic reality, Preserve America’s Sanity: End soft money, Poverty low; Spending up; etc)
Volume 12 Issue 18 September 19, 2000 - Articles include(Despite rates, sales still near record, Job Creation study’s analysis ignores local economic reality, Maybe it is time for a County Executive)
Volume 12 Issue 17 September 5, 2000 - Articles include(Area’s “affordability ” continues slide, NAHB comes to S.E. Michigan, Save our forests: Cut rather than burn, Some act like the economy surrendered )
Volume 12 Issue 16 August 15, 2000 - Articles include(County wide home prices fall again, Primary results teach important lesson, Selling Investment Property Like Kind Exchanges, More Indications of cooling economy)
Volume 12 Issue 15 August 2, 2000 - Articles include(Housing starts fall throughout region, Locally, Primaries are crucial, Surprise: Fieger party attacks high court, Suspicions on Flint sales confirmed, 2nd quarter growth surge puzzling?)
Volume 12 Issue 14 July 17, 2000 - Articles include (Jobs’ discrepancies could be explained, Illinois farm town gives grants to extend “Sprawl”, More proof that BAMF serves the public, Local control or minority rule?)
Volume 12 Issue 13 July 5, 2000 - Articles include ( An end to the claim that housing “costs”, “Suburban Beauty ... Why Sprawl Works”, Taxation and Finance .. by Rachor, Purman & Tucker, Psychotic world of economic analysis)
Volume 12 Issue 12 June 21, 2000 - Articles include (May Housing Activity Declines from '99, Past two weeks said much about the area’s future, Attacking the goose who lays golden eggs, State still tops in appreciation)
Volume 12 Issue 11 June 6, 2000 - Articles include (“How builders buy (political) access, influence", Business Briefs: Sugar update; autos roll on ...,Why Developers Contribute in Local Races, So, the economy’s slowing, you say?)
Volume 12 Issue 10 May 19, 2000 - Articles include (Builders Now Oppose Farm Preservation Bill, Business Briefs: Sugar update; autos roll on ..., Now Rosie’s “My Friend;” Where’s Kathie Lee?)
Volume 12 Issue 9 May 4, 2000 - Articles include (State Windfall from Proposal ‘A’ is Enormous, Business Briefs: Why Agriculture always wins, Parade, Housing Quarterly & Industry Pride, Tax Planning for the year 2000)
Volume 12 Issue 8 April 19, 2000 - Articles include (Town Hall meeting on Sprawl bombs badly, Where Government Appreciates Housing, “Inflation is back!” says Disney News)
Volume 12 Issue 7 April 7, 2000 - Articles include (Final Answer? “Cows don’t go to school.”, Briefs: With local industry impact, Mr. Gore: It's Still "The Economy Stupid!", Equity v Savings; Plastic Timber; & More)
Volume 12 Issue 6 March 15, 2000 - Articles include (State's Home Values soar fastest in U.S., Briefs with local industry impact, Finally, that NIKE factory makes sense)
Volume 12 Issue 5 February 29, 2000 - Articles include ("Sprawl"; Its "costs" may be benefits, Briefs with local industry impact, Policy v Politics: The latter Usually wins)
Volume 12 Issue 4 February 16, 2000 - Articles include (Auto World II? or Legitimate Venture?, Briefs with Local Housing Industry or Economic Impact, The Dilemma that Killed the Coronation)
Volume 12 Issue 3 January 31, 2000 - Articles include (Table Top Exhibitors Nearly Double, Single Family/Condos: Up 14.6%, The "Era of Big Government" is Back!)
Volume 12 Issue 2 January 19, 2000 - Articles include (Local Single Family/Condo Activity Up 9.7%, Special Interest beats another development, Downtown Ramada up for Auction)
Volume 12 Issue 1 January 4, 2000 - Articles include (Local Housing Data Stronger Than Expected, State Code Brings Immediate Change, New Challenges for a Totally Different Era)
Volume 11 Issue 23 December 14, 1999 - Articles include (Housing's Incredible Growth Marked '90s, Proposal A Made Michigan #1, Oh! How U hate to see the nineties go)
Volume 11 Issue 22 November 17, 1999 - Articles include (No Resolution of Single State Code, Water Control in the 21st Century, Term Limits? Bring back the Pros!)
Volume 11 Issue 21 November 2, 1999 - Articles include (Genesee continues to lead region, Governmental Affairs Update, Editorial Credibility: Free Press Blows It!)
Volume 11 Issue 20 October 21, 1999 - Articles include (Single State Code Makes it to Floor, Judge adds $20 million in Novi Case, Government Policy and a fragile economy)
Volume 11 Issue 19 October 5, 1999 - Articles include (NAHB's HOI finds "Flint" at midpoint, Battle over States' Ability to violate Federal Law, Time for a builder/developer President?)
Volume 11 Issue 18 September 16,1999 - Articles include (Sprawl Forum sets agreeable tone, Are we losing another institution?, and Wonder what conference they were at?)
Volume 11 Issue 17 September 1, 1999 - Articles include (County home prices take 12% leap, The Image that just keeps on Haunting, and "A Bumper Crop of Subsidies")