September 8 , 2005

Inside Veritas -
Article 1 - 2nd Quarter price reports give an illustration of state's woes
Article 2 - Briefs: '02 Sewer/Water case over? Also, checking August auto sales
Article 3 - Existing Market Activity
Article 4 - Mortgage Rate Activity
Article 5 - Taxation and Finance by Rachor; Purman & Tucker CPAs
Production activity deduction: '04 "Jobs Act"
Association News Update From Laura
Economic Update - "Katrina's" housing impact?
BS: Still about Nothing in particular
Housing Industry Update
Would you like to see a previous Veritas Issues? Click Here

2nd Quarter price reports give an illustration of state's woes

From mid August to September first, we received all the primary reports regarding existing home prices: The Realtors’ Metro Area price index; NAHB’s Housing Opportunity Index; and the OFHEO House Price Index (HPI). Well, this time they all gave, pretty much, the same illustration of house price movement: U.S. median prices are up 13.6% in the past year; The HPI, measuring repeat activity on the same properties is up 13.4% in the same period, and; NAHB’s median price of ‘new and existing’ homes in the HOI was up 18.1% across the nation.

However, when it comes to Michigan, the state that led the nation in house appreciation in the middle to late 1990s, we see a dramatically different picture. The realtors show median price increases rising from a high of 3.3% (Grand Rapids) to a decline of 3.5% (Kalamazoo). NAHB had prices up 1.6% (since ‘04’s 3rd quarter) in Grand and falling in all other areas (led by “Flint,” down 14.7%). But, as we’ve often noted, median prices can be distorted by several market conditions, so we normally put our faith in the HPI, due to its “same property” base. And, as you can see below, Michigan’s HPI lags well behind the nation’s as a whole. In fact, the state now ranks fourth from the bottom in price growth, with only Ohio, Indiana and Texas having lower rates.

What’s shocking about the 2nd quarter HPI is that 24 state (plus D.C.) experienced price growth of 11.4% or higher over the past year. To put that in perspective, back in ‘97’s second quarter, Michigan had the highest rate in the U.S at 7.9%. In ‘05’s second quarter it would be good enough to rank # 33.

When we look at our state’s HPI in comparison to the nation (right), we see that during the 2nd quarter of ‘96 we’d caught up to the nation as a whole. The graph charts the price growth of a home purchased for $150,000 in that quarter, if it corresponded to Michigan’s HPI and the nation’s.

What was notable in the 2nd quarter data are the surging prices throughout the West. With the exception of Utah and Colorado, all western states were in the top half of the HPI.

Back To Top

Briefs: '02 Sewer/Water case over? Also, checking August auto sales

Remember the lawsuit, and resulting moratorium over the County’s Sewer and Water Capital Improvement Fee? It was a fascinating period: One where the association was treated like a co-defendant as it remained in support of the Drain Commission’s $1,000 fees against the “Class Action” suit filed by two developers.

For most, the issue was put to rest in March ‘03, when the County Board agreed to back bonds for the Western Trunk relief sewer, prior to the eventual Circuit Court ruling in favor of the Drain Commission.

However, appealed, and last year the Court of Appeals issued a strong ruling in favor of the defendant. So, plaintiff went to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Well, last week Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright called with the news: In a single sentence ruling, the “Supremes” wrote, “We uphold the Appeals’ Court decision.”

Now, if there’s to be further action, it has to go to the U.S. Supreme Court. So, how is this for irony: There was some speculation that Michigan Justice Bob Young was under consideration by the President to replace Justice O’Connor earlier this year. Now that the vacancy is open again (due to Renquist’s passing), wouldn’t it be interesting if he were to get this case again?

# # #

August’s auto sales data show a 3.8% rise from last year, with all major players experiencing solid gains (save one). As Ford and Chrysler were up (6.2 & 5.3%), Toyota (13.8), Honda (23.3) & Nissan (15) each had double digit gains.

Then, there’s GM, down 13.2% with an August market share of just 23.6%, as the lure of “employee discounts” seems to be wearing off.

However, the biggest news is, despite employee discounts, the Japanese continue their gains in market share. As we can see in the chart, the Japanese have raised their share of the market by 3.5% in the past 2 years (a 14.5% gain). During the same period, the “Big 3” lost 2.1% of its collective share (decline of 3.3%) and now is at 60.9% y-t-d. However, that’s at a time Chrysler’s share is on the rise.

Ford and GM have lost a 2.7% share in the two years, an over all 5.5% decline.

Back To Top

Existing Market Activity

For the 4th consecutive month the NAR reported sales above the 7 million unit rate, continuing the activity level that’ll al-most assuredly set another re- cord in 2005. However, there is a significant note with the July report: Inventory rose 2.6% during the month (to 2.75 million), raising the supply of homes on the market to 4.6 months. And, we wonder if that surge of new listings comes from individuals concerned about the “bubble” talk, deciding to “cash out” be-fore the burst?

Michigan & Metro Flint

Sales took a sharp downturn in July, bringing numbers near ‘04 levels. However, what we’ve noted is that prices are actually down in the Southeast, off approximately 9.3% through the 2nd quarter (see page #1 story on price reports).

Local Inventory

Sales fell to an annual rate of 5,010 in July (from 6,300 in the first half) — so, with an inventory of some 5,700 units on the market, that means there’s a whopping 13.6 months’ supply at the July sales’ rate, roughly 3 times the national rate. And, while the average price rose (below), the median slipped to $110,000.

Back To Top

Mortgage Rate Activity

Well, it isn’t hard to tell that mortgage rates remain well below projected levels as we near the end of the 3rd quarter. After rising to mid August, they tumbled back to mid July levels — in fact, now the National Assoc. of Realtors says rates will end the year at 6.1% (down dramatically from their earlier forecast of 6.65%). Of course, we’ve continuously said the market would keep rates low through the year — but, look for rates to rise in this afternoon’s report.

Back to top

Taxation and Finance by Rachor; Purman & Tucker CPAs
Production activity deduction: '04 "Jobs Act"

The driving force behind the recently enacted American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was the need to repeal the export subsidies that had been found to be in violation of World Trade Organization agreements. The violations had provoked the European Union to impose tariffs on U.S. companies. The centerpiece of the legislation is a new deduction for production activities conducted in the U.S. Here are more details regarding these important provisions:

Production activities’ deduction: The Act replaces the U.S. extraterritorial income exclusion (ETI) with a new tax deduction for domestic production activities. The deduction is a percentage of the net income from those activities-3% in 2005-2006, 6% for 2007-2009, 9% after 2009.

When fully phased in, the deduction is designed to be economically equal to a 3% reduction in the tax rate on U.S.-based production. The deduction’s limit for any tax year may not exceed 50% of the employer's W-2 wages for that tax year. The deduction is available to all taxpayers with qualified production activities income, and it is allowable in computing AMT income.

The U.S. production activities deduction is allowed with respect to a taxpayer's qualified production activities income, which is the taxpayer's domestic production gross receipts net of expenses. "Domestic production gross receipts" are receipts derived from any of the following:
*Any lease, rental, license, sale, exchange, or other disposition of qualifying production property (i.e., tangible personal property, computer software, and certain sound recordings) that was manufactured, produced, grown, or extracted in whole or in significant part by the taxpayer within the U.S.;
*any qualified film produced by the taxpayer; or
*electricity, natural gas, and potable water produced by the taxpayer in the U.S.
*Construction performed in the U.S.
*Engineering and architectural services performed in the U.S. for construction projects in the U.S.

For pass-thru entities (such as S corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts), the deduction generally is determined at the shareholder, partner or similar level by taking into account at that level the proportional share of the qualified production activities income of the entity. Please consult with your professional tax advisor to learn how this new law will effect your specific situation.

Back to top

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

Productivity Could Take a Big Hit

With the NFL season kicking off this (Thurs-day) evening (with the Rolling Stones no less), we had to note this report that came across the web last week, noting a study that “Fantasy Football” will cost U.S. employers “$196.1 million in lost productivity this year, as players spend time researching players, reading injury reports and setting roster lineups” while on the job.

A study by the research/job-placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimates “32.2 million people in the country play fantasy football,” acting as real General Managers in “compiling a roster of real professional players through a draft,” with the average fantasy player being a 37-year-old, white-collar male who makes $76,000 annually, according to the FSTA.

Of course, living in Michigan, we have to wonder how the Ford Motor Company feels about its employees in a Fantasy League. After all, the CEO just gave his personal “Fantasy” manager a five year contract extension, and we’re sure he could find numerous superior talents working on the lines in his plants.

Obedience School for Husbands?

Some in the office were intrigued by the “Good Morning America” story of a “controversial” British reality show, “Bring Your Husband to Heel.” Annie Clayton, who’s trained dogs for 20 years, hosts the show where wives learn to train their husbands with the same principles used to train dogs.

As Clayton advised her first husband/wife contestants, “it’s all about throwing bones; more ‘good dog’ than ‘sit and stay’.”

Could we be looking at a 2006 Fox network replacement series? Or, will a contestant family be featured on the next “Wife Swap?”

Back to top

Association News and Events by Laura

Memberships Pending
Approval

########

Vertical Concrete, Jeremy Ford
Sponsor: Kathy White
Symphony Homes, Steve Berges
Sponsor: Barry Simon
Titlest Homes, Inc, Joe Caradonna
Sponsor: Barry Simon
Homes by Hannah, Tom Leone
Sponsor: Barry Simon
Trade Masters Inc, Paul Clark
Sponsor: Doug Graham Jr
Mitch Harris Bldg, Susan Krinke
Sponsor: Barry Simon
Ministry Builders, Don &
Dennis Pfieffer
Sponsor: William Teed (CIS)
Freedom Financial, Jeff Armbruster
Sponsor: Dave Crawford

Welcome to these Companies

The fall season kicks off with our General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, Septmeber 21st at Bonaparte's. Our meeting sponsor for the evening is BKR DuPuis & Ryden, a well-known Accounting & Consulting firm in southeastern Michigan. (Now Plante-Moran)
Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres are from 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., which is the networking portion of the evening. The Association business meeting starts at approximately 7:20 p.m.
Since the summer meeting break, there have been many things going on in the industry and this will give members a chance to be updated on all past and future happenings.
And, as a bonus, Republic Bank will be giving out the Spring Parade Awards to those honored builders.
Please remember, you must RSVP by noon on September 15th by either calling 810-603-2200 or e-mailing us (tracey@bamfhome.com or laura@bamfhome.com) MEMBERS NO CHARGE.....GUESTS ARE $20.00

In case you missed it, the 2005 Golf Outing was definitely one to put in the books. Absolutely perfect weather along with some fun and competitive play, made for a great day for all who attended.
The first place trophy went to Randy Hacker's team, with second place going to the Cislo-Lum-Fick-Carnell team. And a special showing was made by the Pre-Fit Door team, who came in third.
A special thanks to all the hole sponsors and especially HILL STEEL & BUILDERS SUPPLY for their support in sponsoring the cold refreshments along with prizes.

The Fall Parade of Homes is set with 26 homes entered. The event will open on October 8th and run through October 23rd. The Parade will have homes on display ranging in price from $129,900 to $760,000. The hours of the event are noon to 6:00 p.m., on Saturdays & Sundays, and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday & Fridays.

Economic Update: "Katrina's" housing impact?

Normally in this issue, we’d focus on the 1st revision of Q2 GDP and August’s upturn in manufacturing activity. However, for the past ten days it’s ‘Katrina’s’ impact that’s been the economic focus for most, and considering the potential drain on building materials, it should be ours as well.

In a release last Friday, NAHB noted the “number of homes destroyed is certain to dwarf losses from previous natural disasters” and the immediate need is “clean and repair for viable structures,” with “repair” absorbing several key materials (specifically roofing, OSB, & plywood).

It also pointed to the supply side of the material industry, as areas affected by Katrina “have a significant number of wood products’ facilities,” while damage to port facilities (N.O. was the top import facility for cement).

However, while NAHB refrained from specifics, others weren’t so timid. In a letter dated Sept. 5th, from “Do it best,” its VP - Lumber & Materials noted the “panic buying of forest products & materials” already causing “serious supply problems for the industry (OSB jumped nearly $100 in one week). But, perhaps worse, is that supply shortages are being complicated by transportation problems, and the letter notes four specific areas of concern:

Diesel fuel shortages — truck stops are limiting purchases per truck; and, of course, $3 per gallon raises costs.
Geography around stricken area will add costs and cause shipment delays
As trucks assist cleanup efforts, our transportation capacity will be cut
Shipments, both inbound and outbound from New Orleans are being rerouted

Note: New Orleans had 200,000 homes with a large share damaged beyond repair. NAHB points out that “past experience has shown that there is no massive surge in home building in affected areas,” and notes “replacing destroyed units will not begin for many months, and will happen slowly, over a number of years.”

The suggestion is that long term effects will be manageable. However, we have already seen how panic buying (hoarding, etc.) have had an immediate impact on prices, so we again advise all builders stay in close contact with their suppliers whenever planning or bidding a project — and, we’ll attempt to stay on top of major materials’ fluctuations over the next several months —

New Housing Activity - New Home Construction

It’s hardly a surprise that the July data showed new housing starts continuing at a pace well beyond 2004’s all time record. Single family starts passed the 1.7 million unit rate for the 4th time in the past six months and sales (see below right) set an all time monthly record.

From a year to date perspective, single family starts passed the million unit pace in seven months, and are running 5.7% ahead of ‘04’s record pace.

However, of the 54,800 additional homes built, 50,000 are in the South. Midwest activity is nearly identical to 2004, which brings us to:

State and Local Activity

Statewide single family permits are off 2,200 units through the month, or 8.3% below the same period last year, according to Commerce Department data (Region’s down 14.8% per Housing Consultants), as economic conditions finally appear to have caught up to the housing industry.

Of course, our focus remains on the region, which is finally experiencing the impact of the 183,000 jobs lost since 2000. While Genesee County is only 2.4% down for the year, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Washtenaw counties are each down between 16% and 29%.

However, while the Flint area has numbers close to last year, as you can see in the chart to the right, we’ve been hit hard in the past 4 months. Since the end of March, we’re down 331 units from the year earlier pace, that’s 33.7% since the end of the first quarter.

On another note, there were 447 homes, built in ‘05, on the local MLS as of this morning, or 38.4% of all homes authorized by permit for the year.

New Single Family Home Sales Record

July set another new record for new home sales as builder/

developers sold homes at a rate of 1.41 million units according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. In comparison with July ‘04, the rate was up 27.7%, bringing the year to date actual number to 801,000 (8.4% ahead of 2004’s pace). What we find most nota- ble is that’s 79.5% of all single family housing starts for the year. So, when we consider that, during the 1990s, sales as a percent of starts was only 63.3%, we really have to look at changes in the industry that make these variations so dramatic.

While we’ve pointed to the department’s monitoring process in the past, it’s probably time that we look beyond that — best guess? They’re counting a lot of condos as “single family.”

Look Here for Previous Issues of Veritas

Volume 17 Issue 8 August 4, 2005 - Articles include (Contrary thoughts on the Kelo v. New London Ruling, What about those record July auto sales and “employee” pricing?, Taking your spouse on a business trip)
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")