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NORTH TEXAS HOME BUILDERS A

4410 Fairway Boulevard Wichita Falls, TX 76308 P: 940.692.2211 F: 940.692.2214 www.nthba.com

What’s

INSIDE • TAB Committee & Board Meeting/Sunbelt Recap • 2nd Annual Bunco Tournament. • Permits Pulled • Meet Your Members

Special Thanks to our 2019 NTHBA Partners: Gold Guarantee Title Union Square Credit Union Silver American National Bank & Trust Atmos Energy First National Bank On Site Solutions Texoma Community Credit Union

JULY 2019

From the President I’ve been wondering for some time now, what is the criteria for becoming a professional home builder in Texas?

As President of the North Texas Home Builders Association I like to think of myself as a Professional builder when it comes to constructing new homes. I’ve been building new homes for nearly twenty years. I’ve even developed and named streets and platted lots. I have a General Contractor’s license from the city of Wichita Falls. I read magazines about building and designing homes and I attend trade shows like the Sunbelt Builders Show. I have a college degree. I write articles about home builder issues. But does any of that make me a “Professional” home builder? Is any of the above even necessary? Is there a standard that I can achieve which would set me apart from anyone walking in off the street and making the same claim? Unfortunately the answer is no. That’s because there is no educational requirement in Texas for obtaining a General contractors license. Graduating from high school for example is not a requirement. Just fill out a city application, post a minimum surety bond, and you qualify for a General contractor’s license from any city in the state. With that license you can build or remodel houses. In unincorporated rural areas you frequently don’t even need a city license or insurance. This can be particularly precarious to rural consumers since building inspectors often don’t exist. Also in Texas there is no minimum experience requirement needed to demonstrate one’s knowledge of the industry. There’s no need to be able to read a set of plans or show any level of financial stability. However, specialty contractors such Continues on pg 2

Renewals

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as Electricians and HVAC contractors are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Plumbers have their own licensing department. Each must be able to document years of experience before they can be licensed. But not General contractors in Texas.

American National Bank & Trust Chris Rogers American National Bank & Trust Caroline Groves Builders Lumber ...................................... Scott Hollars Dennis Company .................................... Alan Hinson Energy Cut ........................................ James Mawson Ferguson Veresh............................... Shane Fitzhenry First Bank............................................. Jeremy Dorzab Harmon & Holcomb Homes..............Brian Holcomb Keeter Custom Homes.......................... Justin Keeter Landmark Title Company............... John Daugherty OK Concrete .................................. Brandon Litteken PPG Architectural Coatings...........Bryan Armstrong R.J. Wachsman Homes............... Randy Wachsman R.J. Wachsman Homes......................... Judy Garrett S&H Granite ..............................................Kyle Streich Shoops Texas Termite............................David Shoop Stone Lake Developers ....................... Bill McGregor Times Record News...................................... Kim Holly

The TDLR does not regulate General contractors, Home builders or Remodelers so there are no requirements to fulfill in order to obtain a contractor’s license in Texas. The TDLR provides no oversite and offers no protection to consumers. Homeowners are left to rely on the Contractor for warranty issues. But what if the Builder doesn’t cooperate or offer a warranty. The situation can become a major issue for consumers when no one is regulating it.

2019 Dates to Remember

If I were a consumer contemplating the idea of building a new house, I would want to know the contractor has met some kind of minimal standards of knowledge, experience, financial stability and can demonstrate a minimum level competence. But for some unknown reason, Texas and about 20 other states, do not have any prerequisite requirements for home builders.

September 20, ........ 10th Annual 4-Person Scramble Golf Tournament September 20, ........2nd Annual Bunco Tournament September 25, ......... 2019/2020 TAB Contracts Class October 25,............. Young Professionals 4th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot

August Birthdays Christe' Crook Randy Wachsman Donnie Long Stan Mountain Toby Wardwell Justin Keeter Eric Nelson

Happy Birthday!

There’s not even a background check required for obtaining a license. Any criminal, convict, pedophile or child molester that can follow the guidelines mentioned above can become a general contractor and build homes in any Texas City. They have no business being in our industry but we have no tools or regulatory agency to prevent it. All they have to do is create a web site and promote themselves as an amazing builder that will work for cut rate fees and off they go pretending to be professional builders. Credible Builders are left wondering how they lost out on a project.

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Helping Build Our Community Since 1907

But many states do have departments for licensing:

Georgia for example requires a four-year college degree, or accredited courses and one year work experience before the state will issue a Contractor’s license. Member FDIC

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In Utah and Louisiana you must pass a trade exam, a business and law exam before being awarded a license by the Louisiana Licensing Board of Contractors. In Mississippi you must pass a trade exam, a business and law exam and show proof of General Liability insurance before being awarded a license by the Mississippi State Board of Licensing. Even Cosmetologists, Barbers, Dietitians, Nail Salon technicians, Real Estate Agents, insurance agents, and tow truck operators are required to have state licenses. But not General Contractors, Home builders or Remodelers.

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Solutions

I hope someday the state of Texas will join many other states in establishing minimum licensing standards and oversite. Possibly even develop a continuing education process, similar to Realtors standards, so Builders stay informed. Perhaps a state level professional designation could be developed so full time professional home builders can distinguish themselves apart from part time pretenders. Until then there will continue to be Home Builders that have no business being in our industry and it will remain difficult for consumers to sort out the Professionals from the pretenders.

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CLIENT: Atmos Energy JOB#: ATMO-19-001 2019 Ad Resizes TRIM: 3.5"w x 2"h LIVE: 3.5"w x 2"h BLEED: n/a COLOR: CMYK PUB: North Texas HBA newsletter CONTACT: Teri Gibson nthba.teri@gmail.com 940-692-2211 RELEASE: 2/1/19

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2801 Kell East Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Phone (940) 692-5734 Fax (940) 692-0239 tco@wf.net

MEET YOUR MEMBERS

Visit McBrides at 4537 Maplewood Avenue, Wichita Falls, TX. 76308 or call to make a reservations at 940-692-0250

LANCE FRIDAY HOMES

The Brock family has been in the building industry for over 35 years. We pride ourselves on superior customer satisfaction, at an affordable price. Barney and Billy Brock were born and raised here in Wichita Falls, and have been building homes since 2004. Barney’s wife, Dianne, is the center for all of the administrative functions of the business, while Billy is in charge of all the marketing and development of plans. Lance Friday Homes offer a StrucSure Home Warranty with each of its homes, and a 2 year warranty on all electrical, AC and plumbing. Barney is currently serving as Vice-President of the North Texas Home Builders Association, Chairman of the Parade of Homes & Special Events Committee, area II Vice President for the Texas Association of Builders and is nominated to serve as President for the NTHBA in 2019/2020. Barney Brock and his team at Lance Friday Homes is eager to help you with your next home building project. Visit our website at www.lancefridayhomes.com, email barney@lancefridayhomes.com or call 940-447-7600

UNION SQUARE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Scott Flinn Vice President

Kevin Rhine Assist. VP Mortgage Loan Officer

Delinda Dodd Senior Loan Officer

Kara Bradley Mortgage Loan Officer

Union Square Credit Union began in 1957, when a group of 30 responsible, far-sighted individuals, concerned with the needs of Sheppard’s military personnel, unselfishly gave of their time and effort to organize this credit union. Since that time, our name has changed, our charter and field of membership has grown, but our concept remains steady, "people helping people". With the invaluable support of the membership, a strong Board of Directors and an extremely capable staff, we continue to strive to meet all your financial needs, keeping up with the latest in technology, in order to remain the financial center of choice! Union Square has 4 convenient locations to serve with the newest location on Kemp Street where you can find the following team of mortgage lenders ready to serve your needs.

MCBRIDES STEAKHOUSE The McBride Family Restaurant Empire began in 1928 with 27 cents. Fat McBride and his three brothers delivered sandwiches to soldiers passing through Wichita Falls at the Call Field train station. As the years passed, the family went on to operate as many as 11 restaurants Ford Swanson at one time here in Wichita Falls, making them one of the most Owner successful restaurant chains in the state of Texas. Fat McBride’s Steakhouse opened in 1992 as one of Wichita Falls’ most well-known family-owned establishments, popular for its aged, mesquite-broiled steaks. McBride’s Steakhouse changed hands in 2007 but, through hard work and dedication, has returned to the McBride family. McBride’s grandson, Ford Swanson Jr., obtained ownership of the restaurant as of January 1, 2015. He has been following in his grandfather’s footsteps since he could walk and plans to continue the McBride legacy of excellence while serving Wichita Falls families as he would his own. 4

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Please quit, my brain is full! If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend the Texas Association of Builders Committee and Board Meetings, this statement is the only thing that crosses your mind by the end of the week, if not before. The major mission of the Home Builders Association is to help keep the housing industry affordable and vibrant. The way this is done is through advocacy. With legislative sessions coming up every two years we have to continually be vigilant and that’s what the TAB Government Relations team and lobbyist do. The state meetings that were attended by our President Doug McCulloch, Vice President Barney Brock, State Representative Jose Garcia and myself can be somewhat grueling but they are always informative. We are fortunate in the state of Texas to have the staff we have in Austin who research the over 6000 bills that are filed during a legislative session. Of those, around 1500 include something that pertains to the housing industry, either in a negative or positive way. Sometimes it takes the team countless hours of meetings with legislatures, testifying or having a call to action from over 10000 members, as well as research and amending of some legislation in order for it to be favorable for the industry. Legislation, is usually discussed somewhat at any of the Committee meetings whether it be Finance, Membership or even the Sunbelt Committee. Membership is another item that is always on the agenda. Without membership, we wouldn’t have the advocacy we have for the housing industry. The cost of annual dues, when broken into local, state and national, average out to $50.40 a month to be a member of all three entities, for a builder and less than $40.00 per month for associates. This is a very minute cost to pay for just the advocacy. For each $1000.00 more a home cost over 22,000 people no longer qualify. Our TAB Government Relations leaders save builders an estimated $5000.00 per house each year. NAHB’s advocacy also saves builder $1000’s per year. Members not only benefit from the advocacy of TAB and NAHB, each have a host of benefits and are continually looking for others. Most of these benefits offered not only benefit the member but the association also benefits from members using them. If you are not familiar with the benefits, please reach out to the NTHBA and we’ll be happy to discuss what is available. The advocacy and benefits are directly related to funds generated by membership dollars as well as the generosity of the member to support HOMEPAC, the Texas Builder Foundation and events hosted by all of three entities. The more members, the stronger the voice! These were only a few of the meetings conducted and attended. Others include the Local Presidents Council, Codes & Standards, Finance and Contracts to name a few. During the week, TAB and TAB’s Young Professional Council hosted fundraising events to raise money for HOMEPAC and The Texas Builder Foundation (which awards scholarships and helps fund technical schools to train workers in the construction trades). This year the theme for the HOMEPAC Fundango event and State Wide Washer Tournament was a Hawaiian theme. This event takes a lot of sponsors. This year one of the food sponsors was one of our own, Lance Friday Homes. Thank you Barney and Dianne Brock. Our local HBA is fortunate to be well represented at the state level by having our officers willing to attend the meetings and events, our HBA reaching or exceeding its annual HOMEPAC goal for the past 10 years and have had several individuals as well as the association help sponsor the HOMEPAC Fundango and Sunbelt Builder Show. Having a Young Professionals Council of our own, this year the NTHBA was able to send 3 Young Professionals to the Sunbelt Builders Show to represent our area, Kolter Lukert of Guarantee Title Company, Scott Flinn of Union Square Bank Continues on pg 9

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and Chuck Vergauwen of Woodco Supply. We were also surprised to have one of our new builder members Chad Hughes with Hughes & Son Construction and his family attend. The state YP Fundraiser (Builder Bash) for the Texas Builders Foundation was a concert with the Bellamy Brothers. The NTHBA had 10 people in attendance. Along with all the meetings, The Sunbelt Builder Show is a spectacular product show. There are over 200 booths exhibiting some of the latest technology for homes. The new technology comes in all forms, it could be a software program, roofing materials, lighting, appliances, tiles, floor covering, plumbing fixtures or new techniques and so on. Vendors not only showcase their products during Sunbelt, there is a vast list of educational programs on the show room floor to attend. The Texas Association of Builders really know how to kick off a show. Each year the Sunbelt Committee tries to outdo themselves from the previous year. This year the opening session was none other than Vanilla ICE! Yes, you heard me correctly, Vanilla ICE. I can’t speak for everyone but, with showing my age, I was a bit skeptical but curious. Why in the world would you have Vanilla ICE? What does he have to do with the building industry? Well, I certainly was impressed. Vanilla ICE has been in the building industry for over 30 years. Born in South Dallas and raised in Texas and Florida, as Robert Matthew Van Winkle, Vanilla ICE, who is famous for his rap music and acting career, began hosting a reality TV show called The Vanilla Ice Project on DIY Network in 2009. The season was focused on renovating a house in Palm Beach, Florida, with each episode dedicated to a different room in the house. In 2011, he published a book on the subject, Vanilla Ice Project – Real Estate Guide, on how to succeed in real estate. The book was made available as a free digital download on his real estate website. Vanilla, as TAB Executive Director Scott Norman called him, explained that he gained his knowledge from trial and error. You really have to do a lot of research and number crunching in order to be successful. Finding your niche in the business is also helpful. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, your success can be limited. Vanilla ICE said when building your team, you need to put people in positions where their talent and passion is. They are eager to go to work and will put out more effort it they are enjoying what they are doing. His team doesn’t punch a clock, they do what they want when they want which allows a healthy balance in their lives to love what they do. During some questions from the audience, Vanilla was asked, when he looks for products for his homes, what does he look for in the product or distributor. His answer, “Uniqueness”. He said his niche is to find the most unique products to use in a home. He mentioned one of the latest products that has come out that he will be using in one of his next projects is the wallpaper television. It is a real thing! Vanilla has been in the home building business for over 30 years. Even though his passion is remodeling and flipping homes, he does build new homes as well. If interested, you can find more on Vanilla Ice at http://www.vanillaicerealestate.com/. Another great opening session for the second day of the Sunbelt Show was The Future of Housing with Larry Haines, the founder of Sunconomy, a company that produces 3D-printed homes and Dr. Robert Dietz, National Association of Builders’ (NAHB) Senior V.P. and Chief Economist. Larry Haines explained his company is teaming up with Russian Engineers to bring the Apis Cor 3D construction printer to the US for printing affordable homes that are produced quickly —and are also expected to last for centuries. This is all very important in structure, but what makes the homes more unique is the level of self-sustainability they offer. Another aspect of 3D printed homes is the positive impact it can have on the labor shortage. This technique cuts out several contractors you would normally use to build a stick and brick home. Larry mentioned 3D Printed Home building would not be economical for all builders. Volume builders who build 100’s of homes per year or more would see more benefit

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since the cost of the equipment alone is over $450,000. Saying these homes are affordable, does not mean they are cheap, but the cost isn’t any more than a stick and brick home. The savings is in the maintenance and longevity of the homes. After learning about the 3D Printed homes, Dr. Robert Dietz, National Association of Builders’ (NAHB) Senior V.P. and Chief Economist gave a synopsis of what is happening in the economy and what to expect. (Most of the following information was copied from article written by Dr. Robert Dietz posted on July 12, 2019 on Builderonline). The HBGI or Home Building Geographic Index shows the fastest growing areas have been the exurbs. These are defined as outlying counties of large metropolitan areas with more than 1 million in total population. For the 1st quarter they have seen a 1.6% gain year over year. For the first four quarter period ending with the first quarter of 2019 they have grown on average 5.6%. These areas only represent 9% of the total single-family permits. The second-best performing region, central areas of medium-sized cities, representing 29% of single-family construction (the largest individual geography), the HBGI found the core counties of small metro areas (less than 1 million in total population) grew only 3.2% annualized rate over the past four quarters and posted a 6.2% decline on a year over year basis. The first quarter data of the HBGI indicate that areas particularly sensitive to housing affordability factors, like current price-to-income ratios and interest rates, saw the most challenging market conditions. Suburban areas of large, and relatively more expensive, metropolitan areas are particularly challenged by lack of supply and elevated price levels, especially for entry-level buyers. In contrast, exurban regions experienced growth at the start of 2019 as builders were able to offer relatively less expensive new housing in “drive till you qualify” markets. As the NAHB forecast calls for increasing but relatively low mortgage interest rates for the rest of 2019, inner suburbs of large metro areas and traditional suburbs of medium-sized cities should see some ramp up in growth as housing affordability conditions stabilize. This is positive news because, taken together, such markets make up more than half of single-family home construction. Without additional help on regulatory policy, core areas of large metros (central city and inner suburbs) will continue to lag in the months ahead due to high land costs and substantial regulatory burdens. Along with this information, Dietz mentioned the overall economy is doing well, unemployment remains low, jobs continue to increase. The current administration is trying to keep tariffs from being a huge impact on the housing industry and the NAHB has been able to continue a good working relationship with the administration which is housing friendly. It was a great week at the TAB Committee & Board Meetings & Sunbelt Builder Show. If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend, start making plans for next year. It will be hosted again at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, July 14th-17th. Please be sure to watch your emails for registration to open up the room block will sale out fast.

The North Texas Home Builders Association continues to be lively and involved. Around 63 people attended Family Night on August 1, 2019 at Weeks Park Pavilion on Southwest Parkway. We were honored to have several of our 363rd Training Squadron families and friends form SAFB join us. In spite of 100 degree weather, there was a light breeze and shade from the mature trees which helped to keep everyone comfortable. First Bank cooked and served bratwurst, smoked sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and an assortment of drinks with all the trimmings.

1920 Elmwood Ave. North Wichita Falls, TX 76308-3724

While everyone was filling their plates, Kona Ice arrived and many began lining up to grab some shaved ice to go along with their meal. Carri Devault, Owner/Operator of Kona Ice, has a set up on her truck where she offers the option of her putting the syrup on the ice or you putting the syrup on the ice. Some of those who added syrup to their own ice were quite creative the flavors.

Office: 940-720-5211 Fax: 940-691-3199

Wichita Falls Fire Department #8 provided a tour of the Fire Station and let the children experience some of the things a fireman encounters during their shift. Several got to put on the jacket from a typical uniform worn when responding to a fire. They all had the opportunity to learn about the fire truck and equipment used on the truck. They even got to see the ladder extended out from the truck.

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After their tour of the station, many took the opportunity to cool down once again with the shaved ice. Now, it was time to find out more about each other. For some fun and interaction, 4 people were asked to choose 5 people and form 4 teams of 6. Three games were played among those 4 teams. Each game had a particular scoring system and at the end of the third game, scores were tallied to determine which team was the winner.

The first game played was called flip it over. Teams were asked to stand on a 3’ x 6’ foot banner, the entire team, and figure a way to flip it to from the side they were standing on, to the other side without stepping off the banner. The team who finished first would receive 10 points, second, 5 points,

third, 1 point and last 0 points. The next game was an egg relay. Each member of the team received a plastic spoon and a plastic egg. The team was asked to carry the egg around a 16’ table in the spoon without dropping it. If a team member dropped an egg, that member would have to go back to start over. Once the entire team had completed the task they would receive a score. This game was scored in the same manner as the first. The last game was called three truths and a lie. Each team would choose a person to tell three things about themselves and one person from their team to try to guess which one was the lie. Members were asked to come up in front of all the teams to the mic and give tell the four things about themselves. The other team member would try to guess the lie. If that member guessed the lie, that team would receive a point. This would rotate throughout each team until every member on a team had a chance to tell the things about themselves. This was a great way for everyone to learn things about others they don’t usually get the opportunity to do at the monthly meetings. After the games were played and the scores were determined, the team of Mike White, the Chief, Training Support, 363d Training Squadron, were the winners. Each member grabbed one of 6 bags that had gift cards ranging from $10.00 - $15.00 to various restaurants and eateries. No, the little ones were not left out. There were several of the older children who participated in the games with the events but afterward, all of the children participated in a challenge of carrying an egg on a spoon around a couple of the tables several times. Prizes were awarded to each of the children that participated and they all were given goodie bags that consisted of some parent friendly treats. We had a fantastic evening filled with lots of fun and fellowship. We think each and every one who came out and spent their evening with us and we especially thank First Bank for providing and cooking our meal once again! We would also like to thank the Meetings & Education committee chairman, Randy Schaffner for setting up the tour with the Wichita Falls Fire Station #8 and the Wichita Falls Fire Department for taking time to allow our group to tour your facility. We look forward to next year’s family night gathering.very gracious.” We look forward to working with Habitat for Humanity during the 68th Annual Parade of Homes in 2020

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