A Message from 2010 President Nat Hodgson

The following are the comments of 2010 President Nat Hodgson of Pulte Homes and Del Webb Communities during the SNHBA Installation of Officers and Directors/President's Appreciation Luncheon on December 8 at the Four Seasons.

"You know me as a guy who enjoys having some fun - well, it’s not going to be “fun and games” this year.

We – and I did say ‘we’ – have a lot of work to do for the survival and success of our industry – through this association.

I’m honored to rise through the ranks to become president in 2010, but this is a “team effort.”

I plan to be very involved in the issues that are critical to our existence, and I’m asking you to “get with the program,” if you aren’t already pitching in with the work at the association.

We’re facing the adoption of new building codes that as of right now will add about $5,800 per floor plan, per municipality, to the cost of building a home.

We’re developing some alternatives to mandatory fire sprinklers in new homes - because the cost of fire sprinklers will put the last nails in the coffin of new housing.

We have to make a strong case to the municipalities to streamline the entitlement and plans-approval process to keep costs down for the Industry, the homebuyers and the municipalities, too.

We’re working on the problem of low appraisals, and believe me, we’ll be working on it this year. We have a special committee, headed by builder David McEntire, dealing with that issue.

And, believe it or not, we’re still fighting the construction defect litigation battle – it’s the biggest, worse issue in our industry. I’m committed to continue our fight to resolve this problem once and for all.

The system we have in place isn’t helping anyone except a handful of trial lawyers. This can’t continue.

Over the years, I’ve learned that there really is strength in numbers when you want to get something done.

Despite the downturn in our industry, we still have strength because of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association.

But, strength comes from the members of our association ……because of the downturn, membership has been a major challenge.

I need for each and every one of you to review your peer group and your professional contacts – Make sure they’re members of the association for their own good, and the good of the industry.

Anyone who has a stake in home building should be a member of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association.

Think about all the different conditions and issues that affect your business. Can you, personally, stay on top of them ALL?

It costs less, and it’s more efficient, to solve our common problems, and achieve our common goals, through a united effort.

The Home Builders Association promotes the principals of the free enterprise system.

The Association works to protect and advance the interest of the building industry and the related trades.

So, “thank you” to our members – please, get involved, and involve others in our association.