by Michael Dey | Sep 29, 2014 | Uncategorized
Builders who want to earn the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) educational designation and remodelers seeking to complete the requirements for the Certified Graduate Remodeler (GGR) designation have traditionally sat for the Builder Assessment Review (BAR) or theProfessional Remodeler Experience Profile(PREP) to determine what courses they need to complete.
Now, these industry professionals can complete these assessments online: at a lower cost and with a quicker turnaround time.
While builders and remodelers had often enjoyed the networking opportunities that are part and parcel of the BAR and PREP, the logistics were too daunting for too many potential candidates: Travel costs and time away from work add up and prevented these professionals from benefiting from these advanced designations.
The new online assessment tools remove those barriers – and add incentives, including:
- A significantly shorter results turnaround time: 24 hours instead of the current 4-6 weeks.
- Lower cost: NAHB members can take either the BAR or the PREP for $95 – less than half what the in-person class cost.
Students have the option to take the BAR and PREP online or in person through Dec. 31. However, only the online version of these assessments will be available to students next year, effective Jan. 1, 2015.
by ShoesOptional | Aug 29, 2012 | Uncategorized
NAHB has new Webinars designed to help you! All from the comfort of your office! This months topics include:
- Selling Universal Design So Buyers See it as a Plus.
- Surviving the LIHTC Compliance Period.
- Top 10 Green Building Strategies You can Implement Now.
Selling Universal Design So Buyers See It as a Plus
Wednesday, September 19, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Homes with universal design features are, by definition, for everyone. But too often, the ease-of-use features that help everyone – young, old, able, mobility-challenged – are presented to mature buyers as aging-in-place features or ADA compliant. Such terms can raise the spectre of a frail old age to prospective buyers who are just looking for a more user-friendly, lower-maintenance home that complements an easy-living lifestyle. Our expert speakers will explain the importance of educating the consumer on the benefits of specific universal design features and the importance of highlighting such features as enhancements to all buyers’ lifestyles.
Speakers:
Jane Marie O’Connor, CAPS,CAASH, MIRM, CSP, CMP, 55 Plus, LLC
Gian Hasbrock, MIRM, Wowism
Bill Owens, CAPS, Owens Construction, Powell, Ohio
Presented by NAHB 50+ Council
Surviving the LIHTC Compliance Period
Thursday, September 20, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
During this one-hour webinar, industry experts will share their fool proof tips for surviving the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) compliance period. From getting the development off to a good start to successfully maintaining the asset, participants will learn the importance of reading the legal documents, identifying and implementing a preventative maintenance plan and staying on top of complicated program requirements.
Speakers:
Bill Harris – Moderator
Melody Poetzsch, HCCP, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners, Inc.
Oke Johnson, LEDIC Management
Patricia Murphy, HCCP, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
See the schedule of upcoming Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HCCP webinars here.
Top 10 Green Building Strategies You can Implement Now
September 26, 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Presenter Jeannie Leggett Sikora provides practical strategies for moving from conventional construction to green home building. Based on her interviews of experts and field observations, study of independent research, and review of product data, Sikora will show you easy-to-implement green building options to help you construct homes with a price tag both you and your customers can count toward green home certification.
Speaker: Jeannie Leggett Sikora
Presented by NAHB BuilderBooks
To learn more about NAHB’s Webinar Wednesdays series, check out www.nahb.org/webinars.
by Michael Dey | Jan 20, 2012 | Uncategorized
EDUCATION
“Effective Marketing on a Shoestring Budget” — one of the most popular Institute of Residential Marketing courses — is now available online from NAHB Education.
A hit among new home marketing professionals, the course can also benefit builders who have found themselves taking on more roles in their companies and in need of cost-effective marketing strategies.
Effective marketing can make the difference between an average sales year and a successful one. However, planning a marketing campaign can be daunting, especially when promotional dollars are scarce.
The course provides planning tools that work on anyone’s budget. Participants learn how to analyze target markets, identify competitive advantages, create accurate pro formas and monitor outcomes.
The course helps participants:
- Understand the purpose and importance of cost-effective marketing and its role in the management and operation of the business
- Explain their companies’ current market position, capabilities and goals
- Match the appropriate product to a viable segment in the market
- Determine how to cost effectively get ready for business
- Select cost-effective Internet, marketing, advertising and public relations tactics for their target buyers
- Choose from manageable and cost-effective alternatives for organizing and training a profitable sales team
- Look for key success indicators and ways to quickly respond to common off-plan results
NAHB educational designation holders can earn six hours of continuing education credit by successfully completing “Effective Marketing on a Shoestring Budget” online.
In addition, the credit hours can help attendees earn the Master New Home Certified Sales Professional (Master CSP) designation.
To Register
For more information and to register, visit “Effective Marketing on a Shoestring Budget” on the NAHB website; or email the NAHB Professional Designation Help Line, or call 800-368-5242 x8154.