toolbox - newtoncountyhba.com 2008.pdf · burge plantation 9:00 am—games 12:00 noon—lunch 12:30...

TOOLBOX A Publication of the Newton County Home Builders Association

September 2008

Cvjmejoh!Cmpdlt!!Silver

HBA Leadership Bob Goucher—President

Jared Rutberg—Vice President

Kim McNary—Secretary/Treasurer

Brian Burgoyne-Associate Vice President

Susan Clark—Director

Mike Dawkins—Director

Steve DuBois—Past President

Alan Freeman—Past President

Teri Harris Joiner – Director

Faith Hill– Director

Larry Maynard—Past President

Michael Penland—Director

Lewis Stephenson– Director

George Wallace—Director

BRONZE

Breakfast with the Candidates

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 7:30 am

Henderson’s Banquet Room Highway 36 ~ Covington

Invited to Attend Newton County Commission Chair

Kathy Morgan (D) & Aaron Varner (R)

District 1 Mort Ewing (R) & Mark Patrick (D)

District 3 Keith Mitcham (R) & Nancy Schulz (D)

District 5 Tim Fleming (R) & Randy Vinson (D)

Sheriff Ezell Brown (D) & Bill Watterson (R)

Reservations are required and must be made by noon of Friday, September 5th. FREE for HBA members, all other s

will need to pay $12.00

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 if you buy a home. A new

Web site, www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com, explains how this important incentive works. Here are the provi-

sions in a nutshell:

• Qualifications. The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers, which under the Act also includes peo-

ple who have not owned a home for at least three years.

• Income limits. The credit can be as much as $7,500 but is decreased depending on how much money the

potential home buyer makes. To receive the full tax credit amount the income limits are $75,000 a year for single

tax payers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing joint returns. For partial credit the upper limit is $95,000 and

$170,000 respectively.

• Time limits. To qualify, a home purchase must occur on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. For

the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs – the date when title transfers.

• The way credits work. Qualified home buyers claim the credit when they file their income tax return – no

additional application or certification is required. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer

owes. A taxpayer who owes $7,500 in income taxes and who receives a $7,500 tax credit would owe nothing to

the IRS.

Payback. You can look at this tax credit as an interest free loan with up to 15 years to pay it back. For example, a home buyer claiming the full $7,500 credit would repay the loan at a rate of $500 a year. There are exceptions, of course, but all that is explained on the Web site. www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com also includes links to the resources you need to help make buying a home eas-

ier, including information on the home buying process, financing and new home listings.

JIMMY HARRIS TRUCKING Old Atlanta Hwy Covington, GA

Roll Off Containers C & D Transfer Station

(770)786-3585 (866) 405-4669

Sand & Gravel Hourly Truck Rental

(770) 786-0061 (888)485-4669

Why Does the HBA have a SCHOLARHSIP Sporting Clay Shoot?

The Newton County HBA decided many years ago that we needed to be good community citizens as well as an advocate for the construction industry. A golf tournament was held each fall to raise funds and in 2005 we decided to switch to a clay shoot. Each year seniors from Newton, Eastside and Alcovy are eligible for a $500 scholarship from the HBA as well as two seniors whose parents are members of the HBA. These “in house” applicants do NOT have to be enrolled in Newton County public schools. In addition to the scholarships the HBA also is a Partner in Education with Rocky Plains and Livingston Elementary schools. Each year the HBA gives these two schools $500 to purchase library books. In 2007 the HBA chose to make donations to both The Learning Center and Newton READS, helping to improve adult literacy in Newton County and assisting children with reading skills before they start school.

Please help us by supporting this year’s SCHOLARSHIP Sporting Clay Shoot!

News from National

In a major grass-roots effort, the NAHB is urging its members to con-tact their senators and representatives and ask them to have the effective date of the proposed home buyer tax credit extended for an addi-tional 90 days to make it as effec-tive as possible in turning around the current downturn in home sales. “We are asking the House, as it be-gins making its changes to the bill, to add the months of April, May and June 2009 to the effective date of the credit,” says Sandy Dunn, president of the NAHB.

Newton County Home Builders Association Third Annual

SCHOLARHSIP SPORTING CLAY SHOOT Thursday, November 13, 2008

Burge Plantation

9:00 am—Games 12:00 noon—Lunch

12:30 pm—Clay Shoot 3:30 pm—Awards and Raffle

Team of Four—$400.00 Registration includes course, lunch and ammo.

Come join us in the morning to “warm up” your trigger finger and challenge your teammates with FIVE STAND, FLUSH AND FLURRY or PAIR IN THE AIR.

Games are $30 per person

Mulligans will be sold the day of the shoot—$20.00. Two Mulligan Max.

You are welcome to bring your own golf cart although NO FOUR WHEELERS are allowed.

SPONSORHSIP OPPORTUNITIES

Paula’s Porch ($100)

Paula’s Porch is a lovely screened in porch where lunch will be served and the awards party and raffle drawing will be held.

Station Sponsor ($300)

Spend some quality one-on-one time each team as they visit your station. Ear plugs and safety (sunglasses) a must. You’ll also be the “puller” for the station. You can also set up a table top display in Paula’s Porch.

Lunch Sponsor ($200)

Prior to the clay shoot we enjoy some finger likin’ bar-b-que

Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. However, dues may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expense, subject to exclusions for lobbying activity. Contributions to a political action committee (PAC) are not tax deductible. In 2008, 12% of the $150 NAHB dues are used for lobbying, so $18 of those dues are not deductible; 36% of the $75 HBAG dues are used for lobbying, so $27 of those dues are not deductible.

David Reddick Kimberly Alston Partner Attorney

Morris|Hardwick|Schneider

2012 East View Pkwy, Bldg. 3, Ste. 400

Conyers, GA 30013

Phone: 770-388-9100/Fax: 388-9797

Your Conyers Team is Ready

to Serve Your Closing Needs

Scholarship Sporting Clay Shoot November 13, 2008

_________________________________________________________________________________ Team/Company Name

_________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Phone

Team Member *Gauge Registration Games Mulligans Total

__________________________________$100.00________________________________________

__________________________________$100.00________________________________________

__________________________________$100.00________________________________________

__________________________________$100.00________________________________________ *Participants are allowed to use 12 and 20 gauge guns TOTAL________________

PRE-PAY FOR RAFFLE TICKETS

___6 for $5 ___12 for $10 ___25 for $20 ___$60 for $50

Tickets will be given to you prior to the drawing

The Newton County HBA has a NO PAY, NO PLAY policy. All teams and sponsorships must be paid prior to the clay shoot. You may charge your

entry fee by calling 770-786-3333 or call the office to be invoiced.

2101 Clark Street

Covington, GA 30014

P O Box 309

Covington, GA 30015

Phone: 770-787-3763

Debbie Junkin

Association Executive

Erica Milligan Director of Member Services

Vanessa Shorter

President

www.embor.com

OPERATION PATRIOT’S CALL Want to offer support to the family

members of our local Bravo Company from Covington?

Your business can offer free or discounted services, “adopting” a family

and/or counseling and support.

Need examples? Vehicle maintenance, home repair, haircuts, tax services,

optometry, movies, babysitting services, etc.

If you’re interested and want to be listed in the Resource Book, please contact

either Kim Schroeder at 770-262-0265 or Jared Rutberg at 678-361-5946.

www.patriotscall.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Operation Sandbox is an organization that collects non-perishable food and other items to send to our troops overseas. The EMBOR Community Service Committee, in partnership with the Rockdale County Ro-tary Club is asking for your time to meet in Covington at the Armory each week to pack these items to ship.

If you are interested or know someone who may be, please contact Cathy Smith at 770-860-9363.

The NAHB Spike Club is an organization composed of

all the individual members in local associations who have attained Spike status. It is a vehicle to recognize these

members for their outstanding achievements in

member recruitment and retention in their local builders association.

Susanne Bixler 111

Roger Boyd 25.5

Ray Cheek 133.5

Mike Dawkins 43.5

Steve DuBois 201

Russell Foskey 34.5

Alan Freeman 139

Marilyn Goucher 38.5

Larry Maynard 80.5

Joan McDonald 115.5

John Penland 37

Jared Rutberg 2

Scott Sims 35

Roger Singleton 19.5

Cher Voyles 36.5

"Every man owes part of his time and money

to the business or industry in which he

is engaged. No man has a moral right to

withhold his support from an organization

that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere." Theodore Roosevelt

SEVEN STEPS TO WORKING WITH LENDERS If you’re in danger of defaulting on a loan, or need new sources of cash, here are seven steps to help you succeed:

1. Make the first move. The more proactive you are and the earlier you approach your lenders, the more options will be available to work out a deal.

2. Have a plan. Assemble your attorney, your accountant and your head of marketing to create a plan to present to your lenders on how you will move the business forward.

3. Know your rights and obligations. Review loan documents with your attorney for clauses that can help your negotiating position. Your biggest leverage may be the time and money it would take to foreclose.

4. Connect with the decision-makers. Time is an enemy; you want to present your plan to the people who can make a decision quickly; not someone who has to pass it along to a committee in another state.

5. Get rid of the emotion. Don’t be stubborn about cutting prices or cutting staff. You must show the lenders you’re serious about reducing costs and increasing cash flow.

6. Provide constant updates. The more communication with your lenders, the better. Keep them informed of your progress or when you change strategies.

7. Pursue alternative financing. If traditional financing dries up or banks won’t renegotiate, consider private lenders, who can be more flexible and creative in structuring deals.

Newton County HBA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee The Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Newton County Home Builders Association recently met with representatives of Newton County Planning and Development to discuss issues regarding building and development in the county. One topic that was presented was re-instatement fees for building permits. Newton County is attempting to clean up building permits on file that seem to be inactive – never requested a CO, or haven’t requested an inspection in 6 months. They visited every site to determine the status and in most cases building was suspended, or never commenced. Newton County Planning and Development sent letters to builders notifying them that the permits have ex-pired. The red tags are on homes that did not respond to the letter. However, they will do the fol-lowing: • All red tags will be removed and the placard will be marked “void” or “expired”. If there is no placard there the red tag will stay. • When ready to resume building, reinstatement is required. • They do not increase fees or fines. The reinstatement is at the going rate – $100 plus $5 for the card. The standard rate for re-inspections (red tags) is $50. Depending on the age of the permit and the building’s progress, they may charge permit fees in total or the difference between what they originally paid and what the new fee schedule requires. The Newton County Permit Administrative Procedures ordinance states the following:

4.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is com-menced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

Therefore, in compliance with this provision, Newton County sent letters to the builder/owners notifying them of the expiration of their permit. If builders want to resume work they need to request in writing that the permit be reinstated (not re-permitted). The fee schedule, which is approved by the BOC, requires a service fee of $100.00, and $5.00 for replacing the permit card. This was never an issue a few years ago be-cause projects didn't go six months with no activity. Please keep in mind that the county COULD require that a new permit be purchased and not allow a lower "re-instatement" fee. NOTE: WORKING ON A HOUSE WITH AN EXPIRED PERMIT IS LIKE WORKING WITHOUT A PERMIT. THE ORDINANCE ALLOWS THEM TO CHARGE DOUBLE PERMIT FEES. Please contact the HBA if there are ques-tions/concerns/comments you want the Regulatory Affairs Committee to address with representatives of Newton County Planning and Development and/or the City of Covington Planning and Zoning Office. This committee meets with these two departments on a bi-monthly basis FOR YOU, our member.

AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING/HBA ELECTION Tuesday, August 12th

The group, lead by Lucius Malcolm, pauses to give thanks before the meal.

Guest Speaker, Charles Whittemore, moti-vated the group and reminded them that although they may not be a part of a championship season this year, they are “in training” for better days ahead. His TEAM ME tee shirt was a reminder that the HBA is made up of many independent groups but that they must all work together as a team to accomplish their goals.

Charles Whittemore was a three year starter for Georgia in 1968-1970 now serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities for the University of Georgia. Prior to this ap-pointment, he served nine years as an Ad-ministrative Specialist to Director of Athletic Vince Dooley.

Kathy Morgan (center) candidate for Newton County Board of Commission Chair, receives a campaign contribution from HBA Vice President Jared Rutberg (L) and President Bob Goucher (R)

HBA Elects Officers for 2008-2009

Ashler Constructors Brown and Cox

Cabinets and Countertops Farmers & Merchants Bank Kitchens Harwood Floors

Newton Federal Bank

STB Electric Schell Heating and Air The Heritage Agency

Top Notch Homes Vest Properties

MEMBER RENEWALS

President Bob Goucher

Vice President Jared Rutberg

Secretary/Treasurer

Kim McNary

Associate Vice President Brian Burgoyne

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Susan Clark

Faith Hill Teri Harris Joiner

BUILDER DIRECTORS Mike Dawkins

Lewis Stephenson George Wallace PAST PRESIDENTS

Steve DuBois Alan Freeman Larry Maynard

Mailing Address P O Box 2055

Covington, GA 30015

Office Address 4159 Mill Street

Covington, GA 30014 Lower Level

Phone: 770-786-3333 Fax: 770-786-2710

www.newtoncountyhba.com

Email: [email protected]

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am—5:00 pm

Monday, September 1, 2008 OFFICE CLOSED in observance of Labor Day Wednesday, September 3, 2008 10:00 AM-Board of Directors Meeting at the HBA office Tuesday, September 9, 2008 7:30 AM-Breakfast with the Candidates at Henderson’s 9:00 AM-Associates Council Meeting at Henderson’s Monday, September 29, 2008 OFFICE CLOSED—HBAG Fall Board Meeting Tuesday, September 30, 2008 OFFICE CLOSED—HBAG Fall Board Meeting

The landmark housing bill signed last month prohibits any portion of a down payment on a single-family mortgage that’s insured by the FHA form being provided by the seller or any other entity that benefits finan-cially from the transaction. Such down payment assistance also cannot come from any third party or entity that is reimbursed, directly or indi-rectly, by the seller or other party to the transaction. The prohibition goes into effect for mortgages receiving credit approval after October 1, 2008. This change was opposed by NAHB and they are working with HUD and Congress to remove the ban on seller-funded down payment assistance. While the housing bill does allow family members to loan down payment funds to a relative who is purchasing a home, that loan is required to be secured by a lien that is subordinate to the FHA-insured mortgage. While not specifically addressed in the legislation, the FHA has confirmed that outright gifts from family members will still be permitted.

toolbox - newtoncountyhba.com 2008.pdf · burge plantation 9:00 am—games 12:00 noon—lunch 12:30...

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