Future Blogs …
Monday, January 12th, 2009
What direction do we go?
Blogging is a new experience for me. I like it! I have written a post about Brookfield’s new recreation center in our Master Planned Community of Winding Walk. I wrote posts on the state of the economy and a potential disaster pending in water supply. I even posted a list of helpful hints about preparing your home for the wet season!
But, now it’s your turn. Tell me what you want me to blog about! Are you interested in “How to …” blogs about real estate? Do you want more on the economy or jobs for people in the home building industry? How about my pet dogs? My goal is to post blogs you will read and we can debate and educate each other. I don’t profess to be “Mr. Know-it-all”, but I have picked up some ideas about homebuilding and land development in my career.
Please let me know what’s on your mind. You already have a sample of what’s on mine.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for taking the time share your thoughts. It’s nice to know there are homebuilders out there who care as much as you seem to.
I recently read an article in which an economist suggested, in short, that it’s bad for the economy if the percentage of homeowners across the nation grows too large. His thesis, essentially, was that if too many people became homeowners, the workforce would lack the mobility needed to maintain a strong economy.
I’m wondering what you think about that statement specifically, and I’m also interested in seeing you blog in general about who home ownership is “right” for. Who should be renting and who should be buying?
There’s so much conflicting information out there right now, and I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on the subject.
thanks,
Scott
[...] is simple, just let us know you’re entering the contest in our comments below and then head over here and use the same name (and email just in case) to ask Steve any question you want to know. I’m [...]
Hi Steve,
I followed this link from the New Homes Section Blog…
I was wondering what your take is on the “Fix Housing First Proposal”. Do you think it will be adequate enough to help stabilize housing prices?
What do you think is really going on inside the banks that are holding so many non performing notes. Plus, what do you think they will be doing with the dirt? And when do you think that they will really take their losses and move back into construction lending? Your in a position to see what most people can not. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Kudos to you Steve for taking the time to write such an informative blog. Just closed a new jumbo mortgage on my home that took six months and inches of paperwork, worse than any commercial loan I have ever done in my career! Whats going to happen with underwriting of commercial loans in the future and who is going to ensure that TARP money actually gets converted into loans, not liquidity ratios for the receiving banks or acquisition fodder? Keep up the good work!
Accountants in Phoenix,
A great question and actually one I’m working on right now. I’ll be posting some thoughts on the “Fix Housing First” proposal very soon. Thanks, great minds think alike
Steve
Hi Mike,
Boy, you’ve hit the nail on the head their. What is going on in the board rooms of America’s banks? I can’t say I know for sure, but I’ll give it thought. Thanks for the idea.
Steve
Hello Ian,
Thanks for the comments. Like Mike’s questions above, I think TARP and liquidity are tied together. I’m not sure how the banks or regulators are looking at, but I’ll give it some thought. Congrats on being among the few, the proud, the new loan holders!
Steve
Okay, Steve, just received the very professionally completed notice about this blog, so I had to come investigate and, of course, I just have to ask: What IS your favorite wood?
Keep up the good work.
James
Steve,
Do you know anything about getting grants,tax breaks or federal funds for solar panels, or wind turbines for homes?
Adam,
I do know about tax credits and rebates for solar panels. But, a lot has changed and is in the process of changing in this area. I’ll get some updates for you and share that in the future.
Steve
HI Scott,
Thanks for the comment. Homeownership is important, but homeownership is not for everyone. I’ll add that to my list of questions and get back to you with a future post.
Steve
Hey Steve, like many others I appreciate you being a leader engaging your audience here on your blog.
What do I want to hear from you? I like to hear the stuff you deal with on a daily basis as a President of Brookfield Homes.
As a consumer, as a homeowner, and as one who will most likely buy several more homes before I kick the bucket, seeing life through the eyes of a big builder executive helps me understand all the things that go into my home purchases.
Consumers are hungry for authentic information. We are also hungry to talk to a real representative of the company we purchase from. We want relationships with companies. We don’t want to be ‘just transactions’.
By you being real and transparent as a leader of Brookfield Homes is both interesting and helps Brookfield’s consumers feel better about their purchases. Just the fact that we all know you are listening is so powerful.
You’re doing a great job engaging everyone on this blog – and that’s how blogging is supposed to be.
Thank you,
Jim Adams – CEO
New Homes Directory.com
Hi Steve,
I’ve got a new countertop and it keeps getting these white stains on it and I have no idea from what. It’s really noticable and it won’t wipe off. Any idea how to remove the stains or if its a defective counter?
Tips regarding how to lower spending around the house or any thing of that variation will always be appreciated. For instance, money saving tips around the home.
What are the top three home repairs that one can fix themselves, but always thought it was a difficult task?
Thanks Jim,
Interesting ideas here. Let me noodle on it and I’ll share with you “How it works, from the inside.”
Steve
Hey Steve, why do you think builders are reluctant to incorporate solar panels and related energy saving technology as a standard practice in new homes, especially since commercial buildings are going full bore?
Charles,
The economics of solar panels and related energy savings technology have been working against home builders over the past several years. Consumers were not willing to pay for them.
Times are changing in that arena, but also in the general health of the market. I believe as the home building industry recovers, you will find that solar panels and energy saving technology will be included in most new homes, especially in California.
Commercial buildings are different, because the owner sees an immediate return of significant economic impact. Commercial buildings tend to have more surface area of roof to utilize for solar and more incentives to utilize for energy saving improvements. In other words, the owner (who expends the funds) sees a return for his investment.
We need to get through this housing economic disaster, before we will see the opportunities in solar and energy saving technology take on a bigger role in residential for sale homes.
Steve