New HBAI App in the Works
We're excited to announce the development of a new HBAI app that will do amazing things. It will feature components for both consumers and members such as:
- A Member Directory
- Advocacy in Real Time
- Local News and Trends
- Push Notifications
- Calls to Actions, Reminders
- Member Benefit Access
- Career Center
- And much, much more…
In 2017, mobile usage accounted for nearly 70% of all digital media time for U.S. citizens. It will allow for growth in membership engagement with super easy, intuitive functionality. Look for the details soon, we're on the fast track to develop it before spring parade of homes season begins.
Legislative Update 4/13
Even though everyone is ready to be done with the legislative session, it's highly doubtful that it will end on April 17, when the per diem runs out. Some are saying through the end of the month and others are into the first week of May. Senator Whitver cancelled out his trip to Israel with Governor Reynolds the first week in May – so that could be another indicator. We'll hope that they can get it pulled together in short order – most of the big items are left at the House – the Senate overall has been a well-oiled machine that has accomplished many things. Many of the items that we're following are still in play, but there hasn't been much new.
Our building code advisory council bill numbers are now HF2484 andSF2403. An Act authorizing the state building code advisory council to propose, consider, and approve or disapprove amendments and changes to the state building code.
HF2480 – Manufactured Homes – An Act concerning manufactured homes by creating a manufactured housing program fund and providing eligibility under the home ownership assistance program for military members for the purchase of manufactured homes. Voted out of House 4/9
Signed by Governor
SF 2226 – A bill for an act relating to formatting requirements for groundwater hazard statements recorded with a county recording office. (Formerly SSB 3069.) Effective 7-1-18. Signed by Governor. S.J. 902
SF 2229 – A bill for an act relating to obtaining a mechanic's lien when a person takes collateral security on a contract for furnishing material or performing labor. (Formerly SSB 3100.) Effective 7-1-18. Signed by Governor. S.J. 902.
HF 2233 -A bill for an act relating to mechanics' liens, public construction liens, and the early release of retained funds. (Formerly HSB 524.) Effective 7-1-18. Signed by Governor. H.J. 768.
SF 2175 – A bill for an act relating to partition of property in kind and partition of property by sale. (Formerly SSB 3065.) Effective 7-1-18. Signed by Governor.
Lotsa Leverage
As house prices relentlessly rise, the percentage of conventional loans this past winter going to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios above 45% hit 20%, almost triple what the percentage was 12 months ago, but less than the housing boom peak of 36%. Meanwhile the share of buyers with DTIs between 46% and 50% is near where it was in 2004-05 but remains well under the 2007 top. I'm slightly concerned. Elliot F. Eisenberg, Ph.D
Ohio HBA Construction Defect Case
As builders well know, one of the risks they face is that, following completion of construction, the home owner may assert a claim against them for damage to the structure caused by an alleged construction defect. One of the ways a builder manages the risk of such construction defect claims is by purchasing comprehensive general liability insurance.
In a case the home building industry is watching closely, NAHB joined the Ohio HBA April 10 in filing an amicus brief in the case of Ohio Northern University v. Charles Construction Services, Inc.
The Ohio Supreme Court is reviewing a lower court ruling that an insurer has a duty to defend and indemnify a contractor against claims made by a project owner for property damage allegedly resulting from defective work performed by the contractor's subcontractors.
A favorable ruling would place the Ohio Supreme Court squarely in agreement with the thoughtful and well-reasoned opinions of the vast majority of other state supreme courts and federal appellate courts around the country that have addressed the issue.