Tuesday, March 31, 2009

SUHBA Exec Sees Movement in Housing Market

Bob Bramlage, SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeted Rotarians and others visitors to the 3736th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in an interesting rendition of "America." Lee Warren, our own Flag Man, invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Don Pendleton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Dan Strobell lead Horseplay while Lee Sheets collected fines on behalf of Operation School Bell.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ken Sizemore, conducting the meeting in the absence of Jeff Morby, reminded members of the New Member Orientation meeting on the evening of Thursday, April 9 at the offices of the Five County Association of Governments. Invitations will be sent out this week. He also reminded board members of their next meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:15 a.m.

Congratulations to Darlo and Grace Esplin celebrating 60 years of married life on their way to forever.

PROGRAM: Ken Sizemore introduced Carol Sapp, Executive Director of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association for more than 20 years, with particular responsibility for government affairs. According to Sapp, building permits to date in 2009 are at 66 compared to 200 for the same time period in 2008. Financing has created part of the problem, and the Obama Stimulus program called Home Run will provide $6000 to those trying to get a mortgage on a new home. Another program will provide an additional $8000 and currently there are ten loans left through CDGB funding with the City of St. George. Sapp also noted "an exceptional Parade of Homes although ticket sales were down by 25% to a total of 26,000 people. There was a great variety of homes and most sold during the Parade. Some builders even picked up contracts to build as many as 6 - 8 homes. Things are starting to move, though we anticipate another 20-30% drop in values of existing inventory." Sapp was also quick to point out there is a definite shortage of multi-family properties which has created an issue among students at Dixie State College where the student body is growing rapidly. For more information about the current housing market, Carol can be reached by e-mail at carol@suhba.com or by phone at 674-1400.

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