Demographic trends indicate that home owners who plan to stay in their homes as they get older instead of making other housing accommodations are one of the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling market. Many of these households can be expected to call on remodelers to adapt their homes to their changing needs and lifestyles in order to maintain their independence.

• Marketing and Communication Strategies for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS I)
• Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility (CAPS II)
• Business Management for Building Professionals* (* Exempt designations are CGR, GMR, CGA, CGB, CGP, GMB, CR, CKD, CBD, CMKBD, AIA, Professional ASID, GRI, CCIM.)

Two of the courses required for the CAPS designation will be offered at the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference.

During National Homeownership Month in June, the housing industry celebrates the many benefits of owning a home. Despite the downturn in the housing market, families continue to seek to achieve the American Dream of homeownership and take their place among the more than 74 million Americans that own a home.

The value Americans place on owning their home continues even through times of economic hardship. The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey conducted in January 2010 showed that two-thirds of American adults said they still preferred owning a home. And 70 percent of respondents said they believe buying a home continues to be one of the safest investments available.

Home appreciation over the long term builds financial security for a family’s future. But most home owners don’t have to wait for the home’s value to increase to realize the financial benefits. Right from the first year, the majority of home owners are able to annually deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes they paid off their taxable income. This can mean thousands of dollars saved off a family’s tax bill every year. 

Results of a major NAHB-commissioned survey clearly show the high priority that Americans continue to place on homeownership and housing choice, even amidst the turmoil in today's housing market.

The survey, which polled 2,000 likely 2012 voters during the week of May 3-9, was conducted by two of the most highly regarded polling firms in the country. Initial findings were officially released in an NAHB media teleconference that was held on June 7, with further details set for release within the next few days — in fact, a special edition of Nation's Building News to be published on Tuesday, June 14, will contain details from the full array of findings. But the bottom line is this: Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership, with an overwhelming 75% of those surveyed saying that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market and 95% of current home owners saying they are happy with their decision to purchase a home. Meanwhile, almost three-quarters of those who do not currently own a home said that homeownership is one of their goals. And among younger voters who are most likely to be in the market for a home in the next few years, the percentages are even higher.

Registration for the Southeast’s premier home building tradeshow, the 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, is officially open.  We invite builders, remodelers, subcontractors, realtors and other industry professionals to attend the 21CBEC in Charlotte, N.C. September 14-16.

The 21CBEC is your chance to see a large array of the products and services available from the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, a three-day educational conference includes a line-up of more than 50 general session seminars, North Carolina Builder Institute courses and NAHB Education classes.