Builder- March 2009 - (Page 19) BMAIL Finding Financing understand I don’t and NAR aren’t why you, the HBAs, having a problem with the lack of fi nancing out there for the folks in your industry that are 1009 entrepreneurs. There are no more stated loans, which we understand is due to abuse, but verify assets or something like that to qualify those folks. Your and our industries are made up of folks like this; I haven’t heard you or NAR mention it . That’s the next round of foreclosures, because if they have an ARM they can’t refi nance. Respectfully, MARK COOPER Broker Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Greenwood Village, Colo. Via e-mail Difficult Days let you know how J ust wanted toletter from the editor in meaningful your Builder magazine was this month (“Second Acts,” February, page 15). I don’t think I’ve ever written to a magazine before, but this really struck a chord with me, and I know I’m not unique. My husband started a small custom ments in the fi rst five years, including being awarded a Custom Home of the Year in 2007 in our market (Greater Houston). What a difference a year makes! In May 2008, we were forced to fi le for bankruptcy after the banks called in the loans on two of our large spec homes. The past year has been one of the most demoralizing, soul-searching, and depressing of our lives. The problems encountered by other builders as detailed in the article “Taking the Plunge” (February, page 84) ring true, from personal fi nancial ruin to threats of bodily injury against our family, with the length of bankruptcy proceedings taking, in our case, three times the estimated amount of time. Your magazine this month was encouraging because, fi rst of all, it gave us perspective into the sheer magnitude of other builders in similar situations. Dissolving a family business leaves one feeling completely isolated and personally inadequate. It helps to know that many, many other people with even longer histories and bigger companies are undergoing the same circumstances. Secondly, your letter was upbeat about moving forward armed with new perspectives and insights into what to do differently next time. Blessings to you for your helpful words! This letter is defi nitely getting posted somewhere in our office so that it will be a reminder to us in the continued difficult days ahead. Name Withheld Upon Request Needless Delays with I wholeheartedly agree promiseJames Lyons’ article about the and benefits of PEX piping (“Promising Plumbing,” January, page 47). I am completing a 3,400-squarefoot remodel in a Northern California municipality (Oakland). I had planned on using PEX throughout for all of the reasons stated in Mr. Lyons’ article. Unfortunately, I was prohibited from doing so by the local building department for all the wrong reasons. It seems that PEX piping was allowed under the California Plumbing Code a decade ago. However, a lawsuit was filed to force the state to (see page 21) h i djd home company six years ago and enjoyed a good measure of success, recognition, and personal satisfaction for his accomplish- W W W.BUILDERONLINE.COM http://www.marvincasement.com http://www.marvincasement.com http://WWW.BUILDERONLINE.COM
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