Blog---December 9, 2024-9-10—The Report Card Show

Housing is an important industry in South Dakota and neighboring states. For a dozen years we have worked together with the Home Builders Association, Real Estate Association, Mortgage Bankers, Building Permit Leaders, and responsible service industries---to update where we are and what the market place is doing.

There are a lot of questions that bounce around when we see the figures. Not only those in the industry but those that need the industry to buy, sell, build, or finance a home.

Today we have list of those in all industries helping us set the stage.

Tony Bachman---has accompanied you along the journey over the last few years---he pulls the figures---provides insight—that helps us share with others---the state of the marketplace we are in.

Among those---Jack Zika—new CEO for the Realtors Association (came from Oregon), Larissa Luther—New President for the year for the Real Estate Association, Joel Ingels—President of the Home Builders Association, Neil King—new Leader who sees to it that the Building Permit Numbers are shared each month and then looks at sub-categories as well---and yes will it be another billion dollar permit year? 2024 marks the 4th in a row.

Then there is Dave Kelly---Mortgage Senior Level—that shares what he sees—this month it was we need to reduce the regulations for affordable houses, the ---the average new construction build added $94,000. They see key factors if $94,000 is added to a new build home—then affordable houses should reduce the red tape—and when they do it makes the home affordable. If you remove the tariffs on lumber—it currently is at 15%-the cost building materials will be reduced. Second—there should also be tax credits for builders to build affordable housing---it would help the builders be motivated to build affordable homes.

Cities need to set aside land at a reduced price and allocate smaller lots for affordable housing with few requirements than a home to be build above a certain price point—(Irene, SD is an example)

We talked with Jerry Berg at Intek and Joe Hanson—Extreme Heating and Cooling. Quite frankly they wanted to talk and did for the most apart—about the employees they have---and how they are trained and treated. It can be a long term deal for the builders, the workers, and those seeking help.

Good cross section of discussion and ideas. We appreciate the associations joining us----and trying to help those in the market-place or even in their home-place.

Todd Boots---former President of the South Dakota Home Builders Association provided what he has seen as Builder---and as an officer with the State Home Builders. He has been places we haven’t been—and we learn him just like the others who work with us on the show---that is available to the public.

Having been a real estate member years ago—I had a chance to learn from the associations-----from those needing help-----and still have a tender place in my heart to help all I can.

Listen to the show live at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—streaming online or just ask Alexa.

Norm Anderson will post the show as a PODCAST---I write this blog to put together at least some of the items we talked about and shared with our listening audience—many in the marketplace—others are professionals in the business.

Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL (2455) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.