January column for Builder & Developer magazine now online

My column for the January 2012 issue of Builder & Developer magazine is now posted online.

For this issue, entitled "Households Re-Think the Meaning of Home" I reviewed the major trends discussed at the 2011 ULI Fall Meeting here in Los Angeles as well as at the Building Industry Show in Long Beach.

An excerpt:

...In the short term, one thing is becoming clear: the smorgasbord of low-hanging fruit which largely powered the home building industry’s success since the end of World War II is now gone. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In its place is emerging a collection of specific opportunities targeting value-conscious Baby Boomers, hyper-connected Gen Y members, immigrants often in need of multi-generational housing and lifelong renters -- some of whom need affordable housing and others who still crave those services and amenities commonly found in luxury condominium buildings...

To read the entire column, click here.

To read the entire January 2012 issue in digital format, click here.

Southern California Building Industry Show coming up

Today in the mail I received the brochure for the 2009 edition of the "Building Industry Show" produced by the Building Industry Association of Southern California. It will be held on November 19th and 20th (with some pre-show activities on the 18th) at the Long Beach Convention Center.

There are some new features at this year's show, including the following:

Town Square - a new venue, right on the show floor, boasting its own line-up of education, networking and business prospects. I will be speaking at the Town Square as well as moderating the panel "Design-Plan-Build" on Thursday, November 19th from 1:30-3pm.

BIS Roundtable - engage in lively conversations that are relevant to your business, share ideas and brainstorm solutions to today's most pressing issues; topics include building, development/high density, green, land acquisition/finance, sales & marketing/social media.

"REO Expo" - BIS has partnered with REOMAC and other REO-related groups to offer a "show within a show" to create new partnerships, collaborate with those working in the REO market, and to diversify existing businesses. Also included in the show will be an REO track of educational seminars.

I will be speaking on Friday, November 20th from 9-10:30am on "Residential, Commercial & REO Forecasts."

Regional Realtor Palooza - a one-stop co-op where builders and real estate agents can network to sell homes including co-op programs, builder financing & incentives and selling standing inventory (Friday 8-9am).

REO Property Auction - the first live auction BIS has ever held on the show floor of foreclosed homes for those looking to invest (Thursday and Friday from 4-6pm).

Center Stage - sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, real estate coach Mike Ferry will discuss how new home agents and co-op brokers can work together. In addition, a series of workshops and networking events will be offered.

For more information and to register, visit www.buildingindustry show.com. See you there!

Get free passes to this year's BIS (Building Industry Show) in Long Beach

If you wanted to attend this year's BIS (Building Industry Show) in Long Beach on November 13th and 14th but money's too tight, fear not. The BIA of Southern California is offering a free pass to building industry associates. Click here for details and to register.