July 2020
New Home Sales Jump in May as Housing Continues Rebound
In another sign that the housing market is rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 16.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 units in May, according to newly released data from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the April data was downwardly revised to a 580,000 pace, likely marking the low point of sales for the current recession. The April pace was 25% lower than the peak, pre-recession rate set in January. Sales were likely supported by price incentive use in April, with NAHB data indicating that two out of 10 builders used such business strategies. However, the use of price incentives eased in May, as median new home prices increased to $317,900, a gain of almost 2%, year-over-year. A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed or a deposit is accepted. 
 The home can be in any stage of the 
construction process: not yet started, under construction or completed. Regionally, new home sales were up in all four regions: 6.8% in the Northeast, 9.5% in the Midwest, 0.3% in the South, and 1.4% in the West. The gains for new home sales are consistent with the NAHB forecast that housing will lead any economic recovery.
NEC Code Adoption Kits Now Available The National Fire Protection Association last year issued its most recent edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). States are now in the process 
of adopting this most recent set of electrical codes. NAHB staff has reviewed the code changes and has made available the 2020 National Electrical Code Adoption Kit that identifies the significant changes that would most impact the home building industry.
New WOTUS Rule
Now in Effect

The “Navigable Waters Protection Rule†(NWPR), which includes the Trump Administration’s new definition of “waters of the United States†(WOTUS), is now in effect. NAHB has posted resources to help builders and devel- opers make use of the new rule. Visit nahb.org/wotus for updated resources, includ- ing an analysis of the rule, a video on its implementation, and an overview that explains key features and changes compared to prior rules. FHFA and FHA
Extend Moratoriums

The FHFA has announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will extend the moratorium on single-family foreclosures and evictions until at least Aug. 31, 2020. The morator- ium applies to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed single-family mortgages only. HUD announced that the FHA is also extending its foreclos- ure and eviction moratorium by two months through Aug. 31, 2020, for homeowners with FHA-insured single- family mortgages.
President Suspends H-2B Work Visas Citing job losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump has issued a proclamation extending his existing ban on immigrant visas and further suspending work visas through the end of the year, including H-2B visas used by employers in the construction industry. As a result of the president's executive order, if NAHB members were expecting an H-2B worker and that person does not have a travel document and has not yet arrived in the Unites States, they will not be able to come this year.
A Win on Infectious Disease Guidance The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a petition by labor unions, led by the AFL-CIO, to compel OSHA to issue an “emergency temporary standard†to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The court agreed with OSHA’s position that the agency should determine if a standard is necessary and that OSHA’s decision to issue nonbinding, industry- specific guidance rather than an enforceable rule to protect workers from COVID-19 was sufficient. NAHB had filed an amicus brief supporting OSHA's position.
At the conclusion of NAHB's recent Spring Leadership Meetings, Chairman Dean Mon informed the Board of Directors he would be unable to complete the remain- er of his term due to personal reasons and was resigning his chairmanship. Mon will continue to be an active member of the Federation, providing guidance to both NAHB leadership and members going forward. His leadership this year during the COVID-19 pandemic helped position the housing industry as an essential business that allowed NAHB members to continue working. Effective immediately, NAHB First Vice Chairman Chuck Fowke, a custom home builder from Tampa, Fla., will take on the duties of chairman. His chairmanship will continue through the 2022 International Builders’ Show, Feb. 8-10 in Orlando. Immediate Past Chairman Greg Ugalde will continue his duties as past chair during this same time period. Jerry Konter, of Savannah, Ga., will remain Second Vice Chair and Alicia Huey, of Birmingham, Ala., Third Vice Chair until the next senior officer election takes place at the 2021 Builders’ Show in Orlando on Feb. 11, 2021.
Office Reopening Guidance OSHA has issued guidance to assist employers reopening business offices and their employees returning to work during the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The guidance provides general principles for easing restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus through the use of phased reopenings. During each phase of the process, employers should continue to focus on strategies for basic hygiene, social distancing, identification and isolation of sick employees, work-
place controls and flexibilities, and employee training. NAHB members are reminded to check with their state and local officials on occupancy and other restrictions. OSHA notes that all local and state orders should be followed before reopening begins.
Charlie Cook Previews Election The race for the White House centers on President Trump, political pundit Charlie Cook told 
NAHB's Leadership Council during its spring meeting. “An incumbent president is a referendum election,†said Cook. “Do we want to renew his contract for four years? Yes or no. Usually the challenger has nothing to do with it.†Cook, who worked in NAHB’s political shop in the early 1980s and is editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report, said that more than three-quarters of Americans strongly approve or disapprove of Trump and “there is just not a lot of ambivalence in between.â€
NAHB Announces New Chairman of the Board
Calendar of Events Check GCBA's Monday EMail for current Location & Registration Information. Friday, August 7, 2020 / 8:30AM / ZOOM MEETING Coffee & A CONVERSATION Thursday, August 27, 2020 PRISM 2020 September 2020 ASSOCIATE APPRECIATION MONTH Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Kick off Fall Membership Drive Friday, September 4, 2020 / 8:30AM / ZOOM MEETING COFFEE & A CONVERSATION Friday, October 2, 2020 / 8:30AM / ZOOM MEETING COFFEE & A CONVERSATION Thursday, October 15, 2020 Annual Meeting of the Members and Election of Officers 6pm-8pm, Location TBD November 2020 SPIKE APPRECIATION MONTH Thursday, November 12, 2020 Cigar Night to Benefit GCBA, FHBA & NAHB PAC Cucina Cabana Friday, November 6, 2020 / 8:30AM / ZOOM MEETING COFFEE & A CONVERSATION Friday, December 4, 2020 / 8:30AM / ZOOM MEETING COFFEE & A CONVERSATION Thursday, December 10, 2020 Holiday Party Location TBD
If you are interested in serving on the Board and/or Becoming an Office please contact KT at 561-228-6137 or KT@GCBAFlorida.com
Leadership List 2020 GCBA Officers and Directors OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jay Huebner, HSQ Group 1ST VP Maya Chocron, K Hovnanian 2ND VP Rafael Roca, DR Horton Homes ASSOCIATE VP Jason Handin, Ward Damon PL VP FINANCE Steve Karp, Melamed & Karp PA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT David Kanarek, Pulte Home Company LLC
 DIRECTORS Fred Pfister, Toll Brothers Inc Karl Albertson, DR Horton Homes Steve Dassa, Lennar Homes LLC Michael Nuziata, 13th Floor Homes Tony Macaluso, GFA International Ken Lebersfeld, Capitol Lighting Irina Heyaime, Pulte Home Company LLC David Donvito, Minto Communities Josh Hedden, Hydroshield South Florida Peggy West, GRS Management Associates, Inc. Executive Officer: KT Catlin
 Design: Gregory J. Del Deo
NAHB Annual Membership Awards NAHB honors local and state home builder associations that have demonstrated exceptional achievement in membership through the annual Grand Awards. These awards are given to the top association from each group size in several membership categories including numerical increase, percentage increase, highest retention rate and highest increase in Affiliate members. GCBA has been awarded 2 Grand Awards; 2019 Grand Award Winner Numerical Increase for the highest year-end numerical increase in membership within our group size. 2019 Grand Award Winner Percentage Increase for the highest year-end percentage increase in membership growth within our group size. We are one of the 7 fastest growing Associations in the country! Congratulations & thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement! September 1st kicks off The 2020 Membership Drive. Watch for more information on special benefits and prizes.
Associates Blue Flame Gas Services Corp. US Utility Potholing & Air Excavation Cucina Cabana Florida Leak Locators McDonald Hopkins, LLC ODC Construction, LLC ProGreen Services Silveria Painting and Waterproofing, Inc. AFFILATES KT Consulting & Associates ODC Construction, LLC If you sponsored one of these individuals please let KT or Robin know! We will be having year long contests and recognition for Recruiting & Retention!
GCBA 2020 TOP RECRUITERS KT Catlin - 7 Deborah Giarratana - 7 Stuart MacGregor - 4 Vic Canales - 1 Michael Weiner - 1 Jay Huebner - 1 Ethan Nelson - 1 Peggy West - 1 Alex Piazza - 1 GCBA SPIKE CLUB Members reach the GCBA Spike Club once you recruit 5 or more members in the current year. GCBA Spike Club Members will be recognized at Board Meetings & more!
mEMBERSHIP NEWS
MEMBERS SAVINGS & REBATE PROGRAMS
Welcome to our Newest Members!
STRAIGHTEST DRIVE
1ST PLACE CDC CONSTRUCTION
2020 GOLF OUTING
LONGEST DRIVE
2ND PLACE THE CASTLE GROUP
3RD PLACE THE COHEN LAW GROUP
CLOSEST TO THE PIN
COOLER & BOOZE DONATIONS: Venture Construction Group of Florida Orion Integrated Services HSQ Hydroshield South Florida Coppola Brothers ODC Envera Schumacher
PRIZE DONORS: KT Consulting & Associates - Golf Bag Toll Brothers - Golf Foursome Marriott - 2-night Stay Madison Green - Golf Foursome Madison Green - Golf Lesson Oldcastle APG - Fire Pit Orion Integrated Services Smart Home Starter Kit
THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS AND FOR ALL DONATIONS!
2020 GOLF OUTING BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS
2020 GOLF OUTING BAR SPONSOR
2020 GOLF OUTING EVENT SPONSOR
With every major crisis event, people are quick to claim that the “old normal†is gone and it is time to get on board with the “new normal†to continue to be relevant, along with an abundance of predications about what comprises the “new normal.†But what actually changes and becomes permanent are typically shifts that were already trending, and big disruptions like the current COVID-19 crisis merely accelerate rather than create the need to adapt and change.The technology transformations to MPC sales, marketing, and management preceded the current crisis, but are being greatly accelerated by it, and those who do not adapt will likely find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
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GCBA'S Official Photographer
Prior to the social and economic upheaval of the pandemic, there was already a great need to update and improve the consumer experience around homebuying, and those builders and developers who are already utilizing online and virtual technology to make such improvements have had a significant advantage during this period of social distancing. While many builders and developers were already using online and virtual technology to enhance their sales and marketing, those tools are still underutilized in the real estate space.
The New Normal for Master-Planned Communities Sales, Marketing, and Management Technology
GCBA'S Official Printer
Congratulations Early Bird Winner!
Sponsorships Available
Join us on Thursday, August 27th to celebrate achievement with those who have demonstrated individual, building and design excellence.
FHBA Member Chuck Fowke Named NAHB Chairman On Friday, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced that the 2020 Chairman Dean Mon issued his resignation as Chairman. 
Effectively immediately, FHBA member Chuck Fowke of Tampa will step in to fulfill the duties of Chairman for the remainder of Mon's term and through his anticipated term which concludes in 2022 at the International Builders' Show in Orlando. Immediate Past Chairman Greg Ugalde will continue his duties as past chair during this same time period. Additionally, Jerry Konter will remain Second Vice Chair and Alicia Huey Third Vice Chair until the next senior officer election takes place in Orlando on February 11, 2021. We join our fellow NAHB members in thanking Dean for his ongoing commitment and invaluable service to the NAHB Federation. His leadership this year during the COVID-19 pandemic helped position the housing industry as an essential business that allowed our members to continue working, providing for their families and building homes during this critical time.
Beware of Lumber Stamps From Non-Accredited Sources Recently, the International Code Council made us aware of lumber located in a port in the State of New York with a stamp by an organization not accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) agency. The featured image represents the stamp in question. There are no corresponding ALSC system design values attributable to the stamp; therefore, it should not be represented as a structural lumber product under the ALSC system. Members are advised to avoid incorrect impressions that could result from the "No. 2" on the stamp. To clarify, the stamp above does not come from any ALSC-accredited inspection agency. As such, there are no ALS-approved design values that are attributable to lumber bearing this stamp. We will continue to track this issue and will keep you informed of updates.
Governor DeSantis Signs Impact Fee Bill After final passage in the Florida Senate in a unanimous vote on March 13, 2020, Senate Bill 1066 was ultimately signed into law on Saturday, June 20, 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis.

This legislation, which was a top priority for FHBA during the 2020 session, will ensure that increased impact fees will not apply to pending permit applications submitted before the effective date of an increase and provide more flexibility for redeeming impact fee credits. We applaud Governor DeSantis for signing this good bill into law.