HBA of St Louis & Eastern Missouri

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http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?sectionID=148&newsID=10573

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36192404/ns/business-real_estate/from/ET

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/where-home-prices-are-rising

Trainer Lawrence Frederick started out in human Frisbee competitions until he discovered the disc dog world in 1991. Now, not only are Lawrence and his team of incredible dogs the most widely recognized Frisbee Dog Team in the world (with a world record 22 World Finals appearances), but he made history by being the first human to compete with two dogs at the same time in the World Frisbee Dog Championships in 2003. He then became the first human to compete with three dogs in the same year in the World Frisbee Dog Championships in 2006; and then again in 2007. In 2008 he blew the top off of competition standards by qualifying “four” dogs for the World Championship Finals; a feat probably never to be outdone. At the same time, Lawrence and “Harley Davidson” won the 2008 AWI Frisbee Dog World Championship title. As a dog lover and a former human Frisbee World Champion, Lawrence travels around the world sharing his expertise and wowing crowds as part of the Disc-Connected K9’s Frisbee Dog Team.

This internationally acclaimed professional Frisbee dog touring show is comprised of some of the best Frisbee Dogs on the planet. This team has performed at all types of events all over the world in the past ten years, including Paris, France; Santiago, Chile; Caracas, Venezuela; Acapulco, Mexico; Toronto, Canada; Bogota, Columbia; Tokyo, Japan and just about every state in the US. You may have also seen them on David Letterman, Jay Leno, Kathy & Regis, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, ESPN, Good Morning America, etc.

All of their shows are family oriented; carry a message of fun, athleticism, canine bonding, and promote dog rescuing. Their routines are choreographed to music, defy the normal relationship between man and canine; and leave even the oldest of children with a smile on their face and in their heart. And to make it even more interesting; almost all of the dogs are “rescue” dogs, meaning they have come from either abandoned, homeless, sheltered, humane society, etc. backgrounds. Their individual stories are almost as interesting as their performances.  We promise you will be laughing and clapping in awe at the tricks these dogs perform.

Through performances with his canine team, Lawrence hopes to not only entertain but to also show audiences that any dog can become incredible if they are well cared for and shown the love and attention they deserve. Lawrence spreads the message that dogs are truly a blessing, and he encourages everyone to rescue an animal because it brings so much happiness to both the owner and their new best friend.

When Lawrence and his team aren’t competing in world championships or appearing at half-time shows or other presentations world wide, they spend time doing volunteer pet therapy at the local Children’s Hospital Wards, Convalescent and Assisted Living Homes, in their hometown of Jacksonville, FL. Although Lawrence has traveled the world and met millions of people and dogs, he prides himself most on the fact that he has never met a dog that he couldn’t get along with. 

Meet the team:

Flash – “The Frisbee Freak” is a five time World Finalist. She is the fastest dog on the team, (current FL State Frisbee Dog Distance Champion) and lives for nothing more then to play Frisbee. Don’t blink an eye during her show, or you can literally miss multiple moves.

Harley Davidson – Harley came to the team as his 7^th home, and he was only 17 months old at the time. Since then, he has become one of the team’s star performers; (three time World Finalist) winning the 2008 AWI World Disc Dog Championships! He is definitely the team’s best athlete and will amaze you with his jumping ability. Look for his trademark “Harley Knievel” stunt with participants from the audience!

Easy Rider – Easy is a three time World Finalist, who came to the team as his 4^th home when he was only 15 months old. He quickly learned the ropes and has turned out to be an incredible performer. He did his first show after only being in his new home for two weeks! Easy finished in 3^rd place at the 2008 Skyhoundz World Frisbee Disc Dog Championships; and won the 2008 GA State Frisbee Dog Champion title.

Zorra – The “Z” Monster is a three year old phenomenon, and will amaze you with her drive, intelligence and athleticism. As the 2008 S.E. Regional Champion; she finished in 9^th place at the 2008 World Frisbee Dog Championships in Chattanooga, TN. She also qualified for the 2009 World Championships; making her a two time World Finalist at an unbelievably young age!

Bella – Bella is a four year old Australian Shepherd that lives for nothing more than to play Frisbee every day. She wows crowds with her amazing speed and strength for such a young dog.

Lucky Boy – Lucky is a three year old Australian Shepherd that came to the team out of Melbourne. He is quickly becoming a solid Frisbee catching dog and opens the shows.

Snap – One of the team’s newest members, Snap is a two year old Australian Cattle Dog. She learns a trick after only being shown one time. She is a small dog that gets “big” air and would literally go through a brick wall for a Frisbee. The team looks for great things to come from this young athletic dog.

Jackson – The newest member of the team is literally a “Heinz 57” mutt. He was picked up by the Hialeah Police Department as a “vagrant” then finally made his way to the team’s home in Jacksonville. After being introduced to a disc, he has now found his calling in life. This dog has no fear of anything, and has quickly learned in weeks what it takes other dogs months to learn.  

Elvis – Yes, Elvis is in the house! This very young Australian Cattle Dog/Jack Russell mix is the second newest member of the team and is the youngest dog at just one year of age. He is quickly becoming one of the team’s more consistent performers. “Thank you, thank you very much!”

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First American Title Insurance set new guidelines for mechanic’s lien coverage for residential properties. For any closings after January 1, 2010, First American will require that Construction Lien Indemnity Agreement be secured by an irrevocable Letter of Credit. First American joins Fidelity National Title Group in implementing stricter underwriting requirements. Builders are encouraged to contact their title company about any changes that may affect pending closings. HBA subcommittee of Legislative Policy Committee continues to meet with stakeholders and examine issue closely. HBA staff contact: Emily Wineland 314-994-7700 (x125) or WinelandE@hbastl.com.

Go to www.stlhba.com/events to learn more about the HBA seminars on January 5 and 6 you can’t afford to miss, Improve Online Marketing Performance and Successful Strategies to Sell Homes Online. Register Today!

Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) approved a proposal to pay the first year of property taxes for income-eligible citizens who buy a new or existing home after Jan. 1, 2010. Families making less than $98,000 a year who enter into contract to purchase a new or existing home after Jan. 1 would have their property tax paid up to $1,250. Those families would be eligible to have an additional $500 paid towards the tax bill if homeowner purchases an energy efficient home or appliances. For more information, contact Lyzel Krebs at 314-994-7700 x115 or KrebsL@hbastl.com.

Local governments throughout the St. Louis region are moving toward adoption of updated residential construction codes of various kinds.  There is a group of members with HBA staff support attempting to have reasonable outcomes with these numerous code adoption processes.  Keep in mind there are maybe a dozen codes when you consider that codes—which are generally promulgated every three years—could be adopted that are of the 2003, 2006 or 2009 genre.  There often is a benefit to not adopting the most recently available (untested) codes—at least not unless amendments are approved to remove and adjust untested code provisions.

 Add to that the fact that each code “cycle” includes a building code, a plumbing code, an electrical code and other specialty codes and the ultimate clincher—each of the 200+ local governments in the St. Louis region can add or subtract to the codes with its unique amendments if it so chooses and you get the idea of how time consuming and difficult it is to stay abreast of code adoption that impacts the building industry in our region.

 In addition to the codes just mentioned, there is the International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) which is emerging in more discussions.  The HBA committee analysis of the 2009 IECC will add between approximately $9,650 and $16,850 (depending on home size, number of windows, etc.) to the cost of a typical new home compared to the 2006 code version.  The difference in the 2009 vs. 2006 plumbing code is a mere $150, or slightly more.  The newest electrical code ranges from $1,166 to $3,920 in more cost per home compared to is prior version.  And the 2009 IRC building code adds from $11,177 to $27,025 more to a new home’s cost.

 Add these together and the grand total is between $22,143 and $47,945 in new costs from government code regulations in the model documents—prior to any consideration of amendments by the 200+ local governments.  The HBA already has succeeded in many discussions with local governments that have resulted in outcomes that have reduced the cost impact of the new codes in some jurisdictions by many thousands of dollars.  Much more work remains to be done by your HBA in an effort to have codes which provide for public health and safety yet are free from special interest efforts to have their products mandated in the model codes whether justified or not.

Affordability is a very real issue that is often not understood or appreciated by government regulators.  Millions of Americans cannot afford safe, decent housing.  And a mere $1,000 increase in the cost of the typical new home prices out 246,000 households nationwide from being able to afford that home, according to national experts.

The demand for new housing will grow strong again.  But it is important that it be made not only as safe as can reasonably be expected but also as affordable as can be achieved so that the great American Dream of home ownership remains within reach of as many people as possible.  The HBA is working to achieve this balance for the mutual benefit of home buyers, home builders and all who earn a living through the construction industry.

Ross Robbins and Manny Schatz will discuss their experience and a three-step process to help you survive and succeed. Only $9 for HBA members/ guests and $13.50 for non-members. RSVP by fax at 314-432-7185 or go to www.stlhba.com/events. No-shows responsible for payment. For more information, contact Steve Loos at x119 or LoosS@hbastl.com.