Look for the abbreviations!

Sun., June 24, 2007

Joel White Spokane Home Builders Association

In today’s changing housing market, potential homeowners have more questions than ever. How do I know if my builder or remodeler is the best one for the job?

How do I choose a home sales professional that I am confident has my best interests in mind? How can I modify my home so I can continue living here after I retire?

Like any other profession, a changing housing market can translate into fiercer competition for your business. How can you differentiate the truly great from the good? Advanced education!

The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) University of Housing offers comprehensive training programs to builders, remodelers and other industry specialists that lead to professional credentials. The credential behind your potential professional’s name means that he or she has passed rigorous coursework and committed to be among the best in the business. This means you can rest assured that you are working with a qualified building specialist ready to meet your needs.

The professional designations from NAHB can be earned in any of 13 specific areas ranging from building and remodeling to sales to property management to affordable housing, allowing you to find the perfect professional for your needs

“People with designations are special in the industry,” says Scott Sevon, vice chair of NAHB’s Certified Graduate Remodelers (CGR) Board of Governors and president of Sevvonco, Inc. in Palatine, Ill. “These people have passion for the industry. They price properly and honestly and they are continually being trained and keeping up with industry trends.”

Earning a professional designation from NAHB is a challenging and enriching process. Though the curriculum is demanding, year after year, builders and remodelers eagerly enroll in designations programs, and each year hundreds from around the country earn professional credentials.

NAHB’s targeted curriculum and accomplished teachers help builders and remodelers learn the latest technology, building methods and business practices.

Designations also give consumers a guide to selecting professionals who have specialized in their areas of interest, whether it is aging-in-place or marketing.

Consumers can rest assured that a credentialed University of Housing graduate has excellent training, practical experience and in-depth knowledge.

“Obtaining a designation adds some credibility to builders. It provides a third party endorsement that says I’m not doing this just as a job, I’m doing it as a profession,” says Jim Carr, a Graduate Master Builder (GMB) and professor at the University of Arkansas.

“When as consumers, we go to doctors, surgeons, accountants, or attorneys, we always request information about what degrees and credentials they hold,” echoes Sevon. “Why shouldn’t our clients do the same when choosing a builder or remodeler?”

For example, imagine that you have an elderly parent who is moving in with you, and you want to ensure they will be safe and comfortable in their new environs. Preparations to make the home more accessible for your loved one may entail working with a remodeler to widen doors, install shower bars for improved safety and make other modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities or accessibility challenges.

Choosing a professional who has earned the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation ensures that your remodeler has completed a demanding curriculum that covers how to overcome common age-related barriers.

Finding a professional in your area who has earned an NAHB designation is as easy as visiting www.NAHB.org/education and clicking on “Designations” in the left navigation area. Or, contact the Spokane Home Builders Association at (509) 532-4990.

Designations in the following areas currently are awarded by NAHB’s University of Housing:

“Certified Graduate Associate (CGA)

“Certified Graduate Builder (CGB)

“Graduate Master Builder (GMB)

“Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)

“Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS)

“Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP)

“Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (MCSP)

“Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP)

“Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM)

“Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)

“Certified Leasing Professional (CLP)

“Registered in Apartment Management (RAM)

“Advanced RAM

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