The Nail, January 2023

THE NAIL

The official magazine of Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee

President Brandon Rickman

Vice President Jim Hysen

Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Beasley

Executive Vice President John Sheley

Editor and Designer Jim Argo

Staff Connie Nicley Hannah Garrard

THE NAIL is published monthly by the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting the American dream of homeownership to all residents of Middle Tennessee.

SUBMISSIONS: THE NAIL welcomes manuscripts and photos related to the Middle Tennessee housing industry for publication. Editor reserves the right to edit due to content and space limitations.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: HBAMT, 9007 Overlook Boulevard, Brentwood, TN 37027. Phone: (615) 377-1055.

HBAMT IBS Hospitality Suite sponsorships

New home sales up in November as interest rates fall back

While new home sales received a slight bounce in November from moderating mortgage rates, the housing market continues to struggle because of ongoing supply chain disruptions, elevated construction costs and challenging affordability conditions.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes in November increased 5.8% to a 640,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. On a year-to-date basis, new home sales are down 15.2%.

“Declining mortgage rates during the second half of November, combined with builder sales incentives, lifted the pace of new home sales for the month,” said Jerry Konter, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Savannah, Ga. “However, due to higher construction costs and ongoing supply-chain issues, the median price of a newly-built single-family home in November was

Declining mortgage rates during the second half of November, combined with builder sales incentives, lifted the pace of new home sales for the month.

$471,200, 9.5% higher than a year ago.”

“The impact of higher construction costs has made building entry-level homes particularly difficult, and this is where we see the greatest amount of pricing out for the housing market,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “In November 2021, 13% of new home sales were priced below $300,000. That share has now fallen to 7%.”

A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the November reading of 640,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months.

New single-family home inventory remained elevated at an 8.6 months’ supply (of varying stages of construction). A measure near a 6 months’ supply is considered balanced. The count of homes available for sale, 461,000, is up 18.2% over last year.

A year ago, there were just 32,000 completed, ready to occupy homes available for sale. By November 2022, that number increased to 64,000, reflecting flagging demand and more standing inventory due to lower sales.

Regionally, on a year-to-date basis, new home sales fell in all four regions, down 3.6% in the Northeast, 22.3% in the Midwest, 13.1% in the South and 19.3% in the West. n

More than 200,000 construction jobs added since November 2021

Year over year, construction sector jobs in the United States increased by 248,000 — a 3.3% increase compared to the November 2021 level. California added 37,200 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while South Carolina lost 4,700 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, North Dakota had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector by 15.6%. Over this period, South Carolina reported a decline of 4.5%.

Year over year ending in November, 4.9 million total jobs have been added, marking a more than full recovery of the labor market from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced

recession. All the states and District of Columbia added jobs compared to a year ago. Texas reported the highest increase by 5.1%, while Mississippi was essentially unchanged

(0.1%) compared to a year ago.

On a month-over-month basis, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 263,000 in November, following a gain of 284,000 jobs in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia in November compared to the previous month. Texas added 33,600 jobs, followed by Florida (28,100) and California (26,800). Seven states lost a total of 9,000 jobs.

Across the 48 states that reported construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential as well as non-residential construction — 36 states reported an increase in November compared to October, while eight lost construction sector jobs. Four states — Arkansas, Arizona, Maine and Tennessee — reported no change. n

Single-family production continues to dip

Single-family housing starts continued to fall in November, with the pace of construction down 32% since February when mortgage rates began to rise. The housing market continues to weaken because stubbornly high construction costs, elevated interest rates and flagging demand are harming housing affordability. And with the count of multifamily units under construction reaching a near 50-year high, multifamily permit growth is weakening.

Overall housing starts decreased 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.43 million units in November, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The November reading of 1.43 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts decreased 4.1% to an 828,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate. Year-to-date, single-family starts are down 9.4%. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, increased 4.9% to an annualized 599,000 pace.

“It’s no surprise that single-family starts are running at their lowest level since May 2020, given that builder sentiment has dropped for 12

consecutive months as builders remain fixated on rising building material costs and supply chain bottlenecks, with electrical transformers in particular being in short supply,” said Jerry Konter, NAHB chairman.

“One important characteristic of the single-family housing market is that there have been more single-family homes that completed construction than have been started over the past four months,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The most recent data for November shows there were 25,500 more single-family homes completed than started, thus pushing down the number of new homes under construction.”

On a regional and year-to-date basis, com-

bined single-family and multifamily starts are 1.3% higher in the Northeast, 0.8% higher in the Midwest, 0.6% higher in the South and 7.0% lower in the West.

Overall permits decreased 11.2% to a 1.34 million unit annualized rate in November. Single-family permits decreased 7.1% to a 781,000 unit rate. Multifamily permits decreased 16.4% to an annualized 561,000 pace, the lowest reading for apartment permits since September 2021.

Looking at regional permit data on a year-todate basis, permits are 5.6% lower in the Northeast, 0.5% lower in the Midwest, 0.6% lower in the South and 6.5% lower in the West.

The number of multifamily units under construction for November is 932,000; this is the highest number since December 1973. The number of single-family units under construction has fallen for six consecutive months, declining to 777,000 homes in November. n

HBAMT leaders installed, winners awarded

The HBAMT’s 78th Annual Builders First Source Installation Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held December 15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Association members celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of the past year and welcomed the officers and directors who will be leading the HBAMT in 2023 and the years ahead.

Award recipients included the year’s top sales and marketing performers who were recognized with the presentation of the Sales and Marketing Council’s Circle of Excellence Awards. More on these awards can be found on page 14 and fifteen.

Randall Smith and James Carbine conducted the 2022 HBAMT Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a highly anticipated feature of the banquet. Prestigious association members and leaders are recognized for their many contributions and accomplishments and are officially

inducted into the hall. Smith introduced 2002 inductees John Whitaker and Jim Long. Jim’s wife Carol accepted the induction on his behalf. James Carbine introduced inductee Ric Maddux. Ric’s daughter Sloane and wife Debi accepted the induction on his behalf. More on the Hall of Fame inductees can be found on page thirteen.

Brandon Rickman, Gehan Homes, was installed as the association’s 2023 president by David McGowan, Regent Homes. Prior to Rickman’s installation, outgoing president Nick Wisniewski gave his closing remarks and outlined notable achievements and accomplishments made during the past year.

The 2023 president then installed this year’s officers, directors, and chapter and council presidents.

Senior Officers for the upcoming year are Vice President Jim Hysen and Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Beasley.

Local Directors in 2023 will include Randy

Arnold, John Beyer, Derek Budde, Danny Clawson, Jody Derrick, Scott Ghertner, Rachel Holloway, John Nehrenz, Lauren Pennington, Laine Phillips, Perry Pratt, Ted Pratt, Eli Routh, Chris Smith, Kevin Sturgill, and Wiggs Thompson.

State Directors will include Kelly Beasley, Jordan Clark, Scott Ghertner, Jim Hysen, Trey Lewis, Eli Routh, Steve Shalibo, and Nick Wisniewski.

National Directors will include Jordan Clark, Jimmy Franks, Trey Lewis, Eli Routh, Randall Smith, and Nick Wisniewski.

Associates Council officers installed for 2023 included President Ryan Meade, Senior Vice-President Margaret Tolbert, and Vice-President Jennifer Earnest.

Sales and Marketing Council officers include President Kelvey Benward, Vice President Beth Lewis, and Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Payne.

Right and below left: Brandon Rickman is sworn in to serve as the HBAMT’s 2023 President by David McGowan

Below right: Rickman thanks 2022 President Nick Wisniewski and his wife Lauren for their service.

Chapter Presidents installed included: Roy Miles; Cheatham County; Mark Denney, Dickson County; Lisa Underwood, Maury County; Tonya Esquibel, Metro/Nashville; Joe Dalton, Sumner County; Christina James, Williamson County; and Margaret Tolbert, Wilson County.

Volunteer chairs, who donate countless hours of their time to the association, were awarded for their continuing service during the banquet. Among those recognized were Brandon Rickman, Membership Chairman; Jordan Clark, Legislative Chairman; Randall Smith, FHA Chairman; Trey Lewis, PAC Chairman; Ryan Meade, Builders Show Chairman; and Jimmy Franks, Showcase Chairman.

There were many outstanding achievements and performances in 2022 and the best of the best were recognized during the evening.

Rob Pease won the Reese Smith Builder of the Year Award. Margaret Tolbert was the recipient the Associate of the Year Award. Nick Wisniewski presented his 2022 President’s Award to Gary Wisniewski. Jimmy Franks was presented the Member-to-Member Builder Award. The award is presented to the builder member who does the most business with fellow HBAMT members during the year. And Brandon Rickman won the SPIKE of the Year Award for recruiting the most members in 2022. See page twelve for more on the Best of the Year award winners.

A big thanks to Builders First Source for stepping up as the title sponsor this year, and to D.R. Horton and United Communications for sponsoring the reception. Thank you platinum level sponsors: Arnold Homes, Atmos Energy, Cadence Bank, Chapter 2 Investments, Dixie Earth Movers, Drees Homes, Franklin Kitchen Center, Gehan Homes, Goodall Homes, Granite Empire, Henley Supply, Huskey Truss, James Hardie Building Products, Metro Carpets, Opendoor, Parkside Builders, Petersen and Sons, LLC, Regent Homes, Robeson Vinyl Inc., and US Bank.

And thanks to all of our banquet sponsors for your continued support (see pages 20 and 21 for a full list of banquet sponsors) n

MARGARET TOLBERT Associate of the Year With presenter Brandon Rickman

BRANDON RICKMAN SPIKE of the Year Award winner With presenter Nick Wisniewski

Best of the Year Award Winners

Reese Smith Builder of the Year

ROB PEASE Associate of the Year

MARGARET TOLBERT 2022 President’s Award GARY WISNIEWSKI

Member-to-Member Builder Award

JIMMY FRANKS

JIMMY FRANKS

Member-to-Member Award winner With presenter Nick Wisniewski

SPIKE of the Year BRANDON RICKMAN

ROB PEASE (L) Builder of the Year With presenter David Hughes

GARY WISNIEWSKI President’s Award winner With presenter, 2022 President Nick Wisniewski

HBAMT Hall of Fame - Class of 2022

A prestigious group of association leaders were inducted into the HBAMT Hall of Fame

The inductees are recognized below with just a few of their many contributions and accomplishments.

John Whitaker

l HBAMT member since 1978

l Two-time HBAMT Associate of the Year - 2002 and 2012

l Metro/Nashville Chapter President from 2005 to 2018

l 576 Spikes recruited, most by non-builder member

“John was an ‘All in & Ever Present’ associate member in the HBAMT. You could always count on John’s participation, presence, and support to the fullest extent possible .” -- Terry Cobb

Ric Maddux

l Builder of the Year winner, 1995

l HBAMT President, 2003

l HBAMT President’s Award winner, 2004

“ I had the pleasure of serving as a National Director alongside my dear friend. I was one of the few females representing our state (and most others). Ric always watched after me and lead me in the right direction. So proud of all his accomplishments and I know he would be so proud to know he’s in the Hall of Fame.” -- Mitzi Spann

Jim Long

l Fifty year career serving the home building industry

l A constant positive force in the HBAMT for over 3 decades

l A top sponsor of events, including many Banquets, with an incalculable total of funds contributed

“Jim was both the best and worst boss I ever had! He knew how to push someone to the breaking point just to get the best out of them. There was never a dull moment in his presence, and I still wish I could call him daily for advice and reassurance” -- Anthony Bullington

Sloane Maddux and Debi Maddux accept Ric’s induction into the Hall of Fame. With James Carbine

during the Installation & Awards Banquet.

John Whitaker accepts his induction into the HBAMT Hall of Fame. With Randall Smith.

Carol Long accepts Jim’s induction into the HBAMT Hall of Fame. With Randall Smith.

A winning night!

2022 Circle of Excellence Awards presented.

The top new home sales professionals of 2022 were recognized at the HBAMT, Builders First Source Installation and Awards Banquet as the Middle Tennessee Sales and Marketing Council (MTSMC) presented their annual Circle of Excellence Awards. After 2022 SMC President Lisa Underwood presented the individual award winners, she was joined by past presidents David McGowan, Trey Lewis, Randall Smith, and David Hughes to announce winning sales agents in the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond award categories. All award recipients, including the “highest dollar volume sold” and the “most units sold” awards, are listed below and on the opposite page n

2022 Circle of Excellence Award Winners: Salesperson of the Year: Aliyah Loyd, Ole South Properties

Sales Manager of the Year: Trey Lewis, Ole South Properties

Rookie of the Year: Darrian Harlan, Ole South Properties

Most Units Sold Award: Casey Zink, Lennar

Highest Dollar Volume Award: McClain Franks, Tennessee Valley Homes

2022 Sales Manager of the Year Award recipient Trey Lewis accepts his award from Lisa Underwood

Ailiyah Loyd, 2022 Sales Person of the Year Award. With Lisa Underwood

2022 Rookie of the Year Award recipient Darrian Harlan accepts his award from Underwood

2022 Most Units Sold Award recipient Casey Zink accepts his award from Underwood

2022 Highest Dollar Volume Award recipient McClain Franks accepts her award from Underwood

2022 Circle of Excellence Award winners

DIAMOND AWARDS - $20 MILLION & UP

CRESCENT HOMES - Kim D’Angelo, Carolyn DiLoreto

DAVIDSON HOMES - Jeremy Malone

DR HORTON - Shelley Jeffries, Jeremy Perger

DREES HOMES - Susie Coles, Kelly Rowland, Carrie M Smith

GOODALL HOMES SOUTH - Shelby Arnold

HND HOMES - Clay Haury

LANDMARK HOMES - Cory Holman

LENNAR - Taylor Baker, Angela Jones, Jeremy Kammerer, Lara Lambrecht, Casey Zink

OLE SOUTH - JJ Brazelton, Darrian Harlan, Aliyah Loyd, Chuck Payne, Brandon Wise

PARKS REALTY - Gina Sefton

PARKSIDE BUILDERS - Coby Comer

REGENT HOMES - Todd Benne, Caleb

Platinum Awards - $10 Million to $19,999,999

CELEBRATION HOMES - Kimberly Barrett, Tim Duncan, Jeffrey Terrell

CENTURY COMMUNITIES - Matthew Cantrell, Melanie Cox, Leigh Dyer, Melissa Rickman, Miranda Rosenbaum, Jenn Smith

CRESCENT HOMES - Chris Brando, McClain Ziegler

DAVIDSON HOMES - Katherine Blower, Rachel Potter

DR HORTON - Cody Batey, Mark Berry, Kim Brown, Carrie Calvert, Tara Chipman, Ronda Darnell, Cyndi Donley, Nick McDonald, Brandon Parker, Mike Williams

DREES HOMES - Julie Adams, Kelly Lorio, Allison Lowry, Bruce Peterson, Carol Stallings, Brett Tesnow, Danny B Woods

GOODALL HOMES (South) - Burnley Bell, Noble Cummings, Melissa Lawrence, Lucas Munds, Sarah Rhule; (North) - Zach Custer, Kathryn Hill, Mikey Oaks

LANDMARK HOMES - Maddie Constantine

OLE SOUTH - Adam Hall, Melanie Hall, Lynn Harrison, Nicole Hernandez, Tyler Norman, Mark Perry, Todd Ryan, Glenn Street, Steve Webb

PARAN HOMES - Tatiana Kursell

Gold Awards - $5 Million to $9,999,999

CELEBRATION HOMES - Pam Beverly, Kelly Carter, Jeff Hopper, Tim Wilgers

CENTURY COMMUNITIES - Jane Nickell

CRESCENT HOMES - Ryan Deleon

DR HORTON - Melissa Bryant, Christy Bussey, Julia Cummings, Jessica Sullivan

Silver Awards - $3 Million to $4,999,999

DREES HOMES - Heather Williams

DREES HOMES - Kenton Curtis, Ben Kirby

GEHAN HOMES - Sandra Prince

GOODALL HOMES (South) - Emily Casey, Carmela Lawler

GOODALL HOMES (North) - Kirsten Bathke, Jessica Reamy

Gaw, John Giovannetti

RYAN HOMES (North) - Melissa Heggie, Samantha Vaughn; (South) - Cecilia De Luca, Stephanie Sexton, Nicole Siana

TENNESSEE VALLEY HOMES - McClain Franks

TURNBERRY HOMES - Joni Wilson

WILLOW BRANCH HOMES - Lydia Billington, Amy Tarter

RYAN HOMES (North) - Melinda Francis, Jaquelin Woolridge

Bronze Awards - $1 million to $2,999,999

LENNAR - Chandler Jordan

REGENT HOMES - Elisa Cohoon, John D. Gilbert, Katt Hughes, Brooke Jones, Joey Parkhurst, Lisa Watson, Linda Yocca

RYAN HOMES (North) - Brian Hatfield, Elizabeth Marcy, Johnathan Plank, Derek Strickland, Monique Wolford; (South) Kaytlyn Boyce, Pierre Hambrick, Judy Inman, Brittany Key, Penny May, Raven Robinson, Roger Sweeney, Lisa Wilson

STILLWATER CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT - Hunter Briley

TEAM WILSON REAL ESTATE - Ben Wilson WILLOW BRANCH HOMES - Tasia Treimer

HND HOMES - Teresa Creecy, Sarah Robinson, Lee Vaughn

PARKSIDE BUILDERS - Laura Brown

REGENT - Christy Rodgers

RYAN HOMES (North) - Kimberly Cox, Brent Morris; (South) - Zachery Batey, Casey Burks

RYAN HOMES (South) - Philip Austin, Carey Johnson

RYAN HOMES (North) - Laney Dominick; RYAN HOMES (South) - Kelly Troynar

FRANKLIN KITCHEN CENTER

DIXIE EARTH MOVERS

Kevin Hale

CHAPTERS

CHEATHAM COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Roy Miles

Cheatham County Chapter details are being planned. Next meeting: to be announced.

Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 310

DICKSON COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Mark Denney

The Dickson County Chapter meets on the third Monday of the month, 12:00 p.m. at Colton’s Steakhouse in Dickson. Next meeting: to be announced.

Price: FREE, lunch dutch treat.

Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 264

MAURY COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Lisa Underwood Maury County Chapter details are currently being planned. Next meeting: to be announced.

Chapter RSVP line: 615-377-9651, ext. 312; for callers outside the 615 area code, 1-800-571-9995, ext. 312

METRO/NASHVILLE CHAPTER

Chapter President - Tonya Esquibel

The Metro/Nashville Chapter meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices. Next meeting: to be announced.

Topic: to be announced.

Price: to be announced.

RSVP to: cnicley@hbamt.org

ROBERTSON COUNTY CHAPTER

Next meeting: to be announced.

Robertson County RSVP line: 615-377-9651, ext. 313.

SUMNER COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Joe Dalton

The Sumner County Chapter meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the new Hendersonville Library.

Next meeting: to be announced.

Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 262

WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Christina James

The Williamson County Chapter meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices.

Next meeting: to be announced.

Builders Free pending sponsorship.

Price: $10 per person with RSVP ($20 w/o RSVP).

Chapter RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 305

WILSON COUNTY CHAPTER

Chapter President - Margaret Tolbert

The Wilson County Chapter meets on the second Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m. at the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce: 2055 N. Mt. Juliet Road, #200 - 37122.

Next meeting: to be announced.

Topic: to be announced.

HBAMT members free pending sponsorship RSVP to: cnicley@hbamt.org

COUNCILS

HBAMT REMODELERS COUNCIL

Council President - Eli Routh

The HBAMT Remodelers Council meets at varying

locations throughout the year.

Next meeting: to be announced.

Topic: to be announced.

Council RSVP Line: 615/377-9651, ext. 263 RSVP to: cnicley@hbamt.org

INFILL BUILDERS COUNCIL

The Infill Builders Council typically meets on the third Thursday of the month, 11:30 a.m. at the HBAMT offices

Next meeting: to be announced. Price: to be announced.

RSVP to: 615/377-9651, ext. 265.

MIDDLE TENN SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL

Council President - Kelvey Benward

The SMC typically meets on the first Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m. at the HBAMT offices.

Next meeting and topic: Thursday, January 12th.

Topic: 2022 Circle of Excellence Award Winner panel.

SMC members free pending sponsorship; non-SMC members $20 w/RSVP, $25 w/o RSVP

RSVP to: cnicley@hbamt.org