According to the latest figures from HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of new homes increased in January by 28.9% from a year ago, and 15.6% since December. On an annual seasonally-adjusted basis, newly built, single-family homes sold at a 437,000 pace. New home sales increased in every region. The West had the biggest gain at 45.3%. The Northeast posted a 27.6% increase, and the Midwest saw an increase of 11.1%. The South had the lowest increase (3.2%).
Monthly Archives: February 2013
Win Tickets to the Portland Tour of Remodeled Homes
We have a contest on our Facebook page. Ten contestants will each win a ticket to see the Portland Tour of Remodeled Homes. The deadline to enter is March 3rd.
Traeger Grills Specials at the Portland Home & Garden Show
The Portland Home & Garden Show starts today at the Portland Expo Center. We’re in booth #1919. Stop by and check out our sweet deals. For instance, we have a fabulous special on Traeger wood pellet grills. Our show prices are too low to print here, but our competitors will be jealous when they find out. In addition to our special low prices, you can also get up to $90 back on a Traeger grill through their rebate program.
Four CCB-CEU Classes This Week
This week, Parr Lumber is hosting four CCB Continued Education Credits courses. The classes are Therma-Tru Doors and Installation, Upcoming Legislation in Oregon, Jeld-Wen Windows Features, Benefits and Installation, and Weyerhaeuser Trus Joist Engineered Wood Products Design and Installation.
Windows 101
I know it can be somewhat overwhelming for the average person who may only buy windows once in their lifetime. In this blog we are going to offer up all of the information you need to feel confident in your next window purchase.
Things to Consider When Building a Shed
Design
-What you need to store determines the size of your shed.
Make sure you design the size of the shed to hold everything you want to keep dry. I always recommend going bigger than you think. Consider adding a lean-to on the side or back of your shed to store things like firewood.
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Portland Home and Garden Show
It’s almost time for the Portland Home & Garden Show. The event will take place next week (February 20 – 24, 2013) at the Portland Expo Center. Parr Lumber is an official sponsor of the home show. We will be in booth #1919 (close to the garden and waterfall area). Stop by and say hello. If you’re planning on going during the week, we have a special admission coupon for you.
Top Issues for Builders: costs of materials, labor and lots
According to a recent NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index survey, 76% of builders expect building materials prices to be a major problem in 2013. This is up significantly from 46% in 2012 and 33% in 2011.
Top Ten Northwest Cities for Builders
Ten northwest cities are listed in the latest National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI). The NAHB/First American IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. The northwest cities in the index are Corvallis, Medford, Portland, Bellingham, Kennewick, Longview, Seattle, Spokane, Wenatchee, and Yakima.
CCB Continued Education Credits Courses for February
We’ve recently updated our CCB Continued Education Credits courses. So far the classes are at our Salem and Prineville locations. We’ll have classes schedule for other yards soon. Below are the courses available for this month: