Housing is the engine that drives the SC economy 

On October 22, 2008 at 11:30 am on the steps of the State Capitol, we are calling on HBA members to rally in support of our industry.  The national news media have permeated our airwaves and headlines of a housing bubble, skyrocketing foreclosures and a sub-prime crisis that have depreciated home values by double-digit losses.  South Carolina’s (SC) economy, while not great, has not seen the same low points as the rest of the country.  It’s time we come together to provide the local media an accurate look at our local housing market and outline the positive impacts of our industry and of home ownership.  Speakers at the rally will stress that SC’s housing market has all the positive factors working in its favor (e.g. employment, population growth, affordable housing, down payment assistance and home appreciation). The speakers confirmed to date include;

• Dr. Doug Woodward, Director of Division of Research and Professor of Economics at the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, will discuss the economic impacts of the housing industry in SC and the correlation between housing and jobs.
• Lt. Governor Andre Bauer and Rep. Harold Mitchell will outline the state’s Task Force on Affordable Housing report that discusses the importance of affordable housing in South Carolina, and identifies barriers to the successful development of more affordable housing.
• Valarie M. Williams, Executive Director of the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority, will discuss the First Time Homebuyer Mortgage Loan Program and other programs that assist families achieve the American Dream by offering a competitive market fixed interest rate mortgage loans.
• A state Senator or Congressman will also be present to discuss the recently passed housing stimulus bill ($7500 first time buyers down payment assistance), as well as, bills dealing with down payment assistance, AD&C financing, FDIC reform and the energy efficiency tax credit.

 Housing is too important to our state’s economy, and our members, not to help promote and protect it.  I urge each member to set aside the day and attend the rally with a lunch on the statehouse grounds to follow. Afterwards all members will be welcomed to the HBASC legislative and board meeting s followed by an oyster roast at the HBASC office. 

Members who want to attend the housing rally and/or other activities of the day should RSVP through their local HBA office.