Recent Blog Posts
What is The Boot Campaign?
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” Rabbi Hillel
Benchmark is proud to announce a new partnership with a grassroots initiative called The Boot Campaign. In their first month alone, this dynamic campaign successfully raised over 125 thousand dollars with the sale of combat boots exactly like those worn by our troops as they stand for our freedom every day. The money they raise is used to assist returning veterans and active troops that are dealing with emotional, mental and physical challenges. The Boot Campaign’s goal is to eventually see 1.3 million civilians in boots, one for every active duty service member.
This tremendous charity offers all Americans a way to show tangible appreciation for our active military, raise awareness of the challenges they face upon return and support their transition back into their homes.
With this exciting new partnership, Benchmark has committed to support The Boot Campaign in several ways, not only within the corporate walls of the home office, but also in the field allowing virtually anyone associated with Benchmark the same opportunity to show their deepest appreciation for the sacrifices our soldiers have made for us.
Benchmark and The Boot Campaign: When they come back, we give back.
New Construction Starts Highest Since October 2008
Housing starts rose to 699,000 in January 2012 which is the highest level since October 2008. Prior to the announcement, Econoday was predicting 657,000 – 675,000 housing starts for January. This is a great sign for the real estate market showing builders are regaining confidence.
In fact, homebuilder confidence in the single-family homes market increased for the fifth consecutive month in February, reaching a four-year high. “This is the longest period of sustained improvement we have seen in the HMI since 2007, which is encouraging,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe in the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo press release.
“Builder confidence has doubled since September as measured by the HMI,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “Given the recent improvements in new home starts and the increasing number of markets included in the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index, this consistency suggests that the housing market is moving toward more sustainable growth.”
HousingWire is also reporting construction of multifamily housing increased by 14% to an annualized rate of 175,000 in January and building permits inched up 0.7% to an adjusted rate of 676,000.
