"Why Housing Hasn't Hit the Skids"

Why hasn't housing hit the skids? According to a 2/19/07 article in Business Week by Peter Coy...there are a few reasons:

1. The 30 yr mortgage rate has remained low due so many lenders fighting for each sale.
2. Income levels have risen as rates have remained low.

Together, they have kept housing affordable even with housing price increases.

Existing home prices are still as high as they were last year and even though sales have declined - only to 2003 levels. Builders are trying to get rid of their remaining inventory before they put up more.

Conclusion...The overstock in inventory could be back to normal by midyear.

Candle Fires

We came across an interesting article in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue of the NFPA Journal...an amazing 17,200 structure fires, 200 civilian deaths, 1,540 civilian injuries, and $200 million in property damage occurred in the U.S. in 2004 due to fires started by CANDLES. Since most of us have candles in our own homes, this was alarming to see.

Of course, folks with Blazeguard protecting their homes have that additional feeling of protection.

Regardless, you all remember not to leave a burning candle unattended.

SIPs Inquiries on the Rise

Barrier is seeing a strong increase in SIPs inquiries lately, which might correlate with all the positive PR we've seen on the strength of the commercial building sector. We're keen on this market sector and welcome any additional queries.

Architectural West reports 18% increase in Multifamily Construction

Architectural West Magazine, January/February 2007 edition, published an article stating November construction climbed 4% Nationwide. The comment that there was an 18% jump in multi-family housing was exciting to read, since multi-family housing is the backbone of our current Blazeguard marketing strategy. Even better is the fact they highlighted southern California which is a key target market for our current expansion (and it’s warm there this time of year). Orlando, Fl was also mentioned, which we’ve shared with our sales reps down there.