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VIENNA, Va. - February 20, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today finalized anti-money laundering (AML) regulations that will require the housing government sponsored enterprises (Housing GSEs) to develop programs for the prevention of money laundering and to file suspicious activity reports (SARs) with FinCEN.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 20, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Slightly lower median home prices along with a small uptick in mortgage rates contributed to housing affordability holding steady in the fourth quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released today.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Prices for materials used in construction and for nonresidential building construction both increased more than overall prices for “final demand” in January, according to a new analysis of retooled federal data on producer prices released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, margins remain very tight for most construction firms even as private-sector demand for construction continues to grow

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The continuing economic recovery has improved housing affordability for low- and moderate-income working households, but housing costs are still a significant burden, especially to renters, according to a new report released today by the Center for Housing Policy, the research division of the National Housing Conference.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Due largely to unusually severe weather, across much of the nation, housing starts fell 16 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 880,000 units in January, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, single-family permits, which are often a harbinger of future building activity, posted a modest 1.3 percent decline to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 602,000 units.

WASHINGTON - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau today announced the following new residential construction statistics for January 2014

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- National Credit Union Administration Board Chairman Debbie Matz has appointed Board Member Richard Metsger as NCUA’s representative on the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks America, one of the nation’s preeminent affordable housing and community development organizations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 19, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Realtors® have a long-standing tradition of aiding those in need, and many volunteer their time and energy to improving the lives of others in communities throughout the world. The National Association of Realtors® recognizes those Realtors® who demonstrate exceptional service through REALTOR® Magazine’sGood Neighbor Awards, which is currently accepting applications

Washington, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Merit Canada Feb. 13 signed a joint resolution outlining their partnership agreement and commitment to free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy, under which construction contracts are awarded to construction companies based on merit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Unusually severe weather conditions across much of the nation along with continued concerns over the cost and availability of labor and lots caused builder confidence in the market for newly-built, single-family homes to post a 10-point drop to 46 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 18, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its ranking of the Top 10 States for LEED®, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system. The list highlights the regions around the country that are at the forefront of sustainable building design and transformation. Utilizing less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- ABC Feb. 11 congratulated the winners of the 24th annual Excellence in Construction Awards– the industry’s leading competition, where the top construction projects and the firms that displayed exemplary commitment to safety and diversity in 2013 were recognized during the awards celebration at the Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii.

Washington, D.C. - February 14, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced that Interstates Companies is its 2013 Contractor of the Year. Interstates Companies Chairman and CEO Larry Den Herder accepted the award on behalf of the company Feb. 11 during ABC’s 24th annual Excellence in Construction Awards ceremony in Maui, Hawaii

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that DeAndra J. Cullen, Acting Director of the Fair Housing Division of Education and Outreach, has received the Atlanta-based Trumpet Award Foundation’s “High Heels Award” for her work in promoting civil rights and higher education. DeAndra J. Cullen, received the prestigious award at the Foundation’s recent awards banquet in Atlanta

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) named the winning products in its second annual Best of IBS Awards held last week during the 2014 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on Tuesday requested that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdraw a proposed rule that would drastically lower the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of crystalline silica for the construction industry

Washington, DC - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The sixth NMLS Annual Conference and Training will be held February 18-21 in Miami, Florida. At this year’s conference, state regulators will give a progress report on NMLS (or the System) enhancements over the past year, discuss the System’s expanding industry coverage, and train users on new functionality

WASHINGTON, DC - February 13, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit, is working with Choice Hotels International to renovate the garden and outdoor space at the Civitan Foundation, Inc., an organization that offers a year-round camp, life skills training and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities

Washington, D.C. - February 12, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), as part of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), today requested the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdraw its proposed rule to drastically lower the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of crystalline silica for the construction industry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 12, 2014 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Construction Industry Safety Coalition, which represents twenty-five different construction trade associations, issued the following statement today as it filed comments regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Crystalline Silica Rulemaking: