Gulf Breeze Builder named association president
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Calhoun

Gulf Breeze resident West Calhoun, owner of West Calhoun Construction Company, was recently elected as President of the local Home Builders Association (HBA).

The HBA of West Florida is a subsidiary organization to the larger Florida and National HBAs. Calhoun, 48, is a leader in the custom home construction industry with more than 25 years of experience in the commercial and private sectors.

Along with the promotion of affordable housing, Calhoun said the most pressing issue for the association right now is the affordability and availability of property insurance. Since the tumultuous hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005 property insurance premiums have seen significant increases and some area policyholders have been cancelled outright. The current insurance crisis affects residents and builders alike because builders must have property casualty insurance coverage in order to build homes. Florida's property casualty insurance crisis - which includes residential, commercial and builders' risk - is a top priority for the local and Florida HBAs. The associations' primary goal is to promote an insurance market that is affordable and sustainable so that members can achieve business continuity.

"I, along with the senior officers and staff of the HBA and with the support of the Tallahassee-based Florida Home Builders Association, will work diligently with our newly elected government officials on ways to make insurance more affordable for homeowners," Calhoun said.

The Florida Legislature will meet for a special session to specifically address the state's insurance crisis on Jan. 16.

Calhoun agreed that insurance problems and inflated home prices created a soft real estate market, but remained optimistic that the situation would improve.

"I think in 2007 we'll see a return to normalcy," Calhoun said. "2008 through 2015 should be real strong years for us."

Statements made by members of the larger HBAs agree, pointing toward market stabilizing trends. According to the FHBA website, "Recent data suggest the nation's most severe housing slowdown since 1990 may be nearing a bottom, as mortgage rates have fallen below last year's levels, making homes affordable for more people."

According to the national HBA, single-family homebuilders believe the worst of the market's downward spiral is behind them.

"This was the third consecutive month in which builder expectations for sales over the upcoming six-month period have improved, and it's a good sign of things to come in the new year," said NAHB President David Pressly.

The Northwest Florida branch of the HBA represents approximately 600 members with governmental affairs and legal services designed to protect homeownership opportunities and the housing industry in the Florida panhandle. Membership of the HBA of West Florida also ensures membership of the larger statewide and nationwide HBAs. West Calhoun Construction Company has been a part of the local HBA for more than 10 years. West Calhoun Construction Company builds custom, energy efficient homes throughout the Northwest Florida Panhandle. According to Calhoun, professional, conscientious workmanship and service is a priority for his company. The builder strives to construct custom homes that reflect the uniqueness and individuality of the owner.