A Message From The President

Dear HBAR Members:

As we close the first quarter of 2025, I find lots of chatter regarding sales and lot inventory. Sales for the first quarter are not at the level of the past couple of years. We also see the lack of lots for builders to buy. Both issues will continue to be top priorities for HBAR to assist in finding solutions. That being said, there are many positive things happening in and around HBAR this first quarter.

Our trade partners are showing up in full effect. The Builder + Trade Party was immensely successful – with more than 200 in attendance, builders and trades came together to reenergize and find new relationships while fundraising for BuildPAC – HBAR’s political action committee that supports pro-housing candidates in local and state government. 

HBAR’s Board of Directors unanimously approved funding for a new staff position – the Campaign Manager. Laurenso Williams, formerly of Gumenick Properties, will start Monday, April 21, in this important role. The objective is to mobilize employees within membership to turn out as constituents in comprehensive plan updates, rezoning matters, and elections, creating HBAR’s own Yes In My Backyard campaign to strengthen pro-housing messages.

I had the opportunity to meet with Governor Youngkin and see the power of HBAR in play. George Emerson (HBAR member) had a meeting with the Governor and was gracious enough to have me in the meeting. We were able to talk about DEQ and VDOT regulations that homebuilders and developers face daily. We pinpointed two regulations that need adjustments and asked for the Governor’s consideration of a possible change. Progress of this scale takes time; having HBAR members address these regulations with the Governor is a good start.

HBAR’s new research and weekly data emails keep our members knowledgeable about the market, and the Residential Report subscriptions inform business strategies for land acquisition, pricing, and anticipated workload demands for all points in the home building process. Tom Tyler, Vice President of Research, is also working on new multifamily housing data insights to begin delivery in the coming months. If there are topics that members would like to learn more about, please email your recommendations.

HBAR’s events are consistently selling out thanks to enthusiastic member participation. There is still opportunity to participate in the Cornhole Tournament this May, and Builder Bash in June, which will be held at the Diamond this year. We have two years to party at the Diamond before it’s raised. Let’s do it the home builder way.

Thank you for the great first quarter. Let’s keep building a better place to live!

Chad Joyce