Former Foamex CEO Mabus Sworn In
May 20, 2009--Former Foamex CEO and Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus has been sworn in as the secretary of the Navy.
Today's Flooring News
Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.
Toll Revenues Slide, CEO Sees Glimmer of Hope
Horsham, PA, May 20, 2009--Luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers, Inc. reported that preliminary second quarter home building revenues of approximately $398.3 million (648 units) was down 51% on 47% fewer homes.
Dow Establishes Middle Eastern Flooring Division
Midland, MI, May 20, 2009--Dow Chemical Company said it is entering the Middle Eastern flooring market with a new Dow Flooring business unit.
Whittemore Named to Surfaces Education Council
Kinnelon, NJ, May 19, 2009--Christine Whittemore of Simple Marketing Now LLC has been re-appointed to the Surfaces 2010 Education Advisory Council.
Mortgage Applications Up on Increased Refinancing
Washington, DC, May 20, 2009--Mortgage application volume last week rose a seasonally adjusted 2.3% compared with the week before, as mortgage rates fell, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday.
Home Building Getting Greener
Washington, DC, May 20, 2009--As builders and remodelers retool their businesses in a tight credit market and recapture the interest of jittery consumers, this spring is the greenest yet for the nation's home building industry.
AIA Billings Index Edges Down in April
Washington, DC, May 20, 2009--The Architecture Billings Index fell 0.9 of a point to 42.8 last month after an eight-point jump in March, according to the American Institute of Architects.
Commercial Real Estate Facing Tough Year, NAR Says
Washington, DC, May 20, 2009--Lack of demand and lack of credit will keep the U.S. commercial real estate market weak for the remainder of the year, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday.
Housing Starts Fall, but Single Family Up
Washington, DC, May 19, 2009--Housing construction fell to a record low in April as a steep drop in apartment building offset a rebound in single-family construction. Permits for new projects also hit a new low.
Home Affordability Highest in at Least 18 Years
Washington, DC, May 19, 2009--Nationwide housing affordability jumped 10 percentage points during the first quarter to its highest level since the series began 18 years ago.