ASHI Industry Update

Home construction posts big gains

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

New home construction is up sharply over the past year, according to government figures released recently, a sign that the beleaguered housing market may finally be pulling out of its slump. Both construction starts and building permits issued for single-family homes are up nearly 19 percent from their level of one year ago, according to April figures released by the Census Bureau.

4 housing market trends for spring 2012 (and beyond)

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

Should you take the homeownership plunge or steer clear until conditions even out? That's the dilemma facing many Americans this year as they weigh the benefits and risks of wading into a treacherous housing market.

US builders started work on more homes in April, reflecting growing confidence in housing

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

U.S. builders started work on more homes and apartments last month and requested more permits to build single-family homes. The increases suggest the battered housing market is healing.

Sorry, but principal reductions won't solve mortgage mess

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

Edward DeMarco, the temporary director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, continues to endure blistering criticism for refusing to allow — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to pay for large-scale principal reductions for underwater borrowers (those who owe more than their homes are worth) or to facilitate refinancings for those stuck with high interest rate mortgages.

Earn your ASHI continuing education credits through the ASHI e-Learning Catalog

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

You will find more than 50 online courses available to you, covering a variety of topics from basics to advanced, diversification/specialty and business management.

Each online CE module is two hours in length and consists of the session PowerPoint presentation along with the accompanying presenter's narrative. To complete each module you will need to complete a 20-question exam. ASHI members earn two ASHI CEs upon successful completion of each module.

Go to the ASHI e-Learning Catalog

ASHI Endorsed vendors featured each week

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

We continue providing links to ASHI member benefit programs that are "ASHI Endorsed." These programs offer a number of products and services that have been designed especially for ASHI members.

ASHI's endorsed legal services program has changed its name from Pre-Paid Legal Services to LegalShield.

There's power in numbers! With the commitment of 1.4 million LegalShield members, we are able to negotiate comprehensive legal services with dedicated law firms nationwide at a fraction of what they traditionally cost. Because our attorneys aren't waiting to get paid, and instead are prepaid, they're motivated to treat all of our members and their needs equally. Covering 49 states and 4 provinces in Canada, our law firms are experienced, responsive and reliable. It's power in numbers. It's LegalShield. Total Access. Total Freedom.

Know your rights in any situation. LegalShield gives you the ability to talk to an attorney on any matter without worrying about high hourly costs. For one flat monthly fee you can access legal advice, no matter how traumatic or trivial the issue. That's why under the protection of LegalShield you and your family can live your life worry-free, every day, every night, now and forever.

And for a complete list of endorsed programs, visit the ASHI website.

High gas prices still curbing consumer spending

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

Americans are still keeping a tight grip on their wallets, bypassing vacations and dinners out, even though they feel better about their own financial security. What's still spooking U.S. consumers? Gas prices.

US retail sales slow sharply in April

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

U.S. retail sales barely grew in April, rising 0.1 percent from March's level, while consumer prices were unchanged. Excluding petrol sales, the Commerce Department said consumers increased spending by just 0.2 percent last month. The U.S. Labor Department said that the seasonally adjusted consumer price index was flat in April, after a 0.3 percent rise in March.

House OKs small business contracting bills as part of defense spending bill; veto threatened

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

Eight bills aimed at making it easier for small businesses to win federal contracts won approval recently in the House of Representatives. But the legislation's fate is uncertain because the measures are attached to a defense spending bill that President Barack Obama has threatened to veto.

How small businesses can manage negative online reviews

22 May 2012 14:35:51 CDT

In our increasingly online, social and mobile world, customer reviews are an important driver of offline consumer behavior. Remarkably, 49 percent of consumers state that they are more likely to visit a business after reading a positive online review, and 69 percent trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.