Preliminary numbers for the full year of 1999 show a pattern of the single-family sector doing much better than the multifamily residential construction market.

Despite continued employment growth and a rate of economic growth that exceeds the rest of the nation, the combined California, Arizona and Nevada region witnessed a 1.3% overall decline in the number of new home sales during 1999.

It is a scene repeated daily across the country. A family closes on their first new home and opens the door to a better life.

While a strong domestic economy and continued low unemployment propelled U.S. major market home sales by 6% in 1999, gradually rising interest rates caused market share drops for both single and first-time buyers.

Residential developer and land acquisition specialist B.J. Spathies may not be the biggest home builder in Chicago, but she is among the most adventuresome and confident.

Everyone knows that those manuals and warranty information that come with appliances, materials and other major home purchases should be kept in one convenient and central location.

Miami architect (and traditional neigh-borhood development pioneer) Andres Duany believes TND is the cure for the epidemic of anti-growth political move-ments now sweeping across America’s most vibrant housing markets.

That is what home builder Mike Reynolds is urging his subcontractors and homebuyers to do as part of a regional effort in San Diego to reduce storm drain pollution that eventually finds its way into coastal waters.

Sometime in April or May thousands of white, pink and yellow flowers will offer a splash of color in a part of the country not known for its seasonal changes.