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Incoming Home Builders Association president has a long list of goals for 2008

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

Mitch Lowrey has lived in Winston-Salem for many years, and the Triad native is planning to extol the virtues of his hometown when he steps into the president's role of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem in January. A renowned custom builder who has worked in many areas of construction, Lowrey says that the Piedmont is a strong real-estate market and that he is looking forward to promoting the building industry through the work of the HBA.

"I grew up in Winston-Salem, and I have been in and out of construction for nearly 30 years," Lowrey said. "I have been on the associate side [of HBA] as a salesperson to builders, and I also partnered with Jimmy Johnson, so I understand the remodeling process as well. I have pretty much been involved in all aspects of the homebuilding industry, and I think one of the biggest challenges we have as a professional organization is to let people know the Triad market is steady.

"We always kind of float in this market — we go up a little, then come back down a little," Lowrey said. "For the first time, I think we are going to start going up, up, up at a steady pace. There are a lot of people, especially the mayor and city officials, who have done an extraordinary job of bringing people to this area, and I feel like we're headed in an uphill direction."

As president of the Home Builders Association, Lowrey will lead an organization that coordinates several high-visibility events in the Triad. In February, HBA kicks off the coming spring market with the Triad Home & Garden Show, and just weeks later, the Spring Festival of Homes offers four days of new-construction open houses. The Showcase of Remodeled Homes puts the emphasis on renovations during an early May open-house tour, and in the fall, builders, product suppliers and Triad residents gear up for the Parade of Homes, another signature event for HBA.

"The Triad Home & Garden Show is an event with unbelievable attendance every year," Lowrey said. "Everybody is always very conscientious about where they live, and by February, everyone is ready to see new ideas for improving their home.

"The Spring Festival is great because most buyers are touch-and-feel buyers, and this event offers a good opportunity for builders to showcase their abilities," he said. "The Parade is judged, and people love to see what the builders have done for their Parade houses."

Along with the usual activities, HBA will join a National Habitat for Humanity building blitz in 2008. In late May and early June, participating members will help build between five and seven houses for local Habitat families, and Lowrey said that the effort is one way for HBA to support the community.

"Many homebuilder organizations take part in this event, and 1,000 or more homes will be built across the country this year," Lowrey said. "This is a separate charitable event from our other Habitat endeavors, and we're excited to participate for the first time."

In addition to the charitable activities, Lowrey and the staff at HBA will continue to work on promoting public awareness of the organization's professionalism and on helping people understand the difference between the local and national markets. Although many media outlets have reported on a strong downturn in the real-estate market during the past year, Lowrey said that the Triad is poised for growth.

"I visit places all over the country, and every time I come home, I know there is a good feeling in this area," he said. "Winston-Salem is growing, but we don't have many of the problems other places have. ... We have everything people want or need without big-city hassles, and there are some great people who believe in this town and are making things happen."

For more information on the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, call 336-768-5942 or go to www.hbaws.org.