I have yet to completely de-clutter my inbox from the literally thousands of Google alerts, press releases, and other miscellaneous e-mails that came in last week while I was in Las Vegas for the International Builders' Show 2010. But let me take a quick break to give you three super topline takeaways from the six days from the show.
- Let's make a deal. Some people might have called this year's IBS the best show ever. Although I think that might be a bit of an exaggeration, I can safely say it was one of the more exciting builder shows I've been to in a good long while. What made it so exciting was that the gossip was good. Cocktail conversation spanned from what builders were on the block to what builders were gearing up for some major league land plays to what builders were back in the game, in one form or another. Needless to say, I think we can expect 2010 to be a big year for big deals.
- Are we there yet? Now, I don't know whether the excitement of big things to come was creating an artificial feeling of elation, but most builders I spoke with seemed confident that the market had markedly improved from this time last year. Although I'm reluctant to say we've turned a definitive corner--read on to find out why--I can say without hesitation that I certainly saw a lot more construction activity going on in the local Vegas market than I saw last year. It wasn't nearly as much of a challenge this year to find cars in a sales center parking lot than it was last year.
- The clock is ticking. No matter how much people believe the worst is behind us, I wholeheartedly believe that the next six weeks will determine how relatively good (or bad) 2010 will be compared to 2009. And despite what many have said on the record, I think their actions are speaking volumes. From accelerating the opening of new communities to working fast and furiously to unveil new product lines to ramping up spec production, it's clear that most builders are doing everything they can to make sure they leave no sale behind as the new home buyer tax credit expiration creeps closer.
However, if those tantalizing tidbits still left you hungry for more show insights, here's a quick recap of my daily coverage from the show.
Monday, Jan. 18: With opportunities abounding for new-home building companies, here's a peek at one Vegas start-up has been up to in the local market.
- Tuesday, Jan. 19: Heard in the hallways at IBS--builders gab about everything lot shortages to home buyer financing fears and more.
- Wednesday, Jan. 20: Sneak peek at some proposed energy labels for homes plus a one-year-later look at how Pulte's all-solar Villa Trieste community fares in the ultra competitive Vegas market.
- Thursday, Jan. 21: Why a new one-story plan is on most Vegas builders' must-have list.
- Friday, Jan. 22: A new thought on the age-old public vs. private builder debate.
Plus, here's a quick video interview with Big Builder editorial director John McManus to get his take on the show's most important take-aways. (If you can't see the player below, click here to view the video.)