Production and Accounting Software for Home Builders

A certain sense of optimism could be felt at this year’s IBS show, with more than 51,000 builders, remodelers and other members of the home building industry in attendance of the four-day event.  While nobody claims the economy is recovering at the rate we would all like, there are signs of improvement over last year’s show.  This economy has forced us all to be more creative in finding ways to increase our growth, while keeping an eye on the bottom line.  The fine line between wanting to do more while not overextending ourselves has never been more difficult to decipher. 

This sentiment was most apparent during Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s speech, one of the event’s keynote speakers.  He stated that 1 ¾ million homes are currently unoccupied and for sale, and one in five mortgaged homes in the US is currently ‘under water,’ meaning it’s worth less than what the homeowners owe on it.  The Federal Reserve predicts a further one million homes per year for the next three years will fall into foreclosure.  Obviously not the kind of news 2,500 people in attendance wanted to hear.  Bernanke did offer a few options on how to help the housing market stay on its delicate road to recovery.  The foreclosure to rental initiative aims to shift some of the burden of managing foreclosed and vacant homes to private investors.  By mandating that the properties be used as rentals, the program seeks to lower rent where foreclosures have hiked up demand and to stabilize communities in the hardest-hit areas.  Bernanke also discussed the option to reduce foreclosed inventory by land banks.  It was evident that it will take different options in different parts of the country for the housing market to stabilize itself.  Not one solution would fix all.

During the show, builders of various sizes, business type, needs and wants visited our booth, requiring software to accomplish a multitude of different tasks.  Some of them were looking to grow their business and wanted to leverage technology to do so; they foresee growth this year and wanted to ensure their company is technologically prepared to handle it.  Others were start-ups, some former executives from national builders starting their own company or independent builders capitalizing on new opportunities in their communities.  It became very clear that all builders were looking for ways to streamline their business operations, maximize their profits while decreasing their costs, basically to do more with less.

At Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, we are in the unique position to offer a variety of different software solutions specifically designed for the homebuilding industry.  HomeDev Pro and BuildSoft continue to have a solid base of custom and small production builders.  For builders building at the 100 home mark and looking to maintain that level, Builder360 and BuildTopia offer end-to-end functionality to address their needs.  Our flagship products, NEWSTAR and FAST are the only fully integrated single database solutions to handle every aspect of a large, multi-state production builder.  Much like the Federal Reserve will continue to work diligently for different solutions across the country, Constellation will continue to develop, support, and enhance its product suite for all types of builders.  From website to warranty we have the right product for every builder.

Markham, ON – (February 1, 2012) – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the leader and most trusted provider of residential home building software solutions, unveils new solutions at the NAHB International Builders’ Show from February 8 – 11, 2012 in Orlando, FL.

Constellation’s software solutions are specifically designed to help home builders manage their business and information technology costs with cutting-edge integrated software solutions to run their business more efficiently, communicate more effectively and build more homes while utilizing fewer resources and reducing costs.  Whether you are a custom builder or building thousands of homes annually, Constellation delivers a comprehensive suite of software solutions and continues to demonstrate a longstanding commitment to the home building industry.

Constellation will be on-hand to offer one-on-one demonstrations, visit our booth at W4783.

Request a free exhibit pass – www.BuildersShow.com/ConstellationHomeBuilderSystem

Websites and Online Marketing
Websites and lead management processes are critical components of the home builder’s sales performance. Constellation has combined an easy to manage website solution and online lead management system to help builders present their business professionally, and ensure that all leads are tracked and acted upon.  With Groundbreaker™ websites, Constellation will provide the SEO training to help you achieve higher rankings in popular search engines and convert more leads to sales agent appointments.

Sales and CRM Solutions
When a prospective buyer enters their contact information on your website or visits your sales office, all Constellation sales and CRM solutions are designed to help you turn that prospect into a buyer, maximize upgrade sales, complete selections, generate contracts and reduce errors.  With automatic website integration, all prospect information is captured and available in your sales system for fast follow-up and the comfort of knowing that no lead is lost.

Accounting and Production Solutions
Constellation offers a comprehensive suite of homebuilding solutions to help you improve processes in budgeting, purchasing, accounting, payroll, construction management, and customer service. With one system everyone can have access to the same business data and builders will spend less time updating spreadsheet reports to improve the quality of information available when making critical decisions.

Workflow Services and Document Management
With real-time alerts and notifications, everyone knows what is happening and can follow established business processes to respond in a timely manner. Externally, the workflow system allows builders to provide the new home buyer with the information and comfort they need throughout the construction cycle and beyond. Constellation’s document management solutions provide functionality to easily secure and publish information for back office and remote employees.

Field Scheduling and Mobile Devices
Superintendents and project managers need information about the job in order to maintain margins, avoid mistakes, and reduce delays.  With Constellation’s integrated iPad/iPhone, Android, Blackberry and laptop scheduling solutions, field staff can access sales information, schedules, purchase orders, service requests, site plans, and supplier information to complete tasks and request variances without making a phone call.

Vendor Portal and Collaboration
Constellation’s secure, web-based vendor portal provides suppliers and trades with real-time access to purchase orders, construction schedules and payment information to reduce phone calls and costly errors.  With Constellation’s vendor portal solutions suppliers and trades can get the information they need anytime.

Warranty and Customer Service
With Constellation’s home buyer portals and online warranty guides, you can provide home buyers with information about their home during construction and beyond.  You can track warranty notifications and ensure that you have a record of receipt for regulatory and legal purposes. With Constellation’s customer experience management solutions, home owner issues are submitted online, without paper, and acted upon without any re-keying of information.  This saves time, reduces errors, and creates happy customers that will generate referrals.

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building software solutions to run their business from websites to warranty.  From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. (“CSI”), the premier international provider of market leading software and services, and is a publicly traded company.

Media Inquiries:
Cathy Kotsopoulos
cathyk@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

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Constellation HomeBuilder Systems exhibited at the Remodeling Show in Chicago on October 13-15, 2011.  The Remodeling Show is the only national event which exclusively serves the growing and evolving residential remodeling industry.  “It was amazing to see the amount of traffic flow and interest amongst the remodeler community looking for a construction software solution to help streamline their business,”, said Laurent Amar, Director of Sales for Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “We spoke with many remodelers and trades at the show and identified their unique needs.  Some remodelers perform the same or similar jobs many times in a given year and need to focus on marketing and lead generation.  Other remodelers have fewer jobs, but they are more unique and longer in duration, so they need to focus on estimating, scheduling and sharing customer communication, while generating referrals.  Constellation offers products to service all types of remodelers, everything from website design, sales and lead management, and customer portals for information sharing throughout the job.  Basically a one stop shop.”

Constellation’s latest revolutionary product, HomeDev Pro is a cloud-based construction management solution designed for custom builders, remodelers, and mid-market homebuilders looking to integrate all components of their business.  By encompassing Job Cost, Scheduling, Purchasing, Production Catalog and Workflow, HomeDev Pro eliminates the need for multiple systems, duplicate entries and complicated interfaces, all to help increase productivity and maximize profits.  Offered with a subscription pricing model, it uses Microsoft technology and works with many accounting solutions.  Many builders stated clearly “this is exactly what we have been waiting for”.

Markham, ON – (July 18, 2011) – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of homebuilding software, sales, production and accounting solutions, exhibited both their latest products and commitment to the industry at PCBC 2011 in San Francisco, CA – June 22^nd – 24^th, 2011.

As the second largest home builder show in the United States, PCBC attracts home builders of all sizes, seeking ways to streamline their businesses by reducing IT costs and accomplishing more with less.  Constellation was solidified as the industry leader, with a 50% increase in booth traffic over last year’s show, and by offering the fully integrated solutions attendees were looking for.

As the only home building software solutions provider to exhibit at the 2011 PCBC show, Constellation continues to demonstrate unwavering support to the industry, regardless of the economic slowdown.  With a significant investment of time, money and resources toward creating new and enhancing current products, Constellation is the most comprehensive, functionality-rich solution on the market.

“By continuing to attend the PCBC, it demonstrates Constellation’s commitment to the home building industry and provides builders with innovative, leading-edge software that help achieve greater profits,” said Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “By having all of our products in one booth we were able to show builders and remodelers of all sizes, software solutions that fit the needs of their business.”

“We would like to thank Constellation for their continued support for exhibiting year after year at PCBC and congratulate them on successful 2011 trade show.  They have redefined their place as an industry innovator with products that respond to today’s changing market,” said Ann Bivens, Director of PCBC.

Constellation is the trusted technology partner of home building and remodeler software solutions, and leads the industry with the highest investment in product development and customer service.                                                                                                             

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems:

As the largest home building software provider in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,800 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated home building software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty.  From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, schedule, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and website solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.  Constellation’s product suite includes, HomeDev Pro, BuildSoft Pro, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Media Inquiries:
Cathy Kotsopoulos
cathyk@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Markham, ON, December 9, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the leader and most trusted provider of homebuilding accounting and production software in the industry, will be exhibiting at the 2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show from January 12-15, 2011 in Orlando, FL.  The excitement begins with a series of informative presentations by industry experts, featuring Bob Schultz and The New Homes Sales Specialists.  Recently named to the Power 50 list by Builder Magazine, Bob is one of the 50 most influential people in the home building industry.

During the show, builders can see Constellation’s full suite of home building software solutions firsthand and industry experts will be available to answer questions about new home sales and marketing, production, accounting, construction management, purchasing, warranty, and customer experience.  Each session will be about 15-20 minutes in length with additional opportunities for questions and answers.

 CLICK HERE to see the schedule of sessions with industry speaker information, and space is limited, so REGISTER NOW!

Booth W4571:
For Production Builders – Websites, Vendor Portals, Land Development, Sales, Accounting, Production, Warranty, and Service

Booth W4682:
For Small to Medium Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Solutions

Constellation’s mission-critical software solutions are specifically designed to offer builders increased productivity and efficiency in order to build homes while utilizing less resources and reducing costs.  With over 100 employees exclusively dedicated to supporting all sizes of home builders, Constellation delivers a comprehensive suite of exceptional products and services to help builders save time and money while building and selling more homes.

Constellation has released several new products and many customer-requested enhancements in 2010 .   All of Constellation’s state-of-the-art software solutions will be available for demonstration.  Builders are invited to meet face-to-face with knowledgeable industry experts in a professional but relaxed setting.  Each year, Constellation makes it a high priority to spend quality time learning from and discussing ideas their home builder partners.  This information becomes an integral part of the new product development strategy at Constellation. This continued investment and dedication to the industry allows Constellation to provide new technology solutions to help builders succeed in this challenging and competitive industry.

If you think a software decision is in your future, be sure to visit one of the Constellation booths to see how a dedicated partner with continued long-term investment in new technology can help you manage your business.  An optimum combination software technology, professional services, and customer support, ensures that you can trust Constellation to help you run your business now and in the future. Constellation representatives can recommend a new solution tailored to your unique business needs and help explain how other builders are using software and technology to be successful. 

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry. Constellation’s product suite includes HomeDev, BuildSoft, Builder 360, Constellation Web Solutions, FAST, NEWSTAR, Sales1440, and BuildTopia.

Media Inquiries:

Cathy Kotsopoulos
cathyk@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222 x 6140

This year’s IBS was the best year in the past four for Constellation HomeBuilder Systems and the thought was echoed by many builders in attendance. There is a realization that technology will play a much more important role in the builder’s future.

There was talk everywhere about leveraging social media in homebuilding. It is a strategy you should adopt NOW! See what I mean…

One thing I learned is the importance of “claiming your business” on Google. There is a way to enhance the listing of your business on Google including maps, pictures content and even reviews. It is part of the Local Business Center… Who Knew? Check out this link to learn about Claiming your Business.

The response to our new Groundbreaker website solution was phenomenal. If you know you need to update your website or think you may need to change see what Groundbreaker can do for you. Announced at the IBS show Groundbreaker had builder big and small talking and agreeing the unbelievable value it represents.

It was amazing to see the response to the newest product in the Constellation HomeBuilder Systems line of ERP solutions. HomeDev is a project management and job cost system developed for the small builder and remodeler. It uses Microsoft tools and works with QuickBooks. Many builders stated clearly “this is exactly what we have been waiting for”.

BuildSoft Pro was introduced at the IBS as well. Current BuildSoft users were stopped dead in their tracks when we showed them the new product and how it will help them better manage job costs and complete projects on time.

Markham, ON January 19, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of home builder, sales, production and accounting software announces a new product release at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19 – 22, 2010.  HomeDev™ is specifically designed for home builders and remodelers to help manage their construction processes.

HomeDev offers a comprehensive solution for job costing, project management, budgeting, trade comparison and purchasing.   Built using familiar Microsoft tools like Excel, Project, Outlook, SQL Server, SharePoint, and .NET, the new HomeDev product integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting systems.

During this building slow-down, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has made significant investments to bring HomeDev to the market.  All builders use spreadsheets and some use Microsoft Project and want to see a new solution that works with these familiar tools.  HomeDev uses Microsoft Excel, Project and Outlook to manage the data collection and presentation, Microsoft SQL to manage the data, and SharePoint and e-mail technology to share documents in the form of vendor and partner portals.

Builders make more money if they learn from their mistakes and avoid them on the next job. HomeDev allows builders to take any job in the system and use that as a basis for a new job. This saves time and produces more accurate estimates and project plans.  The purchasing process in HomeDev provides tools for sending out bid requests, comparing the results, and awarding contracts without manually entering the bid responses.  The builder saves money by selecting the best bid, reduces errors by avoiding data entry, and improves accuracy of budgeting and project management.

HomeDev is designed for the builder seeking a solution that is easy to learn and implement.  Builders running the software have told us “because we are comfortable and familiar with Excel, Project, and QuickBooks, HomeDev fits naturally into our operations.”  HomeDev is available under license or subscription.

Constellation is launching HomeDev at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19-22, 2010.

Request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show for a product demonstration.  

Booth C1145                 Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842                    Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Markham, ON January 19, 2010 – Constellation Web Solutions (“CWS”), a division of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems announces Groundbreaker™ websites, an appealing and easy to manage solution designed for home builders to provide a professional and attractive image for potential home buyers.  It instantly connects you with your prospects, delivers the information today’s home buyers expect 24/7, and encourages them to select your product.

Today there is undeniable proof that more home buyers use the website of a home builder for their home purchasing decision than any other media.  Constellation Groundbreaker websites use the latest technology to help ensure prominent search results and bring the most prospective home buyers to your company.  The solution is aggressively priced and leverages our expertise in delivering powerful websites designed specifically for home builders.

Groundbreaker websites have an easy to use content management system designed to take the fear out of updating your website.  Simple tasks like adding images or copying and pasting text to update the pages are simplified using our easy to use administration capabilities.

Content management, technical proficiency of the builder, time to develop, and time to launch are all taken into account with Groundbreaker.  The content in a Groundbreaker website is so simple to modify that a non-technical person can make the necessary changes to help sell his homes in seconds. When changes can be done quickly and the results are immediate, it allows you to focus on what works and enhance the best selling points of your homes.

Constellation is launching Groundbreaker at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19-22, 2010, and is available for delivery spring 2010.

Request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show for a product demonstration.  

Booth C1145        Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842          Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Markham, ON January 12, 2010 – It has been an exciting year at Constellation and 2010 is off to a great start.  With continued investment in home building software, delivering hundreds of enhancements and releasing two new products, it’s going to be a year of excitement and the fun begins at the 2010 International Builders’ Show.

Constellation will be at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV from January 19-22^nd 2010.  Please request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show.  All solutions will be available for demos and product experts will be available for detailed discussions.  

Booth C1145        – Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842          – Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C740          – Sales1440 Sales Software Suite

With over 100 employees dedicated to supporting customers and enhancing products, Constellation is by far the largest and most trusted software provider in the home building industry.  Constellation is uniquely positioned to provide mission-critical software to virtually all sizes of home builders, with solutions for websites, new home sales, customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, purchasing, estimating, scheduling, warranty, home owner portals, and vendor portals.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, Constellation customers have been able to focus on their businesses building and selling homes, without worrying about their software and the stability of their software provider.  In 2009, Constellation welcomed an unprecedented number of new builders to the Constellation family.  Many of these builders were coming from neglected systems, provided by at-risk software companies, with very few resources to provide minimum levels of customer service.  Others joined the family with our recent acquisitions.  In any case, customers can rely on the full resources and dedication of Constellation, to run their business successfully, now and in the future.

Websites and Online MarketingWebsites are a critical application for home builders and the acquisition of Constellation Web Solutions brings Groundbreaker™ home builder websites and built-in industry best practices to the Constellation family of solutions and services.  With hundreds of home builder customers, our experts at Constellation Web Solutions know what it takes to build a website specifically for home builders with proven techniques for generating leads, creating referral sales and delivering the information needed by home buyers before and after they purchase a home.  Optimized for search engine results and clean designs, Groundbreaker™ websites can help you establish or re-establish your online presence quickly.

Sales and CRM SolutionsWhen a prospective buyer enters their contact information on your website, or visits your sales office, all Constellation sales and CRM solutions are designed to help you turn that prospect into a buyer, maximize upgrade sales, complete selections, generate contracts and reduce errors.  With automatic website integration, all prospect information is captured and available in your sales system for fast follow-up and the assurance that no lead is lost.  Can you say that about your current sales follow-up process?  Did you know that 64% of agents don’t follow-up? Read the case study here.

Production and Accounting SolutionsOnce you have a sale, you need to make the most of it and avoid mistakes.  All of our production and accounting systems have been enhanced with more modern user interfaces to make them easier to use, with powerful purchasing and forecasting functionality to reduce errors and improve margins. Many other enhancements are designed to quickly get the information you need to run your business. If you are a current customer, an old friend, or interested in a better system, be sure to visit one of our booths to see the future of home building software.

Field Scheduling and Vendor Portal SolutionsA vital component of your home building business extends from the back office to the field and your superintendents need to know just as much about the job in order to maintain your margins and avoid mistakes and delays.  With our web-based and handheld scheduling and vendor portal solutions, your back office information is available virtually anywhere with the security you need.  Trades can be contacted, options and upgrades confirmed, tasks can be completed, payments approved, and quality monitored in real-time without having to make phone calls.  Job status and problems are instantly available in the back office and tracked to help you evaluate staff and vendors.

Warranty and Customer ServiceWhen the home is complete and the buyer has moved in, you need to provide them the information they need quickly and you need to know when there is a problem.  With Constellation’s home buyer portals and online warranty guides, you can provide home buyers with information about their home during construction and throughout the warranty period.  You can track warranty notifications and ensure that you have a record of receipt for regulatory and legal purposes. With Constellation’s customer experience management solutions, home owner issues are submitted online, without paper, and acted upon without any re-keying of information.  This saves time, reduces errors, and creates happy customers that will generate referrals.

About Constellation HomeBuilder SystemsAs the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems would like to welcome all builders and remodelers to the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

We have an exciting show planned with many experts available to answer your questions about our products, recent acquisitions, and real-world best practices. To register for these sessions, please click on the session name in the schedule below.

Over the past year, we have seen huge changes in our industry and technology in general. While many builders were focused on their business and making many tough decisions, we were focused on providing world-class customer service, enhancing our products, and developing or acquiring new technologies to meet the needs of the changing home builder, home buyer, and home owner.

To meet these demands, we have released major enhancements to our core production, accounting and sales solutions, completed two significant acquisitions, developed two new products, and offer many of our products in hosted configurations. Our track record with new acquisitions demonstrates Constellation’s commitment to customers with world-class service and ongoing product support and enhancements. This means that home builders can rely on Constellation for stable products, dedication to the industry, and proven expertise. With more than 100 employees focused on homebuilding software, and over 2,400 customers we are the largest software company in the industry with the resources to deliver mission-critical solutions for home builders of all sizes.

With several booths at the show this year, please be sure to stop by to share some stories, or just ask our experts a few questions. We would like to learn more about your business and offer our assistance in any way we can.

See you in Vegas.

Constellation Booth Schedule

*if you are unable to attend any of the scheduled events, please contact
sales@constellationhb.com.