If you asked a group of home builders why they dropped their HBA membership, what you hear most often isn’t about politics, dues, or even competition. It’s this: “I don’t get enough from you.”
They may enjoy the occasional trade‑show or educational event, but once a year is often not enough. Without constant value, associations become “nice to have” — not essential.
That’s the real danger for HBAs: when a builder asks, “What did I get from my dues this year?” and you don’t have a satisfactory answer, renewal becomes optional.
Why this happens
Most HBAs emphasize compliance, safety, regulation updates, code changes, and events. Those are important — but they tend to be episodic.
Builders are in business to build and sell homes. But in a crowded market, finding reliable leads and maintaining a pipeline is always a priority.
If an HBA doesn’t help with marketing, visibility, or lead generation — something a builder can use monthly — many smaller members never see a return on their dues.
What builders want (and don’t get)
Regular, high-quality marketing support: SEO-friendly blog content, social media posts, email templates, or marketing advice.
Help connecting with homeowners who are actively searching online — not just leads from parade-of-homes or trade shows.
Reassurance that their association membership adds real business value, beyond just regulations and industry networking.
How Builder Playbook fixes it
We deliver ready-to-use marketing content every month — blog posts, social media kits, email‑newsletter copy, and local‑SEO tips.
That content helps members generate leads, stay top-of-mind, and grow their business — which makes dues feel like an investment instead of a cost.
For the Association, these become tangible, monthly member benefits. When you can say “we helped your business this month,” retention becomes an easy conversation.
Bottom line
If your HBA lacks consistent marketing support for builder members, you might be leaving renewals on the table. Giving builders something they can use every month — not just once a year — can turn membership from optional to indispensable.
Timothy Dahl
Founder, Builder Playbook
LinkedIn