Eye On Housing
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Rose Quint is Assistant Vice President for Survey Research. Ms. Quint holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Economics/International Business from Old Dominion University as well as a Master’s degree in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Her responsibilities include planning and conducting industry surveys, specifically in the areas of builder sentiment, remodeling, housing affordability, and AD&C financing issues. Ms. Quint is also responsible for special research projects, such as studies on builders’ profitability, consumer preferences, construction costs, and membership census. She joined NAHB in 1999.
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Housing Affordability Slightly Lower in Third Quarter
Firming home prices in markets across the country contributed to a slight dip in nationwide housing affordability in the third quarter of 2014, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). In all, 61.8 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and the end of September were affordable to families… Read More ›
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Remodeling Market Index Reclaims All-Time High
The Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose one point to 57 in the third quarter of 2014, the sixth consecutive 3-month period the index has been over 50. An RMI above 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is higher (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is lower. The overall RMI averages ratings of current remodeling activity with… Read More ›
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Apartment and Condominium Market Shows More Gains in Second Quarter
The NAHB Multifamily Production Index (MPI) posted a gain of five points to a reading of 58 for the second quarter. It is the 10th straight quarter with a reading of 50 or above. The MPI measures builder and developer sentiment about current conditions in the apartment and condominium market on a scale of 0 to 100. The index and… Read More ›
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Shortages of Key Building Materials Have Eased in 2014
Unlike recent news that builders continue to face serious difficulties finding lots and labor to build new homes, a survey conducted by NAHB in July shows that shortages of key building materials have actually eased in 2014. In fact, only 15% of builders reported some or serious shortages of trusses or clay bricks, the highest incidence among the more than… Read More ›
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Profile of NAHB’s Associate Members
Every year, NAHB conducts a census of its builder and associate members in order to better understand the composition and characteristics of its membership. The census collects company as well as demographic information. This post summarizes findings from the 2013 Associate member census, with a more extensive article available here. An earlier post summarized findings from the 2013 Builder member… Read More ›
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Profile of NAHB’s Builder Members
NAHB conducts an annual census of its builder and associate members in order to better understand the composition and characteristics of its membership. The census collects company as well as demographic information. This blog entry summarizes findings from the 2013 Builder member census, with a more extensive article available here. A later entry will summarize findings from the 2013 Associate… Read More ›
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Apartment and Condominium Market Shows Positive Growth in First Quarter
The NAHB Multifamily Production Index (MPI) increased three points to 53 in the first quarter of 2014, which is the ninth consecutive quarter with a reading of 50 or above. The MPI measures builder and developer sentiment about current conditions in the apartment and condominium market on a scale of 0 to 100. The index and all of its components… Read More ›
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Housing Affordability Edges Higher in First Quarter
Slightly lower median home prices along with steady mortgage rates contributed to higher housing affordability in the first quarter of 2014, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI). In all, 65.5 percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of January and end of March were affordable to families earning the U.S…. Read More ›
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What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences (Part IV)
Previous posts highlighting findings from the study What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences have shown how housing preferences may – or may not – be affected by the racial background of the home buyer. One aspect of the home where race/ethnicity does not play a significant role is energy efficiency – a top priority across the board for all… Read More ›
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What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences (Part III)
Previous posts highlighting findings from the study What Home Buyers Really Want: Ethnic Preferences have shown that a buyer’s race or ethnicity can play a role in how he/she evaluates the characteristics and features of a prospective home. The analysis was focused on four racial/ethnic groups of home buyers: White (Non-Hispanic), African-American (non-Hispanic), Hispanic, and Asian. Based on a list… Read More ›