Eye On Housing
Author Archives
-
5,000+ Square Foot Homes: 3+ Percent of Starts
Previous posts have discussed the upward trend in the median and average size of new single-family homes and how part of this is likely due to a historically atypical mix of buyers in the market. A question not addressed so far in these posts is whether this trend is evident at the top end of the market. The answer is… Read More ›
-
Lot Shortage Still a Problem for Builders
In a 2014 survey conducted by NAHB, 59 percent of builders reported that the overall supply of developed lots in their areas was low to very low, unchanged from August 2013, but up from 43 percent in September 2012. Fifty-nine percent is the largest low supply percentage since NAHB began periodically asking the question in 1997 on its monthly survey… Read More ›
-
Survey Indicates Growing Concern Over Builder Costs
In the latest monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index the special questions asked builders about the problems they faced in 2013 and expect to face in 2014. In January 2014 survey, out of 5 different sections with significant problems faced by the builders, one of the sections relates to building costs. Similar questions were asked about problems faced in earlier years, so… Read More ›
-
Lots for New Homes Largest in New England
According to data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), the median size of lots on single-family homes started in 2012 was three quarters of an acre in the New England Census Division (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). This is significantly larger than the median lot size on homes started in the other eight Divisions…. Read More ›
-
Vinyl is the Most Common Siding On New Homes
The most common exterior wall material was vinyl on homes started in 2012. Vinyl siding was used on 32 percent of the new homes started in 2012, followed by brick for 25 percent of homes. Stucco was the principal exterior wall material for at least 20 percent of the homes started according to the data from the Census Bureau’s Survey… Read More ›
-
Survey Indicates Growing Concern Over Builder Costs
The monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index often includes a set of “special” questions on a topic of current interest to the housing industry. In January 2013, the special questions asked builders about the problems they faced in 2012 and expect to face in 2013. The survey was divided into 5 different sections with significant problems faced by the builders…. Read More ›