Eye On Housing
The housing market did not escape the pain and contraction experienced by the US economy in April 2020 as a result of the lockdown orders issued by state and local governments to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Builder confidence posted a historic decline and there were broad declines for housing starts. In recent weeks, there has been anecdotal… Read More ›
Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes remained unchanged at a solid 68 reading in July on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Builders are optimistic about housing market conditions, basing their confidence on continued solid demand for single-family homes. However, persistent increases in construction costs make it increasingly challenging to produce homes… Read More ›
Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes weakened slightly in June, down two points to a level of 67 from a downwardly revised May reading of 69 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). Builder confidence levels have remained consistently sound this year, reflecting the ongoing gradual recovery of the housing market. As… Read More ›
Builders remained virtually unchanged in their attitudes toward the housing market as the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell one point to 45 from a downwardly revised 46 in April. The stall has been in effect since February when the index dropped 10 points. Builders had passed the tipping point of 50 on the 0 to 100 scale in June… Read More ›
One way many builders choose to bolster sales and/or limit cancellations is by providing incentives that sweeten the deal for home buyers. The popularity of these incentives, however, is very much tied to the cycles of the housing industry. A survey of NAHB’s builder members found that 36 percent are not offering any kind of special incentives in October 2013,… Read More ›
The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) increased four points in February to 29, the highest level since April 2007. The increase marks the fifth consecutive month of an increase for a total of 15 points since recording a 14 in September 2011. All three components also recorded levels not seen since early 2007. The current and future sales components… Read More ›