Builder confidence in markets for new homes fell three points in February to a reading of 58. January's reading was revised upward to 61. Builders have repeatedly expressed concerns shortages of labor and lots for development, but continue to express confidence in future sales conditions. David Crowe, National Association of Home Builder's (NAHB) chief economist, said that builders are watching slowing economic trends, but also cited low mortgage rates, improving labor markets and pent-up demand for homes as factors for strong U.S. housing markets. The NAHB notes that any reading over 50 … [Read more...]
Case-Shiller, FHFA Report Slowing Growth in Home Prices
The Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price Indices for June reported year-over-year gains of 8.10 percent while the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index covers all nine census regions and reported a year-over-year gain of 6.20 percent. Readings for all three indices worsened as compared to May readings, and all cities tracked showed slower growth in home prices. The National Home Price Index, which is now published monthly, rose by 0.90 percent from May's reading, and both the 10 and 20-City Index posted month-to-month gains of one percent. Five cities including Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, … [Read more...]
Homebuilder Confidence Nearly Triples In 2 Years
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Housing Market Index ended its 8-month winning streak this month, posting a value of 47. The January 2013 reading is on level with last month, and remains at a near 7-year high. The Housing Market Index (HMI) is a measure of home builder confidence. HMI readings below 50 indicate a "poor" new construction conditions for single-family homes nationwide; ratings above 50 signal "good" ones. Not since April 2006 has the Housing Market Index crossed into "good" territory, but the past two years have witnessed the HMI nearly triple; and the index … [Read more...]
Homebuilder Confidence Rises For 9th Straight Month
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its Housing Market Index (HMI), showing another monthly gain -- its ninth in a row. The HMI -- a gauge of homebuilder confidence -- rose 1 point to 47 in December 2012, lifting the index to its highest levels since April 2006. Readings under 50 indicate unfavorable housing conditions for builders. Readings over 50 signal "good" conditions. Coincidentally, the last time that the HMI read above 50 was April 2006, too. The Housing Market Index is based on a survey which the NAHB sends to its members. The survey asks the nation's builders … [Read more...]
Homebuilder Confidence Spikes To 6-Year High
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its Housing Market Index (HMI) Tuesday, which showed sharp, 5-point increase to 46 for November 2012, marking the seventh consecutive monthly gain for the HMI, and lifting the index to its highest point since May 2006. Readings under 50 indicate unfavorable housing conditions for builders. Readings over 50 signal "good" conditions. The Housing Market Index is a measure of builder confidence, published monthly, based on a survey sent to NAHB members which asks them to rate housing market conditions. In November, home builders … [Read more...]
