Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions dipped two points in January; ongoing challenges including labor shortages and materials costs were cited by the National Association of Home Builders, which provides monthly readings on home builder sentiment. Three component readings of the Housing Market Index declined by one point each. Readings for current sales conditions, housing market conditions for the next six months and for buyer traffic within new single-family housing developments … [Read more...]

According to Case-Shiller national and 20-city home price indices for October, home prices continued to rise.  National home prices rose 0.70 percent for the three months ending in October. Year-over-year, national home prices increased by 6.20 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index also rose by 0.70 percent in October and reported a year-over-year increase of 6.40 percent. The top three metro areas in the 20-City Index were Seattle, Washington with a year-over-year increase of 6.40 percent; … [Read more...]

Home builders surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders expressed their highest level of confidence in housing markets since 1999. The index reading for housing market conditions in December hit 74, which exceeded November's reading of 70. Analysts expected a flat reading of 70 for December. Readings over 50 indicate improvement in housing market conditions. The three component readings used to comprise the Housing Market Index also rose in December. Builder confidence in current … [Read more...]

Last week's economic reports included NAHB Housing Market Indexes along with readings on housing starts, building permits and existing home sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Builder Sentiment Jumps in September, Housing Starts and Building Permits Fall The National Association of Home Builders reported a four-point increase in its Home Price Index for October. Builders surveyed reported higher confidence in overall market conditions, which … [Read more...]