Builders Remain Cautiously Confident

 

April's home construction data and May's builder confidence reading tell a similar story with respect to home building at the start of the second quarter. Housing demand is promising, particularly given constrained conditions for existing home inventory. But while home building continues to grow, the industry is currently in a cautious stance given regulatory burdens and supply chain issues.

Construction

Slight Gains for Custom Home Building

The market share will likely experience ups and downs in the quarters ahead. 

Townhouse Construction Growth Continues

Long-term demand looks encouraging for medium-density neighborhoods. 
 

Flat Trends Continue for Single-Family Home Size

Typical homes will decrease in size as more entry-level homes are developed. 

April Starts Consistent with Builder Confidence 

Growth in home construction is a key bright spot in the U.S. economy. 

The Song Remains the Same: Builder Confidence Holds Steady

Single-family market hindered by persistent access issues and rising regulatory burdens.  

Builder Confidence in the 55+ Market Stays Positive

Expected sales for single-family homes reached its highest-ever index reading. 

Remodeling

Remodelers Identify Top Sources for Building Materials

Index shows specialty retailers are a go-to for home finishes. 

'Desire for Better Amenities' Drives Customers to Renovate

Remodelers report a few changes in consumer behavior for 2016. 

Finance

Serious Delinquency Rates Continue to Fall

Steady decline coincides with the easing of lending standards on net. 

Consumer Credit Expands to $3.59 Trillion

The increase reflects an expansion in the outstanding amount of non-revolving credit. 
 

Housing Affordability Posts Second Straight Quarterly Gain

Index identifies the most and least affordable markets in the nation. 

Employment

Number of Unfilled Construction Jobs Keeps Rising

Current job openings are at their highest monthly count since May 2007.

Employment Situation in April: A Bad Month

April's report is an outlier compared to the solid, two-year trend. 

 

Regulation

14 Million Households 'Priced Out' by Government Regulation

Federal guidelines add a whopping $84K to the sales price of a new, single-family home. 

 

Regulations Keep Driving Up Prices on New Homes

Costs have risen nearly 30% over the last five years.  

 

Economy

Nationwide Recovery Continues at a Steady Pace

Index shows positive movement across the board in permits, prices and employment. 

Personal Income Recovering after the Great Recession 

In 2014, young adults earned 11.2% less than their same-age counterparts did in 2000. 

Building Material Prices Increase in April

Widespread gains come on the tail end of trending reductions over the last eight months.  

Consumer Price Index Rose in April – Pumping Up Inflation 

A jump in the price of gasoline was the primary culprit.