State & National Updates Archives for 2017-05
OSHA Suspends Rule Requiring Electronic Reporting of Injuries
OSHA Suspends Rule Requiring Electronic Reporting of Injuries
NAHB leads the charge to rescind this mandate.
Rules & Regulations
NAHB Targets 10 Overreaching Regulatory Programs
Comments were submitted to EPA in response to presidential directive.
HUD Task Force to Tackle Excessive Regulation
NAHB to weigh in on which rules should be repealed, replaced or modified.
Senate Panel Approves 3 NAHB-Supported Regulatory Bills
Versions of these measures have already passed the House.
Economics
Builder Confidence Continues to Climb
A further sign that the housing market is getting stronger.
Single-Family Starts Hold Steady in April
However, a multifamily pullback brings overall production down.
Housing Headlines
Business Matters
Tired of Burdensome Regulations?
This is your chance to make a difference.
Find out what these buyers really want.
Industry Insight
Kitchens Edge Baths as Top Remodeling Projects
These two categories continue to stand out.
Housing Affordability Sees Slight Uptick
Wage growth helps offset the effects of rising mortgage rates.
Codes & Safety
NAHB efforts help protect your bottom line.
May 25 webinar will help your business prepare for new requirements.
Video Reinforces Importance of Fall Protection
Builders take a stand for worker safety.
Trade Groups Mull Relief for Small Businesses
Rules & Regulations
Trade Groups Mull Relief for Small Businesses
NAHB event focuses on how to achieve meaningful regulatory reform.
Bipartisan House Bill Promotes Cost-Effective Energy Savings
Measure would also help home builders by limiting unreasonable regulations.
EPA Urged to Reconsider Costs of Complying with Lead Paint Rule
NAHB testifies as agency reevaluates its regulations.
Business Matters
Get on the Road to Profitability
Three-part online course will help you steer your business in the right direction.
House Passes GOP Health Care Bill
A first step in returning affordability to the health care system.
Economics
Tight Inventories, Rising Costs Shape Building Industry
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz provides a housing overview.
55+ Builder Confidence Down After Post-Election Surge
The index marks 12 consecutive quarters in positive territory.
Tight Inventory and Rising Costs
Tight Inventory and Rising Costs
A strong month for home sales in March reinforced the trend of positive housing demand. Sales of new single-family homes grew 15.6% from a year prior, and 5.8% above the previous month's mark—a noteworthy gain, considering February's sales benefitted from the unseasonably warm weather.
March was also an encouraging month for the existing homes market, which saw sales rise 4.4% to its highest pace in 10 years. Inventory of existing homes for sale remains very tight, standing at only a 3.8 months' supply. This is a primary reason why the increases of home prices continue to outpace growth in household incomes.
However, supply-side costs remain on the rise as builders continue reporting scarce availability of labor and lots. And the announcement of an effective 20% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber could have a significant, negative impact on construction jobs and wages. One-third of the softwood lumber consumed in the U.S. is imported, about 95% of which comes from Canada.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz
Sales
The surge led to the fastest pace in 10 years.
The number of signed contracts in March still exceeded the level from a year ago.
House Prices Surpass Pre-Recession Peak
All 20 metro areas had positive home appreciation.
Construction
Duty on Canadian Lumber Will Have Significant Impacts
Thousands of U.S. jobs and hundreds of millions in wages will be lost.
Post-Recession High for Residential Construction Spending
Both multifamily and home improvements experienced big gains in March.
Poll Examines Career Motivations of Young Adults
Most know what they want, but very few say it's a job in construction.
Lending
Cash Sales Dwindle for New Homes
The current share of FHA-backed loans is twice the size of its pre-recession average.
Mortgage Rates Tick Down in March
The decline comes after four consecutive months of increases.
Declining Activity for USDA Single-Family Programs
NAHB study explores the trends of USDA home loans over the past decade.
Economic Indicators
GDP Growth Slows in the 1st Quarter
A second-quarter rebound is a strong possibility.
Homeownership Rate on Stable Ground
Levels increased slightly in every age group.
Consumer Confidence Declined in April
A less-favorable outlook comes after a record-setting month for optimism.
Remodelers Report Broad-Based Confidence
Sentiments about market conditions are the most positive since 2015.
