Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 1.4% in February (not seasonally adjusted) and have increased 7.7% over the past 12 months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019. The index… Read More ›
According to the Federal Reserve Flow of Funds report, as of the fourth quarter of 2020, the market value of all real estate assets held by households stood at $32.0 trillion. On the other side of the balance sheet, their liabilities, i.e., the mortgages held on said assets, totaled $10.9 trillion. As a result, total owners’ equity, defined as the… Read More ›
In an effort led by NAHB, more than 35 organizations today sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging the secretary to turn her “immediate attention to an issue threatening the economic recovery and housing affordability: the price of lumber. We respectfully request that your office examine the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate remedies that will increase production.”
