Data obtained from the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and tabulated by NAHB, show that the rising trend of two or more stories homes continued in 2022. Although the overall share remained virtually unchanged, the share of two or more stories homes started construction was greater than one story homes in 2022. Nationwide, the share of new homes… Read More ›

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the first quarter of 2023. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the percent change in real GDP increased ranged from 12.4 percent in North Dakota to 0.1 percent in Alabama and Rhode Island. Nationwide, growth in real GDP, measured on a seasonally… Read More ›

The count of open, unfilled jobs for the overall economy moved lower in May, falling to 9.8 million. While ongoing tight labor market conditions have likely confirmed one to two more Fed rate hikes through the start of the Fall, the JOLTS survey is another data point indicating an ongoing but gradual cooling of macro conditions. The count of open… Read More ›

After two consecutive monthly declines, existing home sales saw a modest increase in May as mortgage rates were relatively steady in April, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, elevated mortgage rates and limited inventory continued to weight on homebuyers. Low resale inventory and strong demand have contributed to the recent increases in new home sales. Total existing… Read More ›

Consumer confidence in June rose to its highest level in 17 months as recession concerns eased. However, spending plans were mixed. Vacation intentions continued to improve, while the intention to buy homes and big-ticket appliances cooled further due to elevated mortgage rates. This shift in consumer preference from goods to services is likely to continue this year. The Consumer Confidence… Read More ›

NAHB analysis of Census Construction Spending data shows that private residential construction spending rose 2.2% in May, as spending on single-family homes increased 1.7%. However, total private residential construction spending is still 11.6% lower compared to a year ago. The total construction monthly increase is largely attributed to more spending on single-family construction, It is consistent with the solid gains… Read More ›