Daily Digest: U.S. Housing and Real Estate News, October 19, 2026
Builder confidence in new single-family homes fell to its lowest reading since June 2012, according to NAHB. Today’s other stories cover a request for an FTC probe of online home-buying platforms, FEMA’s flood insurance guidance and two infrastructure items in Washington state and New York.
Market data and industry reports
- Builder Confidence Falls to 29 in October, Lowest Since June 2012, NAHB Says: NAHB reports that builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell three points to 29 in October, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. NAHB said the reading is the lowest since June 2012, and a number above 50 means more builders view conditions as good than poor.
- FEMA: Most Homeowners Insurance Does Not Cover Flood Damage; NFIP Limits Outlined: FEMA said that between 2003 and 2023, 99% of U.S. counties experienced a flood event. FEMA said flood insurance can help protect a home from flood damage and that homes not near water can still face flood risk from changing conditions such as construction projects, surface erosion or natural events.
Homebuying and housing policy
- Booker, Warren Ask FTC to Probe Online Home-Buying Platforms’ Practices: In New Jersey, Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts sent a letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson urging the agency to investigate what they call anticompetitive and deceptive practices by dominant online real estate platforms. Booker is Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, and Warren is Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
Infrastructure and local development
- Murray, Larsen Press GSA to Restart Stalled Washington Border Station Projects: In Washington state, Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rick Larsen asked GSA Administrator Edward Forst to prioritize construction of the Kenneth G. Ward Land Port of Entry in Lynden and the Sumas Land Port of Entry. They sent the letter on September 22 and have not received a response from GSA.
- Chemung County Gets $1.4 Million ARC Grant for Business Park Sewer Upgrades: In New York, Chemung County has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to improve wastewater infrastructure at the Southern Tier Logistics Business Park in the Village of Horseheads. With $1.4 million in state funding, the total investment is $2.8 million.
The senators’ letter is a request and does not by itself open an investigation.
