News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 19, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Nationwide production of new single-family homes rose 4.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 470,000 units in December, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Commerce Department. This marked a third consecutive increase and the fastest pace of single-family housing starts since April of 2010. Meanwhile, the overall number of housing starts for the month declined 4.1 percent to a 657,000-unit rate due to a 20.4 percent dip on the more volatile multifamily side.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 18, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes continued to climb for a fourth consecutive month in January, rising four points to 25 on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today. This is the highest level the index has attained since June of 2007.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 11, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- By an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a new nationwide survey gauging likely voters’ attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 10, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Up until now, one of the few things home builders had in common with football players was that builders constructed the houses where millions of families watched their favorite NFL teams compete each week. But with Touchdown for Homes, a charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFL Players Association, home builders and former NFL players are teaming up around the country to build or renovate homes for children or families in need and veterans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 10, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today. The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 10, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced the finalists for NAHB’s 2012 Best of 50+ Housing Awards, the premier design and marketing competition for the 50+ housing industry. A total of 79 entries were chosen as finalists and are eligible for either a Gold or Silver Award from NAHB’s 50+ Housing Council.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 6, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) concurs with a finding by the Federal Reserve that excessively tight mortgage lending standards are hampering a housing and economic recovery.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 6, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- After decades of public policy designed to support homeownership, the American Dream is now under attack. Lawmakers and regulators are crafting proposals that, if left unchecked, will harm home owners, home buyers, the housing market and the nation’s economy. On Thursday, January 12, Columbia’s home builders, Realtors and other industry professionals will join political, business and community leaders for a rally on the steps of the South Carolina State House to tell policymakers that homeownership still works in America…and needs our strong support.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 3, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Iraq war veteran and “Dancing with the Stars” sensation J.R. Martinez will talk about his work with Operation Finally Home, a charitable program providing new homes for injured soldiers, when he visits the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in February.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 23, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Sales of newly built, single-family homes edged up 1.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 315,000 units in November, according to newly released figures by the U.S. Commerce Department. This marks the third consecutive monthly gain in new-home sales and the fastest pace of such activity since April.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 22, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, Nev., today issued the following statement on a congressional plan to pay for extending an expiring payroll tax cut by raising fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 20, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Production of new single-family homes and apartments rose 9.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 685,000 units in November, according to figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department today. This marks the fastest pace of housing starts since October of 2008.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 19, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- During the holidays, many Americans pause to reflect on the year that is coming to an end. There was no relief in 2011 for the home building industry, which has been devastated by the economic downturn. Thousands of builders went out of business and many others continue to struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. Yet home builders around the country are still putting aside their challenges to help less fortunate members of their communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 19, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes edged up two points from a downwardly revised number to 21 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for December, released today. This marks a third consecutive month in which builder confidence has improved, and brings the index to its highest point since May of 2010.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 13, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Reno, Nev., today issued the following statement on a congressional plan to raise fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and use them to help pay for an extension of this year’s payroll tax cut through 2012:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 9, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- One out of three builders are reporting losing signed sales contracts during the preceding six months because appraisals on their homes are less than the contract sales price, according to a recent nationwide survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 8, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Multifamily Production Index (MPI), a leading indicator for the multifamily market, released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) today showed continued improvement for the fifth consecutive quarter for the apartment and condominium housing market.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 7, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Attendees of the 2012 International Builders Show (IBS) will have the exclusive opportunity to hear Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke deliver remarks during a special session at the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) board of directors meeting on Friday, February 10 at 12:30 pm.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 6, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The number of improving housing markets continued to expand for a fourth consecutive month in December, rising from 30 to 41 on the latest National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released today. The December list featured 20 new additions, including several major markets such as Washington, D.C.; San Jose, Calif.; and Toledo, Ohio. Meanwhile, nine smaller markets dropped off the list, primarily due to softer house prices.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 2, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- The awards recognize achievements in design, market appeal, sustainability and overall success of newly-built and renovated commercial projects ranging in size from less than 5,000 to more than 100,000 square feet.