Home Builder Index Dips in January

January’s National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index dipped two points from December’s revised reading of 69 to 67;  the index reading forecast for January was also 69.Analysts said that January’s reading was the second highest (after December 2016) since the peak of the housing bubble in 2005. January’s dip in builder sentiment was attributed to easing of builder enthusiasm, which spiked right after the U.S. presidential election. To put January’s home builder confidence reading in context, NAHB says that any index reading over 50 indicates that more builders than fewer have confidence in housing market conditions.

NAHB SubIndex Readings for January

Three sub-index readings are used in compiling the NAHB Housing Market Index reading. Builder confidence in current housing market conditions fell three points to 72; builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months fell two points to 76. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new housing developments dropped one point to 51.

Builders surveyed continued to cite the cost of new lots for development and the lack of skilled labor as obstacles to higher builder confidence.

After releasing January’s index readings, the NAHB said that while January’s readings were lower than those for December, a majority of builders have expressed confidence that the new administration will reduce regulatory pressure on home builders. NAHB also cited home builder concerns over mortgage rates, which rose nearly a percentage point in November and December before falling. Despite ongoing concerns, builder sentiment has steadily improved over time. On average, builder confidence averaged a reading of 61 in 2016 against 2015’s average reading of 59 and the 2014 average reading of 52.

Builder Outlook Seen as Key to Easing Home Shortage

Real estate and mortgage pros have consistently said that building more homes is necessary to ease the ongoing shortage of available homes. NAHB’s Housing Market Index is closely followed as a benchmark of home builder confidence. Higher builder confidence in current and future housing market conditions is viewed as a potential indicator of home building activity, but housing starts have not been uniformly allied with builder confidence.

Shortages available homes creates high demand creates concerns for potential buyers seeking affordable homes. Rapidly rising home price, particularly in high demand metro areas, have sidelined buyers who cannot compete against buyers making cash offers on homes with rapidly escalating prices.   For more information give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

7433 W State Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$459,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,986 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6690143
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Under Construction new build home with a May 2024 move-in! This is an amazing single family 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom with a 2-car garage on north/south exposure homesite within the desirable Alto gated community!!! This Concerto floor plan features beautiful interior selections such as granite kitchen countertops, modern 42'' full overlay cabinets, contemporary imperfect smooth walls, and stainless kitchen appliances plus much more. Make time to visit this neighborhood soon! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

9437 E Spiral Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$459,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,377 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694633
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This adorable cozy home offers 3 large bedrooms with our Roosevelet Premium Palette, including a stainless gas range, dishwasher, and microwave with granite kitchen counters Tile floors in all the main living areas with upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. Many upgrades in plumbing and electrical bring this homes design together for a lovely home to move into. This home also offers a large four panel slider to the back patio. Stop by today to see why Eastmark is the #1 place to call home.

1263 E Palo Verde Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$459,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,549 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6637959
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
If you're looking for a ranch style, true 5 bedroom split floorplan, in Casa Grande, AZ then look no further! This home, built in 2018, consists of 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 2 car garage and sits on a corner lot 8,448 sqft in size. It has a very spacious backyard with lots of citrus trees and even a large covered patio for those fall, winter and spring nights you may want to enjoy the Arizona weather. This home has had only one owner and has been kept in meticulous condition. There is surround sound throughout and even a multi-camera owned security system and it's all located within the Cottonwood Ranch community of Casa Grande.

26825 W Kerry Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,990
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,574 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6642095
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender. This home offers two bedrooms two bathrooms, 4' garage extension, AV built-in, extension at rear of home, large laundry, gas stub and outlet package, 8' interior doors, stainless steel range/oven and microwave, dishwasher, upgraded flooring, cabinets, counter tops and surrounds. Upgraded electrical package and garage hobby package. Complete January 2024.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.