NAHB analysis of the 2016 Census Bureau Survey of Construction (SOC) data shows that reliance on non-conventional forms of financing varied across the United States, with its share exceeding 37% in the South Atlantic division but accounting for less than 20% of new single-family home starts in the East South Central and East North Central divisions. Nationwide, the share of… Read More ›

The prices of softwood lumber, OSB, and ready-mix concrete increased by 2.5%, 2.9%, and 0.5%, respectively, in August according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In contrast, the price paid for gypsum fell 0.6%, its first monthly decline since May. Softwood lumber prices rose for the second consecutive month the 3.0% decrease in June. … Read More ›

According to recently released data from the Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (ASE), 61.3 percent of American construction firms are profitable commercial enterprises.  The differences between construction and businesses in other industries in this regard are relatively minor.  As Exhibit 1 shows, the shares of construction businesses recording positive profits, breaking even, and sustaining losses are all within 1.2 percentage points of the averages across all U.S. industries. The… Read More ›

The count of unfilled jobs in the construction sector continued to rise in July, following an increase in June and a soft month in May. Given the significant need for repair and restoration work in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we can expect additional increases in the months ahead. NAHB, for example, estimates a need for an additional 10,000 to 20,000 construction… Read More ›

Households paying 30 percent of more in rent, a threshold long used by the federal government to identify “rent-burdened” households, has been a significant housing issue for some time. Nearly half of renter households (48 percent) in the U.S. were rent-burdened in 2015.[1]  The large share of rent-burdened households is a symptom of the broader affordability problem in the housing… Read More ›

It’s tough being a first-time buyer in today’s housing market. Don’t make it even harder (or more expensive) for yourself by making these common mistakes.

Calculate the return on your home and how it compares to returns on stocks, bonds and overall home prices.

Out-of-pocket costs that crop up during the homebuying process, or even when you’re moving in, can put an unexpected strain on your already-hurting bank account.

Home prices have reached another record high, and buyers are feeling the pressure. But there has been one saving grace for buyers: mortgage rates.

Read full story for latest details.

A recent Zillow analysis on the best markets for first-time homebuyers finds that the best deals are in the Southeast and the Midwest.

If buying a house is on your short-term to-do list, experts say keep your down payment funds liquid. Looking to buy further down the road? You have some more options.

Read full story for latest details.

In the middle of your house hunt and feeling a bit overwhelmed? We talked to recent home buyers to get their tips for navigating the market.

Over the past 10 years, three million first-time home buyers have been shut out of the housing market, according to a new report.

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle Millennials face when it comes to buying a home. And in some major cities, it will take at least a decade to save enough to put 20% down.

Read full story for latest details.

Looking to make a move to a new city? Here are the 10 fastest growing large cities in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.

Read full story for latest details.

Read full story for latest details.