by NAHB Driven by strong buyer demand and the expectation of higher mortgage rates, new home sales ended the year on a strong note, reaching their highest level since March 2021. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in December increased 11.9% to an 811,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly revised reading in November, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. New home sales were down 7.3% in 2021 compared to the previous year. “Though builders continue to grapple with higher construction costs, the December data reveal ongoing demand for new construction, given lean inventories of resale homes,” said NAHB Chairman…

NAHB At the urging of NAHB and other business groups, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the Clean Water Act that would clarify an earlier ruling from the nation’s highest court issued in 2006. The Supreme Court indicated it will hear the case perhaps when its new term begins in October. NAHB and other stakeholders are hoping the decision will provide the regulatory certainty that landowners, states and local governments need so they know where to avoid impacts to wetlands, streams, and ponds. In the 2006 case Rapanos vs. U.S., the Supreme Court issued a split 4-1-4 decision regarding the definition of  “waters of the United States.” (WOTUS) that led to…

by NAHB Growing inflation concerns and ongoing supply chain disruptions snapped a four-month rise in home builder sentiment even as consumer demand remains robust. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes moved one point lower to 83 in January, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. The HMI has hovered at the 83 or 84 level, the same rate as the spring of 2021, for the past three months. “Higher material costs and lack of availability are adding weeks to typical single-family construction times,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “NAHB analysis indicates the aggregate cost of residential construction materials has increased almost 19% since December 2020. Policymakers…

Now, it's no secret that this year has been extremely hard on everyone. It's always good to look back and reflect on how we could make it better for the community around us. We at the HBA of Dayton wanted to help you find ways to spread the holiday cheer this year. Here are a few things you can do to help those in need. FOOD DRIVES The Food Bank The Foodbank brings food, comfort and hope to hungry families in the Dayton area. For over four decades, The Foodbank has been the primary food supplier to the hunger relief network in Montgomery, Greene and Preble counties. Food and related supplies are acquired and…

NAHB Severe weather and tornadoes swept across the central United States Dec. 10-11, causing extreme damage to communities. The worst recorded tornado, known as the “Quad-State Tornado,” left a trail of destruction nearly 250 miles long across Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky. In response, NAHB is working closely with state and local home builders associations in the region to meet the needs of members who were affected by severe weather and provide resources to help them rebuild. For individuals interested in supporting relief efforts in the hard-hit state of Kentucky, the Home Builders Association of Kentucky recommends supporting the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. According to the fund’s website, the fund: Was established by Kentucky Governor Andy…

NAHB Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, home builder confidence edged higher for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory. Builder sentiment in the market for newly-built single-family homes moved one point higher to 84 in December, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This ties the highest reading of the year that was posted in February. “While demand remains strong, finding workers, predicting pricing, and dealing with material delays remains a challenge,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “Policymakers need to work on supply chain improvements and controlling costly inflation. Addressing lumber tariffs would be a good place to start.” “The most pressing issue…