Category Archives: Uncategorized

March was an extremely busy month for builders.

Single family permits rose 70% for the month of March. This increase pushed the overall permit numbers for the first quarter to 1,402 for a 51% increase. We have seen an 83% increase in permit activity since 2011. Single family … Continue reading

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Supply of homes starts to catch up with sales

The supply of newly listed homes for sale is starting to show signs of keeping pace with buyer activity in some of the nation’s hottest real estate markets, new data suggest. In 21 of 24 major metropolitan markets tracked by … Continue reading

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Left to your own devices

Here’s a Constructech piece that explores a simple question for your field and on-site construction associates: smartphone or tablet? Is there a company preference for your mobile associates? How about a policy? Leaving your team members to their own devices may lead … Continue reading

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Guess what? Americans believe housing’s back

Fifty-one percent of Americans expect home prices to increase in their area, up from 33% last year and above 50% for the first time since 2007. Also, 63% say their home is worth more than when they bought it, up … Continue reading

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Multifamily starts overheated has finance triggers building boom

National Association of Home Builders economist Paul Emrath pores over the latest Census Bureau data for insight on the apartment construction component of housing starts. Emrath notes “the current moving average seems a bit too high to sustain going forward-a … Continue reading

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Americans prioritize economy over environment

For the fifth consecutive year, Americans are more likely to prioritize economic growth (48%) over protecting the environment (43%) when the two goals are at odds. Gallup has recent data. Read More

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Top 20 U.S. markets for single-family rentals

Where can you make the most money as a rental-housing landlord, according to a study released today by foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac? The Wall Street Journal‘s Robbie Whelan reports. The WSJ is a paid-subscription site. Read More

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Profits or not, GSE overhaul is necessary: Henry Paulson

Henry Paulson, who took Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into federal conservatorship in 2008, said he’s worried that the companies’ return to profitability may be seen as reason to scrap an overhaul of U.S. mortgage finance. Bloomberg/ BusinessWeek‘s Clea Benson … Continue reading

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Can you say, ‘bidding wars?’ They’re back!

Seemingly overnight, many of the nation’s major housing markets have gone from stagnant to sizzling, with for-sale listings spurring bidding wars among a large number of house hunters. CNN/Money‘s Les Christie reports. Read More

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Jobs report underwhelms: 88,000 jobs, 7.6% Unemployment Rate

Get ready for gloom-and-doomers to have their day. The Bureau of Labor Statistics March employment report came in this morning, with underwhelming tallies: 88,000 new jobs created (vs. expectations of nearly 200k), and a 7.6% unemployment rate that reflected more … Continue reading

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