A Look at the Boom in Home Builder Stocks During 2023
In 2023, stocks for the 10 biggest U.S. home builders outperformed the S&P 500. What does that say about the housing market?
Housing Demand Could Rebound in 2024 as Mortgage Rates Ease
The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts lower mortgage rates could bring homebuyers back into the market in 2024
The Federal Reserve Tightens Its Grip on the US Housing Market
Mortgage rates just surpassed a 23-year high, and experts say more rate hikes are on the horizon
Why Does the Housing Market Feel Like It's 1996?
The number of mortgage applications is currently at levels not seen since the mid-'90s
High Monthly Housing Expenses Are a Cause for Pause
With high median monthly mortgage payments, prospective buyers and sellers aren't too eager to jump into the for-sale market
How Much Does Homeownership Actually Cost?
A new study breaks down the costs of owning a home, from the initial down payment to utilities and everything in between
Banks issuing more jumbo mortgages, could boost home sales in wealthier areas
So-called “jumbo” mortgages are back in vogue. Although still far below 2007 levels, more smaller and regional lenders, as well as some big banks, are issuing more large loans, The Wall Street Journal reported. The increase in jumbo mortgages could help boost home sales in wealthier areas.
Add value rather than cut prices
Though counterintuitive in today’s market, a new pricing study from McKinsey & Co. suggests that a modest price increase on a cost-per-square foot basis might be worth considering.
Obama administration changes position on foreclosures
Last year, the Obama administration was committed to mitigating the wave of foreclosures. Now, CNNMoney reports that officials are highlighting the need for foreclosures, calling them “an important part of ensuring longer-term stability in the market."
Homeownership rate lowest in a decade
The percentage of households that owned their home hit its lowest level since 1999. The rate for the July-September quarter remained unchanged at 66.9%. Homeownership reached its peak in 2004, with more than 69% of households owning their home.
Toll Brothers settles lawsuit for $25 million
Toll Brothers, the largest luxury home builder in the U.S., agreed to a $25 million settlement in an investor lawsuit, Reuters reported. Investors claimed the company overstated its ability to manage to housing slump. Toll Brothers denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.
Report: Positive outlook for 2011 residential construction market
The single-family housing market will grow 27 percent in dollars in 2011. That translates into a 25 percent increase in the number units to 565,000, according to the McGraw-Hill Construction Outlook report. Multifamily housing is also expected to increase in '11.
Centex purchase haunts Pulte one year later
Pulte suffered nearly $1 billion in losses in the third quarter as orders fell and charges racked up on its $1.3-billion purchase of Centex a year ago, the Wall Street Journal reported. To combat the losses, the company plans to reduce costs by nearly $100 million next year by consolidating divisions and cutting staff. Pulte reported losses of about $360 million a year ago.
Sales
9 Traits of Sales-Driven Home Builders
Even in this economy, there are builders in all markets producing good numbers. How are they doing it?
Owens Corning profits fall in third quarter
Owens Corning, a housing materials manufacturer, said its third quarter revenue fell 12 percent to $1.19 billion, Fox Business reported. Wall Street had predicted revenue of $1.26 billion.
Housing market to recover in 2012, West Coast to lead the way
The Concord Group, a California-based real estate strategy firm, predicts that national home sales will improve by early 2012, with annual housing units ramping up to 640,000 by the fourth quarter of 2012. The West Coast has the strongest long-term growth potential, according to the group.