Housing Share of GDP in Q1 2024 Rises Above 16%
The increase marks the first time GDP has surpassed 16% since 2022
Shelter Costs Drive Inflation Higher Than Expected in January
January Consumer Price Index data show inflation increased more than anticipated as shelter costs continue to rise despite Federal Reserve policy tightening
Weighing the Effects of the Fed's and Treasury's Latest Announcements
The upshot of the Jan. 31 announcements is that while mortgage rates will stay higher for longer, they're likely to hold steady
NAHB CEO Tobin Says 'Housing Renaissance' on the Horizon
Responding to positive housing-related data such as falling mortgage rates and increased homebuyer activity, NAHB's CEO Jim Tobin is optimistic
Are Fed Rate Hikes a Thing of the Past?
The Federal Reserve held rates steady again in December and forecasts three rate cuts in 2024
What's in Store for the National Housing Market in 2024
According to the 2024 National Housing Market Outlook report released on Wednesday by Bright MLS, affordability will remain the biggest challenge
Building Materials
Lumber Prices Turn Negative for First Time This Year
After two months of continuous price drops, lumber costs are now down 0.6% from 2021’s starting price. Lumber futures for September dropped 5.6%…
Economics
How Does Inflation Affect the Housing Market?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly consumer price index found the cost of shelter increased 0.5% from May to June and up 2.6% compared to…
Market Data + Trends
Buyers' Sense of Urgency Dwindles, Bringing Relief to Market
Active listings are down 32% compared to one year ago, but that’s a significant improvement for the sizzling housing market. Despite the seemingly…
Affordability
Home Prices Outpace Income, Dropping Housing Affordability Rates
Monthly mortgage payments increased by 20% in May as family incomes increased by a comparatively meager 1.2%, according to the National…
Economics
What the Rise and Fall of Lumber Prices Reveal about the Pandemic Economy
The rise, fall, and now the volatility of lumber prices tell us three things about the pandemic economy
Building Materials
What’s With the Lumber Price Disconnect?
If lumber futures and mill prices are declining by double digit percentages, why not the street prices builders are paying?
Economics
Mortgage Activity Drops to Lowest Level
Despite a decline in rates, mortgage demand declined to its lowest level since the pandemic started.
Demographics
Majority of Young Adults Plan to Use Their Savings Toward Homeownership
A recent Zillow survey found three in five Millennials and Gen Zers will use their money saved during the pandemic toward a down payment on a home…
Market Data + Trends
Home Sales Return Strong in May to the Industry's Surprise
In an unexpected turn, home sales came back strong in May after several months of relaxing sales. From April to May, pending home sales increased…
Economics
Consumer Confidence Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Consumer confidence reached pre-pandemic levels in May despite short-term inflation expectations. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index…
