US builder confidence falls on weak supply, labor

Homebuilder confidence rises in May from April

Published: May 15, 2013
Tags: homebuilders, housing market, National Association of Home Builders

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rebounded this month, reflecting improved sales trends during the spring home-selling season and the strongest outlook for sales over the next six months in more than six years.

US home building is surging, but job growth isn’t

Published: May 9, 2013
Tags: Drywall, home building, homebuilders, housing market, National Association of Home Builders

The resurgent U.S. housing market has sent builders calling again for Richard Vap, who owns a drywall installation company. Vap would love to help. And he would — if he could hire enough qualified people.

March construction spending down 1.7 percent

Published: May 1, 2013
Tags: Commerce Department, construction spending, home building, homebuilders

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in March as the biggest drop in government projects in more than a decade overwhelmed strength in home building.

Home prices up 9.3 percent, most in 7 years

Published: April 30, 2013
Tags: home prices, homebuilders, National Association of Realtors

U.S. home prices rose 9.3 percent in February compared with a year ago, the most in nearly seven years. The gains were driven by a growing number of buyers who bid on a limited supply of homes.

Homebuilders face land shortage

Published: April 29, 2013
Tags: Anthony Federspill, Anthony Thomas, Anthony Thomas Builders, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, homebuilders, Jerry Deschane, John Siepmann, Matt Neumann, mba, Metropolitan Builders Association, Neumann Co., Siepmann Realty, WBA, Wisconsin Builders Association

The Wisconsin Builders Association predicts 14,000 new houses will be constructed in the state this year, but with land development still in a slump, contractors might as well be building castles in the air.

US housing starts surpass 1 million in March

Published: April 16, 2013
Tags: homebuilders, housing market, National Association of Home Builders

U.S. homebuilders broke the 1 million mark in March, the highest level since June 2008. The gain signals continued strength for the housing recovery at the start of the spring buying season.

Rising costs weigh on US homebuilder confidence

Published: April 15, 2013
Tags: homebuilders, National Association of Home Builders

U.S. homebuilders are concerned that limited land and rising costs for building materials and labor will slow sales in the short term.

First step to housing market recovery: Find the carpenters

Published: April 3, 2013
Tags: Belman Homes, carpenters, homebuilders, housing market, Perrin Carpentry, Scott Sommer, Sommer’s Finish Carpentry, Wisconsin Builders Association

The economic downturn hammered carpenter Scott Sommer’s residential finishing business.

US housing starts rise, permits at 4 ½-year high

Published: March 19, 2013
Tags: apartments, building permits, homebuilders, housing starts

U.S. builders started more houses and apartments in February, while requesting permits for future construction at the fastest pace in 4 ½ years. The increases point to a housing recovery that is gaining strength.