Economy: Page 46
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Construction material prices hold steady in May
Crude petroleum and unprocessed energy material costs took a sharp downturn for the month, offsetting five-straight months of overall price growth.
By Mary Tyler March • June 13, 2017 -
Report: Homeownership barriers high for young buyers
The U.S. homeownership rate is turning up but challenges remain, particularly for first-time buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors.
By Hallie Busta • June 13, 2017 -
Demand for accessible design grows as square footage shrinks
The American Institute of Architects reported a continued trend toward universal design, single-floor plans and open layouts in Q1.
By Mary Tyler March • June 13, 2017 -
Midwest leads ranking of best states for retirees
Builders serving the 55-plus market should keep their eye on Nebraska, which topped LPL Financial's list due to its low cost of living and overall quality of life.
By Mary Tyler March • June 13, 2017 -
6 homebuilders make 2017 Fortune 500
Continued recovery in the housing market and strong price growth nationwide drove the industry's performance in this year’s ranking.
By Hallie Busta • June 12, 2017 -
Sacramento, CA gears up for 10K new homes
The Golden State’s capital city is getting a critical infusion of housing, with multiple projects coming online following a multiyear hold on development in the area.
By Hallie Busta • June 12, 2017 -
South, Southwest sweep list of 50 largest new-home markets
The Texas cities of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio landed among Builder magazine's annual list of the top new-home markets in the U.S. by closings.
By Mary Tyler March • June 12, 2017 -
Where mortgage payments are least affordable
Owners in the Midwest and Rust Belt spent a smaller share of income on mortgage payments than the national average while West Coast owners paid more.
By Mary Tyler March • June 12, 2017 -
Rent growth may be slowing, but affordability woes remain
A new report shows that full-time, minimum-wage earners can't afford to rent a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the U.S.
By Hallie Busta • June 12, 2017 -
Home prices set to cool in Pacific Northwest
Seattle and Portland, OR, have been dominating headlines in recent months as two of the most competitive housing markets in the country.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 9, 2017 -
Construction staff wages expected to rise 3.4% in 2017
Some positions, especially those that are field-related, have seen even higher rates of increases, according to research firm PAS.
By Kim Slowey • June 9, 2017 -
Home flipping market share is up, but returns slide
More flippers are financing their home purchases, indicating increased investment in the properties, though they're getting less back on resale than previously.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 9, 2017 -
TX homes are flying off the market, challenging affordability
With home prices and sales continuing to break records, observers question how long the state's major metros can hold out as affordable housing markets.
By Mary Tyler March • June 9, 2017 -
Mortgage borrowers' equity continues to improve
Texas had the highest percentage of homes with positive equity in Q1 while Nevada saw the largest share of underwater properties, according to CoreLogic.
By Mary Tyler March • June 9, 2017 -
Dodge Momentum Index recovers lost ground in May
Economists predict the commercial segment will continue to grow, though at a slower pace and despite a cooldown in occupancies and rents.
By Kim Slowey • June 8, 2017 -
Slow recovery kept 3M potential new buyers out of the market
This group has been held back by low confidence, tight credit, student loan debt and rising rents that are preventing down-payment savings.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 8, 2017 -
CO convention center expansion costs double to $233M
Officials attributed the cost increase to the skilled-labor shortage in Denver, climbing steel prices and building code requirements.
By Kim Slowey • June 8, 2017 -
Consumer confidence in buying a home falls to record low
However, the share of sellers saying now is a good time to sell a home reached a record high, according to Fannie Mae's latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index.
By Mary Tyler March • June 8, 2017 -
The best states for first-time buyers
GoBankingRates looked at foreclosure rates, first-time buyer market share, median home prices and the availability of home-loan programs across the country.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 8, 2017 -
Deep Dive
Economists advise: How to read market indicators
Analysis on the homebuilding market is plentiful, but the time to explore it all is not. We asked industry economists and analysts how they pick what to follow.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 8, 2017 -
Median construction worker age on par with US workforce — for now
Workers in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest are trending older, raising questions as to whether the industry is sufficiently preparing its labor pipeline.
By Mary Tyler March • June 8, 2017 -
US industrial construction climbs to a 10-year high
E-commerce companies are largely driving the demand for built-to-suit, high-performance distribution centers.
By Kim Slowey • June 8, 2017 -
Top 5 cities for middle-income buyers
Tight inventory and rising housing prices are making it difficult for middle-class buyers to afford a home in some of the country’s largest cities.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 7, 2017 -
NYC leads US metros with highest 'hidden' housing costs
Additional items like property tax rates, insurance and remodeling needs are often overlooked by first-time buyers when planning their home purchases.
By Katy Tomasulo • June 7, 2017 -
Urban Institute: Cash buyers have the upper hand in today's appraisals process
Investors buying homes in all-cash deals are straining already-tight for-sale inventory and edging out entry-level buyers seeking mortgages.
By Mary Tyler March • June 7, 2017