Builders Are Really, Really Confident in Housing – NMP Skip to main content

Builders Are Really, Really Confident in Housing

May 15, 2017
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) rose two points in May

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) rose two points in May, the second highest reading since the 2008 downturn.
 
Two of the three HMI components were up this month: The index charting sales expectations in the next six months jumped four points to 79 and the index gauging current sales conditions increased two points to 76. But the component measuring buyer traffic dipped by one point to 51. The three-month moving averages for HMI scores posted gains in three out of the four regions: the Northeast and South each took three-point gains to hit 49 and 71, respectively, while the West rose one point to 78. The Midwest was unchanged at 68.
 
“This report shows that builders’ optimism in the housing market is solidifying, even as they deal with higher building material costs and shortages of lots and labor,” said NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald, a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas. 

 
About the author
Published
May 15, 2017
Garg Claims Majority In Better Fight, Board Poised To Honor Vote

Founder says he secured more than 51% of voting power to remove five directors, pending confirmation by a third-party inspector

Oct 01, 2026
Rocket Makes VantageScore Its Default After Testing Finds Borrower Savings

After four months of testing, Rocket will make VantageScore 4.0 its preferred model for eligible retail loans while keeping both scoring options available to brokers

Sep 29, 2026
CHLA: More Freddie Mac MBS Buying Could Narrow Mortgage Spreads

Trade group estimates greater Freddie participation could compress spreads another 10 to 12 basis points as Fannie has taken the lead in GSE mortgage-bond buying

Sep 23, 2026
Early Loan-Limit Race Splits Into Three Tiers

Lenders are now offering $845,000, $847,440, or $850,000 before FHFA sets the official 2027 limits

Sep 23, 2026
Better, Garg Clash Over Claimed 46% Shareholder Support

Better disputes its former CEO’s preliminary consent count as the two sides trade accusations and an Oct. 2 target date approaches

Sep 23, 2026