Builder Confidence Hits 18-Year Peak – NMP
Industry News

Builder Confidence Hits 18-Year Peak

Dec 19, 2017
Confidence

Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes is at an 18-year high, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). With a five-point uptick brining the HMI to a level of 74 for December, the index is at its highest level since July 1999.
 
All three HMI components were on the rise: the component measuring buyer traffic rose eight points to 58, the index gauging current sales conditions increased four points to 81 and the index charting sales expectations in the next six months took a three-point leap to 79. Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Midwest climbed six points to 69, the South rose three points to 72, the West increased two points to 79 and Northeast inched up a single point to 54.
 
“The HMI measure of home buyer traffic rose eight points, showing that demand for housing is on the rise,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “With low unemployment rates, favorable demographics and a tight supply of existing home inventory, we can expect continued upward movement of the single-family construction sector next year.”
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
Dec 19, 2017
Get the NMP Daily
Non-QM
What Non-QM Leaders Say Originators Should Do Before Year-End

At NMP’s Non-QM Town Hall, lender executives shared where they’re seeing volume, where originators can find untapped business, and why execution matters more than ever

The next Non-QM deal may not require another lead source.It could be an investor whose deal didn't work a year ago. A self-employed borrower sitting in an originator's CRM. A homeowner who needs cash but doesn't want to disturb a first mortgage. Or a past client who owns thr...

Continue reading
Tech
Newrez Turns Servicing Data Into Repeat Business For Brokers

HomeHub expansion routes financing interest from protected wholesale borrowers back to their originating loan officers

Newrez is extending its homeowner-engagement platform to wholesale borrowers, giving brokers a potential path back to clients when another mortgage opportunity emerges.HomeHub is now available to protected wholesale borrowers, allowing homeowners to monitor estimated home va...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
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

Industry News
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

Industry News
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

Industry News
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

C-Suite Strategies
Sep 23, 2026
Fannie Changes How Rent From A Former Home Counts

Fannie now prohibits leases for departing residences and permits market-analysis tools instead of Form 1007, creating a key documentation difference from Freddie Mac

Regulation and Compliance
Sep 22, 2026