Builder Confidence at 20-Month High – NMP
Industry News

Builder Confidence at 20-Month High

Oct 17, 2019
Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes rose three points to 71 in October

Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes rose three points to 71 in October, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This marks the highest level of optimism on the HMI since February 2018.
 
All the HMI indices rose in October: The HMI index gauging current sales conditions was up three points to 78, the component measuring sales expectations in the next six months jumped six points to 76 and the measure charting traffic of prospective buyers saw a four-point increase to 54. Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast posted a one-point gain to 60, the Midwest also saw a one-point uptick to 58, the South registered a three-point increase to 73 and the West was also up three points to 78.
 
“The second half of 2019 has seen steady gains in single-family construction, and this is mirrored by the gradual uptick in builder sentiment over the past few months,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “However, builders continue to remain cautious due to ongoing supply side constraints and concerns about a slowing economy.”
 
According to Urban Land Institute's recent Real Estate Economic Forecast, inventory problems related to construction costs will hamper the single-family housing market, even as the economy remains on solid footing.
 
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
Oct 17, 2019
Get the NMP Daily
Industry News
Newfi And Addy AI Announce Partnership

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending.Newfi has built innovative lending products and a modern approach to the mortgage market. As the industry evolves, the company continues to exp...

Continue reading
Analysis and Data
Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings

The typical down payment fell 9% from a year ago, while shifting market conditions are giving originators different affordability conversations across the country

Homebuyers are putting less money down than they were a year ago, another sign that increased inventory and greater negotiating room are changing the purchase market.The typical down payment fell to $27,100 in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest second-quarter dollar amou...

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
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
MPF Expands Eligibility For Manufactured And Renovation Loans

The Mortgage Partnership Finance Program has expanded MPF Traditional eligibility for affordable loans, manufactured homes, renovations, and lender-funded assistance

Industry News
Sep 22, 2026