Builder Confidence Dips Slightly – NMP Skip to main content

Builder Confidence Dips Slightly

Nov 18, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/Venerala

Builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes took a one-point drop in November to 70, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). However, the NAHB also noted the past two months marked the highest sentiment levels in 2019.
 
The HMI index gauging current sales conditions was down two points to 76 and the measure charting traffic of prospective buyers was lower by one point to 53. The component measuring sales expectations in the next six months was up by one point to 77.
 
Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast posted a two-point gain to 62 while the West rode up by three points to 81 and the South inched one point higher to 74. The Midwest remained unchanged at 58.
 
“Single-family builders are currently reporting ongoing positive conditions, spurred in part by low mortgage rates and continued job growth,” said NAHB Chairman Greg Ugalde, a home builder and developer from Torrington, Conn. “In a further sign of solid demand, this is the fourth consecutive month where at least half of all builders surveyed have reported positive buyer traffic conditions.”

 
About the author
Published
Nov 18, 2019
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Jul 02, 2026