| The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said lower mortgage rates have stabilized builder confidence, while “low unemployment, solid job growth and favorable demographics should support housing demand” going forward.In the absence of data due to the partial government shutdown, the NAHB estimates single-family starts totaled 876,000 units in 2018, a 3% yearly gain, with a Q4 sales dip boosting inventories in some markets.Freddie Mac’s chief economist says, “consumer mortgage demand and homebuilder construction sentiment are on the mend, which indicates that lower interest rates are beginning to have a positive impact.” |
