The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) composite reports builder confidence rose from 41 in April to 44 in May, as all three indexes that make up the composite gained. The HMI is based on builders’ perceptions of current sales, sales expectations, and traffic of prospective buyers, all of which showed an increase for May. MHProNews has learned the HMI has been used for 25 years. “Builders are noting an increased sense of urgency among potential buyers as a result of thinning inventories of homes for sale, continuing affordable mortgage rates and strengthening local economies,” says NAHB Chairman Rick Judson. The three-month moving averages revealed no changes in the Northeast, Midwest, or South, with index scores of 37, 45, and 42 respectively, while the West dropped six points to 49.
