For the first time in seven years, builder confidence for newly-built single-family homes has surpassed the 50th percentile mark, which indicates builders see the market as good rather than poor. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) gained eight points to 52. Based on a survey the NAHB has been conducting for 25 years, the HMI measures builder perceptions of current sales, prospective buyers, and sales expectations for the coming six months. The index has not risen eight points since the fall of 2002. “This is the first time the HMI has been above 50 since April 2006, and surpassing this important benchmark reflects the fact that builders are seeing better market conditions as demand for new homes increases,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson. Regionally, the Northeast, South and Midwest all posted gains while the West fell one point, as MHProNews has learned.

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