The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/First American Leading Markets Index (LMI) reports 52 out of 350 housing markets have returned to pre-recessionary levels of activity. Based on current housing permits, prices and employment data, the nationwide housing market is running at 85 percent of normal activity. MHProNews has learned Baton Rouge, LA, Honolulu, Austin and Houston, Texas, Oklahoma City and Harrisburg, PA top the list in exceeding previous norms. “The housing markets of 118 metros scored by the LMI this month show activity levels of at least 90 percent of their previous norms – a very encouraging sign of things to come,” said Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Co., which co-sponsors the LMI report.

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