The First American Leading Markets Index (LMI) of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates 56 of the approximately 350 metro areas in the U. S. have exceeded or returned to normal levels of economic and housing activity, seven more than one year ago. According to the LMI, the national average, as MHProNews has learned, is 89 percent of normal activity, and 78 percent of the markets have shown year-over-year gains. Baton Rouge, LA tops the metro list with a 39 percent gain over its last normal market level. Following are Honolulu, Oklahoma City, Houston and Austin, Texas, Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif., Salt Lake City, Des Moines and New Orleans. Smaller metros exceeding the average are clustered near energy exploration sites. ##

(Image credit: National Association of Home Builders)