Builder confidence for new, single-family homes rose three points to 59, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), bringing the index to its highest mark in almost eight years. Any number over 50 is rated as “good”, MHProNews has learned. The index measures current sales, traffic of prospective customers and sales expectations for the next six months. Says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe, “Builder confidence continues to strengthen along with rising demand for a limited supply of new and existing homes in most local markets. However, this positive momentum is being slowed by the ongoing headwinds of tight credit and low supplies of finished lots and labor.” Regionally, the Midwest gained six points to 60, the West also moved up six points, to 57, while the South notched a four-point gain and the Northeast remained steady at 39.

(Photo credit: Sue Orgocki/Associated Press)