According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for July, builder confidence for newly-built single-family homes rose six points to 57, the index’s third consecutive monthly gain and the highest reading since Jan. 2006. Based on builder perceptions of current home sales, traffic of prospective buyers and sales expectations for the coming six months, any number over 50 indicates builders see the market as good rather than poor. While the numbers show definite improvement in the newly-built housing market, NAHB Chairman Rick Judson cautions, “This positive momentum could be disrupted by threats on the policy side, particularly with regard to the mortgage interest deduction and federal support for the housing finance system.” MHProNews has learned all four regions registered positive news: The Northeast gained four points to 40, the Midwest moved up eight points to 54, while the South increased five-points to 50 and the West hit 51 after moving up three points.
