Podcast: Cautious Optimism for the Next Six Months
On the latest episode of NAHB’s Housing Developments podcast, co-hosts CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez record from New York City where they’re discussing the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) numbers with members of the media. Tune in this week to hear what’s going on with builder confidence, interest rate concerns that are dampening optimism, NAHB testimony on regulatory burden on home building and how NAHB is pushing back on House efforts to eliminate Job Corps.
Listen below or on your favorite podcast app. And be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.Latest from NAHBNow
IBS | Economics
Feb 26, 2025
Affordability Headwinds Driving Home Buyers’ Interest in Smaller, More Personalized Homes in 2025Home buyers continue to look toward smaller homes, with the median home size dropping from 2,200 square feet in 2023 to 2,150 square feet in 2024 — the lowest in 15 years — after holding strong at 2,300 square feet from 2019-2022. The same thing is happening to median lot sizes, which has dropped about 1,000 square feet in the last 15 years to 8,400 square feet.
IBS | Safety
Feb 26, 2025
NAHB Recognizes Leaders in Residential Construction SafetyToday the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) named the recipients of the 19th annual NAHB/Builders Mutual Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) for their commitment to exemplary safety and health programs in the residential construction industry. The 2024 SAFE Awards winners were honored at a ceremony held during the 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Feb 26, 2025
New Home Sales Slow in January 2025New home sales decreased in January to a three-month low, as housing affordability continues to sideline potential home buyers. Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6% throughout 2025, coupled with elevated home prices, creating a significant affordability challenge for both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade.
Economics
Feb 26, 2025
Year-over-Year Gain for Multifamily Missing MiddleThe missing middle construction sector includes development of medium-density housing, such as townhouses, duplexes and other small multifamily properties.
Economics
Feb 25, 2025
New and Existing Home Price Gap ShrinkingThe traditional price gap between new and existing homes was nearly nonexistent at the end of 2024. The median price for a new single-family home sold in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $419,200, a mere $9,100 above the existing home sales price of $410,100, according to U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors data (not seasonally adjusted – NSA).