I am intrigued by real estate and intend to pursue my real estate license within the next few months. That said, homebuilders tend to make good investments only when the housing market is booming, much like it did before the 2007 housing collapse. Foreclosures have led to a glut of properties on the market, driving down prices nationwide and limiting homebuilders' ability to build new homes. But changes to the industry may be coming.
Recent results are promising
Third-place home builder Lennar's
Housing numbers released in November point to a small recovery in housing. Single-family construction was up 1.5% in November over the previous year, with the number of contracts signed to purchase homes at an 18-month high. Foreclosure filings also hit a four-year low last year, reducing the number of foreclosure properties on the market and giving the homebuilders room in the market to build homes.
Future results will complete the picture
First-place builder D.R. Horton
Future looks bright
While I don't expect Lennar and its ilk to return to housing-boom construction levels, I am very bullish on the prospects of the third-place home builder going forward. In fact, I'll be making a CAPS call as soon as this article is published, and you'll be able to track my progress here. You can also add these leading housing builders to your Watchlist to track the recovery of the housing industry during the next year and beyond.