Homebuilder Confidence Rises for 8th Straight Month

Homebuilders continue to feed the bulls this month, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. Builder confidence for new single-family homes rose 2 points to 47, the highest level since April 2006.

Source: Author; data from NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

While this month's results are positive signs, the homebuilders' index has yet to cross above 50, which would mean optimism outweighs pessimism.

"Builders across the country are reporting some of the best sales conditions they've seen in more than five years, with more serious buyers coming forward and a shrinking number of vacant and foreclosed properties on the market," said Barry Rutenberg, NAHB chairman, in a statement today. However, he also noted that "today's overly stringent lending standards" are impeding families from qualifying for mortgages.

Looking ahead, NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe noted that he expects confidence to continue to trend upward in 2013.

More Expert Advice from The Motley Fool

The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for the next year. Find out which stock in our brand-new free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." I invite you to take a copy, free for a limited time. Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

Jeff Fischer and team have demystified options. And they can rack up income like $1,030... $2,626... and $3,228 on a schedule you can set your watch by!
That's why we're glad to announce every single one of their closely guarded strategies is available to YOU during May and June – 100% FREE, no strings attached! Just enter your email address in the box below...

Comments from our Foolish Readers

Help us keep this a respectfully Foolish area! This is a place for our readers to discuss, debate, and learn more about the Foolish investing topic you read about above. Help us keep it clean and safe. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Fool's Rules, please report it via the Report this Comment icon found on every comment.