Dive Brief:

• On the same day that home builders' outlook is reported to be improving, mortgage-insurer Fannie Mae had a dour prediction for housing sales.
• While Fannie looks at home sales, not construction, for how it will contribute to the economy, the two are related. Chief Economist Doug Duncan said, "We have downgraded our outlook following the disappointing housing activity seen during the first half of the year."
• The problem for everyone trying to sell a house – new or existing – is that buyers are just not feeling comfortable taking on big purchases like homes.

Dive Insight:

It is a contest of optimists versus pessimists, and Duncan pretty well summed up the down side: "We currently estimate that 2014 will finish lower in total sales figures than 2013 – and that 2015, while stronger than 2013 and 2014, will not be the breakout year some are expecting."