Dive summary:

• TRI Pointe Homes, the first initial public offering of a builder since 2004, looked good in its debut on the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 31, rising 12% from its $17 opening share price.
• TRI Pointe's focus so far has been on northern and southern California in planned communities, though it plans a move into Colorado before mid-year.
• The company – trading under the symbol TPH – had hoped to open at $14 to $16 a share, but that was upped to $17 as other builders turned in great performances, and TRI Pointe shares closed at $19.05 the first day and were at $18.49 in after-hours trading on Monday.

From the article:

After the worst housing slump in generations, steadily improving data on home prices, home sales, and construction permits have recently rejuvenated housing stocks. ...