Construction employment growth slows in March

A 13,300-job increase in the nonresidential sector outweighed a 7,600-job loss in the residential segment last month.

By Mary Tyler March • April 7, 2017

These states had the highest single-family property tax rates in 2016

Owner households paid more property taxes than non-owners last year, highlighting another factor would-be buyers face when shifting from renting to owning.

By Mary Tyler March • April 7, 2017

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Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Portland, OR looks to backyard tiny houses to shelter homeless

Through a new pilot project, Multnomah County will pay homeowners to build tiny houses in their backyards and host a homeless family for five years.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 6, 2017

Low housing inventory is keeping sellers from trading up

Today’s housing market favors sellers, but many are reluctant to put their home on the market for fear of not being able to find a replacement in time, Redfin reported.

By Hallie Busta • April 6, 2017

Number of new homes priced under $250K continues to decline

Elevated home values triggered by tight inventory conditions across all housing categories is one contributor to the relative growth in bigger-ticket sales.

By Mary Tyler March • April 6, 2017

NY lawmakers strike deal to bring back 421-a tax break

The revived plan mirrors an earlier proposal by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and will be tied to rent regulation to encourage more affordable housing development.

By Mary Tyler March • April 6, 2017

More debt among older adults could hinder downsizing

Household debt projections from the New York Federal Reserve show the 60-plus age group with more debt, possibly due to helping family with college loans.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 5, 2017

Report: How 'trading up' impacts monthly mortgage payments

The need for existing owners to free up entry-level inventory persists, but elevated home prices can make moving a challenge.

By Mary Tyler March • April 5, 2017

HUD's Carson: Infrastructure bill could include affordable housing

So far, Trump's proposed 2018 budget cuts some federal infrastructure and housing programs and defers funding responsibility to state and local governments.

By Mary Tyler March • April 5, 2017

CoreLogic: Home prices continue to climb in February

While prices maintain their upward trend, forecasts indicate the potential for the rate of increase to taper in some markets soon.

By Mary Tyler March • April 4, 2017

Report: Majority black, Hispanic neighborhoods face greater rent burden

Rising rents can become a roadblock to homeownership, as a larger share of income going to rent means less available to save for a down payment.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 4, 2017

Most fully affordable housing built in areas with few resources

RentCafé reported that more low- and middle-income housing exists in neighborhoods deemed less desirable than in resource-rich areas nationwide.

By Hallie Busta • April 4, 2017

Construction spending bounces back in February

Private residential construction led the month while nonresidential spending declined slightly, according to the latest Commerce Department figures.

By Mary Tyler March • April 3, 2017

Fate of US–Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement still in limbo

British Columbia's softwood trade envoy said there's a chance a new deal could be reached by fall. If that doesn't happen, it could become part of the NAFTA talks.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 3, 2017

Apartment rental occupancy falls as rents rise nationwide

Developers are responding to the demand drop-off with larger concessions and more robust amenity packages.

By Katy Tomasulo • April 3, 2017

Toll Brothers eyes NYC's Hudson Square for next City Living project

The multifamily division is responding to shifts in the high-end market by looking to the mid-luxury space and focusing on joint ventures.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 31, 2017

US housing affordability drops to lowest level in more than 7 years

Among counties, one in four housing markets across the country was less affordable during the first quarter of 2017 than the historical average for the period.

By Mary Tyler March • March 31, 2017

CA continues to lead most active housing markets in March

The addition of three Midwestern cities to Realtor.com's monthly list indicates the growing appeal of secondary metro areas for their affordability.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 31, 2017

ABC: Contractor confidence tumbles at end of 2016, remains in positive territory

Survey respondents said they don't expect to see benefits from President Donald Trump's major infrastructure promises for at least the next six months. 

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

Ford to invest $1.2B in MI production plants

The investment comes nearly one year after the auto manufacturing giant announced a $1.2 billion overhaul of its Dearborn, MI, campus.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

How to encourage Hispanic participation amid the construction labor shortage

Training and support are key to attracting and retaining Hispanic workers during a period of heightened focus on immigration issues.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

Turner exec testifies to Congress on skills gap, labor shortage in construction

Rory DeJohn, a senior vice president for the company, highlighted the importance of training programs and outreach to younger people.

By Kim Slowey • March 30, 2017

Banking on dealers: Can builders still count on lumber yards for credit?

Long a de facto bank, building material dealers are rethinking credit arrangements to manage risk as the lending landscape tightens for their customers.

By Debbie Reslock • March 30, 2017

Housing density in Los Angeles could help climate change fight

Reducing the number of vehicles on the road is one outcome of infill projects, per a report from nonprofit Next 10 and the University of California, Berkeley.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 30, 2017

TX lawmakers consider voluntary roofer certification

Previous attempts to implement similar industry oversight initiatives there have failed, making it the lone Gulf state without regulations targeting roofers.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 30, 2017