Fannie Mae: Consumer optimism toward housing market stumbles

Americans are pessimistic about their finances and the economy. But the survey did offer some good news regarding the number of people who would prefer to buy rather than rent.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 10, 2015

NAHB: Housing markets in 75 metros back to 'normal'

The number of building permits lags behind the progress of home prices and local employment.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 7, 2015

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Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Study: Student debt causes millennials to delay homeownership

A survey from Bankrate and a new book from the University of Kansas revealed that taking out loans for college has a long-term impact on the borrowers’ life decisions.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 6, 2015

Floundering power sector cripples June construction spending growth

The monthly number changed little since May, but year-over-year, spending reached near-record levels.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 4, 2015

The buyers are coming: 5 signs more applicants will qualify for mortgages

Fitch Ratings predicts "a steady easing" of credit requirements will allow more loan applicants to become first-time homeowners — which means good news for builders trying to reach the coveted customers.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 4, 2015

Oil slump fails to dampen Texas real estate prices, sales

Home values in the Lone Star State reached a record high in the second quarter. But will the effects of the struggling economy soon catch up to the market?

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 4, 2015

ABC: Construction unemployment dips below 10% in all 50 states

But as contractors continue to struggle to fill jobs, they are creating fewer of them, the association reported.

By Sharon O'Malley • Aug. 3, 2015

Boston named 'healthiest' U.S. housing market

Las Vegas took last place in WalletHub's comparison of the ease of buying a home in 25 major metros.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 31, 2015

AGC: 127 cities lost construction jobs in past year

Still, 180 metros bolstered contractor payrolls, despite lack of congressional action on a long-term highway bill.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 30, 2015

Homeownership plummets to 48-year low

If the rate slips just a little further — as economists warn is likely — it could set a new record low.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 29, 2015

Pace of home-price growth slows in May

Housing values rose year over year, but not as much as economists had forecast, Case-Shiller reported.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 29, 2015

Lenders tip-toe back into ADC market, with lots of conditions

After licking their wounds from the recession, banks are asking for more equity, smaller project sizes and very few spec homes.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 28, 2015

Hispanics shut out of housing market by traditional measures of creditworthiness

Housing and consumer advocates have called on lenders to consider alternative ways to determine whether an applicant can repay a loan.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 28, 2015

Unanticipated dip in June new home sales hampers industry optimism

The 6.8% decrease confirmed warnings from some economists, who said increasingly tight inventory would have a negative impact on the market.

By Emily Peiffer • July 24, 2015

Fannie Mae: Home sales to reach 8-year high in 2015

A pending interest rate increase will not trump job growth and rising consumer confidence, according to the agency.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 24, 2015

AGC: 'Troubling' stats reveal 25 states lost construction jobs in June

The association said the industry may be holding back on hiring because of uncertainty over long-term federal funding for highway work.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 23, 2015

Swelling demand boosts June existing home sales to 8-year high

The NAR reported home prices also rose as the market offers limited available inventory.

By Emily Peiffer • July 22, 2015

Zacks: High supply costs, lack of labor cripple homebuilding growth

The investment research firm reported that tight inventory, strict lenders and low oil prices are eating away at homebuilders’ gross margins.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 22, 2015

Foreclosure starts dip to pre-recession levels

RealtyTrac's report offered good news for the economy, as a dwindling inventory of foreclosed properties on the market is a sign of overall improvement.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 17, 2015

ABC: Construction material costs barely rise as 'crisis economics' define market

The association's chief economist said, "At some point, prices will begin to rise, perhaps aggressively."

By Sharon O'Malley • July 16, 2015

4 reasons housing will finish strong in 2015

A new Capital Economics report found that home sales, inventory, prices and mortgage rates are all poised for increases.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 14, 2015

College degree can make it harder to save down payments

Student debt and a slim earnings gap in one-third of the Top 100 markets mean high school grads can  buy homes sooner than those with university diplomas.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 10, 2015

More consumers than ever say now is a good time to sell a home

That attitude could lead existing homeowners to list their properties for sale, boosting the housing inventory and spurring purchases.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 7, 2015

WSJ endorses construction as 'best career path' for non-college grads

The industry is hiring faster than manufacturing and is expected to continue on that path for the foreseeable future.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 6, 2015

Why homes sell faster when gas prices drop

With pump prices predicted to dip to their lowest level in six years, expect homebuying to put the pedal to the metal.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 6, 2015