Contractors plan to increase hiring across most sectors

Construction firms continue to struggle to fill vacancies for craft workers and professionals, even with the offer of higher pay.

By Sharon O'Malley • Jan. 25, 2015

New federal guidelines could make it easier to qualify for mortgages

First-time homebuyers and investors are the most likely to take advantage of relaxed credit requirements.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 3, 2014

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Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Early prediction puts November home sales even with October's

That means more houses will sell this month than in November 2013.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 25, 2014

Construction industry creates jobs in 37 states

Still, a nationwide labor shortage is preventing employers from filling those jobs and keeping work on schedule.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 22, 2014

Existing home sales improve in October despite low inventory

Resales reach their highest year-over-year level in 12 months.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 22, 2014

Mortgage rates to increase moderately for 2015, according to Fannie Mae

While many economists predict 5% at some point next year, Fannie cut its outlook to 4.3%.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 22, 2014

Investors flip fewer homes as appreciation slows

The profit per home is at an all-time high for buyers who resell within a year.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 20, 2014

Construction of rental apartment buildings reaches 27-year high

Multifamily housing starts were down in October, but permits for future building were up.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 20, 2014

Lowe's, Home Depot see increased sales, thanks to improved housing market

Earnings still fell below Wall Street estimates, however.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 20, 2014

Freddie Mac predicts good news for housing in 2015

The November Economic and Housing Market Outlook forecasts higher interest rates and slightly better home sales.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 19, 2014

Realtors' economist says housing market can survive interest rate hike

Pent-up demand, consumer confidence, and a growing job market can offset the increase, he predicted.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 19, 2014

Single-family starts up in October, while multifamily construction slumps

Combined housing starts declined by 2.8%, but permits jumped 4.8%.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 19, 2014

Visa deal could prompt more Chinese to buy homes in U.S.

Longer stays mean the children of foreign nationals can be educated here.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Arizona builder offers to pay first year's mortgage to new buyers

A severe sales slump in the Phoenix area is forcing homebuilders to offer generous incentives.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

NAHB economist explains sluggish housing recovery

In a BUILDER article, David Crowe predicted better news for 2015.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Homebuilder confidence reaches 9-year high

That optimism contributed to a Wall Street rally on Tuesday.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

5 things to know about the future of housing

Realtor.com’s chief economist weighs in on home prices and the availability of credit.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Missed mortgage payments decline as economy improves

A lower delinquency rate could signal progress in the housing recovery.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Foreclosure filings show biggest increase in 4 years

Some of the spike is normal for October, as banks prepare to ease up for the holidays.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Institutional construction sees first growth in 6 years

Building of K-12 schools pulls the sector out of a long slump.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 17, 2014

Construction of Keystone XL pipeline to create thousands of jobs

As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote, agencies disagree about the number of positions at stake.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 17, 2014

Mortgage applications for new homes rise 8%

More buyers want higher-priced homes than entry-level abodes.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 17, 2014

It's getting harder for middle-income buyers to afford new homes

Still, economists say low interest rates and strong job growth make this a good time to buy.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 17, 2014

Growth of remodeling industry remains slow

Analysts predict a spike by the end of 2015.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 14, 2014

Pent-up desire for homeownership will 'uncoil' as more millennials marry

Young adults who delay nuptials also put off buying homes, analysis shows.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 14, 2014