Thursday, September 17, 2009

Housing momentum continues

Historically-low mortgage rates, stabilizing but still-low prices, and a first-time home buyer tax credit all combined to provide a lift to housing starts, while the more forward-looking building permits continued to move ahead.

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Housing starts in August grew 1.5% from June’s upwardly-revised figure to 598,000 annualized units.  Starts are now up four-consecutive months after  hitting a low in April of 465,000 units, though single-family homes eased slightly.

Building permits, which provide an indication of future activity, increased a modest 2.7% to 579,000 units.

Builder confidence edge up based on yesterday’s Housing Market Index but some construction outfits are looking cautiously past November 30, when the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers is set to expire.

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