David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Leading the economic recovery? Housing, according to the latest  NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index  (HMI), which was recently released. For September, the Index hit an all-time high of 83 for newly-built single-family homes, increasing five points since the last reading and surpassing the previous high of 78 in the Index's 35-year history.   While builder confidence is high, there are still a few elements that could be a cause for concern, according to experts.   "Historic traffic numbers have builders seeing positive market conditions, but many in the industry are worried about rising costs and delays for building materials, especially lumber," said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke, a custom home builder from Tampa, Fla. "More domestic lumber production or tariff relief is needed to avoid a slowdown in the market in the coming months." "Lumber prices are now up more than 170 percent since mid-April, adding more than $...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Positive numbers in builder confidence are pointing to market recovery, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) / Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The Index jumped 21 points to 58 in June for newly built single-family homes. According to the NAHB, any reading above 50 indicates a positive market.   Looking at regional numbers, the Northeast increased 31 points to 48 in June, while the South jumped 20 points to 62. In addition, the Midwest saw a 19-point increase to 51, and the West increased 22 points to 66.   "As the nation reopens, housing is well positioned to lead the economy forward," said NAHB Chairman Dean Mon, a home builder and developer from Shrewsbury, N.J. "Inventory is tight, mortgage applications are increasing, interest rates are low and confidence is rising. And buyer traffic more than doubled in one month even as builders report growing online and phone inquiries stemming from ...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Builder confidence remains strong, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. In November, the Index recorded a 70; at 51 or higher, builder confidence is overall positive. "Single-family builders are currently reporting ongoing positive conditions, spurred in part by low mortgage rates and continued job growth," Greg Ugalde, chairman of the NAHB, says. "In a further sign of solid demand, this is the fourth consecutive month where at least half of all builders surveyed have reported positive buyer traffic conditions." "We have seen substantial year-over-year improvement following the housing affordability crunch of late 2018, when the HMI stood at 60," Robert Dietz, chief economist at the NAHB, says. "However, lot shortages remain a serious problem, particularly among custom builders. Builders also continue to grapple with other affordabi...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com From the annoyance of a clogged drain to the nightmare of a flooded basement, plumbing problems can wreak a wide variety of havoc on a homeowner’s life. What many don’t realize, however, is that most of these problems are avoidable with a little preventative maintenance. If you wait for an issue to become obvious, the damage may already be done and the necessary repairs expensive. So grab your clipboard and a flashlight, and perform the following inspections recommended by Harts Services. 1. Survey the outside of your home . Take a close look at storm drains, gutters, pipe vents and downspouts to make sure they’re properly cleaned. If they’re clogged with debris, that could prevent water from flowing freely and cause it to leak into your home. Be sure to also check outdoor faucets for drips, which could be a sign of cracks. 2. Test your sump pump. If you have a sump pump in your basement, pour a gallon of water into the pit. Thi...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Builder confidence remains solid, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The April Index reading was 63; in March, it was 62. At 51 or higher, the general outlook is positive. "Builders report solid demand for new single-family homes but they are also grappling with affordability concerns stemming from a chronic shortage of construction workers and buildable lots," said Greg Ugalde, chairman of the NAHB, in a statement. "Ongoing job growth, favorable demographics and a low-interest rate environment will help to modestly spark sales growth in the near term," said Robert Dietz, chief economist of the NAHB. "However, supply-side headwinds that are putting upward pressure on housing costs will limit more robust growth in the housing market." Source: National Association of Home Builders www.DeemTeam.com DRE# 01266522