The nation’s homebuilders are feeling better about the state of their industry as lower interest rates boost consumer confidence.
Builder sentiment rose 4 points to 62 in February, according to a monthly survey from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The survey stood at 71 last February. Anything above 50 on the index is considered positive.
Sentiment fell at the end of last year, largely because mortgage rates jumped in the fall, hurting affordability. Newly built homes come at a price premium to existing homes, so higher interest rates can have an outsize effect on the new construction market. Interest rates then fell sharply at the end of the year and have remained lower this year.
“Ongoing reduction in mortgage rates in recent weeks coupled with continued strength in the job market are helping to fuel builder sentiment,” said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. “In the aftermath of the fall slowdown, many builders are reporting positive expectations for the spring selling season.”
BY CNBC NEWS
