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America needs more houses, but homebuilders are hobbled by high interest rates

Oct 18, 2023
The number of completed homes rose last month. But further up the housing pipeline, homebuilders are starting fewer projects right now.
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The economic and logistical realities of straw-bale building

Aug 16, 2023
One couple shares their experience with an alternative construction project.
David and Carrie Chew stand in the wooden frame of their incomplete straw-bale house in 2022.
Courtesy David and Carrie Chew

Why homebuilders remain confident in spite of high interest rates

Jul 19, 2023
High interest rates are hitting the construction industry, but homebuilder confidence keeps growing, given the steady demand for new construction.
With existing inventory still low and mortgage rates still high, more buyers are turning to new construction.
JIM WATSON / Getty Images

Homebuilders are feeling a bit more confident

Jul 18, 2023
Builders find there's high demand for new developments, but they're also finding it harder to convince banks to loan them money.
Despite increased confidence, homebuilders still face a number of challenges. One of those challenges is getting a loan.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Homebuilder confidence drops for 12th straight month

Dec 19, 2022
High mortgage rates are causing homebuilders to pull back. A measure of sentiment has dropped to its lowest level since 2012.
With mortgage interest rates nearly doubling this year, homebuilders are pulling back on new projects.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Some homebuilders are dropping prices as mortgage rates rise, economist says

People "desperately want to purchase," but are stepping out of the difficult market, says Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda.
"It's a very tricky thing because the builders are trying to drum up demand, while also trying to keep their buyers in backlog — those that have already signed a contract — happy," says Ali Wolf, chief economist at Zonda.
Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

As new home sales continue to rise, where are the appliances?

Oct 27, 2021
Some home builders are starting to figure out ways to adapt to shortages by stocking up and using alternative brands.
A lack of durable goods has slowed home building, but buyers have started to adapt.
Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Homebuilders are constructing fewer homes ... on purpose

Jul 29, 2021
Some companies have decided it's better to hold back right now.
Despite a hot housing market, new data from Zonda show that 85% of homebuilders are intentionally capping their sales.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Homebuilders are upbeat, despite supply chain troubles

Jul 19, 2021
The National Association of Home Builders' index is higher than it's been in decades, driven by strong demand and limited inventory.
Despite supply chain bottlenecks and skilled labor shortages, homebuilders are "very optimistic."
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Home construction is surging, but it's leaving out struggling renters

Aug 18, 2020
Apartment market tracking firm RENTCafé predicts apartment construction will be down 12% from 2019 to the lowest level in five years.
Even with the surges in homebuilders' confidence and some construction metrics, there is still an affordable renting housing crisis.
Al Bello/Getty Images