Home Builder Confidence Down in July

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released this week, home builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes declined for a second consecutive month in July to its lowest level since April of 2009. The HMI fell two points from a downwardly revised number in the previous month to 14 for July.

"We continue to see a lull in home buying activity following the expiration of the federal home buyer tax credit program, as many of the sales that would have occurred this summer were likely pulled forward to meet that program's deadline," noted NAHB Chairman Bob Jones. "In addition, builders are reporting continuing consumer hesitancy regarding home purchases due to uncertainty in the overall economy and job markets."

"This month's lower HMI reflects a number of underlying market conditions that builders are seeing, including hesitant home buyers, tight consumer credit, and continuing competition from foreclosed and distressed properties that are priced below the cost of construction," said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "The pause in sales following expiration of the home buyer tax credits is turning out to be longer than anticipated due to the sluggish pace of improvement in the rest of the economy. That said, we do believe that favorable factors such as low mortgage rates, affordable prices, and demographic trends will help revive consumer demand for new homes this year, and that new-home sales will improve by 10 percent in 2010 from 2009."
 
If you want to explore buying a new home in New Jersey, and see what you can afford in Mercer County and surrounding areas, just call or email.  I know the builders here and their products, and can help with your decision.
 
Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
Real Estate Advisor
609-658-2612
jgiancarli@remax.net
http://www.joegiancarli.com/
http://www.njhomesource.com/
http://www.njhomesource.net/
activerain.com/blogs/josephgiancarli


(resource:  RealEstateChannel.com)