Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 

Blog Home
   Brian Wesbury
Chief Economist
 
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
   Bob Stein
Deputy Chief Economist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 
  New home sales rise 5.5% in November
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
Implications:  The market for new homes remains sluggish, still suffering from the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit but also from intense competition from the large inventory of foreclosed homes on the market, many of which were built within the past decade.  The tax credit, which required buyers to sign a contract by the end of April, moved sales forward into the early part of this year.  New home sales, which are counted at contract, increased to a 414,000 annual pace in April.  But sales dropped off almost immediately, and have only averaged 289,000 in the seven months since.  It is important to note that, despite the slow pace of sales, inventories are still declining and are already at levels not seen since the late 1960s.  As inventories fall, homebuilders will need to start building more homes.  Given a growing population and the need for more housing, the pace of new home sales should more than triple over the next several years to roughly 950,000.  With lumber prices on the rise in recent months, that process may be underway.  On the price front, the median sales price of new homes rose to $213,000 in November, bouncing back after going below $200,000 last month.  This price measure is down 2.7% versus a year ago.  We expect the new home market to continue to improve, albeit gradually.

Click here to view the entire report.
Posted on Thursday, December 23, 2010 @ 11:01 AM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.