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Construction Job Openings Surge

Eyes on Housing

The labor market continues to tighten, especially for the construction industry. The count of open construction jobs increased to 410,000 unfilled positions in October, the highest measure in the history of the data series (going back to late 2000). Hiring in the. Read More ›

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Mortgage rates continue falling before Thanksgiving: Freddie Mac

Housing Wire

“In recent weeks, rates have dropped by half a percent, but potential homebuyers continue to hold out for lower rates and more inventory,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement. Except for the last seven weeks, current mortgage rates hit their highest levels since 2000.

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Zonda announces major business acquisition

Housing Wire

By extension, Zonda also acquired NewHomeSource.com , one of the largest listings platforms for newly constructed homes, and Envision , a new home design platform. Founded in 2000, BDX is owned by a group of 24 leading U.S. Zonda will be able to integrate its new construction data and tech platform with the leading portal for U.S.

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The big short in housing supply isn’t going away

Housing Wire

In November 2021, the supply of homes for sale nationwide as a percentage of occupied residential inventory remained near historic lows at 1.19% — meaning only 119 in every 10,000 homes were for sale — much lower than the historical average of 2.5%. The majority of the supply of homes for sale come from existing homes, not new construction.

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Builders rediscover a tool from the 1980s that keeps new home prices from falling

Housing Wire

While sellers of existing homes have struggled with rising rates and softening demand, homebuilders have not only survived, but thrived in this market thanks to the use of mortgage rate buydowns , a tool more widely used by builders since their business is selling homes and clearing inventory.

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DataDigest: What the latest data says about home prices, construction and sales

Housing Wire

Home construction New home construction ramped up early in the pandemic but moderated as interest rates ticked up and mortgage rates followed. The seasonally adjusted annual rates of homes permitted, started, under construction and completed all remain well above pre-pandemic levels but below the peaks reached in the last three years.

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Why the US MLS system is the envy of other countries

Housing Wire

As an Irish immigrant to the United States in 1996 who became a real estate broker in 2000, I can tell you this: The U.S. That market, which is fiercely competitive, allows consumers the best chance to see all inventory and make informed decisions. Multiple Listing Services (MLS) by those trying to disparage the system.