Sales of new single‐family houses in January 2019 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 607,000, according to the Census Bureau’s New Residential Construction Report for January.
This is 6.9 percent below the revised December rate of 652,000 and is 4.1 percent below the January 2018 estimate of 633,000.
Expect More Revisions
The bureau revised December up to 652,000 units from 621,000 units.
Huge regional percentage variances suggest more revisions are on the way.
- Northeast: 31,000 Units, -11.4%
- Midwest: 50,000 Units, -28.6%
- South: 342,000 Units, -15.1%
- West: 184,000 Units, +27.8%
Volatility is norm in the smaller regions where weather is also a big factor.
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
Didn’t the average price drop? The top is REALLY close now.
Old news, but hopefully the CB will catch up soon. February was actually a decent month for builders here in the DFW area, the largest new home market in the country. New construction closings pushed into positive territory compared to February last year, and pending contracts were slightly better than that. The key has been lower average prices and the recent pullback in mortgage rates. Should be an interesting spring selling season. Part of the wildcard will likely be how much affordable new product builders can bring to market, and preferably a combination of quality and affordability. That will be the challenge.
I’m surprised you’ve got time to comment with such a hot property market.