Washington, DC CNN —Homebuilder confidence surged in January as mortgage rates continued to trend lower, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released Wednesday.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes surpassed market expectations, climbing seven points to 44 on the index.
The optimism comes as mortgage rates begin to fall and data points to an improving economy heading into 2024.
“Single-family starts are expected to grow in 2024, adding much needed inventory to the market,” Huey said.
The monthly builder index looks at current sales, buyer traffic and the outlook for sales of new-construction homes over the next six months.
Persons:
Alicia Huey, ” Huey, Freddie Mac
Organizations:
DC CNN, National Association of Home Builders
Locations:
Washington, Wells Fargo