Builders are benefiting from the lack of existing homes for sale as owners hunker down, but higher mortgage rates pose a threat, said Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation.
Holding household income constant, the increase in mortgage rates reduced home-buying power by approximately $10,000, Kushi said.
“There remains pent-up demand in the housing market, but higher rates put a strain on affordability,” said Kushi.
Builders remain ‘cautiously optimistic’Builder confidence remains high despite concerns about rising rates.
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index gauges market conditions and looks at current sales, buyer traffic and the outlook for sales of new construction homes over the next six months.
Persons:
”, Robert Frick, “, it’s, Odeta Kushi, Freddie Mac, Kushi, Alicia Huey, Robert Dietz, Dietz
Organizations:
DC CNN, Housing, Census, Navy Federal Credit Union, First American Financial Corporation, National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, Federal Reserve, Builders
Locations:
Washington, Wells Fargo