CyberPolicy is monitoring news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and has activated a business continuity plan in response to the situation. We have implemented precautionary and preparedness measures to reduce exposure to the coronavirus and are prepared to maintain normal business operations.
X

Builder Confidence Up In April

Confidence among homebuilders increased in April, which is a good sign the housing inventory will increase in the coming months. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for April recorded a reading of 47, up from March's figure of 46.



Index on the rise

The index is used in order to determine the level of activity for newly built single-family homes. A reading over 50 indicates builders feel good about the current building conditions. NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly said although the index has been a little low over the past few months, the industry should see continued growth once the homebuying season kicks off.



"Builder confidence has been in a holding pattern the past three months," Kelly said. "Looking ahead, as the spring home buying season gets into full swing and demand increases, builders are expecting sales prospects to improve in the months ahead."



The index is made of three components each of which has its own index in order to gauge housing activity for the country. The component that looks at current sales remained the same from March at 51, while the section analyzing future sales increased four points to 57. Traffic of prospective buyers also remained unchanged from March at 32.



NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe said job growth and home prices are the main reasons the index rose over the past month.



"Job growth is proceeding at a solid pace, mortgage interest rates remain historically low and home prices are affordable," Crowe said. "While these factors point to a gradual improvement in housing demand, headwinds that are holding up a more robust recovery include ongoing tight credit conditions for home buyers and the fact that builders in many markets are facing a limited availability of lots and labor."



Regional indexes down

Although the overall index for homebuilders increased during the past month, the readings for the four regions NAHB tracks recorded declines. The three-month average for the West fell to 51 from 60, while the Midwest index declined four points to 49. The Northeast and South fell two points to indexes of 33 and 47, respectively.



As more homes become available on the market, prospective owners should help protect their major financial investment by purchasing home insurance. Looking for this type of coverage can be stressful, especially while checking out homes, so buyers can use comparison tools in order to find a policy that is right for them.


Insurance shopping simplified

Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.
BUSINESS INSURANCEPERSONAL INSURANCE

Insurance shopping simplified

Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.

Insurance shopping simplified

Review personalized quotes, select coverages, and buy online - Everything insurance, all-in-one-place.
call (866) 278-7881
call (866) 278-7881
© 2010 - CoverHound LLC - All rights reserved.
PO Box 9070, Carlsbad, CA. 92018-9070
CoverHound© is a trademark of CoverHound LLC
DBA: CoverHound Insurance Solutions - CA License
No. 6005304