US: Demand for new homes strengthens in August - Wells Fargo

According to analysts from Wells Fargo, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index showed rising demand for new homes. 

Key Quotes: 

“Homebuilder confidence rose solidly in August, as more homebuilders reported improving sales and strengthening demand in general.”

“The present sales index rose 4 points to 74, which is precisely even with its average for the past six months. The future sales index climbed 5 points to 78 and is back at its post-recession high. Builders are selling homes as fast as they can build them.”

“Single-family starts have not risen nearly as much as builder confidence has, reflecting the greater difficulty builders are having obtaining lots and labor relative to past cycles.”

“The lack of new construction is apparent in prospective buyer traffic, which remains below past highs. Builders have far fewer model homes today than they did in the past and little finished inventory, making for difficult comparison with prior cycles.”