Improving Housing Markets Index Grows

Washington, DC, July 10, 2012 -- The list of U.S. housing markets showing measurable and sustained improvement rose by four to include 84 metros in July, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index.

This number includes representatives from 32 states plus the District of Columbia.

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months.

“The geographic diversity and growing number of metros on the latest IMI help spotlight the improvements we have begun to see in terms of home prices and job market conditions across certain parts of this country, which in turn are spurring more demand for new homes,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg.

Ruterberg noted that members continue to push for more reasonable credit standards and more accurate appraisal methods to perpetuate this positive momentum.”    
 
“The modest increase in the July IMI is encouraging because it indicates that individual housing markets continue to regain their footing despite some recent reports of weakening in the broader economy,” added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

“This is evidence that the housing recovery is slowly but surely taking root, one market at a time.”
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