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FHA Announces New Condo Approval Rule
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) this week published a final regulation that establishes a new condominium approval process.
Final ESA Rules will Streamline the Permitting Process
In a victory for NAHB, the Trump administration today released final rules updating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 Consultation requirements and new regulations governing the designation of critical habitat that will improve the overall efficiency of the ESA’s permitting process and make compliance less onerous for home builders and developers.
Millennial Home Preferences vs. Other Generations
A recent study by the NAHB Economics department highlights the differences between millennial home buyer preferences and other generations over recent years.
Why Lower Interest Rates are Not Boosting the Housing Market
Recent jolts to the economy stemming in part from an intensified trade war with China have worried markets and resulted in a significant decline in interest rates as investors have shifted from equity to bonds. Lower interest rates present an opportunity for the housing market, which has failed so far to respond energetically to this positive development due to prior housing affordability headwinds.
Top 10 Features Millennials Want — and Don’t Want
At least four out of five millennial buyers prefer laundry rooms, hardwood front exteriors, patios and garage storage. Conversely, they give a thumbs down to elevators, wine cellars and laminate countertops.
Labor Shortages Still Hurting Affordability
Labor and subcontractor shortages remained widespread in July of 2019 and are continuing to impact the industry in a number of ways — including putting additional upward pressure on new home prices — according to a recent survey conducted by NAHB.
Fed Rate Cut Good for Housing
In a policy change widely expected and good for housing and home building, the Federal Reserve today reduced its key, short-term federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a top rate of 2.25%. The housing sector continues to face affordability headwinds, and today’s action by the Fed will help by reducing borrowing costs.
Housing’s Share of GDP Declines on Affordability Factors
An analysis in a recent Eye on Housing blog post by NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz reveals that ongoing housing affordability concerns marked by a lack of supply are having a negative impact on the economy.
New Rules to Raise Investment Amounts for EB-5 Investors
The Department of Homeland Security has published new rules to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program that will increase the amount of money for foreign-born investors seeking to take part in the program.
HUD Suspends Downpayment Assistance Rule Change
HUD issued a notice to lenders on July 23 announcing it is suspending a previously announced rule change that would restrict the operation of downpayment assistance programs beyond state borders.
Eye on Housing Blog