NVR’s Solid Quarter Helps Lift Builders
The Wall Street Journal
Homebuilding sector is seeing a boost after NVR reports impressive 3Q earnings surged 97 percent from a year ago and no land charges, almost unheard of in the battered industry.
http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2009/10/21/nvrs-solid-quarter
Home-Price Index of 20 U.S. Cities Up for Third Month
Bloomberg
A gauge of home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose in August for a third consecutive month, bolstering the case that an economic recovery is at hand.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a
Government Report on Home Energy Retrofits Highlights Savings
The New York Times
The federal government made billions of dollars available in the stimulus package for weatherizing homes of low-income people.
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/government-energy
Homebuilder Shares Mixed on Home Prices Report
Associated Press
Shares of homebuilders were mixed after a report showed home prices rising in 20 major metropolitan markets for a third straight month, while one analyst suggests the improvement is only temporary.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/
AAMA Supports Legislation Linking Tax Credits to ENERGY STAR
AAMA News
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association members are voicing their support for proposed legislation that would make it easier for consumers to take advantage of the economic stimulus package's tax credit toward energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights that are appropriate for their region.
http://www.aamanet.org/news.asp?sect=1
Irvine Co. to Launch New Developments
OC Register
So, can the Irvine Co. really be launching its first major homebuilding project in three years? In a word, yes.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/new-home-irvine-2610233-home
59 Percent of New Home Sales Use Government Loans: John Burns
Housing Wire
Federally backed mortgages account for 59 percent of new home sales transactions with 96.5 percent to 100 percent loan-to-value (LTV) so far in 2009, according to the latest John Burns Real Estate Consulting homebuilder survey.
http://www.housingwire.com/2009/10/19/59-of-new-home-sales-use
O.C. homebuilding up 14.5 Percent vs. year ago
OC Register
Homebuilding appears to be on the rise in Orange County and much of Southern California.
http://lansner.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/27/oc-homebuilding-up-
Gov. Schwarzenegger and Secretary Salazar Sign MOU to Expedite Renewable Energy Development in California
Government News
Further laying the groundwork for California to reach its environmental goals, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in order to expedite the siting of California renewable energy projects.
http://www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/13576/
Builder Confidence Slips in October
NAHB
With the expiration date for an important home buyer incentive approaching, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes slipped one point to 18 in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?sectionID=122&new
Builders Urge Congress to Renew Home Buyer Tax Credit to Create Jobs, Boost Economy
NAHB
In order to create hundreds of thousands of badly needed jobs and move the economy to higher ground, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently called on Congress to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit set to expire at the end of next month.
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?sectionID=122&news
Construction Activity 'Continues to Climb'
ABC News
Approvals for the September quarter were up by more than 50 on the previous quarter, but remained down on the same period last year.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/26/2723948.htm
Construction Underway on the First Registered U.S. Green Building LEED Homes on the California Coastline
Reuters
Laguna Beach has long been a source of inspiration for artists, television producers, and other innovators.
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS174448+21-
Sustaining Green Tide in Building a Concern
San Diego News
Ever since he was on the campaign trail, President Barack Obama has touted “green buildings” as a way of cleaning the environment, creating business opportunities, cutting energy consumption and reviving the job market.
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/oct/18/sustaining
PG&E to Accept More Power From Solar Homes
SF Gate Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has agreed to use more electricity from home solar systems than California law requires, the company and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced recently.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/27/BULN1
White House Steps Up Climate Efforts
The New York Times
The Obama administration and some Senate Democrats expressed fresh urgency recently the need to address climate change and refashion the nation’s energy economy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/us/politics/28climate.html?hp
Weyerhaeuser sees more land sales ahead
MarketWatch
With the U.S. housing market still in the doldrums, forest-products provider Weyerhaeuser Co. said recently it expects to sell more of its timberland and real estate assets, though not likely in the fourth quarter.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/weyerhaeuser-sees-more-lan
Business Outlook: A Housing Recovery with a Solid Foundation
Business Week
Even if policy supports are ended, home affordability and shrinking inventory point to a sector on the mend. But don't expect recent price increases to continue apace.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_45/b4154
New Home Sales Fall in September
NAHB
After five consecutive months of increases, sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 3.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 402,000 units in September, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department recently.
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?sectionID=148&newsID=9926
Statement from NAHB President Jerry Howard Regarding the Home Buyer Tax Credit
NAHB
“At a time when the housing market and economy are struggling to emerge from the worst downturn since the Great Depression, Congress needs to stop playing politics with Americans’ lives and act now to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit due to expire at the end of November.
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?sectionID=148&newsID=9927
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