There were some notable declines reported today in housing market data. One good -- the FHA is lowering mortgage insurance premiums for first-time home buyers -- and one bad -- a decline in home sales.

Despite optimism from builders, several markers indicate that 2023 is off to a slow start.

On the latest episode of Housing Developments, NAHB CEO Jerry Howard and Chief Lobbyist Jim Tobin provide a recap of a successful 2023 International Builders’ Show, an economic overview for the year ahead and insights into the 2024 presidential race.

As we head into the prime spring building season, home builders are growing more optimistic about the market in 2023. It's a cautious optimism, but optimistic nonetheless.

Consumers got a little love on Valentine's Day, as inflation cooled in January, albeit at a slower pace than the previous month. It was probably not enough to stave off another interest rate increase, but the Fed's tightening cycle is clearly nearing its end.

Housing affordability is at its lowest point ever, which should surprise no one. But on the bright side, politicians from both parties are now focusing on the issue, as the powerful Senate Banking Committee devoted its first hearing of the year to housing.

Potential home buyers desperately need more homes to choose from and home builders desperately want to build homes. What's getting in the way? The usual.

New NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey joins The Daily Drill to talk about the issues facing the housing industry and previewing her testimony to Congress tomorrow on the administration's water rules.

NAHB's International Builders' Show wrapped last week and it was one of the largest conventions ever. And the mood around the show was surprisingly upbeat as positive economic news came in.

Existing home sales fell in December to the slowest pace since 2010 in the depths of the Great Recession. Mortgage rates are the main culprit.