Demand for Homeownership is Strong While Affordability Challenges Remain

As the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrates National Homeownership Month in June, more Americans now indicate they are actively trying to buy a home than compared to a year ago. These efforts however are slowed down by escalating bids from other buyers and challenges finding homes they can afford, according to survey results from NAHB's most recent Housing Trends Report.

"The value of homeownership has never been greater as evidenced by the increase in active buyers this year," said NAHB chairman Chuck Fowke, a custom home builder. "Home builders are eager to meet this demand, but are hamstrung by high lumber costs. Policymakers must seek out solutions to resolve the lumber price problem to help more families achieve the American Dream."