The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) urged the Biden administration to increase domestic production of timber from federal lands and to work with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement that will eliminate tariffs during a virtual White House listening session March 14 on resolving the lumber and building material supply chain crisis.
With builders continuing to report supply chain problems that are causing construction delays, overall housing starts decreased 4.1%, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.
To kick off the pilot program, 10 local home builder associations (HBAs) will work with local Boys & Girls Clubs to mentor young men and women, showcase the multiple career opportunities available in the home building industry and help guide them to choose a career in residential construction.
Lansing-East Lansing, Michigan, was named most affordable major housing market and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, California, was named least affordable major housing market.
Building material costs are up 21% compared to a year ago and persistent supply chain bottlenecks remain the most urgent challenge for builders this year.
Driven by strong buyer demand and the expectation of higher mortgage rates, new home sales ended the year on a strong note, reaching their highest level since March 2021.
