As yearend construction figures trickle in, 1996 is shaping up as the
"It will be one of the best years of this decade" for new home
Data through November suggest 1996 housing permits will come in at 1.4
Economists cite job growth and consumer confidence as reasons for the
"The unemployment rate is at a level that most economists believed was
Demographics also played a part in the upsurge in construction.
Adults at the tail end of the baby boom generation - now in their
"They married later, they bought homes later," he explained.
And when they do settle down, a third of these late bloomers are
Traditionally, only 20% of first-time buyers would choose a new home,
Southern and western states are faring particularly well as new jobs
Georgia set a record for the third consecutive year in construction of
In addition, applications for single-family construction permits in
Multifamily construction is also tremendously strong in Austin, Tex.,
Home building is expected to simmer down somewhat during 1997, according
The home builders association is projecting a slide in housing permits