Homebuilders

With demand for central Ohio homes at record highs, and the number of homes on the market at record lows, the stars should be perfectly aligned for central Ohio homebuilders.

February's volume of mortgage loan applications for newly constructed homes rose both year-over-year and month-to-month, continuing the momentum from a surprisingly strong showing in January.

The Trump administration's new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum may raise prices on a variety of consumer and commercial products, but will only put minimal strain on the housing industry.

Brian Hale, the former head of Stearns Lending, will be leading a new financial services unit at William Lyon Homes that encompasses two joint ventures the builder has with mortgage companies.

Metro Denver's chronic shortage of existing homes for sale will push more buyers towards new home communities this year. But those buyers won't find much relief from tight supply and rising prices.

New-home construction rose in January to the highest level since October 2016, helped by a surge in apartment building, as momentum in the housing market continues into 2018.

Confidence among American homebuilders held steady in February near the highest level since 1999, suggesting that demand for housing is expected to remain strong.

The 55+ housing market ended last year's fourth quarter strong, with builder confidence in the single-family market hitting a record high, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Houston-area builders will start construction on more homes this year, but labor shortages, increased material costs and rising mortgage rates could present challenges to the industry.

Shares of homebuilders are now in their 10th straight day of decline, the longest losing streak for the sector since 2002, when it lasted 11 days.