Among countless factors consumers must consider when shopping for a new home, one is chief among them: affordability.
If the price is out of reach, compromises will need to be made or the purchase will need to be postponed.
NAHB wants to help keep that dream of homeownership alive for as many consumers as possible. That’s why last year it led a coalition of housing industry groups that pushed for higher limits on both single-family loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, as well as those purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Increasing the limits has resulted in lower borrowing costs for home buyers, making the purchase of a new home more feasible and more appealing to more consumers.
A portion of that extra buying power is evidenced by recent figures from HUD and the Census Bureau, which show new home sales in June rose yet again. And the average for sales during the previous three months was near a post-recession high.
“With more consumers entering the market, further job growth and tight existing home inventory, the new home sector should continue to expand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz.
But consumers aren’t the only ones who benefit from higher loan limits. Builders do, too.
By totaling the portion of increased sales of new homes, the average value to builders is estimated to be an additional $1,000 per housing start in 2017.
For more details on the value of this legislative victory and other member benefits, visit nahb.org/value2017.
