Following three consecutive months of gains, sales of newly built, single-family homes edged down 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 307,000 units in December, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Commerce Department.

Production of new single-family homes and apartments rose 9.3 percent in November, according to the U.S. Commerce Dept., marking the fastest pace of housing starts since October '08.

Builder confidence improves for three consecutive months for the first time since mid-2009, signifying a slowly emerging upward trend, said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. Large inventories of foreclosed properties continue to be a problem but builders report more inquiries and interest among potential buyers.

Builder confidence in the 55+ housing market for single-family homes fell three points to 12 compared to the same period a year ago, according the NAHB's 55+ HMI.

Builder confidence held steady in Sept. on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, dipping one point to 14.

WASHINGTON -- Home builder confidence for single-family homes declined three points in June to a reading of 13 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

Builder confidence in the 55+ housing market was markedly more upbeat in the first quarter of 2011 for apartment production and demand than for sales of single-family or condominium homes, according to a new survey released by the National Association of Home Builders.

WASHINGTON -- Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes held unchanged in September from the previous month's low level of 13, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

WASHINGTON -- Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes edged down for a third consecutive month in August, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

WASHINGTON, July 19 – Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes declined for a second consecutive month in July to its lowest level since April of 2009, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.