News & Resources

Builder confidence grows for fourth straight month

Jan 27, 2012 Mike Garretson

  One of the biggest indicators of economic and consumer strength in the United States is builder confidence. Debt collectors must analyze a number of industries in order to keep track of trends and gauge whether a debtor can be expected to pay their debts. The National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index was recently released and builder confidence for newly built, single-family homes rose for the fourth straight month. It has recently climbed four points to 25 on the index, marking the highest level the industry has seen since June 2007, the organization reveals. Although debtors have to pay their dues, many of them may have the financial flexibility to build a new home or invest in a down payment. These debtors should be contacted immediately and asked for payment. If a debtor can pay for a home, they can pay some of their bills, too. "Builders are seeing greater interest among potential buyers as employment and consumer confidence slowly improve in a growing number of markets, and this has helped to move the confidence gauge up from near-historic lows in the first half of 2011," NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe said in a statement. "That said, caution remains the word of the day as many builders continue to voice concerns about potential clients being unable to qualify for an affordable mortgage, appraisals coming through below construction cost, and the continuing flow of foreclosed properties hitting the market." Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said in a statement that the recent rise in builder confidence was represented over every index throughout all regions in the United States. The housing industry continues to steadily climb, even with the stagnant economy, and Nielsen added that policymakers must proceed carefully with financial legislation as not to derail the progress the housing market has made. One of the pillars of the United State's confidence is the housing market, in addition to the economy and the workforce. If progress continues to build across these three mediums in the coming year or two, debt collectors may see a rise in returned payments. Although the news from NAHB and Wells Fargo may be positive, debt collectors shouldn't jump at this opportunity to increase their efforts to obtain debts as millions of Americans still remain without a job and are struggling to make ends meet.