Builders Employ Several Strategies to Keep Selling Homes During Pandemic
A recent survey of NAHB members reveals they are implementing several measures to allow them to continue selling homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
The most common strategy is private showings of model homes, with 59% of builders saying they doing this already or planning to in the near future. Significant numbers also offering online closings or other services (46%), and providing drive-through closings or other services (34%). All of these are attempts to keep selling homes while adhering to a form of social distancing.
The survey reveals the top measure builders are taking in response to the outbreak is to allow non-construction employees to work from home. Eighty-four percent said they are already doing so or plan to employ this strategy.
NAHB Senior Economist Paul Emrath provides more details in this Eye on Housing blog post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Awards
Oct 03, 2025
NAHB Awards Deadline Extended to Oct. 20Interested applicants for NAHB’s prestigious award programs now have additional time to submit top projects and individuals for consideration. Don't miss your chance - apply by Monday, Oct. 20.
Sponsored Content
Oct 03, 2025
Fast Money, Fewer HeadachesEvery week lost to underwriting is a week you’re not building, selling, or scaling. Delays push projects out of prime seasons, tighten cash flow, and leave crews idle. And when banks already move at their own pace, builders who aren’t prepared can get stuck at the back of the line.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 03, 2025
Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Economics
Oct 02, 2025
Square Foot Prices Moderate in 2024Median square foot prices for new single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction (SOC) data. For custom, or contractor-built, homes, the median price was $166 per square foot of floor space, up slightly from $162 in 2023.
Economics
Oct 02, 2025
17% of NAHB Builders Built Age-Restricted Housing in 2024Only 17% of NAHB builder members build age-restricted housing for people age 55 or older, according to 2024 Member Census. This is up two percentage points from the previous year. However, this share has remained within a narrow band (15%-17%) since the question was added to the member census in 2009.