NAHB Connect Makes the Industry Feel Smaller
In an industry where work often stays close to home, connecting with peers across the country can help jumpstart your business and add value to what you do every day.
NAHB Connect is a free online platform that helps connect NAHB members with one another for discussions, learning, the sharing of ideas and more.
Members on the NAHB Connect platform engage in discussions on a wide variety of topics. Whether it’s permitting challenges at the local level or comparing and contrasting different building techniques or materials, there’s always someone on the platform who is willing to provide their insight, experience and assistance to help a fellow member.
Popular discussion topics in 2022 included adapting to the “new normal” of the economy, supply chain challenges, marketing strategies and trade show booth ideas.
Not only do NAHB Connect members connect with one another in conversation, but Ask Me Anything events (AMAs) also feature guest experts who are ready and available to answer any question posed by the virtual audience. This is a great opportunity to pick the brain of someone you respect or admire to learn more about the keys to their success.
The start of a new year is a great time to create your profile and join in on the discussion. If you’re not yet a member of NAHB Connect, you can create your profile today at connect.nahb.org. Use the same credentials you use to sign in to nahb.org.
Latest from NAHBNow
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing weakened year-over-year in the third quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 41, down five points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 69, also down five points year-over-year.
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Advocacy Officer Ken Wingert to discuss the immediate aftermath of the midterm elections.
Latest Economic News
Mortgage application activity declined in October as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply again. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, fell 14.1% month-over-month in October on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were 39.8% lower.
In 2025, the majority of homes started featured laundry connections on the first floor (70%), according to the Census’s Survey of Construction. Laundry located on the second floor or higher was the second most prevalent at 27%. The basement, garage, and other locations all had a 1% or lower share.
Mortgage rates rose sharply again in October as the U.S. treasury yields surged. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.33% in October, up 47 basis points (bps) from September. The rate reached 7.40% in early October, its highest level since 2023, before easing toward the end of the month.