Podcast: Has the Housing Upturn Begun?
In the latest episode of the Housing Developments podcast, NAHB CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez discuss two positive economic indices released this week: housing starts had a huge jump in May and builder confidence is in positive territory for the first time in 11 months. The co-hosts discuss the reality that these developments represent, including what this means for the inflationary environment in advance of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony on Capitol Hill.
Listen to Housing Developments wherever you get your podcasts, or watch a video of the full episode below.
Editor’s note: Find more in-depth analyses on starts and builder sentiment data on NAHB’s economics blog, Eye on Housing.
Latest from NAHBNow
Membership
Oct 29, 2026
NAHB Names Alison Benson as its New Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
NAHB has promoted Alison Benson, CPA, to chief financial officer and treasurer. Benson brings more than two decades of accounting, financial planning and nonprofit financial management experience to the role. She joined NAHB in February 2026 as vice president, controller, and also served as interim treasurer.
Education
Oct 28, 2026
How Project Managers Can Effectively Set Expectations to Find Success
Hone your management skills in an upcoming Nov. 12 live online course titled “Project Controls Fundamentals: Monitoring Scope, Cost and Time” from 1-4 p.m. ET.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
PCE Inflation Accelerated in September
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
U.S. Economy Accelerated in the Third Quarter of 2026
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.
Economics
Oct 28, 2026
Homeownership Rate Rises to 65.5%
The latest homeownership rate reached 65.5% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS). While this was a modest quarterly decrease, the broader picture continues to reflect significant affordability challenges.