Podcast: Builder Sentiment Improves as Congress Looks to Approve Budget
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, sponsored by LG Pro Builder, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez break down the latest housing numbers, provide insights on the 2024 election, and highlight key congressional funding areas NAHB continues to actively advocate to secure during the ongoing budgeting process.
Watch the latest episode below and subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider.
Latest from NAHBNow
On the latest episode of NAHB podcast Housing Developments, NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz joins CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez to discuss the latest economic forecasts and how they have changed this year due to geopolitical turmoil.
The New American Remodel 2027 will be much more than a beautiful show home. It will highlight just how far building products and techniques have advanced in a relatively short period of time.
Latest Economic News
The share of new single-family homes built with individual wells and septic systems increased in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), approximately 10% of single-family homes started in 2025 were served by individual (private) wells, and 17% relied on individual septic systems.
In the third quarter of 2026, the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 62, up one point compared to the previous quarter. The RMI has remained within a narrow band between 59 and 70 for the past four years.
Mortgage application activity declined as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose sharply. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume, decreased 7.7% month-over-month in September on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications were lower by 35.4%.