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
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes inched up one point to 35 in August, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today.
Two regulations will become effective under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Aug. 20, and a third final rule rescinding the ESA’s 45-year-old “harm” regulatory definition becomes effective next month.
Latest Economic News
In the second quarter of 2026, consumer credit growth slowed over the quarter and was lower than a year ago. According to the Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit Report, total outstanding U.S. consumer credit reached $5.17 trillion in the second quarter of 2026.
Builder sentiment remains muted from economic and geopolitical uncertainty, elevated mortgage rates and rising construction costs.
Single-family permitting activity continued to weaken through the first half of 2026, while multifamily permitting remained somewhat stronger compared with the same period last year.