Home prices continued to rise in September according to Case-Shiller National and 20-City home price index reports. According to the National Home Price Index, national home prices rose 0.70 percent month for the three months ending in September. The National Index regained its pre-housing bubble peak and surpassed it by 5.90 percent as of September.
Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Near All-Time High in August
Home price growth approached all-time highs in August, but there were signs that prices may have peaked in some U.S. metro-areas. Seattle, Washington held the top rate of home price growth with a seasonally-adjusted annual appreciation rate of 13,20 percent. Las Vegas, Nevada had the second highest growth in home prices with 8.60 percent in August. San Diego, California reported a seasonally-adjusted annual home price growth rate of 7.80 percent.
Case-Shiller Home Price Index: National Home Prices Reach Pre-Recession Level
According to the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index for June, Seattle, Washington continued to lead home price growth for the tenth consecutive month with a June reading of 13.40 percent growth year-over-year. Portland Oregon held second place for home price growth in the 20-City Home Price Index in June but trailed Seattle by 5.20 percent with 8.20 percent year-over-year home price growth. Dallas Texas held third place with a year-over-year home price growth rate of 7.70 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index increased by 5.70 percent year-over-year and was unchanged from May's reading.
NAHB: Builder Sentiment Surges in August
Home builder confidence in housing market conditions surged in August after sagging to an eight-month low in July. The National Association of Home Builders reported a July reading of 68 in August after analysts expected a one- point increase from July's Housing Market Index reading of 64. Any reading over 50 indicates that more builders consider housing market conditions positive than those who do not.
NAHB: Builder Confidence in Market Conditions Dips in July
According to the National Association of Home Builders, July builder sentiment dipped to an index reading of 64 as compared to June's revised reading of 66, the original reading was 67. Analysts expected the reading for July to increase to 68. Builders cited increasing lumber prices as a concern affecting builders' outlook on housing market conditions for new single-family homes. Any reading over 50 for the NAHB Housing Market Index indicates that more builders than fewer are positive about housing market conditions, but July's reading was the lowest in eight months. NAHB said that home builder confidence in market condition "remains strong."
