New home starts in the United States increased year-over-year to 10.4% according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In June 2013, housing starts dropped an estimated 9.9%. Experts have suggested that the extreme wet weather in many parts of the nation may have played a key role in the decrease. Additionally, building permits have increased from last year as well as house completions. More here