The National Association of Home Builders Improving Markets Index identifies metropolitan areas that have experienced at least six consecutive months of improvement in housing permits, employment, and home prices since their respective bottoms. In November, the list of improving markets expanded by 22 metros bringing the total for the month to 125. It was the third consecutive monthly gain and nearly 100 cities better than last November’s total. Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the NAHB, said the housing recovery is firmly taking root and helping generate jobs and growth across the country. The geographic diversity of the index also improved, with 38 states and the District of Columbia now represented on the list. New additions to the index include San Diego, Calif.; Gainesville, Ga.; Omaha, Neb.; Louisville, Ky.; and Charlotte, N.C. More here.
