The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index identifies metropolitan areas that have seen growth in housing permits, employment, and home prices for at least six straight months. In April, the index hit 101 moving up two from the previous month. Barry Rutenberg, the NAHB’s chairman, said a total of 35 states are now represented on the list, with 10 states having four or more entries. Rutenberg says the improvement means at least 101 individual metros are showing measurable and consistent signs that they are headed in the right direction. In April, 13 metros were added to the list while 11 markets fell off the list. A total of 88 metropolitan areas held on to their spot from the month before. More here.
