The builder sentiment gauge reached 37 in Mid-Q2, ↑3 points from Early-Q2's seven-month low, topping economists' expectations for no overall change nationally.
All three index pieces moved together: current sales hit 40, buyer traffic reached 25, and six-mo sales expectations reached 45 after ↑3-point gains.
Regional three-mo averages were mixed: Midwest and Northeast each ↑1 point, South held steady at 35, and West ↓1 point to 28.
Builder Pricing Tools
Price cuts: 32% versus 36% in Early-Q2
Avg. discount: 6%
Sales incentives: 61%
Long-term rates remain a demand headwind, with 30-yr mortgages in the mid-6% range; proposed housing-law changes could increase supply and ease builder concerns.
