#according national association

Builder sentiment remains muted from economic and geopolitical uncertainty, elevated mortgage rates and rising construction costs. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes inched up one point to 35 in August, according to

Builder sentiment remains subdued as rising material costs, elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability challenges continue to strain the housing market. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 35

Home prices increased this year, though not as much as inflation, so affordability has risen in all regions compared with last year, according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s still a hard purchase for first-time buyers.