Across 49 states, 247 metropolitan areas were considered improving in August, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index. Although the August total is eight less than in July, it is approximately three time the number of metros that qualified for the list in August 2012.
"In all, 244 metros that were listed as improving in July retained that status in August, and this is an encouraging sign of the continuing housing recovery," noted NAHB Chairman Rick Judson. "That said, we know that the pace of improvement is being hampered somewhat by challenges that builders and buyers are experiencing with regard to the availability of credit, materials, lots for development and labor."
