Market Insights

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index rose 2.0% to 97.0 in January, according to data released yesterday.

According to NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, the numbers inspire hope for an active home-buying season this spring.

Channel analysis
Year-over-year sales of faucets declined 10.8% in the 12 months from September 2010 through August 2011, according to consumer research from the Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group. The group estimated total sales during that period in excess of $1.2 billion. Unit volume also declined year over year, but only 4.6% — indicating consumers are shopping for bargains, and finding them.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, showed home prices decrease in the second consecutive month in November 2011, posting annual returns of -3.6% and -3.7% in the 10-city and 20-city composites versus November 2010, worse than the -3.2% and -3.4% annual rates reported for October’s annual comparisons. 

Thursday's housing reports produced a variety of negative headlines. For instance: "U.S. Home Construction has worst year ever," wrote the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; and "December ends third poor year for home building," wrote the Chicago Sun-Times.

While forecasting growth, NAHB chief economist says numerous obstacles remain.

The NPD Group expects floor care to lead the charge among small appliances and housewares.

Following the gathering of “open carry” gun enthusiasts at a Texas Home Depot, most HCN readers indicated they would have no problem with a similar event at their locations.

The rise of voice-enabled speaker sales is leading to a rise in home automation product sales.