Readers Respond: Forecasts, optimism and reality

We asked readers for their thoughts on optimistic forecasts for residential construction in 2011. Here's a roundup of responses. 

“Our forecast is for approximately a 2% DROP in housing starts nationally. We believe, however, that Texas may hold up a little better -- not much, but a little. We are overall predicting a 5% sales gain, but some of that is inflation. I am deep-down an optimistic person, but the reality of the late 1980s, early 1990s speaks loudly to me -- and in those days we had far fewer foreclosures than today.”

— Byron Potter

Vice-chairman and CEO


Dallas Wholesale Builders Supply Inc.

“With unemployment high, foreclosures high, unsold home inventory high, what factors are changing that would encourage more home construction?”

— Paul Gabbard

“Way too optimistic. I think we will be lucky to meet last year’s housing starts in Colorado Springs area.”

— Annonymous