Improving Markets Take December Leap

A total of 84 new metros were added to the NAHB improving markets list in December, and only eight fell off, for a net gain of 76 markets. The end-of-the-year surge follows a net gain of 22 markets in November, and only four in October.

The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) surged by 76 to a total of 201 metros in December, increasing the number of states represented on the list from 38 in November to 44, plus the District of Columbia.

New metros include Atlanta, Ga.; Bloomington, Ill.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Seattle, Wash. (pictured); and Green Bay, Wis.

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown consistent growth from their respective lows in employment, housing permits and house prices for at least six consecutive months. The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau and Freddie Mac, respectively.