*All statistics are April's compared to March's unless otherwise noted.
Groundwork
"The fundamentals in the design and construction industry remain very healthy. The fact that both inquiries for new projects and new design contracts continued to accelerate at a healthy pace in April points to strong underlying demand for design activity."
- Kermit Baker, PhD., Chief Economist, American Institute of Architects

Architecture Billing Index - Down 2.9%
(reflects approximately a 9 to 12 month lead time between billings and construction spending)

New Projects Inquiry Index - Up 1.9%
Source: The American Institute of Architects

Multi-family Permits – Up 20.5%
Single-family Permits – Up 3.7%
Source: the U.S. Commerce Department

Construction
"The latest data show that construction is growing across most of the country but the gains remain uneven by month and state."
- Ken Simonson, Chief Economist, Associated General Contractors of America

Multi-Family Housing Starts - Up 27.2
Single-Family Housing Starts - Up 16.7
The combined total starts were at their highest monthly level in 88 months.

Regional Breakdown
Northeast: +85.9%
West: +39%
Midwest: +27.8%
South: -1.8%
Source: the U.S. Commerce Department

Sales
"April's setback (in existing home sales) is the result of lagging supply relative to demand and the upward pressure it's putting on prices. However, the overall data and feedback we're hearing from realtors continues to point to elevated levels of buying interest compared to a year ago. With low interest rates and job growth, more buyers will be encouraged to enter the market unless prices accelerate even higher in relation to incomes."
- Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors®

Existing Home Sales
Down 3.3% from March
Up 6.1% from April 2014

Regional Breakdown
(month to month)
Midwest: +1.7%
West: -1.7%
Northeast: -3.1%
South: -6.8%
Source: National Association of Realtors®

New Home Sales
Up 6.8% from March
Up 26.1% from April 2014

Regional Breakdown
(month to month)
Midwest: +36.8%
South: +5.8%
West: -2.3%
Northeast: -5.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau