Builder Confidence On the Rise

According to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence increased by eight points in June bringing it to the highest level since April 2006.

Any number over 50 is an indicator that builders view the housing market more favorably than negatively. This eight point gain in June is the biggest one-month increase since 2002.

NAHB Chairman Rick Judson attributes the growth in new home sales to an increase in home buyers and a low inventory of existing homes.

To read the full article click HERE.

First Day of Summer!

Happy First Day of Summer!

It's a relatively cool start to the summer here in the Midlands. We've created a list of some summer activities for you and the family to enjoy. Find out more by visiting the Columbia Visitors Bureau site HERE.

• Friday Nights at Riverfront Park - Movies on the lawn start at 8pm
• Summer Concert Series at Finlay Park - Saturdays from 7-10pm
• Irish Heritage Weekend at the Columbia Museum of Art - June 22
• Columbia Blowfish Baseball
• Toucan Tuesdays at Riverbank Zoo - 2 for the price of 1 with canned good donations

What are you doing this summer?

Housing Market Continues to Improve

The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index increased again in June to now include more than 70% of the U.S. metro areas.

The Improving Markets Index or IMI is a list of metropolitan areas that have shown improvement through the areas of housing permits, employment and house prices for at least the past six months.

Twenty-nine new markets were added to the list while twenty-four previously listed markets were removed. This fluctuation is a product of a slow recovery and confirmation that the housing industry still has challenges to face.  However the IMI list is three times larger this year than last year according to the NAHB.


For a full list of improving markets visit the NAHB's website HERE.

Summer Desserts

Since it is the season for back yard BBQ's and summer pot lucks, we thought you might enjoy some classic southern summer dessert ideas.  Here are some quick and tasty recipes for your next get together.

Frozen Lemonade Pie from Taste of Home

Banana Pudding from Southern Living

 

Peach-Blueberry Cobbler from Martha Stewart

 

 What are some of your favorite summertime desserts?