Markets in 54 out of the approximately 350 metro areas nationwide returned to or exceeded their last normal levels of economic and housing activity, according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Leading Markets Index (LMI).
The index’s nationwide score of .86 indicates that, based on current permits, prices and employment data, the nationwide market is running at 86 percent of normal economic and housing activity. The LMI figures for November showed that 55 housing markets were operating at or above their last normal levels, and the nationwide market was operating at 85 percent of normal growth.
Noting that smaller metros accounted for most of the 54 markets on the current LMI that are at or above normal levels, NAHB chief economist David Crowe said “smaller markets are leading the way, particularly where energy is the primary economic driver. Nearly half of the markets in the top 54 are in the energy states of Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.”
“The fact that more than 125 markets on this month’s LMI are showing activity levels of at least 90 percent of previous norms bodes well for a continuing housing recovery in 2014,” said Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Insurance Co., which co-sponsors the LMI report.
Baton Rouge, La., tops the list of major metros on the LMI, and other major metros include Honolulu, Hawaii; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Austin and Houston, Texas; as well as Pittsburgh, Pa.
