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  • Builder confidence remains soft

    Builder confidence remains soft

    According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 34 in July, down from an upwardly revised reading of 36 in June. Economic uncertainty and persistent affordability challenges driven by rising material prices, high land costs and elevated mortgage rates continue to weigh on the market.

    However, the newly enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a positive step that will help expand housing supply and lower overall housing costs. While more policy changes are needed at the state and local levels, the recently passed legislation is expected to boost builder confidence.

    The latest HMI survey also revealed that 37% of builders cut prices in July, up from 35% in June and 32% in May.

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  • ASID recognizes next generation of design innovators

    ASID recognizes next generation of design innovators

    The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) announced its 2026 Ones to Watch Award, a recognition for early-career interior design leaders. The program aims to celebrate individuals advancing the future of the built environment through design excellence, research, education, advocacy, volunteer leadership and service.

    As the Ones to Watch program enters its tenth year, the award is presented across two categories: award winners and award winners & scholars. The award winners & scholars receive scholarship support to participate in a two-year leadership program.

    “Interior design continues to evolve in response to changing technologies, societal needs and client expectations, and the future of our profession depends on leaders who are prepared to meet those challenges with creativity, curiosity and purpose,” said Khoi Vo, president and chief executive officer, ASID. “This year’s Ones to Watch recipients represent the breadth of talent, innovation and leadership shaping our industry. Their accomplishments demonstrate the impact emerging professionals are making across every sector of design and ASID is proud to recognize and support their continued growth.”

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  • Mortgages average 6.49%

    Mortgages average 6.49%

    According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released on July 9, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%. This report demonstrates that the FRM has remained relatively unchanged.

    “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Mortgage rates have not changed much recently, but economic growth and housing affordability continue to improve for homebuyers as they shop for homes in today’s market.”

    The most recently measured FRM is up from last week, when it averaged 6.43%. In July 2025, around this same time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.82%, up from the previous week when it averaged 5.79%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.86%.

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  • A new era for homebuilding: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is law

    A new era for homebuilding: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is law

    The homebuilding industry celebrates a major legislative milestone this week: the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is officially law. Since the bipartisan bill was first introduced in 2025, it was shaped and championed by various industry organizations to increase housing development across the country.

    The bill, with over 50 sections, notably decreases regulatory barriers to building, including the modernization of HUD programs. The bill also aims to increase first-time homeowners with the expansion of local lending for housing construction and mortgages.

    “For too many Americans, finding an affordable home has become increasingly out of reach,” said American Institute of Architects 2026 President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, in a statement. “This law is an important step toward changing that. Architects are essential partners in creating housing that is safe, resilient and designed to meet the needs of every community. AIA has long advocated for policies that make it easier to build more housing and we will continue working with policymakers and federal agencies to help turn these reforms into homes people can live in.”

    “NAHB applauds Congress and the Trump administration for delivering a bipartisan housing victory for the American people. Strong support in both chambers makes clear that housing affordability is a national priority,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, in a statement. “By reducing regulatory barriers, helping builders increase supply and expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental housing, this landmark law is an important step toward easing the nation’s housing affordability crisis. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to implement it.”

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