Home Builders Likely to Consolidate, Merge
WSJ Developments Blog
“The likelihood of acquisitions among the public homebuilding companies has increased for five reasons. New home sales are slow and not recovering; executives sound discouraged on earnings calls; builders are focusing on grabbing market share; general economic outlook, especially for job growth, has gotten worse; and consolidation would make builders…wade into the acquisition game bigger and stronger.”

Mortgage Role for U.S. Is Affirmed
NY Times – Business Day
“Mr. Geithner said continued government support was important “to make sure that Americans can borrow at reasonable interest rates to buy a house even in a downturn.” The absence of such support, Mr. Geithner said, would deepen future recessions because unsubsidized private companies would curtail lending.”

Are Housing Tax Breaks In Jeopardy?
Big Builder Online
“The government spent $230 billion last year to promote homeownership through tax breaks and spending programs. The biggest chunk — $80 billion — went toward the mortgage interest deduction, according to the Congressional Budget Office.”

More Developers Are Building on ‘Spec’
NY Times – Real Estate
“Regardless of the economy, people always want a new home,” said Mr. Morris, the owner of Morgan Creek Development.

While he may be the exception rather than the rule, builders who stuck largely to custom building during the downturn are starting to follow his lead and give the “spec” market a try again.”