Homebuilder sentiment at 4-1/2-yr high, survey shows

Could be a sign that the housing industry is on the mend.

From Reuters

updated 1/18/2012 10:36:03 AM ET

NEW YORK — U.S. homebuilder sentiment unexpectedly jumped in January to its highest level in four and a half years, suggesting the housing market is starting to heal, the National Association of Home Builders said on Wednesday.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market index rose to 25 from 21 the month before, the group said in a statement. Economists polled by Reuters had predicted the index would hold steady at 21.

It was the highest level since June 2007 when the housing market was crumbling. After stagnating in a tight range for about a year, the index has been improving since October 2011, reinforcing optimism the housing market is finding a bottom. Read the full article>