The turnaround in the housing market, which has been predicted by experts every year since 2007, didn’t happen again last year. House prices kept falling, pressured by foreclosures that, while receding, remain a lingering presence in too many markets. Customers remained on the sidelines, still uncertain about the economy and their jobs. And even if these customers wanted to buy, the banks were too tight-fisted. But there was evidence that unemployment and mortgage lending were finally easing. And ever-optimistic builders in certain markets—even in Florida—reported seeing more people flowing through their sales offices, leading more builders to join the chorus calling for a full-blown recovery by 2013.
2011 Builder 100
-
2011 Builder 100
See the complete interactive Builder 100 list.
As the Fog of Recession Lifts, Builders Take Stock in How They’ve Changed
More focus on customers, less focus on opening new markets inform builders’ business models today.
Top Builders Gained Ground in Soft Market
Last year’s market share was the highest in a decade for the BUILDER 100–ranked companies.
Modular Manufacturers Look Past Soft 2011 for Growth
Leaders expect builders to seek prefab solutions as framers could be in short supply.
Top 50 Multifamily Builders in 2011
Things were definitely moving in the right direction for multifamily starts last year.
