More Good News

2016 is off on a good foot as housing starts jumped to their highest levels in five months for the month of February. The western region of the United States saw the best gain, at 26.1 percent, and that's good news for Utah, where numbers continue to remain strong. With the hard winter weather finally drawing to a close, files for building permits could get even better.

"We see a resilient labor market as supportive of a continued slow and steady housing recovery and low housing inventory should continue to bolster residential construction ahead," said Bricklin Dwyer, an economist for BNP Paribas.

According to a report by 12 News Now based in South East Texas, the National Association of Homebuilders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index held steady at 58 for March. Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good rather than poor.

Economists are forecasting another good year for housing as strong employment gains led more people to decide to purchase homes. Strength in home construction was a pillar of growth for the economy last year.