Homebuilder confidence rises slightly, but cost concerns threaten future growth

Although homebuilder confidence inched forward one point to 65 in July, many builders still report rising construction costs as a major cause of concern, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said while the current low mortgage interest rate environment should be getting more buyers off the sidelines, they remain hesitant due to affordability concerns.