It looks like the U.S. housing market is still making gains in a slowly improving economy. Home prices have increased 6% when compared to the same time last year. This trend of higher house prices stretches across the country and is stabilizing both single family and multifamily housing starts.

David Crowe, Chief Economist of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), adds, “The broadening housing expansion is evidenced by the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index, which now lists 273 metros areas out of a universe of 361, or three-quarters of the metropolitan areas in the U.S.,”

Other sectors will see growth along with the improving housing market. With increased housing demand, the need for building materials and skilled workers will also be needed. Residential remodeling is also making a return to pre-recession levels with a 2.2% rise from last year.

Both single-family and multifamily unit starts are both projected to grow. Multifamily unit starts are projected to increase by 35% in 2013 over 2012. Single-family units may see pre-recession levels as well with a 23% increase from 2012 to 2013, according to the NAHB.

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National Property Inspections and Global Property Inspections have some big news for 2013. In Entrepreneur annual Franchise 500 list, National Property Inspections ranks 375th out of all franchises. That’s not all, RedHotFranchises.com has NPI at 12th in its Hot 100 Franchises for 2013 list.

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting good news when it comes to new home prices. New Department of Commerce data is showing an increase of 37% for new home construction over last year. Competition for prime real estate has driven contractors to bid on land in desirable areas. With increased demand for new housing, such competition will regulate home prices and lead to a stronger housing market.

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According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), housing affordability will see an annual record for 2012. Only 11 months of data are in for the NAR’s Housing Affordability Index, but 2012 looks to be a record setting year. The index takes into account median home price, median family income, and average mortgage interest rate. Since 1970, the first year the index has been recorded, the United States has not seen a buyer’s market at this level.

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According to Market Watch, home prices in the U.S. have reached their highest year-over-year level in six years. The year-on-year rate for November was 7.4%, a 0.3% rise from the month before. All but 6 states saw gains from a year ago, which shows solid growth throughout the country. Low interest rates, growth in prospective buyers and a better jobs market have all contributed to an improved market.

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The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) is showing improvements in the housing market for metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. The IMI has increased steadily to include 201 metro areas with improving markets. To be included a metro area must show improvement in housing permits, employment and house prices for 6 consecutive months. The IMI has increased its list for 4 months in a row and shows positive growth throughout the country.

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