What’s Happening
U.S. existing home sales rose at their fastest pace since February in September as mortgage rates
eased. This renewed buyer activity indicates stronger momentum in housing, signaling a shift toward
confidence. For builders, that’s more than a headline—it’s a market signal that buyers are starting to act
again.
Why This Matters for Builders
When resale inventory moves faster, buyers feel urgency, often spilling into new construction. If you
have spec or near-finished homes, this is the time to convert that pipeline. The mix of easing rates and
rising activity provides a clear marketing message: ‘Homes are moving—don’t wait.’
The Caveats
The AP data reflects existing-home activity, not necessarily new builds. Construction still faces
bottlenecks—materials, labor, weather, and local permits. And while national momentum is positive,
each market responds differently depending on lot supply, entitlement timelines, and workforce
availability.
Actionable Moves
• Re-audit your starts schedule and accelerate near-finished homes. • Push updated marketing with
urgency-based messaging. • Lock in trades and materials early to avoid capacity crunches. • Review lot
and entitlement status on upcoming projects. • Model both surge and flat-demand scenarios to manage
cash flow.
Big Picture
For builders scaling in Montana and beyond, this isn’t just optimism—it’s opportunity. Market surges
reward those who act early. Your advantage is execution speed and control; use this momentum
window to secure new starts and capture buyer demand.
Final Thought
The AP headline signals movement, not hype. Align your schedule, reinforce your supply chain, and
move decisively. Momentum favors builders who are ready when the market blinks green
