The Forest Service announced an investment of more than $265 million to conserve nearly 335,000 acres of ecologically and economically significant forestlands across the nation.
Wood Markets News
US Construction Employment Softens in September
The number of open construction sector jobs fell from a revised 328,000 in August to a softer 288,000 in September, NAHB reported.
Oregon Department of Forestry Launches New Prescribed Fire Liability Program
The pilot program is intended to increase use of prescribed fire and cultural burning and support fire practitioners.
Mortgage Applications Drop in the Week Ending October 25th, Marking Fifth Consecutive Drop
Mortgage loan application volume decreased 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, MBA reported.
ADP® Reports Private Sector Employment and Compensation Both Increased in October
Private sector employment increased by 233,000 jobs in October, ADP reported.
Michigan Sawmill Receives State Revitalization and USDA Wood Innovations Grant
Business investment and community revitalization projects in the Upper Peninsula will represent more than $5.5 million of capital investment and protect 85 jobs, The Daily News reported.
FHFA Home Price Index Increases 4.2% Annually in August
The FHFA Home Price Index increased 0.3% in August. Year-over-year, prices rose 4.2%.
US Census Bureau Residential Vacancies and Homeownership Report for Q3
National vacancy rates in Q3 were 6.9% for rental housing and 1.0% for homeowner housing.
S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index Reports 4.2% Annual Gain in August
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price NSA Index posted an annual gain of 4.2% in August, down from a 4.8% increase in July.
Higher Mortgage Rates Are Reducing Homebuyers’ Purchasing Power
A homebuyer on a $3,000 monthly budget has lost $33,250 in purchasing power over the last six weeks, with the daily average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 7% on October 28th, Redfin reported.