09/15/2026
Builder confidence rises in August
Builder confidence saw a slight uptick in August, rising to 35, though it’s still below the 50 mark that signals strong optimism. Interestingly, the Midwest and Northeast—regions not so different from our own Michigan communities—showed improvement, while the South and West either held steady or slipped. Builders are still feeling the strain from high costs, rising fuel prices, and general economic uncertainty, but custom homes and smaller markets are hanging in there. After more than 35 years of guiding buyers and sellers through real estate changes in Oxford, Lapeer, and Lake Orion, I’ve seen how these market shifts can affect local opportunities. Staying informed together helps us make the smoothest moves, whether you’re considering a new build or simply curious about how national trends might touch our Michigan neighborhoods.