METROSTUDY: JOB GROWTH, HOME STARTS SUGGEST H-TOWN RECOVERY

Metrostudy is a company that provides information about the housing industry and related industries. Below is information on a recent study they posted. View the Original Posting here.

HOUSTON (Metrostudy) – The Bayou City's economy is showing signs of recovery according to a recent Metrostudy report.

The Houston economy had over 13,000 more jobs at the end of 2010 than it had at the beginning, a .5 percent increase after a loss of 102,800 jobs in 2009.

Overall, Metrostudy recorded 18,752 home starts in 2010, a 1.1 percent increase over 2009. This is the first increase in new home activity after three straight years of decline, according to the Metrostudy report. Houston closed 20,579 homes in 2010, a 10 percent decline from 2009. Closings have outpaced starts since first quarter 2007, so the market has absorbed inventory.

Total new home inventory stands at a 5.9-month supply, below the six months that Metrostudy considers equilibrium for Houston. Finished vacant inventory has dropped to 5,320 units, a 3.1-month supply. “The Houston market continues to face fewer market obstacles than most U.S. markets,” said David Jarvis, director of Metrostudy’s Houston division. “Texas’ pro-growth policies and business friendly environment will continue to benefit local housing markets and allow for 2011 to show moderate growth.”

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