Outlook Dim, but...

The National Association of Home Builders just released their latest index on homebuilder confidence, and while homebuilders are seeing an increase in potential purchasers, their outlook for the for the next six months is still negative.

"Some potential buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines are starting to at least research a new home purchase given improving affordability factors and the large selection of units on the market," said the Association’s Chief Economist, David Seiders.

"That said, builders know there's a difference between people looking and people buying, and their current outlook remains quite subdued," Seiders added.

In today’s environment, where any good news is really, really good news, even a slight increase in potential purchasers is a breath of fresh air.

Mortgage interest rates are terrific for those who can get them, and the smaller real estate investors are much-better poised than the publicly-traded homebuilders to turn those lookers into buyers.