- First-time homebuyer budgets (how much they're willing to spend) are up 24% vs. 2014, according to Bank of Montreal's (U.S.) homebuying report, and the expected down payment slips to 13% from 16% a year ago. 77% of those surveyed have made "lifestyle cutbacks" to save for a home vs. 72% in 2014.
- Turning to Texas and the effect of the energy crash, Susquehanna checks show the spring selling season is shaping up to be stronger than last year. The team visited entry-level offerings from D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI), Pulte Group (NYSE:PHM), Lennar (NYSE:LEN), and Beazer (NYSE:BZH), and found things "surprisingly strong."
- The news supports management views of higher sales and margins, says Susquehanna, and many builders indicate price hikes of 3-5% in recent months given the strong demand. The team also notes getting a mortgage seems like less of an issue, labor is still tight, and rental costs are, in part, behind the boosted entry-level interest.
- ETFs: XHB, ITB