"The housing market is being supported by historically low interest rates, rising house values and a strengthening economy," said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. "Builders remain confident about the market and expect to maintain a healthy pace through the coming months as we strive to keep up with strong demand for single-family homes and condominiums."

"Favorable market conditions continue to bode well for housing," added NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders. "The interest rate structure remains favorable; national, regional and local economies are strengthening; growth of employment and household income is picking up; and household formations are increasing in the process."

"Although interest rates have moved up since the end of March, the strengthening economic and demographic fundamentals will provide strong support to housing demand as the year progresses," he said. "Indeed, NAHB surveys of builders suggest that the initial impact of the rate reversal has been to strengthen, rather than weaken, buyer demand."