The month is barely 1/2 over anyway.

This one links to a cnbc article with that title:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101423771

I have this great fear that someday I am going to link to something that is totally embarrassing.

Mistakes happen. Fortunately the vast majority are not overly embarrassing.

It would have dropped, but not like this.

given there are plenty of previously owned homes that need to be sold and occupied. When the old inventory numbers drop to zero I will start to care.

sales, new tax revenue; in short, economic security for all those in jobs relating to the creation and sale of new homes. New homes are also far more energy efficient than old homes, and use renewable resources in their construction. If a new home replaces an old home, more often than not these days material from the old home is reused; either in the new home or sold to retailers who resell the material. New home construction is a barometer of how many feel about the near term economic conditions in this country; so yes, it's an important indicator. One of many.

I'm not seeing a whole lot here that isn't a net positive. Not sure how anyone can hate a different perspective, but to each their own.

Many people that currently own a home are having a hard time selling because they have to compete with newly built McMansion neighborhoods.

Over 10% of homes in America are vacant. It's not because they are all old or aren't energy efficient. It's because there are too many homes on the market.

Many are new apartment buildings that can't find tenants.

Those empty homes attract criminals and are an eyesore for neighbors. They also lower the property values of surrounding properties in many communities.

Yes, new homes are great for jobs and short-term security. I mean what could be wrong with creating a housing bubble, right?

the tens of thousands. They will be rented, and in time resold. The REITs aren't going to dump them on the market all at once, they'd be shooting themselves in the foot. I see no danger of a bubble.

Cities that have entire neighborhoods of empty homes are bulldozing them. Those areas too will be re-purposed. Probably rezoned for commercial or light manufacturing.

The average size of a new home in America is just under 2,500 sq ft. - not my definition of a McMansion. Once you get three decent sized bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room, plus kitchen and living areas, you've got yourself 2,500 sq ft of house to clean.

Many, many people simply don't like old homes, and the problems that come with them. There is nothing "wrong" with that; it's a personal preference. Your personal preference may be 180 degrees different; but that's what makes America great. We're not stuck buying what someone else tells us to just because it's their preference.

Families own those "old homes" (most are not filled with problems) and can't get rid of them because the new builds exist. And because of that many people are forced to have to rent their home, foreclose, or stay put until they can sell it for a lower price.

If greedy people didn't buy up land to bulldoze for new neighborhoods (a whole other problem) those people trying to sell their homes could freely move and buy somewhere else-a good thing for society and a growing economy.

It sounds like you work for a home builder. Do you?

That since last last summer there has been a notable increase in cash purchases of homes and decline of new mortgage applications, which could mean that those who are doing well are back to upgrading to bigger homes, or that wealthy foreigners are investing in houses in gentrifying and exclusive areas.

Either home builders in general are clueless or it's this guy they put in charge.

decades of stimulus from various presidents.
zero% interest rates.
quantitative easing.
etc.

demand has dried up