By Jim Bradley:
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
There is new evidence Wednesday night that the Charlotte economy is ending the year on a positive note.
Construction of new homes is up, and economists and homebuilders said next year could be even better.
It's still a week until Christmas but homebuilders said they've already gotten a big gift.
New numbers show construction of new homes is up nationally to the highest level since the recession started.
In Charlotte, the news is even better and experts said that could snowball into a big boost for the economy.
It's no longer unusual to see homes being built in Charlotte -- a market that dried up from lack of demand during the recession is now gaining momentum.
"Builders in all price points are doing well," said Bill Saint with Classica Homes. "The market's great. Interest rates are still low. Buyers are out there."
Saint said his business grew 30 percent this year and he expects to build 25 percent more houses in 2014.
This year, the number of homes being built in Charlotte has nearly doubled to almost 9,000.
The benefit of new homes is far-reaching, from fueling a demand for more furniture and appliances to creating more jobs.
It's still a week until Christmas but homebuilders said they've already gotten a big gift.
New numbers show construction of new homes is up nationally to the highest level since the recession started.
In Charlotte, the news is even better and experts said that could snowball into a big boost for the economy.
It's no longer unusual to see homes being built in Charlotte -- a market that dried up from lack of demand during the recession is now gaining momentum.
"Builders in all price points are doing well," said Bill Saint with Classica Homes. "The market's great. Interest rates are still low. Buyers are out there."
Saint said his business grew 30 percent this year and he expects to build 25 percent more houses in 2014.
This year, the number of homes being built in Charlotte has nearly doubled to almost 9,000.
The benefit of new homes is far-reaching, from fueling a demand for more furniture and appliances to creating more jobs.
"That is a very good sign in this marketplace," said Alan Banks with the Charlotte Home Builders Association. "Because every new home that's started creates three new jobs."
Charlotte has now gained 20,000 more jobs than it lost during the recession.
Economist John Connaughton said the economic impact from housing will continue to grow.
"When you talk about more jobs, that's going to lead to more houses and so I think Charlotte will perform much better than the state will, and the nation as well," Connaughton said.
Charlotte has now gained 20,000 more jobs than it lost during the recession.
Economist John Connaughton said the economic impact from housing will continue to grow.
"When you talk about more jobs, that's going to lead to more houses and so I think Charlotte will perform much better than the state will, and the nation as well," Connaughton said.
At the height of the housing boom, Charlotte was building about 25,000 new homes a year.
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