According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on September 9, a record high of 291 metro areas were listed in the Improving Markets Index, or IMI. This shows a gain of 44 markets since August and is an all-time high for the IMI’s list since it was first used 2 years ago.

As a custom builder, what does this mean for you?

First, it means things are going well. The Improving Markets Index only includes metro areas whose markets have shown at least 6 months increase in each of the following categories: housing prices, housing permits issued, and employment growth. These figures are collected from Freddie Mac, the US Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respectively.

Increased employment means individuals will have more income and perhaps be able to finally afford a custom home. Increased housing prices shows that homebuyers’ wallets are healthier and can afford custom. More housing permits means more development, and it’s a safe time to be expanding your builder business.

“Just over 80 percent of the 361 metros tracked by our index are showing consistent growth in three key measures of housing market strength – prices, permits and employment,” said National Association of Home Builders’ Chairman Rick Judson. Judson, a homebuilder himself, continued, “While there is still plenty of room for growth, this is an excellent indication of how the housing recovery has begun to take hold across more geographic areas.”

Indeed, the number of improving markets increased not in a single geographic isolated area, but across the country in cities like St. Cloud, Minnesota; Spokane, Washington; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Brownsville, Texas. Custom builders across the country can expect to see a continuation of the already-strong housing market.

“The dramatic increase in markets qualifying for the IMI in September was partly due to a recent improvement in the way that Freddie Mac measures home prices, which resulted in stronger gains than previously reported,” explained NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Even so, the broadened list of metros on the IMI continues to demonstrate the slow but steady gains that individual housing markets are making to bolster the national outlook.”

A full list of the 291 improving markets can be viewed here.

Are you searching for a new home in Memphis? Check out Chateau Gardens, a great new community in Germantown by Magnolia Homes.

This beautiful community features beautiful single-family homes with up to 6,000 square feet of space. The unparalleled craftsmanship of these homes begins with exterior French doors with Creole influenced shutters which open up to quality architecture and beautiful interior design.

Homes in this neighborhood are styled to reflect Louisiana culture and radiate Southern charm. Every home is custom-built to align with each customer’s particular tastes. This neighborhood consists of nine total homesites, giving it a private, quiet feel.

Children living in this community will attend Germantown Elementary, Middle, and High schools, or families may select an area private school if they wish.

Homes in at Chateau Gardens start in the mid $650,000 price range.

Magnolia Homes was founded in 1987 and is known as the leading custom home builder throughout Memphis. They believe it’s important to take care of the customer as if they were family. If you’re ready to move to a custom home in Memphis, be sure to take a look at Chateau Gardens.

If you’re searching for a new home in Lakeland, Tennessee, don’t pass up your chance to live at Winstead Farms. This new community was carefully constructed by Magnolia Homes.

This neighborhood features beautiful custom-built homes, made all the more enticing by the low property taxes in Shelby County. These family homes range from $300,000 to upwards of $500,000 in price. Winstead Farms also features garden homes and zero lot line homes from $275,000.

These amazing homes reflect the details and design Magnolia Homes is renowned for: spacious outdoor living areas, gigantic closets, gourmet kitchens with personalized cabinetry, energy efficiency, and granite countertops.

Amenities in the neighborhood include a community pool, walking trails, a stocked fishing pond, proximity to shopping and dining, and a unique mix of American Cottage and French Country home design.

Children living in this community will attend Lakeland Elementary, Arlington Middle, and Arlington High schools.

Magnolia Homes was founded in 1987 and is known as the leading custom home builder throughout the Memphis area. They believe it’s important to take care of the customer as if they were family. If you’re ready to move to a custom home, be sure to take a look at Winstead Farms.

If you’re searching for a new home in Collierville, Tennessee, don’t pass up your chance to live at Village Park. This fantastic new community, built by custom builder Magnolia Homes, is a perfect fit for any lifestyle.

This neighborhood offers walking trails, a community pool, a convenient location for nearby schools and more, and the beautiful Johnson Park. These French Creole designed homes range from 2,950 to 5,000 heated square feet. Home sites start at 15,000 square feet.

Children living in this community will attend Crosswinds Elementary, Schilling Farms Middle, and Collierville High schools. High style, low maintenance, classic charm, and privacy all make this neighborhood so desirable.

Village Park is located just off the corners of Byhalia and Shelton Road in Collierville, on Cosner street.

Magnolia Homes was founded in 1987 and is known as the leading custom home builder throughout Memphis. They believe it’s important to take care of the customer as if they were family. If you’re ready to move to a custom home in Memphis, be sure to take a look at Village Park.

Are you searching for a new home in Memphis? Check out Chateau Gardens, a great new community in Germantown by Magnolia Homes.

Chateau Gardens features beautiful single-family homes with up to 6,000 square feet of space. The unparalleled craftsmanship of these homes begins with exterior French doors with Creole influenced shutters which open up to quality architecture and beautiful interior design.

Homes in this neighborhood are styled to reflect Louisiana culture and radiate Southern charm. Every home is custom-built to align with each customer’s particular tastes. This neighborhood consists of nine total homesites, giving it a private, quiet feel.

Children living in Chateau Gardens will attend Germantown Elementary, Middle, and High schools, or families may select an area private school if they wish.

Homes in this community start in the mid $650,000 price range.

Magnolia Homes was founded in 1987 and is known as the leading custom home builder throughout Memphis. They believe it’s important to take care of the customer as if they were family. If you’re ready to move to a custom home in Memphis, be sure to take a look at Chateau Gardens.