WASHINGTON - A report this week said builders began work on more houses in February, and permits for future construction are at the highest level in almost five years.
The Commerce department said that indicates a housing recovery that is gaining strength.
New home construction rose almost 1 percent in February over January figures to a rate nearly 30 percent above figures reported in February 2012, the Commerce Department said. That's up from 910,000 in January.
And it's the second-fastest pace since June 2008, behind December's pace of 982,000.
Home building in February added to national economic growth last year for the first time since 2005, Realty Today said.
For a look at kitchens, and what makes them sell-able if you are selling your home, take a look at our weekly house hunt segment.
(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)