Housing Is One of Few Economic Bright Spots in 2013 | Your Bottom Line

A housing industry dominated by small business is the key to righting the struggling economy, and energy development could help push the industry forward, says NFIB’s chief economist Bill Dunkelberg. “At the peak of our housing boom, new housing starts reached an annual rate of 2.2 million units," Dunkelberg said. “[When] prices plunged, starts fell to 500,000 units per year, taking millions of jobs with them.” Dunkelberg expects housing starts to approach 1 million in 2013. However, that is still a half million units short of the steady level we should expect based on population growth. 2:16

Fast Facts

At the peak of the boom, housing starts reached an annual rate of 2.2 million units.
At its lowest point during the recession, housing starts plunged to 500,000 units yearly, killing millions of jobs.

Your Bottom Line

NFIB's new web series, "Your Bottom Line," helps small business owners learn more about what drives the economy and how economic issues affect their businesses.

William Dunkelberg, NFIB's chief economist and one of the nation's top experts on small business, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and consumer credit policy, hosts the series.

Look for a new video each week.