As this April's American New Homes Month transitions into American Remodelers Month in May, good news from a variety of sources from Washington D.C. to San Bernardino County greeted homebuilders and homebuyers alike.

According to the latest industry sources, San Bernardino for the second consecutive month posted home sales of nearly 90 percent over this time last year while still leading as the most desirable housing market in the state in terms of affordability. Mortgage rates still hover at historic lows and builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes rose five points in April to the highest level since October 2008, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The gain marks the largest one-month increase recorded in nearly six years.

Nationwide, thanks to record low mortgage rates, affordable home prices and new state (www.ftb.ca.gov) and federal tax credit programs (www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com); half of all U.S. households can now afford a median - priced new home and that is injecting new life into the housing market according to reports released last week by NAHB.

Also last week, the press reported that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified that he is "fundamentally optimistic" about the economy's longer - term prospects. Bernanke was quoted as saying "(t)oday's economic conditions are difficult, but the foundations of our economy are strong, and we face no problems that cannot be overcome with insight, patience, and persistence." Here in the Inland Empire, noted regional economist John Husing was quoted in the press saying that home buying here is more affordable than it has been in nearly a decade.

Finally, there is good news for San Bernardino County homebuyers. As president of the BIA Baldy View Chapter, which represents homebuilding professionals in San Bernardino County, I had the pleasure to present three of the region's most notable housing experts at our April BIA Baldy View Chapter Member Meeting: former California State Senator James L. Brulte of California Strategies, Countrywide Bank Vice President/Area Sales Manager Richard Hedrick and K Hovnanian Homes Division President/Southern California Inland Region Jim Perry. Presented in conjunction with the Inland Empire Sales & Marketing Council, the event presented members a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current political and economic realities confronting the region's economic recovery.

In essence, they informed us that - while righting the current housing correction poses new political and economic challenges for homebuilders - there are hopeful signs on the horizon for San Bernardino County homeowners, homebuyers and home builders alike.

Brulte laid the groundwork for the discussion by analyzing the current legislative climate and the unique challenges facing bipartisan efforts with which homebuilders will contend in propelling our housing market recovery, but evidenced by the recently approved statewide new home tax credit many in Sacramento already agree that housing is a key focus. Moving from the 'big picture' at the legislative level to understanding our local housing market, Hedrick told attendees that in today's mortgage industry, "there are a lot of good, positive things going on."

Hedrick said that, while the prevailing sentiment among consumers it that mortgages are difficult to come by in this current economic climate, "that is absolutely not the case." He noted that today credit is readily available to consumers with good credit, government investment such as tax credits are working to stimulate activity and today's mortgage rates are "incredible". Consumers, he added, should be looking into cosigners and gifts to avail themselves of this unique opportunity.

As far as the impending recovery, "there is a lot of reason to believe it is coming. There are lots of reasons to buy a house today."

Wrapping up the discussion to the impacts on home building professionals, Perry analyzed the interrelationship of the various elements of the burgeoning recovery and said that homebuilders' must enhance and reinforce consumer confidence with buyer education to facilitate recovery of the new homes market, especially since media coverage of housing markets is often inaccurate.

"Buyer education is one of the things we need to tell all of our agents to brush up on," Perry told the capacity crowd of homebuilding professionals.

"We need to educate the buyer that it's a great time to buy."

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