U.S. posts soft housing intentions

WASHINGTON — Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,007,000. This is 3.1% below the revised October rate of 1,039,000, but is 7.9% above the November 2012 estimate of 933,000. Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a SAAR of 1,091,000. This is 22.7% above the revised October estimate of 889,000 and is 29.6% above the November 2012 rate of 842,000. Privately-owned housing completions in November were at a rate of 823,000. This is 0.1% below the revised October estimate of 824,000, but is 21.6% above the November 2012 rate of 677,000.