WFB EditorsNewsNovember Existing Home Sales Increase 1.9 PercentExisting home sales grew 1.9 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.32 million, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The sales rate is down 7.0 percent compared with November 2017.December 19, 2018NewsU.S. Sets New Date for Tariff Increases on Chinese ProductsThe U.S. Trade Representative’s office set March 2 as the date the U.S. will impose 25 percent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese products should trade and intellectual property negotiations with China be unsuccessful. The 25 percent tariffs were originally slated to go into effect Jan. 1, an addition to the 10 percent tariffs imposed Sept. 24 on the products, which include Chinese hardwood flooring. However, the Jan. 1 date was suspended following talks between President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China during the G20 summit Dec. 1.December 19, 2018NewsWFB Briefs: Bona Adds Two Training Courses; Early Registration for World of WoodBona US (Englewood, Colo.) introduced two new courses on its online training center, including a course on Bona sealers (waterborne and oil-modified) and a course on using Bona Mega ONE, the company’s new clear, one-component finish. The courses can be accessed here.December 19, 2018NewsHousing Starts Increase 3.2 Percent in NovemberNovember housing starts grew to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.26 million, a 3.2 percent increase from October and a 5.1 percent increase year-over-year, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Census Bureau.Regionally, housing starts rose 11 percent in the West and 5.3 percent in the South in November. The Northeast and Midwest saw declines of 0.8 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively.December 19, 2018NewsWood Flooring Celebrities to Teach at Second Extreme CourseThere will be a star-studded group of wood flooring pros teaching at the second-ever Extreme Wood Flooring course held by the International Wood Flooring Association in February 2019.December 17, 2018NewsSponsored Video: BBQ Mishap Around Hardwood Flooring ContractorsA hardwood flooring contractor shares his successes with an industry peer when things go wrong.December 17, 2018New ProductsSepp Leaf’s Mixol Universal TintsSepp Leaf Products’ Mixol Universal Tints are available in 33 colors, plus gold, silver and copper. They are concentrated colorants and can be added to water, solvent and high-quality oil-based products, the company says. Mixols are resistant to heat and freeze issues and do not dry out or harden, even when opened, the company adds.seppleaf.comDecember 17, 2018NewsBuilder Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since May 2015Builder confidence in the housing market dropped four points in December on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.December 17, 2018NewsNovember Housing Market Supply Declines Across the BoardHousing market supply declined in all categories year-over-year in November, including single-family housing authorizations, maintenance and remodeling, according to the BuildFax Housing Health Report.December 17, 2018NewsCanada Housing Starts Rise 4.4 Percent in NovemberAfter four months of declines, Canadian housing starts had an unexpected 4.4 percent jump in November, growing to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 215,941 units, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).December 17, 2018Previous PagePage 244 of 982Next PageTop StoriesRetailThriving Through Innovation: See the Winners of the 2025 WFB Outstanding Retailer AwardsFrom reimagined showrooms and mobile studios to thoughtful mentorship, employee empowerment and social media marketing, these WFB Outstanding Retailers are proving that personalized service is key to long-term success.TechniquesUseful Advice When Dealing With Pine FlooringContractingHow I Do These Jobs: Refinishing DecksNewsRecognizing Wood Floor Contractors: Enter the 2025 Ultimate Wood Floor Guy/Gal ContestSponsor ContentMisconceptions About Film-Forming Wood Floor Finishes
