WFB EditorsNewsAs Existing Home Sales Climb, Housing Inventory Reaches Record LowSales of existing homes inched up 0.6% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.69 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. The rate is up 23.7% compared with January 2020.February 22, 2021NewsWFB Briefs: 10M Phony N95 Masks Seized; Artistic Finishes Price Increase; Fishman Flooring RecognizedFederal agents have seized more than 10 million counterfeit masks falsely branded as 3M in recent weeks, the Department of Homeland Security announced. 3M and the DHS have partnered throughout the pandemic to identify and halt fraudulent mask sales.February 22, 2021NewsChina Reduces Tariffs on 100+ Types of Forest ProductsChina’s Custom Tariff Commission of the State Council has reduced tariffs on certain forestry products imported into the country, the Decorative Hardwood Association reports. The tariff reduction began Jan. 1.February 22, 2021NewsHousing Starts Dip 6% in JanuaryHousing starts fell 6.0% in January compared with December, dropping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.58 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Compared with January 2020, housing starts declined 2.3%.January’s rates were bogged down by single-family housing starts, which declined 12.2%. Multifamily housing starts increased 17.1% during the month.February 22, 2021NewsBuilder Confidence Up 1 Point in FebruaryBuilder confidence grew one point in February to a level of 84 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.February 22, 2021NewsLast Chance to Vote for 2021 Readers’ Choice Award WinnerThe deadline to vote for the 2021 WFB Design Awards Readers’ Choice Award winner is noon CDT, Feb. 23.February 22, 2021NewsHardwood Flooring Imports Fell 21% in 2020U.S. imports of hardwood flooring dropped 21% in 2020 due to sharp declines in imports from Asian suppliers, ITTO reports.February 17, 2021NewsWood Floor Pros Share Their Favorite Hickory InstallsSee the wide variety of hickory floor installations submitted by wood floor pros.February 17, 2021NewsWFB Briefs: William M. Bird Becomes Exclusive Hearthwood Distributor in Florida; Lumber Prices Up 170%; ‘More with Mohawk’ LaunchedWilliam M. Bird expanded its partnership with Hearthwood to become its exclusive distributor in Florida.February 17, 2021NewsIndusparquet Launches Direct Service For Midwest Retail PartnersIndusparquet (Miami) will begin offering direct service to retailers in its Midwest market, which was previously serviced by All Tile.February 17, 2021Previous PagePage 98 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 DecksManagementHow We Transitioned to a Second-Generation Family BusinessSponsor ContentTransform Red Oak Into White Oak In One Easy Step
