A shortage of skilled labor, high labor costs, and uncertainty about the effect of tariffs on lumber prices weigh on some homebuilders.

New home sales fell 5.6% in October, but they’re still up 18% over last year. And they make up a record share of total inventory.

Their confidence tanked last year.

This year will see the first year that single family home building has decline since 2011, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Demand is pushing up wages, but not enough, some say, to bring young workers to the door as older ones head for the exit.

Alone with materials and labor, available lots are in high demand.

A large number of buyers are chasing not enough homes on the market.

The facility would have ancillary benefits for loggers and truckers, and its building materials would keep carbon locked up, expert says.

“All of a sudden, these guys don’t have the wood to start supplying some of these jobs,” one analyst said.

The land, labor, supplies, and permits add up.