Statistics compiled by the ConstructionIndustry Research Board (CIRB) show home builders pulled permits for 2,979 totalhousing units in January, a 49 percent increase compared with January 2008 butan 18 percent decline compared with December 2009.   Permits forsingle-family homes totaled 1,908, a 50 percent increase compared with the sameperiod a year ago but down 28 percent compared with the previous month. Multifamily permits totaled 1,071, up 45 percent compared with a year ago and11 percent compared with December.

Ben Bartolotto, research director for CIRB, noted that themonthly decreases from December to January were typical as January is usuallyone of the weakest months for housing starts. He also noted any enthusiasm forthe year-over-year increases seen in January should be tempered with the factthat the numbers for January 2009 posted the lowest annual rate on record.

CIRB is forecasting a modest recovery for 2010, with permits beingpulled for 52,000 total units, up slightly from the record-low 36,289 permitspulled in 2009.

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