The 25% drop reported by the North State Building Industry Association for the extra-hot July, with its period of sweltering heat, is actually an improvement over the first half of the year. Year to date, sales are down 30 percent. The data represents 177 new home communities, considered to be a fair sampling of the marketplace. 

July sales almost reached 500 in the region, up 15% from June. 30% of the sales action was in Placer County. A year ago, incentives to homeowners were minimal … but today, builders are often extending tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades or discounts in a sluggish market.