Builders Most Optimistic Since 2009, For What That's Worth

WASHINGTON -- U.S. homebuilders are feeling a little less pessimistic about the struggling housing market. But their mood hasn't changed enough to signal a recovery anytime soon.

The National Association of Home Builders says its builder sentiment index rose to 20 in November. That's the highest level since May 2010 and only the second month the index has been at 20 or above in two years. The trade group cited low mortgage rates as a chief factor.

Still, any reading below 50 indicates negative sentiment about the housing market. It hasn't reached 50 since April 2006, the peak of the housing boom.

Last year, the number of people who bought new homes fell to its lowest level on records going back nearly a half-century. Sales this year could fare just as bad.

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• <p> Aspiring chefs, gourmets and gourmands -- feast your eyes on these delectable kitchens, plucked from some of the finest homes on the market today. If the kitchen truly is the heart of the home, get ready to fall in love with some of the best-kept, cutting-edge and well-equipped tickers this side of Lyon. Bon app&eacute;tit! &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Brookline, Mass.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $6.95 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 6/14<br /> Sq. Ft.: 9,838<br /> <br /> Newly renovated, this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/125-Rockwood-St_Brookline_MA_02445_M37168-27285" target="_blank">Gambrel-style mansion</a> boasts a sweeping English garden that encloses its one acre. The home's amenities include a home theater, wine cellar, three-car garage and...&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/125-Rockwood-St_Brookline_MA_02445_M37168-27285" target="_blank">more images of this stunner</a>.</p>
• <div class="copy"> <p> ....a&nbsp; stone pizza oven!&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/125-Rockwood-St_Brookline_MA_02445_M37168-27285" target="_blank">what else this home has to offer</a>.</p> </div>
• <p> Location: Rome, Ga.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $2.5 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/6<br /> Sq. Ft.: N/A (9 acres)<br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/111-Sequoia-Dr-Se_Rome_GA_30161_M55807-10020" target="_blank">Touted as &quot;your own resort on almost nine acres,&quot;</a> this property offers pastures and stables along with a pool, spa, tennis court, putting green, 20-seat theater, billiards room and wine cellar.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See more&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/111-Sequoia-Dr-Se_Rome_GA_30161_M55807-10020" target="_blank">images of this Southern manse</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Pictured here is the residence's lavish gourmet kitchen, which boasts top-of-the-line restaurant-grade appliances.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/111-Sequoia-Dr-Se_Rome_GA_30161_M55807-10020" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Atlanta, Ga.<br /> Price: $12.5 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 7/13<br /> Sq. Ft.: N/A<br /> <br /> This <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/421-Blackland-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30342_M69928-88910" target="_blank">stately Georgian mansion</a>, labeled a &quot;smart home,&quot; has pretty nifty tech features that include computerized lighting, audio and security. Amenities include a screening room, gym, sauna and pool.<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/421-Blackland-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30342_M69928-88910" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> The slick, sconce-lit kitchen is nearly cavernous in size and includes a wet bar and sprawling kitchen island.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See a <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/421-Blackland-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30342_M69928-88910" target="_blank">slideshow</a> of this beauty.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Atlanta, Ga.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $12.5 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/10<br /> Sq. Ft.: N/A<br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/1867-W-Wesley-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30327_M63908-10439" target="_blank">This home</a> is outfitted for large-scale entertaining and has the amenities to show for it: There's a paneled library, butler's pantry, office, pool, guest suite, massage room, spa, home theater -- phew! -- golf room, gymnasium, gift-wrapping room and living room.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/1867-W-Wesley-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30327_M63908-10439" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> And what would a grown-up party house be without an over-the-top kitchen? Crammed with state-of-the-art appliances, this expansive culinary laboratory has two kitchen islands and encompasses a breakfast area with a fireplace.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/1867-W-Wesley-Rd-Nw_Atlanta_GA_30327_M63908-10439" target="_blank">25 photos of this home</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> </p> <div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <p> Location: Nashville, Tenn.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $3.2 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 4/6<br /> Sq. Ft.: 5,598&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Sitting on nearly three acres, this&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/Nashville_TN_37220_M88855-69782" target="_blank">four-story mansion</a>&nbsp;offers plenty of space and a pool. And guess what else?&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See the&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/Nashville_TN_37220_M88855-69782" target="_blank">listing</a>&nbsp;for more details.&nbsp;</p> </div>
• <p> A futuristic, eat-in kitchen with ample cabinetry.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See the&nbsp;<a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/Nashville_TN_37220_M88855-69782" target="_blank">listing</a>&nbsp;for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Beverly Hills, Calif.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $40 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 9/13<br /> Sq. Ft.: 13,885<br /> <br /> They don't get much more expensive than <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/918-N-Roxbury-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M13776-32767" target="_blank">this giant</a>&nbsp;(though, believe it or not, there do happen to be <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/10/28/halloween-special-monster-size-houses/" target="_blank">quite a few houses that dwarf it</a>). This gated mansion offers a swimming pool, tennis courts and, clearly -- at this price -- a whole lot more.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/918-N-Roxbury-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M13776-32767" target="_blank">Get a taste of its other features</a> by viewing the listing.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Armed with a lavish pantry and cherry-stained cabinetry, the home's kitchen is a dream come true for a gourmet chef -- let alone, a movie star's spouse.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See a <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/918-N-Roxbury-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M13776-32767" target="_blank">slide show of this one-of-a-kind mansion.</a> (There's a pretty thrilling arial shot thrown in.)</p>
• <p> Location: Beverly Hills, Calif.&nbsp;<br /> Price: $27.5 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/10<br /> Sq. Ft.: 13,227<br /> <br /> This <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/613-Mountain-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M19224-93252" target="_blank">Beverly Hills manse</a>&nbsp;boasts a four-car garage, solar-heated pool and guesthouse. It also offers easy access to community features like tennis, paddle and basketball courts.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/613-Mountain-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M19224-93252" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Gleaming with fine finishes, the kitchen offers a sizable island and pantry, and is stocked with a wide array of appliances.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/613-Mountain-Dr_Beverly-Hills_CA_90210_M19224-93252" target="_blank">what else this home has to offer</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Los Angeles, Calif.<br /> Price: $34.95 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 6/10<br /> Sq. Ft.: 15,000 Sq Ft<br /> <br /> You can&rsquo;t buy happiness, but this <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/755-Sarbonne-Rd_Los-Angeles-City_CA_90077_M21089-74137" target="_blank">stunning architectural home</a> is about as close to a Zen investment as you&rsquo;re likely to find this side of Nirvana. With six bedrooms and 10 baths, you could start your own religious commune in this sprawling contemporary home. And speaking of food for the soul &hellip;<br /> <br /> See <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/755-Sarbonne-Rd_Los-Angeles-City_CA_90077_M21089-74137" target="_blank">what we're talking about</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Get a load of this divinely<em> feng shui</em> kitchen, complete with dazzling views of the Pacific. Feed your friends (trust us, you&rsquo;ll have plenty) and entertain in this multifaceted, high-tech kitchen.<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/755-Sarbonne-Rd_Los-Angeles-City_CA_90077_M21089-74137" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Colleyville, Texas<br /> Price: $7.4 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 7/12<br /> Sq. Ft.: 12,194<br /> <br /> Oh, would that we were real Disney princesses! Well, there&rsquo;s also the princely sum this property costs, but we can dream, can&rsquo;t we? This palatial estate -- in the Lone Star State, no less -- has everything an aspiring royal could ever want, including a grandiose gourmet kitchen.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/6108-Ld-Lockett-Rd_Colleyville_TX_76034_M84783-15609">Get regal</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> This <a href="http://This Tuscan-style palace is just what fairy tales are made of – rustic stone walls, golden chandeliers, and a kitchen island to die for. We may be highlighting killer kitchens this week, but the rest of this modern palace has to be seen to be believed. Swoon!" target="_blank">Tuscan-style palace</a> is just what fairy tales are made of -- rustic stone walls, golden chandeliers, and a kitchen island to die for. We may be highlighting killer kitchens this week, but the rest of this modern palace <a href="http://This Tuscan-style palace is just what fairy tales are made of – rustic stone walls, golden chandeliers, and a kitchen island to die for. We may be highlighting killer kitchens this week, but the rest of this modern palace has to be seen to be believed. Swoon!" target="_blank">has to be seen to be believed</a>. Swoon!</p>
• <p> Location: Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.<br /> Price: $7,500,000<br /> Beds/Baths: 3/5<br /> Sq Ft: 4,141 Sq Ft<br /> <br /> Sitting on a small fortune but aren&rsquo;t much into mowing the lawn? Then try this <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/18101-Collins-Av_Sunny-Isles-Beach_FL_33160_M61374-63874" target="_blank">tropical fantasy condo</a> on for size. With cerulean blue around every corner of this luxurious beachside home, sit back and enjoy a Mai Tai in your spacious and airy dining room.<br /> <br /> View the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/18101-Collins-Av_Sunny-Isles-Beach_FL_33160_M61374-63874" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> If you&rsquo;re so inclined, walk over to your state-of-the-art kitchen and whip up something to snack on before the evening&rsquo;s stunning sunset. &nbsp;<br /> <br /> See some of the <a href="http://If you’re so inclined, walk over to your state-of-the-art kitchen and whip up something to snack on before the evening’s stunning sunset. " target="_blank">other wild rooms in this mansion</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location: Santa Barbara, Calif.<br /> Price: $19.995 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 5/6<br /> Sq. Ft.: 13,875</p> <p> The listing touts this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/780-Ashley-Road_Santa-Barbara_CA_93108_M11283-14167" target="_blank">single-story home</a> as a &ldquo;redefining structure within modernism.&rdquo; Called the Glass Pavilion, its rambling 14,000 square feet sit on 3 1/2 oak-dotted acres in Montecito.<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/780-Ashley-Road_Santa-Barbara_CA_93108_M11283-14167" target="_blank">listing</a> for more details.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> The glass-box kitchen is a chef&rsquo;s dream -- provided the chef is obsessively neat. We're willing to bet it&rsquo;s tough to keep really tidy where there&rsquo;s a thousand-bottle &ldquo;wine room&rdquo;&nbsp; only steps away.<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/780-Ashley-Road_Santa-Barbara_CA_93108_M11283-14167" target="_blank">gorgeous features of this home</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> Location : Newtown, Pa.<br /> Price: $5.9 million<br /> Beds/Baths: 6/8<br /> Sq. Ft.:&nbsp; 13,000<br /> <br /> This <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/Newtown_PA_18940_M37938-58586" target="_blank">sprawling brick manor</a> started life as circa-1789 farmhouse, but you have to squint hard to see it. Inside, it&rsquo;s old meets new, with an expanded and updated interior that spares no modern amenity.<br /> <br /> See the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale-detail/Newtown_PA_18940_M37938-58586" target="_blank">over-the-top details</a> here.</p>
• <p> The kitchen has every top-of-the-line convenience, including a six-burner range, a built-in grill, a butler&rsquo;s pantry and acres of storage space.<br /> <br /> See a <a href="http://The kitchen has every top-of-the-line convenience, including a 6-burner range, a built-in grill, a butler’s pantry and acres of storage space. " target="_blank">slideshow of the home</a>.&nbsp;</p>

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