New homes are seen under construction in Mebane, N.C., Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. Construction of new homes in the U.S. rose again in December as builders ramp up projects amid a persistent shortage of homes. The December increase left home construction at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.70 million units, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday, Jan. 19, the third straight monthly gain. .(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)