Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes remained unchanged in December from the previous month at 16 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released Wednesday. “Builders are bracing themselves for a slow holiday season as a number of factors continue to cause uncertainty among consumers and builders alike,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones. “While the HMI is adjusted for seasonal factors, the typical cold-weather slowdown in sales activity is being accentuated by ongoing weakness in the job market, the rising number of foreclosures and short-sales, and very challenging credit conditions for both builders and buyers.”