While demand for construction in the Houston real estate market remains below levels from past years, employment in the industry is beginning to pick up.

According to the Associated General Contractors of America (http://www NULL.agc NULL.org/cs/news_media/press_room/press_release?pressrelease NULL.id=744), the Houston-Sugarland-Baytown area lost 1,700 construction jobs in December compared to December 2009. But at the same time, the result was far better than the 3,400 jobs lost from November 2009 to 2010.

The raw number of construction jobs also increased from November to December, showing that many home builders may be anticipating a stronger new homes market this Spring.

The addition of jobs in the Houston area actually put the city in the minority of cities nationwide. The AGCA said that 232 of the country's 337 metro areas shed jobs during the month, mainly due to the severe winter weather hitting many parts of the nation.

That sentiment of an increase in home construction over the next few months is one shared by many homebuilders across the country. David Crowe, the chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, called the 17.5 percent monthly increase in new home sales in December a "promising sign."