Newport Beach-based William Lyon Homes Inc. said it recorded a 17% rise in new home orders in California during the past three months.
The homebuilder took orders for 738 homes for the past three months, versus 630 homes for the same period a year earlier.
Overall the company saw a 2% rise in U.S. orders to 1,154 homes. William Lyon Homes saw a drop in Arizona orders.
The company, however, closed on about 30% less homes in California, for a total of 335 homes. It closed on more homes in Arizona and less in Nevada, bringing its total down.
Wet weather earlier this year led to construction delays, the company said. As a result it expects to finish 7% to 10% less homes this year than in 2004.
Chairman and majority shareholder William Lyon last month withdrew his offer to buy the remaining shares not under his control and take the company private.
Shares of the company were flat at $96 on Thursday.
