Confidence among U.S. homebuilders unexpectedly fell for a second month in March, a sign the residential real estate market will take time to strengthen.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder confidence dropped by 2 points to 44 this month, due to a decrease in the measure of current sales, a report from the Washington-based group showed Monday. Readings below 50 mean more respondents said conditions were poor.