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Reaching the Gold Standard
Combining bespoke design with efficiency, Promontory HOMES takes mountain living to new heights “We are seeing that clients have a desire to…
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Combining bespoke design with efficiency, Promontory HOMES takes mountain living to new heights
“We are seeing that clients have a desire to bring more community amenities into their homes,” said Scott Ilizaliturri, President of Promontory HOMES.
Across the industry, there is no singular design trend shaping 2026. Today’s buyer wants to build for their lifestyle, whether that be prioritizing entertainment, health and wellness, convenience or all three. Ilizaliturri discussed that today’s current clients are selective, educated and prepared. They know what they want and are willing to wait to get it.
So for Promontory, the answer is to have options for any type of buyer: game rooms, wine cellars, home gyms, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, oxygen therapy, elevators, en-suite bathrooms and home offices. Yet none of these amenities would be competitive in today’s market without high-standard execution. Ilizaliturri noted that constructing the home itself is only a part of the overall experience.
The rest comes from offering peace of mind to buyers. With this strategy, the awards followed suit. Promontory’s Picasso model won the Gold Nugget for Best Single Family Detached Home, 2,500 to 3,000 square feet.
Design Direction
In 2010, Promontory HOMES was established in response to the growing demand for alternative luxury homebuilding. Promontory describes its vision as simple: to alleviate the stress of time and money in custom homebuilding.
“We believe we are in a very small niche of the market: personalized high-end luxury home building coupled with an efficient mind and focus,” said Ilizaliturri. “Many builders see these as opposites, opposing forces. We see them as opportunities.”
With support from the developer of Promontory Mountain Club, Francis Najafi, Promontory HOMES has built over 400 homes in the growing Park City, Utah community to date.
The builder offers three product lines based on home size: the Villas at about 2,800 square feet, Estates customizable at 5,000 square feet and the most traditional custom homebuilding experience at the Pinnacle, estimated at 7,500 square feet. These offerings evolve to reflect market moves.
“Many home builders are focused on rationalizing their offerings, which might add more ‘no’s than ‘yes’ to the buying experience,” added Ilizaliturri. “We look to rationalize, as it helps our business remain efficient in a constantly changing environment.”
Picasso
The Picasso was designed with a reduced footprint in mind, limiting livable square feet to 2,800. Despite this, Promontory delivered four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a two-car garage and striking design elements.
The project enhances the constraints with single-level, open-concept living. With Picasso, Promontory’s thoughtful window placement takes advantage of the dramatic views of the landscape. Complemented by high-end finishes such as wide-plank wood floors, wool carpet and waterfall-edge stone countertops, it quickly became a buyer favorite.
“We had to provide a compelling reason to buy new,” said Ilizaliturri. “The result is a home that feels both luxurious and welcoming, balancing modern architecture with everyday comfort.”
Bradford Plus
The Bradford Plus provides insight into another side of Promontory’s offerings.
The exterior features an impressive barrel roof design with rugged yet modern materials such as stained cedar siding, natural stone and metal wall panels.
The rear elevation surprises with an extended cantilevered patio. Ilizaliturri noted that it gives the feeling that you are actually floating as you enjoy the outdoors.
Upon entering the home, visitors notice the four-sided island fireplace and three-stop glass elevators catch the eye. The level of purpose and individuality in the design is immediately clear.
The home is 6,807 square feet of liveable space and offers five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage. The in-home amenities focus on delivering on all aspects, with a recreation room with a wine display, pool table, wet bar, in-home sauna, hot tub and fire pit.
Topography Challenges
Promontory HOMES currently offers over 30 elevations, each of which can be made more bespoke. Additionally, the diverse topography in Park City ensures that no two lots are the same.
“When you are building a plan for the first time, you discover inefficiencies, detail busts and unforeseen disconnects between plans and the site,” said Ilizaliturri. “We had to think in terms of repeatability and efficiency as we made our construction decisions, while continually laboring to protect the integrity of the original concept and design.”
The results of both projects showcase the dedication and detail of a boutique builder, recognized by its clients and the industry.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is also featured in B&D September, read the print version.
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Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026
Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying…
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Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying housing demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds and persistent affordability constraints. Sales gains have been consistent statewide, suggesting that buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates while benefiting from more stable inventory conditions and greater choice.
Pricing trends also point to a gradually improving market environment in Texas. While home prices remain below year-ago levels, the pace of decline has continued to ease.
As the peak home buying season comes to a close, continued improvement in inflation readings should help support market stability by reducing the likelihood of a policy rate increase.
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Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts
Well-located land is in high demand, as seen in research from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). The company’s 2Q26 Residential Land…
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Well-located land is in high demand, as seen in research from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). The company’s 2Q26 Residential Land Survey of the top land brokers nationwide reported the following: Demand remains lower than it was a few years ago. In 2Q24, 76% of brokers rated land demand as Hot or On Fire, but by 2Q26, that number decreased to 33%. However, finished lot prices continue to rise in high-quality A-B locations, up +5% year over year (YOY), while prices fell -2% YOY in farther-out C-D locations.
Higher-quality land is in higher demand, but there are still factors builders and developers should keep an eye on. Developers are encouraged to look out for easing growth. Meanwhile, builders may be able to push for better terms in negotiations with developers in some markets, particularly in oversupplied C-D areas.
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Why you shouldn’t miss our upcoming webinar
In today’s shifting housing market, builders, architects and design-build firms face a shared strategic challenge: expanding project margins and revenue without overextending…
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In today’s shifting housing market, builders, architects and design-build firms face a shared strategic challenge: expanding project margins and revenue without overextending operational capacity. The solution increasingly lies in targeted, high-margin residential interventions—most notably specialized bathroom design and remodeling. Driven by surging demand for universal design, barrier-free living and aging-in-place functionality, bath renovations offer fast project turnarounds, reliable profitability and high-impact value.
Yet integrating or expanding specialized bath remodeling within a design or construction practice without a standardized framework can introduce scope creep, specification friction and costly execution errors. To bridge this gap, Bestbath is hosting an industry Lunch & Learn webinar, Building Your Bathroom Remodel Business, on Oct. 8, 2026.
Industry experts Michael Lunt of Bestbath and licensed contractor Blake Watson of Age-Proof Homes detail the practical mechanics of the trade. Participants will evaluate emerging macro trends, assess exact operational requirements and master field-proven strategies to leverage existing licenses, design teams and site crews without investing in new capital equipment.
For architects and builders seeking to capture lucrative market demand while safeguarding core operations, this session delivers an authoritative blueprint for sustainable business growth.
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Mortgage rates hold steady
Results from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.66% on Aug. 27, 2026. This…
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Results from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.66% on Aug. 27, 2026. This is the second time in August that mortgage rates have averaged 6.66%. Mortgage rates remain relatively unchanged throughout the month, holding steady.
“Mortgage rates changed little this week, averaging 6.66%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The economy remains resilient, demonstrated by steady consumer spending and rising household incomes. More homes coming on the market and slower price growth in many areas are giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market.”
The current FRM is slightly up from last week’s average of 6.65%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.56%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.98%, up from last week when it averaged 5.95%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%.
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San Diego home sales exceed last year’s
According to new Redfin data, San Diego homes are selling faster than they did in 2025. The typical San Diego home has been in 32 days after being listed, eight days fewer than last year. Single-family homes are selling the fastest.
“A desirable single-family home may draw competing offers, while a condo, townhouse or other attached property may sit longer because of higher HOA fees, insurance costs or upcoming assessments,” said Redfin principal agent Rebecca Roman Stevens.
California is among the three states leading in home sales, specifically in the luxury home market.
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HBGI Q2 2026 reveals geographical trends in residential construction
According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), announced on Sept. 1, 2026, home building trends diverged across geographies in Q2. While single-family construction declined in nearly all geographic categories, multifamily construction expanded across six of the seven categories. Activity was increasingly concentrated in large metro cores and suburban counties.
The decrease in single-family construction in the second quarter eased as these geographies contracted at a slower pace than the previous quarter. Outlying counties in small metro areas reported growth, increasing by 0.9% following four consecutive quarterly declines. The geographic composition of single-family construction continued to shift toward smaller and less densely populated markets in Q2.
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Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026
Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying housing demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds and persistent affordability constraints. Sales gains have been consistent statewide, suggesting that buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates while benefiting from more stable inventory conditions and greater choice.
Pricing trends also point to a gradually improving market environment in Texas. While home prices remain below year-ago levels, the pace of decline has continued to ease.
As the peak home buying season comes to a close, continued improvement in inflation readings should help support market stability by reducing the likelihood of a policy rate increase.
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Registration now open for Design & Construction Week
Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Design & Construction Week (DCW). DCW includes the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).
The largest trade show for the residential design and building industry will take place from Feb. 2-4, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NAHB estimates over 120,000 attendees with educational opportunities spanning 120 sessions across nine education tracks and 2,350 exhibiting brands at IBS 2027.
“The International Builders’ Show is where the housing industry comes together to shape the future of home building. Whether you’re looking to discover the latest innovations, gain valuable business insights or build relationships with industry leaders, there is simply no substitute for being at IBS,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “If you want to stay competitive and connected in today’s evolving market, this is the event you can’t afford to miss.”
NKBA will present its show programming, including the NEXTStage, the Design & Industry Awards and an enhanced Voices From the Industry (VFTI) conference. The association expects more than 600 exhibitors at KBIS 2027.
“Our industry grows more interconnected and global each day and KBIS 2027 embodies that momentum,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA|KBIS. “As the hub uniting our industry, NKBA is excited to return to Las Vegas for an experience designed to build upon, and exceed, the energy and optimism of last year’s show. We’re committed to helping our community forge connections, discover new opportunities and drive business growth.”
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Berkshire Hathaway doubles down on housing market investment
Berkshire Hathaway just raised its stake in the housing game, upping its stock in production builder Lennar to an estimated 30% or $1.157 billion. That’s not the only builder the firm bolstered its investment in. Berkshire Hathaway also purchased stakes in D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, valued at around $580,000.
This all comes about a month after Berkshire Hathaway closed on its $8.5 billion all-cash acquisition of Taylor Morrison.
What does this investment say about the future of housing?
Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO, Greg Abel, who started the role in January, sees the market making a major comeback from the slump that builders are widely reporting in 2026.
With increased federal investment from the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, big bets are being placed on the future of the built environment.
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Mattamy Homes announces new CEO
Mattamy Homes, a family-owned homebuilder in North America that just surpassed 150,000 homes delivered, announced the retirement of its current CEO, Keith Bass.
Bass has led the company since 2020 and will retire Sept. 1, 2026.
Chris Lindhorst, the current Chief Operating Officer at Mattamy Homes, will succeed him as CEO.
Lindhorst joined the company in early 2026 and previously served as Regional President at D.R. Horton.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead Mattamy Homes U.S.,” said Lindhorst. “Keith and the broader leadership team have built a strong business with an outstanding reputation, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I am excited to work alongside our teams across the United States to build on that momentum, continue delivering for our customers and create long-term value for the business.”
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Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts
Well-located land is in high demand, as seen in research from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). The company’s 2Q26 Residential Land Survey of the top land brokers nationwide reported the following: Demand remains lower than it was a few years ago. In 2Q24, 76% of brokers rated land demand as Hot or On Fire, but by 2Q26, that number decreased to 33%. However, finished lot prices continue to rise in high-quality A-B locations, up +5% year over year (YOY), while prices fell -2% YOY in farther-out C-D locations.
Higher-quality land is in higher demand, but there are still factors builders and developers should keep an eye on. Developers are encouraged to look out for easing growth. Meanwhile, builders may be able to push for better terms in negotiations with developers in some markets, particularly in oversupplied C-D areas.
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Mortgage rates hold steady
Results from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.66% on Aug. 27, 2026. This is the second time in August that mortgage rates have averaged 6.66%. Mortgage rates remain relatively unchanged throughout the month, holding steady.
“Mortgage rates changed little this week, averaging 6.66%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The economy remains resilient, demonstrated by steady consumer spending and rising household incomes. More homes coming on the market and slower price growth in many areas are giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market.”
The current FRM is slightly up from last week’s average of 6.65%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.56%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.98%, up from last week when it averaged 5.95%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%.
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Pace of new home sales softens
According to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, newly built single-family home sales declined 10.5% in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of 607,000, following an upward estimate of new home sales in June. New home sales were 6.3% lower than a year earlier, according to July data.
A survey from the National Association of Home Builders shows that a majority of builders continue to offer incentives, including mortgage rate buy-downs, to accelerate the pace of new home sales. There is still hope in the industry as builders continue to outperform the broader market.
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Goodbye cool interiors, hello earthy tones
Throughout 2026, we have seen interior design move away from cool interiors and clean lines and instead towards spaces that feel warmer and more personal. There has been a growing emphasis on natural materials, earthy tones and pieces that bring individuality into the home.
Warm, earthy tones continue to influence interiors in 2026, bringing depth and comfort into contemporary spaces. Mocha, olive, terracotta and chocolate are replacing neutral palettes, creating rooms that feel grounded and inviting. Rather than dominating a space, these colors work beautifully when layered through artwork, natural materials and subtle accents.
The result is an interior that feels warm and sophisticated without losing its contemporary edge.
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How California kitchen designs are evolving
In Southern California homes, kitchen designs are moving away from cold, showroom-style spaces toward warmer, more livable rooms. While indoor-outdoor flow remains the defining feature, warm wood and natural materials are becoming just as important in kitchen designs.
Large glass pocket doors connect the kitchen directly to the patio, allowing entertainment to flow naturally between both spaces. Homeowners continue to prioritize a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living, paving the way for open floor plans in kitchens to continue in popularity.
Shifting towards color palettes, white kitchens are evolving rather than disappearing entirely. Homeowners are pairing lighter upper cabinets with a darker, contrasting island or lower cabinetry for a two-tone look. As a result, this layered approach gives a modern kitchen more visual interest than an all-one-color design, while still keeping the space feeling bright.
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Tri Pointe Homes unveils LivingWell in Utah
Tri Pointe Homes announced the completion of its LivingWell concept home and the start of sales at Pavilions at Holladay Hills, an exclusive collection of six one-of-a-kind luxury estate residences in Holladay, Utah. The completed concept home gives prospective buyers their first opportunity to experience LivingWell, Tri Pointe’s next-generation approach to whole-home wellness.
Photography by Kara Mercer “LivingWell represents an important evolution in how we think about designing homes,” said Tom Mitchell, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tri Pointe Homes. “Buyers increasingly want homes that contribute meaningfully to the lives they hope to lead. Luxury is no longer measured by scale or finishes alone, but by whether a home can adapt, restore and support the people living there. Pavilions at Holladay Hills is Tri Pointe’s response, offering residences that are highly personalized, flexible over time and holistically focused on human wellbeing.”
The LivingWell concept home integrates wellness throughout the entire home, rather than confining it to individual rooms or amenities. Organized around a private interior courtyard, the three-story, 7,774-square-foot contemporary English manor includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a four-bay garage and a separate carriage home for guests or multigenerational living. Its orientation, enhanced glazing and circulation draw natural light into the interior while strengthening indoor-outdoor living.
Photography by Ikon Media “Good design should support our routines while making space for the ways we evolve,” said Bobby Berk, LivingWell’s designer, Emmy-winning TV host and author. “LivingWell brings that balance of comfort and freedom into wellness-oriented spaces that are deeply connected to the people who live there. This project is exciting because it doesn’t view wellness as just another trend. LivingWell is a platform for imagining where residential design can go next.”
Photography by Kara Mercer The project builds upon Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingSmart program, the company’s longterm commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible building practices. LivingWell extends to how a home feels by incorporating light, flow, comfort, connection and adaptability into the routines of daily life. The approach is anticipated to be expressed across all six residences at Pavilions at Holladay Hills.
Please visit tripointehomes.com for more information.
Backyard and primary bathroom photos courtesy of Ikon Media.
Kitchen and dining room photos courtesy of Kara Mercer.
Photos courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes.
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A More Balanced Market is Here
The housing market finally feels more normal. Buyers have more choices, bidding wars have become less common and builders are once again…
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Mortgage rates average 6.67%
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Survey (PMS) released on Aug. 13, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.67%, a slight decrease from the previous week’s average of 6.69%.
“Mortgage rates remained relatively stable this week at 6.67%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Housing affordability has improved from a year ago and recent increases in purchase and refinance applications suggest that borrowers continue to respond to even modest changes in mortgage rates.”
A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.58%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 5.96%, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.01%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.71%.
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The importance of curb appeal in home purchases
New data from John Burns Research and Consulting found that 34% of homeowners said that curb appeal played a significant role in home purchases. According to the New Homes Trends Institute, 15% said that lack of curb appeal was a deal-breaker.
Most potential buyers will not make it past the front yard. From the 1,240 U.S. homeowners who were surveyed in June 2026, buyers said they expect quality landscaping from builders. The report emphasized that most buyers want a lush backyard just as much as they want a beautiful home.
John Burns Research and Consulting’s monthly survey insights reports provide the latest findings on consumer behavior.
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Landmark housing law urges for zoning guidelines
The newly enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop voluntary federal guidelines for state and local zoning best practices. Such guidelines will help shape how communities are evaluated for federal grants and give states a model for developing their own enabling legislation.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, providing these guidelines will address many state and local zoning rules that restrict home building and raise costs. By creating land-use and zoning guidelines with input from a national task force of planning, housing, transit, academic and building experts, this landmark housing law aims to remove regulatory barriers and increase housing production across all income levels.
Latest Issue
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July 2026
This issue of Builder and Developer features the celebration of women advancing the homebuilding industry.
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Redefining the Single-Story Home Design
Tri Pointe Homes continues to set the standard for high-quality houses For 17 years, Tri Pointe Homes has built 330 neighborhoods and…
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Rising home prices impact summer sales
Due to higher mortgage rates and home prices, summer home sales have been more moderate this year. Home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops, fell 1.7% in July 2026 compared to June. However, sales reached a 0.7% increase compared to a year ago. Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) chief economist, said that the year is still showing signs of improvement.
“Home sales have been remarkably stable, even amid the rising mortgage rate environment of the past few months,” said Yun.
NAR recently reported that 80% of about 235 major metro areas it tracked continued to see home prices rise in the second quarter. Some metros even reported double-digit annual price increases of about 10%.
“Sellers are making more price adjustments as summer progresses, and buyers are responding more selectively, but homes are still going under contract at a faster pace than last year,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “The key question for the months ahead is whether price reductions help sustain buyer engagement or signal that sellers are getting ahead of softer demand.”
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Mortgage demand moderates in July
Recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index shows that mortgage applications fell across all sectors in July.
Compared to June, applications decreased 6.6% and dropped 1.5% year-over-year, the first decline in two years.
With current 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates at 6.69%, these dips in applications are largely attributed to growing economic pressures on consumers and geopolitical uncertainty with the war in Iran.
In July, the average loan price also fell across all categories.
“The overall loan size decreased 2.5% to $383,600,” wrote NAHB Forecasting and Analysis economist Catherine Koh. “The average purchase loan size fell 2.6% to $444,600, while the average refinance loan size declined 2.2% to $296,000.”
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‘Housing market is no longer moving in one direction’ says Cotality Chief Economist
On Aug. 10, 2026, Cotality released its August 2026 U.S. home insights price report. According to the report, the Midwest and Northeast markets are still seeing firm price growth. Illinois is at a 6.4% year-over-year increase (YoY), followed by Connecticut at 6%, Nebraska at 5.8% and Indiana, also at 5.8%. National home price growth remains modest but shows signs of acceleration, edging up 0.3% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year in June 2026.
“As long as mortgage rates stay consistently high, factors such as local job and income growth, migration patterns and specific industrial investments will influence the real estate market,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality.
Cotality also found that major industrial and tech investments are driving sharp local growth spikes-highlighted by Abilene, Texas, at +9.5% YoY, where AI data centers insulated the metro from broader statewide housing declines.
“Cities like Abilene demonstrate that even in a cooling state like Texas, targeted capital projects can generate localized demand shocks that completely contradict regional trends,” said Hepp.
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Mattamy Homes announces delivery of 150,000 homes
Mattamy Homes, a privately held homebuilder founded in 1978, announced that it has delivered over 150,000 homes in the U.S. and Canada.
The builder delivered 8,453 homes in FY 2025, compared to 50,000 homes in its first 30 years of business.
In 2026, the builder appears to be accelerating its land acquisition, with new developments announced in Arizona, Florida and Calgary, in the past two months.
“This milestone reflects the consistency and dedication of our team members across the US,” said Keith Bass, CEO of Mattamy Homes US. “Every home we deliver represents a family we have the privilege to serve. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building high-quality homes and communities that meet the needs of today’s buyers.”
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Mortgage rates average 6.69%
As of Aug. 6, 2026, mortgage rates averaged 6.69%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Survey (PMS). These results are up from last week’s average of 6.66%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “While mortgage rates continue to influence affordability, the housing market is showing signs of adjustment, with listing prices modestly below year-ago levels and for-sale inventory improving from the limited supply seen in recent years.”
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.01%, down from the previous week’s 6.04%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.75%.
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PulteGroup launches expansion to Northwest Florida
PulteGroup, one of the nation’s largest builders, announced expansion to Northwest Florida, launching its Panhandle Division.
The builder, which delivered an estimated 29,572 homes in 2025, has a long history in the Sunshine State. It first expanded to Sarasota in 1997, then acquired Florida-based builder DiVosta a year later.
PulteGroup announced Taylor Larza to lead the new division as Vice President and Market Manager.
“The opportunity to build a new division from the ground up is an exciting challenge and a tremendous honor,” said Larza. “I’m eager to help establish a strong foundation for our Panhandle Division while continuing to work closely with our Northeast Florida team, which will continue to support our operational functions as we develop. I’m grateful for the experiences, relationships, and support I’ve received throughout my career at PulteGroup, and I look forward to this next chapter of growth and opportunity.”
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Highland Homes purchases 100 acres for self development
Highland Homes, one of Texas’ most prominent builders, launches its self-development arm with the purchase of 100 acres in Melina. The builder estimates that the land will include 400 homesites ranging from 45 to 60 feet wide.
Highland, overseeing the development, believes the lots will be ready by the end of the year, with home sales to begin in spring 2027.
Highland Homes currently builds in 11 Austin-area communities and more than 100 in Texas. With these new avenues of self-development, the builder estimates delivering 600 homes in the near future to the Georgetown area.
“This is a natural next step for Highland Homes in Central Texas,” said Jeff Stinson, Senior Vice President of Land for Highland Homes. “Developing these projects allows us to time supply to properly meet buyer demand. We’re excited to work with such esteemed partners to bring these communities to life.”
Photo Courtesy of Highland Homes
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Dream Finders Homes acquires Beazer Homes for $2.2 billion
It’s official: Dream Finders Homes (DFH) will acquire Beazer Homes in a $2.2 billion deal. This comes after multiple public rounds of offers from DFH to acquire the Atlanta-based builder.
The offer values Beazer Homes at $33.50 per share, up from Dream Finders’ last offer in July of $32.00 per share.
The combined company will operate in 26 markets across high-demand areas in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, the Midwest, Texas and the West.
“As someone who started Dream Finders from the ground up, I know what it takes to build a culture that puts homebuyers first and that’s exactly what I see in Beazer,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “They have built something genuinely special – a talented team, strong communities, and a culture that puts customers at the center of everything they do. That resonates deeply with us. This combination is the next meaningful step in our journey to become a top 5 national homebuilder, expanding our geographic reach, broadening the range of buyers we can serve and strengthening the integrated services we offer families from contract to close.”
Dream Finders then reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook of 9,250 homes. It’s unclear whether the combined builder will hold the same energy-efficient priorities of Beazer Homes.
“Over nearly 20 years, we have transformed Beazer into one of the nation’s largest homebuilders through a strategy focused on delivering on energy-efficient homes and best-in-class customer experiences,” said Allan P. Merrill, Chairman, President and CEO of Beazer Homes. “This transaction represents the culmination of a comprehensive review of opportunities to maximize value and provides Beazer shareholders with a significant and certain cash return in an uncertain market. I am proud of our people and want to thank our entire organization for their exceptional work to ensure that, together with Dream Finders, we continue providing homebuyers across the country with a high-quality product and outstanding service.”
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Highland Homes announces restructuring
Highland Homes, the Texas-based homebuilder, announced a new division-led organizational structure. Under the new structure, local functional teams will report directly to a Division President.
With that comes the posting of new Division Presidents: Jarod Mouton to lead Houston, and John DePasquale to lead Highland’s Central Texas division, serving the Austin and San Antonio markets.
This change is designed to strengthen local market leadership, sharpen accountability and bring decision-making closer to the customers and communities it serves.
“Highland’s success has always come from understanding what homebuyers value in each market and empowering our people to deliver it,” said Aaron Graham, Chairman and CEO of Highland Homes. “This structure brings leadership and decision-making closer to our customers while giving our senior functional leaders greater capacity to advance the products, technology and growth strategies that will shape Highland’s future. We were deliberate about the structure, the leaders and the timing, and I’m confident it positions us to serve our customers and employee owners even better in every market.”
Highland also announced several promotions as part of the new structure. Stephen Chambers has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and will lead Architectural Services and New Product Development, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Marketing and MarTech.
Jeff Stinson is promoted to Chief Strategy and Land Officer; he will lead enterprise strategy and land initiatives to support Highland’s long-term growth. Amy Jones is promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in Dallas-Fort Worth.
The changes follow months of planning and preparation to ensure the structure, leadership and timing were right for Highland. The company expects the division-led framework to strengthen its ability to serve homebuyers, create opportunities for its employee owners and build on its position in every Texas market it serves.
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Toll Brothers’ Strategy and Style
Inside the builder’s executive evolution and dignified design Since we last featured Toll Brothers as our 2025 Builder of the Year, the…
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