Today’s News
Top Story
-
NAHB backs EPA and Army Corps rules proposal
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further clarify rules…
by
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further clarify rules on tidal changes and droughts, supporting the supplemental Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal under the Clean Water Act.
NAHB is in favor of changes to the final rules to give builders and developers a more defined course of action during project planning, land assessment and permit requirements.
-
Manhattan home sells for $25 million, topping luxury market
Manhattan scored its most expensive home sale last week. A penthouse on Park Avenue, which had been listed at $24,950,000 by Sotheby’s…
by
Manhattan scored its most expensive home sale last week. A penthouse on Park Avenue, which had been listed at $24,950,000 by Sotheby’s International Realty in January 2026, sold. Located close to Central Park, the triplex condo at 1110 Park Ave. is currently under contract.
According to the Olshan Realty luxury market report for the week ending on Oct. 11, the fall luxury market is showing increased signs of activity: 25 luxury contracts, over $4 million, were signed in Manhattan. The 10-year average for the first two weeks of October is 47 luxury contracts, but 55 have been signed so far this month, proving that the luxury market remains strong in New York City.
-
NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts…
by
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
-
Timeless Architecture, Modern Connection
“Today’s market has reinforced the growing desire for genuine community connection, something many modern neighborhoods are not intentionally designed to foster,” said…
by
“Today’s market has reinforced the growing desire for genuine community connection, something many modern neighborhoods are not intentionally designed to foster,” said Sean Hartness, CEO of Hartness Development.
In a market where builders and developers are vying for the attention of buyers, Hartness returns to the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND).
How Hartness Happened
Tom Hartness was described as a gentle man with simple taste and pristine integrity. The son of a flour mill owner came to Greenville, S.C., at 21 years old to open a Pepsi plant with his uncle.
Tom Hartness later purchased the Pepsi-Cola Bottling rights in Greenville, S.C., where he made the company a sales leader. There he engineered the first Hartness case packer and launched Hartness International, which grew as a packaging solutions provider with over 100 patents.
Tom trained his son, Pat, in the business and Pat eventually assumed the role of CEO. Over the next few decades, Pat acquired 482 acres where he placed his personal estate.
Pat sold Hartness International in 2009 for an undisclosed amount, around the same time he deliberated on offers from national builders to develop the land.
The Hartness family, with Pat’s son Sean at the helm, decided to develop it themselves as a family legacy project for the city of Greenville.
Master-Planning a Legacy
Hartness enlisted urbanist and designer Lew Oliver, who also worked on the Trilith master-planned community in Atlanta, Ga. The community broke ground in 2016 and welcomed its first residents in 2018.
As of 2026, Hartness completed phase 4 of the project and is halfway to full build-out.
As a TND, the design philosophy focuses on creating opportunities for neighbors to connect while balancing privacy and personal retreat. The community layout offers walkable streets to trails, parks, plazas and the Village Center.
Homes at Hartness draw inspiration from historically rooted architectural styles including Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate and English Vernacular.
“The focus is not on replicating historic homes, but on carrying forward timeless principles such as symmetry, proportion, durable materials and thoughtful detailing,” said Sean Hartness.
Inside the homes, layouts and amenities are designed for contemporary living with open gathering spaces, functional kitchens, indoor-outdoor connections and flexible living areas.
“One of the biggest lessons from Hartness’ early phases is that the way people live in their homes continues to evolve and thoughtful community design must evolve alongside it,” said Hartness. “Over time, home designs have adapted based on how residents use their spaces, helping shape decisions around which phases should feature larger or smaller homes, what amenities are most valuable and which design elements best support everyday living.”
The Berkeley
The Berkeley is a custom home inside the Hartness community built by Sexton Griffith Custom Home Builders. It features 6,035 square feet of living space, with four dedicated bedrooms, four full and three-half bathrooms and a two-car plus golf cart garage.
The exterior is characterized by its striking facade with asymmetrical architectural detailing and a mix of masonry, stucco and wood. The decorative gable details are accented by rough-sawn cypress headers and a slate roof.
Inside the Berkeley, the main level’s warm and natural materials continue and serve as a delicate contrast to the nature preserve outside. The great room features a natural stone Isokern fireplace, recessed and accent lighting and stained headers. With access to the chef’s kitchen and formal dining room, the main level serves as a hosting hotspot. The kitchen is equipped with premium appliances, a farmhouse sink, a wall-mounted pot filler faucet above the stove and an oversized marble countertop island.
The home office features vaulted ceilings and excellent millwork on the built-in bookshelves.
Sprawling out over four floors is easy with elevator access from the basement to the terrace level. The outdoors offers a screened-in porch, summer kitchen and grill deck. Other bonuses include the rec room with a wet bar and a flex space in the basement for an at-home gym or wine cellar.
“The Berkeley showcases our commitment to timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship and livable luxury,” said Barry Griffith, owner of Sexton Griffith. “From the main-level owner’s suite to the media room, recreation spaces, and terrace level, every square foot was intentionally designed to support the way families live, entertain and connect.”
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
-
Midwest and Northeast housing markets hold strong
According to Cotality’s October 2026 U.S. home price insights, national single-family home price growth reaccelerated modestly in August, rising 1.8% year-over-year compared…
by
According to Cotality’s October 2026 U.S. home price insights, national single-family home price growth reaccelerated modestly in August, rising 1.8% year-over-year compared to 1.6% in July. This marks the fifth consecutive month of reacceleration in home price growth. The housing market continues to soften, as potential homebuyers pull back in September’s pending home sales.
According to Cotality’s Chief Economist, Dr. Selma Hepp, the core trend shaping the market is the shift away from the once-booming Sunbelt and West Coast cities toward more affordable, inventory-constrained regions in the Midwest and Northeast.
“The national housing market shows a clear split between short-term sensitivity to interest rates and long-term supply shortages,” said Hepp. “High mortgage rates continue to suppress transaction volumes, but severe inventory constraints in the Midwest and Northeast are insulating home prices from broader declines and fueling localized appreciation.”
-
Manhattan home sells for $25 million, topping luxury market
Manhattan scored its most expensive home sale last week. A penthouse on Park Avenue, which had been listed at $24,950,000 by Sotheby’s International Realty in January 2026, sold. Located close to Central Park, the triplex condo at 1110 Park Ave. is currently under contract.
According to the Olshan Realty luxury market report for the week ending on Oct. 11, the fall luxury market is showing increased signs of activity: 25 luxury contracts, over $4 million, were signed in Manhattan. The 10-year average for the first two weeks of October is 47 luxury contracts, but 55 have been signed so far this month, proving that the luxury market remains strong in New York City.
-
New York and Connecticut luxury markets surged in Q3
According to the Houlihan Lawrence Q3 2026 Luxury Market Report, the luxury housing market in New York and Connecticut showed strong activity in the third quarter. Continued buyer demand and strong results across key markets demonstrated strong momentum.
New York’s luxury market performed exceedingly well in Q3: Westchester County, at the $2 million-and-above level, recorded increases in both home sales and prices. Homes moved quickly, with average days on market continuing to decline. In Putnam and Dutchess Counties, prices continued to rise in the $1 million-and-above market, despite declining transaction activity and longer days on market.
-
Housing market could stabilize within 5 years
According to Redfin, housing costs could stabilize within the next five years if mortgage rates fall to 6% and home price growth remains steady. On the other end, the housing economy could stabilize at a slightly longer rate, six years, if mortgage rates remain the same, at about 7.5%, and home price growth flattens.
“Many house hunters feel stuck between two bad options: Stretch themselves to buy at today’s rates or wait for lower rates only to see prices climb further out of reach,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “But prospective buyers shouldn’t get hung up on timing the market. These hypothetical scenarios should give would-be buyers and sellers some hope that the market can normalize with only modest changes in rates or prices.”
-
NAHB backs EPA and Army Corps rules proposal
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further clarify rules on tidal changes and droughts, supporting the supplemental Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal under the Clean Water Act.
NAHB is in favor of changes to the final rules to give builders and developers a more defined course of action during project planning, land assessment and permit requirements.
-
AIA supports new congressional legislation
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced its support of three congressional bills that would prioritize disaster mitigation, resilience and recovery.
The three bills include the Ounce of Prevention Act (H.R. 9557), the Community Disaster Protection Act (H.R. 10686) and the Rebuild & Save Act (H.R. 1375).
The Ounce of Prevention Act would distribute grants to strengthen resilience upgrades before disaster strikes. The Community Disaster Protection Act aims to expand risk protection through a FEMA pilot grant program. The Rebuild & Save Act would increase access and thresholds to disaster loans for small businesses.
The AIA emphasized the importance of these bipartisan resilient design efforts to the field of architecture.
“Resilience starts long before a disaster occurs. Architects see firsthand how decisions about where and how we design, build, renovate, and rebuild can protect lives, reduce losses, and strengthen communities,” said Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2026 AIA National President. “AIA is proud to support policies that move our country from reacting to disasters toward proactively reducing risk and creating safer, more resilient communities.”
-
What builders are innovating in Ontario?
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) announced the winners of its 2026 Awards of Distinction (AoD).
The awards recognize excellence across architectural design, room design, image and advertising, on-site sales presentation and renovation.
The Innovation Award went to a program that could change the traditional homebuying experience: Ironstone Building Company’s Try Before You Buy Program.
This program allows prospective homeowners to build purchase credits while leasing, allowing the homeowner to build confidence and equity before committing to ownership.
Menkes Developments Ltd., of Toronto, was awarded Large Volume Builder of the Year. The company holds high distinction across Canada as a high-rise builder and delivered 2,600 suites across five buildings in 2025.
Amsted Design-Build of Ottawa won Builder of the Year in the small volume category. The builder is applauded for its use of digital marketing to drive its custom home department’s growth.
-
NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
-
Hispanic homebuyers’ growing role in market
Hispanic homebuyers are playing a growing role in today’s housing market. According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, in 2025, Hispanic households reached 10.2 million, accounting for all net growth in U.S. homeownership.
According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS, Hispanic Americans are still the fastest-growing demographic of homebuyers in the nation. States such as Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico and Texas have high concentrations of Hispanic populations. The homeownership rate reflects that, demonstrating high rates among this demographic of buyers.
In terms of business, as Hispanic homeownership continues to grow, builders, architects, designers and other industry professionals who understand the questions these buyers are asking and focus on building connections will be better positioned.
-
Midwest and Northeast housing markets hold strong
According to Cotality’s October 2026 U.S. home price insights, national single-family home price growth reaccelerated modestly in August, rising 1.8% year-over-year compared to 1.6% in July. This marks the fifth consecutive month of reacceleration in home price growth. The housing market continues to soften, as potential homebuyers pull back in September’s pending home sales.
According to Cotality’s Chief Economist, Dr. Selma Hepp, the core trend shaping the market is the shift away from the once-booming Sunbelt and West Coast cities toward more affordable, inventory-constrained regions in the Midwest and Northeast.
“The national housing market shows a clear split between short-term sensitivity to interest rates and long-term supply shortages,” said Hepp. “High mortgage rates continue to suppress transaction volumes, but severe inventory constraints in the Midwest and Northeast are insulating home prices from broader declines and fueling localized appreciation.”
-
What the 2027 Colors of the Year say about the future of design
For years, interior design leaned into clean, cool grays and sterile whites that were easy to style, but often left homes feeling cold and detached. Rather than staging spaces for resale, the industry noticed that homeowners want to invest in colors that activate the senses, honor natural materials and age gracefully over time.
As we look toward 2027, the paint industry is making a collective statement: bring personality back to the home. This reflects a broader shift across design, with buyers wanting more tailored features to their everyday lives.
Dunn Edwards
Dunn-Edwards launched French Press Coffee, a chocolatey brown with a rich plum undertone. The dimensional shade offers an easy complement to natural materials and an ode to craftsmanship.
The color represents the pendulum swinging towards moody and unique design choices.
“Largely, it’s a reaction to the years when gray and white dominated. Those palettes were clean and easy to sell, but many people found them cold and impersonal to live with,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, Color Marketing Manager at Dunn-Edwards to Builder and Developer.
“Now buyers and homeowners want warmth, and the entire supply chain is responding, from cabinetry and flooring to countertops and fixtures. For builders, warm neutrals offer a practical advantage too: they complement the natural wood, stone and warm-metal finishes buyers are asking for, and they show and photograph with a welcoming, lived-in quality that starker palettes often lack.”
Hoferkamp noted that the shade’s timelessness drove the selection.
I forecast this shade to be a chameleon across design, with welcome applications to exteriors, cabinetry or color-drenching a laundry room or home office.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Celery is a stark contrast to the organic warm neutrals across the industry. Selected by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team, the shade brings an energetic pop to interiors.
“Celery was chosen as the 2027 Color of the Year because it reflects today’s priorities: wellness, balance and connection,” says Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.
“Homeowners and designers are increasingly prioritizing wellness at home, seeking soothing environments that support mental health and overall well-being.”
I can see this shade used to draw playfulness into a sitting room, bathroom, or personalized spaces such as a home gym or children’s play area.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2027 is Webster Green HC-130: a marriage of the traditional and contemporary. It’s an instant, not overpowering character blending well with rich woods, brass and natural materials.
“For 2027, our focus centred on the green colour family. When we looked across the past, present and future of colour trends, variations on green consistently demonstrated remarkable staying power,” said Andrea Magno, Vice President of Brand, Colour and Integrated Marketing, at Benjamin Moore.
“Webster Green HC-130 reflects this timeless appeal by pairing reassuring stability with optimistic energy. Its composed nature feels both rooted and forward-looking, while enhancing spaces that feel distinctive, collected and continually new.”
This shade could be easily adapted in grounding spaces, like a home office, entryway or living room.
C2 Paint
C2 Paint named Pueblo its 2027 Color of the Year. It’s a warm, multifaceted hue of earth, rose and brown.
The shade serves as an anchor for the brand’s “Rural Renaissance” palette, evoking natural materials, craftsmanship, gardening, and cooking.
“For several years, the conversation around home and design has centered on calm, comfort and restoration,” said Philippa Radon, Interior Designer and C2 Paint Color Specialist.
“For 2027, we began asking a different question: What comes next? After a period of looking inward, we’re seeing a renewed desire to engage with the world around us—to create, gather, explore and reconnect with the experiences that make us feel alive.
The shade is noted to change with light, season and weather; the perfect use of it would be on cabinetry, utility rooms or closets.
-
Upcoming kitchen designs for 2027
It’s official: kitchen designs are going warmer in 2027. From darker wooden cabinetry to warm natural elements, next year is expected to move further away from sterile gray tones and sleek, refined interiors. Homeowners want spaces that emphasize warmth, functionality and personalization.
Pantry and larder storage will remain a priority in 2027, but the inside will receive the same detail that the outside does. Storage does not have to mean clutter; efficient but aesthetic displays and shelves will take center stage in cabinetry next year. Designers and manufacturers are expecting more emphasis on storage that responds to the way clients cook, with smaller internal drawers sitting behind larger drawer fronts for a simple exterior.
Built-in seating has become more prominent in kitchens throughout 2026, but it is expected to become one of the most desirable features in 2027. Built-in seating at kitchen dining tables encourages socialization and makes the space feel less cluttered, since the seating is against a wall rather than in the center of a room.
-
NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
Exclusive Feature
-
The Architecture of Quiet
Designing Inner Peace for calm on a difficult hillside site The hills of Tustin do not compromise. They rise in dry, sun-baked…
by
-
Tri Pointe Homes acquires 85.6 acres for new Austin community
Tri Pointe Homes, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, announced the acquisition of 85.6 acres in Northwest Austin, Texas.
The company says that it intends to deliver an estimated 410 homesites in the community, Pearson Ranch.
Plans for the community include a mix of 40-, 45-, and 50-foot single-family homes and two elevations of attached row townhomes across multiple phases.
“We value the opportunity to develop this large portion of Pearson Ranch and bring much-needed housing to the region across a variety of price points,” said Bryan Havel, Division President of Tri Pointe Homes Austin. “With Williamson County’s proximity to major employers and convenient location, it’s no surprise that it is growing by approximately 25,000 residents per year and is among the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S. We’ve put a lot of thought into how to best design and plan this desirable infill location for the benefit of those who will live here. We look forward to watching Pearson Ranch grow into a diverse, amenity-rich, mixed-use community.”
Tri Pointe Homes also noted that the acquisition supports the Austin division’s continued growth.
Land development for the community is likely to start in early 2027, with sales expected to begin in 2028.
Photo courtesy of Tri Pointe Homes
-
Treasury yields jump, mortgage rates follow
Following the Fed’s decision to raise interest rates, the 10-year Treasury yield averaged 4.94%.
“Yields climbed as bond markets priced in a Federal Reserve rate hike ahead of the September FOMC meeting, while weak demand at Treasury auctions added further upward pressure,” said Catherine Koh, Economist at the National Association of Home Builders. “Broader concerns over elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. fiscal deficit, and strong competition for capital from AI and hyperscaler investment also contributed to the rise in long-term yields.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate continued to jump and averaged 6.86% in September before climbing to 7% before the month ended. Compared to a year ago, this is higher by 51 bps.
For mortgage rates to be consistently elevated to the 7% threshold, the gains in affordability are effectively weakened. This continues to put pressure on the entry-level market and on builders to offer incentives like rate-buydowns.
However, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has still not recorded a level past the most recent peak of 7.62% in October 2023.
-
Private residential construction spending rises in August
According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $882.3 billion in August 2026. This is up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from the previous year.
All residential sectors saw an increase, but remodeling posted the largest monthly gain at 2.5%. Spending on single-family and multifamily construction increased by 0.2% in August, but decreased 3.5% and 0.6% from 2025, respectively.
Latest Issue
Sept 2026
-
This issue of Builder and Developer features the Award Winning Architecture and Design.
Exclusive Feature
-
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…
by
-
HUD and USDA agreement to streamline housing standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline housing standards, including environmental review, environmental impact, environmental regulations and physical inspections. The MOU aims to advance housing development and increase supply.
“The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) applauds HUD and USDA for streamlining environmental reviews and inspections, reducing regulatory barriers and advancing housing development,” said NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “This action is an important step in implementing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and building momentum toward reforms that reduce costs and increase housing supply. NAR helped shape the legislation and will continue working with federal agencies and regulators to advance policies that break down barriers to housing and homeownership.”
-
ASID announces 2026 National Award Winners
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) presented its 2026 National Awards across three categories: the Annual Awards, Legacy Awards and FOCUS Project Awards.
Over 25 awardees were recognized for their impact on design and the built environment.
The ASID Carolinas Chapter received Chapter of the Year. The awards cover all sectors of interior design, including healthcare, workplace and education.
Some residential design standouts are:
- FOCUS Sustainability Medium Firm Winner Kupono Hale by Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture & Engineering
- FOCUS Sustainability and Wellness Small Firm Winner Park City Eco-House by Ken Wilson Architecture & Interior Design
“Every year, the National Awards remind us of what is possible when designers use their expertise to address the needs of people and the world around them,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “The 2026 honorees are doing that in many different ways, through innovative projects, meaningful service, thoughtful leadership and a commitment to the future of our profession. Their work demonstrates why design matters and the difference it can make in people’s lives.”
-
Market share of 5,000-square-feet homes inches higher
The market share of homes 5,000 square feet or more accounted for 2.9% of all new home starts in 2025. According to annual data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), both the number and market share of homes with 5,000 square feet or more increased, from 24,000 homes in 2024 to 27,000 homes in 2025.
In 2015, the 5,000-square-foot share reached a record high of 3.9%. Since then, it has fluctuated between 2.3% and 3.1%.
Among homes of 5,000 square feet or more built in 2025, 86% have a porch, 73% have a finished basement, 73% have four or more bathrooms, 68% have a patio, 66% have a three-or-more-car garage, 57% have five or more bedrooms and 51% belong to a community association.
-
Berkshire Hathaway now owns 10% stake in Lennar
A few weeks ago, we reported that Berkshire Hathaway doubled down on its housing market investment. This week, the company further sustained its ownership in Lennar, bringing its total ownership of the homebuilder to 10%.
According to SEC filings, the major conglomerate bought a mix of Class A and Class B shares from Sept. 17- 21.
This happened after Warren Buffett, who grew the company, stepped down as Chairman of the Board but will remain as Chairman Emeritus.
Berkshire Hathaway’s presence in the market continues through its ownership of Taylor Morrison and Clayton Homes, the modern manufactured homebuilder, which it acquired in 2003.
Despite the building industry facing major headwinds in affordability, this move aligns with the company’s history of placing trust in undervalued sectors and companies.
-
The trends defining living room design
Living room design is shifting away from the perfect polished look and towards a warmer, lived-in style. Jeannine Bogart, design principal and founder of Epic Interiors, said that built-in storage, warm and neutral layers, softer layouts and darker accents will take center stage in 2027’s living rooms.
According to Bogart, living rooms are working harder than ever now, prompting the need for increased storage.
“They hold books, media, work items, games and family clutter, so storage needs to be better integrated,” said Bogart. “Built-ins will continue to be popular because they make a room feel more intentional while hiding the things people actually live with.”
Bogart said she is also expecting the color palettes to shift away from cold and sterile whites and grays and towards richer, warmer tones, such as taupe or soft brown. Additionally, incorporating a darker color palette will serve as a contrast that adds richness and depth to a space.
-
Homebuilding leaders call for reforms to boost construction
Home construction, banking and legislative leaders urged Congress to advance more reforms that would strengthen the housing market at a D.C. conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Karen Purcell, head of Community Development Banking for Commercial Real Estate at JPMorgan Chase, pointed out that middle-class people have been priced out of the market in recent years, with the salary needed for a middle-income home doubling over five years to $124,000. This is a level only the top 30% of wage earners can achieve. Meanwhile, 169 out of 390 U.S. metros do not have enough housing stock at that level.
One of the reforms includes pushing for changes to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, a tool that helps finance affordable housing development with federal tax breaks. Allowing it to be transferable would encourage more investors to put money behind the credit that developers can use.
-
Cole West recognized by Utah Governor for housing leadership
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox recognized Cole West, one of the nation’s fastest-growing homebuilders, with the Utah First Homes Award.
Under Cox’s leadership, the state is actively supporting housing development to address ongoing affordability challenges. The Utah First Homes Award recognizes private-sector partners, like Cole West, to expand the supply of attainable housing.
Cole West delivers entry-level, multifamily and move-up homes across Utah and Dallas, Texas.
“We are very honored to receive this recognition from Governor Cox. Homebuyers are at the heart of everything we do and we believe every generation of Utahns deserves the opportunity to own a home and build a future here,” said Colin Wright, Founder of Cole West. “Addressing housing affordability takes collaboration and we’re proud to work alongside state and local partners to find creative ways to bring more attainable homes within reach for Utah families.”
An upcoming community from the builder, Amara, was developed in partnership with Utah’s Trust Lands Administration and Washington City. The project will add an estimated 212 attainable single-family homes, priced at $450,000 or less to the region’s housing supply.
“As you know, housing affordability is one of my top priorities. I am proud to recognize Cole West for your partnership with Washington City and SITLA,” said Governor Spencer J. Cox in a letter to Cole West. “Your progress serves as a model for other builders and ensures Utah remains a place where people can live, work, and build a future. Thank you for your leadership. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to addressing Utah’s housing needs.”
-
U.S. home prices show signs of a steadying market
According to Redfin’s Home Price Index, U.S. home prices increased 0.25% month over month in August 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This shows signs of an easing market, as this is slightly down from 0.26% in July and 0.27% in June. An easing price growth could potentially bring more buyers out from the sidelines.
The biggest increase in U.S. home prices was in St. Louis, where home prices rose 1.1% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis, followed by Pittsburgh at 1%, San Antonio at 0.9%, San Jose, Calif., at 0.9% and Baltimore at 0.9%. St. Louis’ relatively affordable prices are attracting buyers and propping up prices, while San Francisco’s booming market is likely spilling over into San Jose.
Prices declined year over year in five major metros, four in Texas plus Seattle; Dallas had the biggest drop, followed by Austin, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Seattle. Prices ticked down since Texas has one of the largest buyers’ markets and sellers are likely easing prices as incentives.
-
AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index reports modest growth in August
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) latest AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index posted a score of 47.2, indicating soft inquiries, contracts and project activity across the sector.
This is a slight increase from the July reporting of 46.6. Additionally, AIA reported that employment increased for architectural services by an estimated 700 positions.
Despite these modest gains, persistent inflation and high borrowing costs continue to weigh on the sector.
“Architecture firms are caught between stubborn inflation and higher borrowing costs,” said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch. “The Federal Reserve’s latest rate increase may help ease inflationary pressures over time, but in the near term it adds another headwind for projects already facing a difficult financing environment.”
Exclusive Feature
-
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…
by