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June AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index gains three points
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) for June; the score at 47.3 is a…
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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) for June; the score at 47.3 is a three-point increase from May.
While the reading increased, a metric below 50 indicates an equal share of firms reporting decreases and increases.
The South continues its reign as the strongest market with a reading at 49.5, despite a 0.01% decrease from May. The West trails at 45.6 with the Midwest close behind at 45.1. The Northeast dropped from 46.2 in May to 44.9 reading in June.
“Architecture firms remain mired in one of the longest running downturns in the 30-plus year history of the ABI, which now stretches to 41 months without a majority of firms reporting billings growth,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “The uncertainty over the conflict in Iran along with high interest rates and significant labor shortages will continue to weigh on construction – and architect billings over the next several months.”
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June housing starts and completions exceed estimates
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released their new residential construction…
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On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released their new residential construction report for June 2026.
According to the report, privately-owned housing completions in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,392,000, 3.3% above the revised May estimate of 1,347,000 and 1.5 percent% above the June 2025 rate of 1,372,000.
Privately-owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,427,000, 19% above the revised May estimate of 1,199,000 and 3.5% above the June 2025 rate of 1,379,000. Single-family housing starts in June were at a rate of 895,000, a small 0.2% decline from the revised May figure of 897,000.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,367,000, only 3% below the revised May rate of 1,410,000. Single-family authorizations in June were at a rate of 871,000, 2.4% below the revised May figure of 892,000.
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D.R. Horton realigns outlook despite strong Q3
In this challenging market, the nation’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, just exceeded its Q3 expectations with 23,983 homes closed and a home…
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In this challenging market, the nation’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, just exceeded its Q3 expectations with 23,983 homes closed and a home sales gross margin of 20.7%. Yet, the builder is realigning its full-year revenue and closings guidance.
On the company’s Q3 earnings call on July 21, 2026, David Auld, Executive Chairman, noted that the market is at a crossroads with the weary consumer.
“Affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment continue to impact new home demand and we expect sales incentives to remain elevated during the fourth quarter, with incentive levels dependent on demand, mortgage rates and other market conditions,” said Auld.
D.R. Horton revised its projected 2026 consolidated revenue at $32.5 billion to $33.0 billion, down from its previous forcase of $33.5 billion to $34.5 billion.
Despite this, the builder’s homebuilding revenue for the third quarter increased 1% to $8.7 billion. Total closed homes ticked up 4% from Q2 to 23,983.
“Our experienced local operators, broad national footprint, flexible lot supply and strong balance sheet position us to compete effectively and capture demand across our markets,” said Auld We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and are committed to delivering value to our homebuyers while enhancing long-term returns for our shareholders.”
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Michigan governor signs bills to boost homebuilding
On July 21, 2026, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law aimed at increasing homebuilding across the state. The bills…
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On July 21, 2026, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law aimed at increasing homebuilding across the state. The bills will enable the Michigan Housing Opportunity Tax Credit to work in tandem with the federal low-income housing tax credit to build more affordable housing and cut red tape to help build new homes.
“Every Michigander deserves an affordable, quality place to call home,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign these bills that cut red tape, lower housing costs and expand our housing stock available to working families looking to put down roots. Over the last seven-and-a-half years, we’ve built more homes than any administration in state history and lowered costs for every Michigander, making it possible for more people to become homeowners. This year’s budget builds on that progress by investing in our neighborhoods and the people who need it most. Let’s keep working together to give every Michigander a shot at finding a place to call home.”
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Stanley Martin Homes Acquires Holiday Builders
Stanley Martin Homes announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Florida-based Holiday Builders. This acquisition would increase Stanley Martin Homes’ controlled…
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Stanley Martin Homes announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Florida-based Holiday Builders.
This acquisition would increase Stanley Martin Homes’ controlled lot count to approximately 10,600 and strengthen its presence in the Northwest Panhandle and Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida.
Holiday Builders closed approximately 1,050 homes in the state in 2025. Stanley Martin Homes closed an estimated 5,320 homes in 2025, with a presence in seven states.
“The acquisition of Holiday Builders marks an important step in strengthening the presence of Stanley Martin Homes across Florida,” said Steve Alloy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Martin Homes. “Their established footprint in key markets aligns with our commitment to expanding housing availability and affordability for today’s homebuyers.”
“We are proud of the foundation Holiday Builders has built across Florida and excited to join the Stanley Martin Homes organization,” said Bruce Assam, President and Chief Executive Officer of Holiday Builders. “Together, we will create even more opportunities for buyers to find a home that fits their needs.”
Stanley Martin Homes is a subsidiary of Japan-based homebuilder Daiwa House Group. Another subsidiary of Daiwa House Group, Trumark Homes, acquired Washington-based homebuilder JK Monarch in late March 2026.
The transaction is expected to close in late July 2026; Holiday Builders will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Stanley Martin Homes.
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New single-family homes shift to smaller lots
The long-term trend of building single-family detached homes on smaller lots appears to have stabilized. According to an analysis from the National Association of Home Builders, new single-family detached homes have steadily shifted toward smaller lots as a direct result of builders’ efforts to improve affordability and attract homebuyers.
According to the latest Survey of Construction, the share of new homes built on smaller lots remained near record highs in 2025, following more than a decade of steadily shrinking lot sizes.
The share of small lots remained high in 2025, with close to two-thirds of new single-family detached homes sold occupying lots under 9,000 square feet. Moreover, 38% of lots were under 7,000 square feet. These shares are just slightly below the record highs established over the last two years.
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June AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index gains three points
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) for June; the score at 47.3 is a three-point increase from May.
While the reading increased, a metric below 50 indicates an equal share of firms reporting decreases and increases.
The South continues its reign as the strongest market with a reading at 49.5, despite a 0.01% decrease from May. The West trails at 45.6 with the Midwest close behind at 45.1. The Northeast dropped from 46.2 in May to 44.9 reading in June.
“Architecture firms remain mired in one of the longest running downturns in the 30-plus year history of the ABI, which now stretches to 41 months without a majority of firms reporting billings growth,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “The uncertainty over the conflict in Iran along with high interest rates and significant labor shortages will continue to weigh on construction – and architect billings over the next several months.”
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Florida and California lead in luxury home sales
June’s largest home sales were split between the coasts of Florida and Southern California. Luxury home sales strongly led each of the state’s housing markets. The most expensive U.S. home sale of the month, a beachfront estate in Manalapan, Fla., sold for $71 million. The second largest sale was a $47 million compound in Beverly Hills, Calif., followed by two coastal Florida properties that each sold for approximately $43 million: a Palm Beach mansion and a Bal Harbour Home.
In California, some of the largest sales came from the following luxury properties: a West Hollywood penthouse, a Carpinteria beach house and a Newport Beach estate.
All 10 of June’s largest home sales sold for more than $30 million.
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D.R. Horton realigns outlook despite strong Q3
In this challenging market, the nation’s largest homebuilder, D.R. Horton, just exceeded its Q3 expectations with 23,983 homes closed and a home sales gross margin of 20.7%. Yet, the builder is realigning its full-year revenue and closings guidance.
On the company’s Q3 earnings call on July 21, 2026, David Auld, Executive Chairman, noted that the market is at a crossroads with the weary consumer.
“Affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment continue to impact new home demand and we expect sales incentives to remain elevated during the fourth quarter, with incentive levels dependent on demand, mortgage rates and other market conditions,” said Auld.
D.R. Horton revised its projected 2026 consolidated revenue at $32.5 billion to $33.0 billion, down from its previous forcase of $33.5 billion to $34.5 billion.
Despite this, the builder’s homebuilding revenue for the third quarter increased 1% to $8.7 billion. Total closed homes ticked up 4% from Q2 to 23,983.
“Our experienced local operators, broad national footprint, flexible lot supply and strong balance sheet position us to compete effectively and capture demand across our markets,” said Auld We remain focused on disciplined capital allocation and are committed to delivering value to our homebuyers while enhancing long-term returns for our shareholders.”
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Michigan governor signs bills to boost homebuilding
On July 21, 2026, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three bills into law aimed at increasing homebuilding across the state. The bills will enable the Michigan Housing Opportunity Tax Credit to work in tandem with the federal low-income housing tax credit to build more affordable housing and cut red tape to help build new homes.
“Every Michigander deserves an affordable, quality place to call home,” said Whitmer. “I’m proud to sign these bills that cut red tape, lower housing costs and expand our housing stock available to working families looking to put down roots. Over the last seven-and-a-half years, we’ve built more homes than any administration in state history and lowered costs for every Michigander, making it possible for more people to become homeowners. This year’s budget builds on that progress by investing in our neighborhoods and the people who need it most. Let’s keep working together to give every Michigander a shot at finding a place to call home.”
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Stanley Martin Homes Acquires Holiday Builders
Stanley Martin Homes announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Florida-based Holiday Builders.
This acquisition would increase Stanley Martin Homes’ controlled lot count to approximately 10,600 and strengthen its presence in the Northwest Panhandle and Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida.
Holiday Builders closed approximately 1,050 homes in the state in 2025. Stanley Martin Homes closed an estimated 5,320 homes in 2025, with a presence in seven states.
“The acquisition of Holiday Builders marks an important step in strengthening the presence of Stanley Martin Homes across Florida,” said Steve Alloy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Martin Homes. “Their established footprint in key markets aligns with our commitment to expanding housing availability and affordability for today’s homebuyers.”
“We are proud of the foundation Holiday Builders has built across Florida and excited to join the Stanley Martin Homes organization,” said Bruce Assam, President and Chief Executive Officer of Holiday Builders. “Together, we will create even more opportunities for buyers to find a home that fits their needs.”
Stanley Martin Homes is a subsidiary of Japan-based homebuilder Daiwa House Group. Another subsidiary of Daiwa House Group, Trumark Homes, acquired Washington-based homebuilder JK Monarch in late March 2026.
The transaction is expected to close in late July 2026; Holiday Builders will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Stanley Martin Homes.
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Starter home prices outpace buyer income
The average age of a homeowner is 44, despite Gen Z homeownership rising in 2025. However, for buyers its not finding a home that is a challenge.
According to recent research from Realtor, there are 300,000 fewer starter homes than before the pandemic. To address this, builders in 2026 are building on smaller lots at a quicker pace than the year before.
The reality is the cost to purchase a starter home has dramatically increased. The average price of a starter home has risen from $256,000 in 2019 to $344,000 today. Consumer buying power and salaries have not followed suit. The average income needed to purchase is $78,000, up from $43,000 in 2019, while over the same period median household income rose only 28.3% at an estimated $69,000 to $88,100.
“The barrier for today’s starter home buyer isn’t finding a home, it’s qualifying for one,” said Senior Economist “With mortgage rates still in the mid-6% range and the income needed to purchase a typical starter home up more than 80% since 2019, many would-be buyers are sitting on the sidelines even as listings accumulate.
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June housing starts and completions exceed estimates
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released their new residential construction report for June 2026.
According to the report, privately-owned housing completions in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,392,000, 3.3% above the revised May estimate of 1,347,000 and 1.5 percent% above the June 2025 rate of 1,372,000.
Privately-owned housing starts in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,427,000, 19% above the revised May estimate of 1,199,000 and 3.5% above the June 2025 rate of 1,379,000. Single-family housing starts in June were at a rate of 895,000, a small 0.2% decline from the revised May figure of 897,000.
Privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in June were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,367,000, only 3% below the revised May rate of 1,410,000. Single-family authorizations in June were at a rate of 871,000, 2.4% below the revised May figure of 892,000.
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Mortgages average 6.49%
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released on July 9, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%. This report demonstrates that the FRM has remained relatively unchanged.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Mortgage rates have not changed much recently, but economic growth and housing affordability continue to improve for homebuyers as they shop for homes in today’s market.”
The most recently measured FRM is up from last week, when it averaged 6.43%. In July 2025, around this same time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.82%, up from the previous week when it averaged 5.79%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.86%.
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These 5 design trends are back in style
This year has been the year of comebacks; previously outdated trends are making their way back into the limelight. Interior designers weighed in on the former trends they have seen coming back in style in today’s homes.
“After years of safe neutrals and minimalism, there’s a renewed desire for personality in interiors, spaces that people can feel emotionally connected to,” said Phoebe Beachner, an interior designer at Hart Howerton.
While open floor plans have dominated this year, there has been a gradual increase in requests for closed floor plans. This shift might be remerging due to nostalgia, a desire to restore an older home to its roots or a need to confine certain activities and items to certain areas.
Maximalism, brown tones that were highly popular in the 1980s and built-in seating are also back in style.
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Fusing Luxury and Functionality
Understanding the role interior designers play behind the scenes
For me, luxury and functionality are inseparable. It does not make sense to design something beautiful if it does not support the way a person actually lives.
Before I ever think about the aesthetics, I think about the problem: What needs to be solved? How does the client move through the space? What will make their life more comfortable, efficient and meaningful?
True luxury is not decoration; it is when a home works so beautifully that the client feels completely supported by it. Function comes first, then we design beautifully around it.
The best spaces are not simply visual. They function effortlessly, solve problems quietly and elevate everyday living.
I have always believed that nothing is impossible. In design, the real question is not whether something can be done; it is how creatively and intelligently we are willing to think in order to make it happen. That is why I see my role as much more than a designer. I have to think like an architect, a builder, a problem solver, a strategist and an advocate for the client.
A home should feel like the client’s own private destination: a place that restores them, welcomes their guests and reflects the life they want to live. Many luxury clients have multiple homes and spend significant time traveling, often searching for that sense of escape they experience in extraordinary destinations.
People plan for years to experience exceptional places. I believe they should be able to live inside that feeling every day.
The most memorable spaces combine comfort, beauty, service, emotion and functionality into something greater than the sum of their parts. That philosophy continues to shape every residence I design.
At the core of my design philosophy is respect: respect for the architecture, the land, the composition, the client and the way a space must live over time.
Great design is not simply about what looks beautiful today. It is about how something is built, how it performs and how it makes people feel years from now. A truly great building should be beautiful even before anything is placed inside it. The interior should not compete with the architecture; it should enhance it and complete it.
Design must also be deeply human. You have to study the people who will live, work and gather within a space.
Sometimes the most important design decision is not the most glamorous one. It may be recognizing that a client needs better light to read comfortably at night and then finding an elegant way to integrate that solution into the overall design. That is where problem solving becomes beauty.
No two projects should ever be the same. Every home and environment has its own story, purpose and emotional language. I never want to repeat myself. Instead, I am constantly asking: How can this be better? Will this still feel relevant in 30 years? Does this truly serve the person who will live here?
Design is emotional, but it is also diagnostic. In many ways, a designer has to act like a doctor: listening carefully, understanding what is needed and prescribing the right solution for a client’s life.
That mindset has guided me throughout my career, including in the early years when architecture and construction were overwhelmingly male-dominated industries. I learned quickly that I needed to know more, work harder and be exceptionally prepared.
I wanted builders, architects, vendors and clients to understand that I was not there simply to make things pretty; I understood the details. I could speak their language, solve problems and contribute in a way that made the entire project better.
Confidence was essential. If you were not confident, it was easy to be overlooked. But I never viewed that as a disadvantage. I viewed it as an opportunity to become a resource, someone people could rely on and who earned respect through knowledge, preparation and results.
That experience shaped one of the most important lessons I share with emerging designers today: learn the business before you focus only on beauty.
To create truly exceptional work, you must understand budgets, contracts, timelines, construction, pricing, project management, vendor relationships and client communication. Without that foundation, even the most beautiful design can become chaotic.
To create great designs, you need to speak the language of the client, the builder, the architect, the trades and the business itself.
My advice is simple: learn everything. Learn the back side of the business, how projects truly come together and how money moves through a project. Learn how to protect your client, your team and your vision.
Beauty matters. But knowledge is what allows beauty to become reality.
By Jaque Bethke. She is the founder of JAQUE Design and can be reached at jaque@jaque.design.
This story is featured in our July issue of Builder and Developer. Read the digital print version here.
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ASID recognizes next generation of design innovators
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) announced its 2026 Ones to Watch Award, a recognition for early-career interior design leaders. The program aims to celebrate individuals advancing the future of the built environment through design excellence, research, education, advocacy, volunteer leadership and service.
As the Ones to Watch program enters its tenth year, the award is presented across two categories: award winners and award winners & scholars. The award winners & scholars receive scholarship support to participate in a two-year leadership program.
“Interior design continues to evolve in response to changing technologies, societal needs and client expectations, and the future of our profession depends on leaders who are prepared to meet those challenges with creativity, curiosity and purpose,” said Khoi Vo, president and chief executive officer, ASID. “This year’s Ones to Watch recipients represent the breadth of talent, innovation and leadership shaping our industry. Their accomplishments demonstrate the impact emerging professionals are making across every sector of design and ASID is proud to recognize and support their continued growth.”
Exclusive Feature
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B&D Interview: Heather Laminack, NAHB PWB Chair
In the July issue of Builder and Developer, Laminack discusses her and NAHB’s efforts to expand the involvement of women in the…
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Mortgages average 6.49%
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released on July 9, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%. This report demonstrates that the FRM has remained relatively unchanged.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Mortgage rates have not changed much recently, but economic growth and housing affordability continue to improve for homebuyers as they shop for homes in today’s market.”
The most recently measured FRM is up from last week, when it averaged 6.43%. In July 2025, around this same time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.82%, up from the previous week when it averaged 5.79%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.86%.
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A new era for homebuilding: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is law
The homebuilding industry celebrates a major legislative milestone this week: the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is officially law. Since the bipartisan bill was first introduced in 2025, it was shaped and championed by various industry organizations to increase housing development across the country.
The bill, with over 50 sections, notably decreases regulatory barriers to building, including the modernization of HUD programs. The bill also aims to increase first-time homeowners with the expansion of local lending for housing construction and mortgages.
“For too many Americans, finding an affordable home has become increasingly out of reach,” said American Institute of Architects 2026 President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, in a statement. “This law is an important step toward changing that. Architects are essential partners in creating housing that is safe, resilient and designed to meet the needs of every community. AIA has long advocated for policies that make it easier to build more housing and we will continue working with policymakers and federal agencies to help turn these reforms into homes people can live in.”
“NAHB applauds Congress and the Trump administration for delivering a bipartisan housing victory for the American people. Strong support in both chambers makes clear that housing affordability is a national priority,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, in a statement. “By reducing regulatory barriers, helping builders increase supply and expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental housing, this landmark law is an important step toward easing the nation’s housing affordability crisis. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to implement it.”
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Single-story home starts increase in 2025
According to the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, while the gap between one-story and two-or-more-story shares has been relatively stable since 2021, 2025 saw a slight decrease in two-or-more-story starts. Two-or-more story starts dropped in 2025 to 51.4% from 52.2% in 2024.
Meanwhile, the share of new homes with one story rose from 47.5% to 48.6%. Despite the decline, more than half of new homes built nationally in 2025 were two or more stories, though this share varied significantly across the nation.
New homes started in the Midwest and the South generally favored single-story homes, while the Northeast and the West had higher shares of two or more stories.
Latest Issue
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July 2026
This issue of Builder and Developer features the celebration of women advancing the homebuilding industry.
Exclusive Feature
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Meghan Billings Builds with Purpose
Meghan Billings’ interest in residential construction came unexpectedly. When she set out to build her custom home, her contractor fell ill. Instead…
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Cotality Chief Economist explains ‘geographic split’ in mid-2026 housing market
Cotality released its July 2026 U.S. home price insights report on July 7, 2026. According to the report, the U.S. housing market is building momentum. Following a steady two-year slowdown, home price appreciation accelerated in May, ticking up to an annual pace of 0.8% from April’s 0.6%. This acceleration indicates that beneath a seemingly frozen surface, local demand is aggressively testing the constraints of elevated mortgage rates.
“The U.S. housing market in mid-2026 remains firmly entrenched in a geographic split, shaped fundamentally by an affordability gap and a wealth gap that continues to divide buyers across the nation,” said Cotality Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp.
The report found an interesting shift in one of the nation’s housing markets. The West Coast landscape is being propelled by AI investments and newly minted tech wealth. San Francisco’s three-month metric reveals a striking reality: A staggering 7.6% of its 8.9% annual growth occurred in the last 90 days alone.
“What we are witnessing is a profound segmentation of opportunity,” said Hepp. “Buyers who are well-insulated from mortgage rate volatility, bolstered by substantial accumulated home equity and robust wealth gains, are continuing to look at high-value regions like San Francisco, driving a strong near-9% annual rebound in a market that remains fundamentally healthy and structurally undervalued relative to long-term income baselines.”
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Mortgage rates average 6.43%
Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey on July 2, 2026, showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.43%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage eased slightly this week, averaging 6.43%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “With rates at a seven-week low and purchase demand continuing to edge higher, it’s an encouraging sign as prospective homebuyers respond to modest improvements in affordability.”
As of July 2, 2026, the FRM decreased from the week before, when it averaged 6.49%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.67%. Meanwhile, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.79%, down from when it averaged 5.84%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.80%.
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Home building employment concentrated in rural markets
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), residential construction is playing a larger role in rural and suburban markets. Among the seven HBGI categories, non-metro/micro counties recorded the highest concentration of residential construction employment.
NAHB’s analysis of county-level data shows that the industry’s employment footprint is particularly large in rural and smaller-market counties, where home building accounts for a greater share of total employment than it does nationally. Large metro core counties are showing relatively lower employment concentration due to their more diversified economies, which are less dependent on home building activity.
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Dream Finders Homes makes fifth bid to acquire Beazer Homes
On July 8, 2026, Dream Finders Homes presented its fifth offer to acquire Beazer Homes. While a merger of the two companies would create the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation, the Board of Directors at Beazer Homes publicly rejected Dream Finders Homes’ third offer in May.
The most recent offer values Beazer Homes at $32.00 per share in cash, a steady increase from its first offer in February at $28.50 per share in cash.
“Beazer’s actions do not appear to be focused on pursuing a path that can maximize value for shareholders,” said Patrick Zalupski, Dream Finders’ Chairman and CEO. “While we would have preferred to continue our discussions privately, Beazer’s proposed non-disclosure agreement and related restrictions go well beyond what is necessary to protect confidential information. Taken together with Beazer’s past unwillingness to engage, these provisions raise questions about whether the Board is prepared to pursue a transaction that we believe would be in the best interest of Beazer shareholders.”
“The proposals represent a significant and unwarranted discount to Beazer’s inherent value, and neither recent nor historical industry transactions support such a valuation,” wrote the Beazer Board in its rejection of the offer in May.
Beazer Homes has yet to comment on this fifth offer.
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Meghan Billings Builds with Purpose
Meghan Billings’ interest in residential construction came unexpectedly. When she set out to build her custom home, her contractor fell ill. Instead of stalling the project, Meghan stepped in. As a mom with young kids, she remembers her unconventional office for the project: her local Chick-fil-A in the corner, on her laptop, watching her kids play. What began as a necessity to save her own project, coordinating trades, managing timelines and solving problems in real time, became a genuine interest.
An Unexpected Start
The firsthand experience of building her home was more rewarding than she ever imagined. She loved the thrill of the tangible process of building and saw an opportunity to bring a more intentional, client-focused approach to the process.
“From the beginning, my goal has been to not only build high-end homes, but to create an experience where clients feel informed, confident and supported every step of the way,” said Billings.
Seven years later, Meg & Co. Designer Homes, the company Billings founded and serves as the general contractor, is known for its immaculate craftsmanship for luxury custom homes in Idaho, particularly the high-demand Twin Falls neighborhoods.
Billings herself is a Master Builder in Idaho and was a speaker at one of the largest industry conventions in residential construction, the International Builders’ Show.
Leading from Within
Billings’ entryway into the industry led her to learn a lot in a short period of time. This was not a setback in any way, she noted, if everyone began when they “felt ready,” the time may never come.
“You don’t have to know everything on day one, but you do need to be willing to learn and step into situations that feel uncomfortable,” said Billings.
Despite her resilience and confidence, there were still moments on a job site or meeting when people assumed she was in a different role. At times, she admitted that felt discouraging.
“However, I’ve found that those assumptions tend to fade quickly once you demonstrate knowledge, preparation and leadership,” said Billings. “The industry is evolving, but there is still work to be done in increasing visibility for women in leadership roles.”
This gave her a feeling of purpose to grow her network of women in the industry. She took on leadership roles serving on the Board of Trustees for Professional Women in Building (PWB) and co-founded the Twin Falls PWB chapter.
Billings advises other women to look for mentorship and community in either formal organizations or peer groups.
Custom Charm
Two of her custom home projects exemplify her dedication, distinct style and excellence in homebuilding.
The Charles sits in North East Twin Falls, Idaho, with four-bedrooms and six-bathrooms over 4,591 square feet. The exterior is delicately designed with an arched brick entryway and an eye-catching white oak door. The thoughtfully crafted color palette of the exterior extends inside the home with the warm hues of white oak, marble and soft painted millwork. Billings commented that the repetition of architectural details, such as the arched openings and tailored millwork, adds continuous charming character throughout the home.
The Clifford is 6,234 square feet with five-bedrooms and five-bathrooms. The traditional, yet timeless, facade pairs excellently with its natural stone exterior and delicate design details of copper gas-powered lanterns. Balancing the natural exteriors are three chimneys, each finished with custom caps. The landscape design furthers the property’s welcoming aesthetic with serene wildflowers The interiors of the Clifford further elevates the project’s appeal with coffered ceilings, hand-glazed tile touches and a stunning two-story stone fireplace.
Secret to Success
Billings cites her success to her skills of curiosity, resilience and a willingness to learn quickly. However, what makes every project of hers outstanding is her strong communication and relationship-building skills. For her projects, the Meg & Co. team works with a strong network of architects, engineers and interior design consultants. She notes that many of the challenges in construction come down to misunderstandings, leading her team with a proactive vision that is key to completing complex custom home projects.
“Consistency and integrity, doing what you say you will do, have helped build trust with clients and trade partners, which is everything in this industry,” added Billings. Her success is built upon excellence in the industry and a clear purpose to build better, physically in her homes and the community as a whole.
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 July, read the print version.
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How homebuilding shaped 250 years of U.S. history
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, one of the most pivotal aspects of the American Dream is homeownership and the homebuilding behind it.
From the first president’s estate, Mount Vernon, to America’s first planned city, Savannah, Georgia, the history of homebuilding is woven into the fabric of the country.
Since first studied by the U.S. Census, the homeownership rate in the U.S. in 1965 was 62.9%. There have been periodic increases and dips, while it currently sits at 65.3 in Q1 2026.
Construction of housing rose to its peak in 2005 with over 2 million housing starts. The National Association of REALTORS estimates the country lacks 4.7 million homes.
The future landscape of housing production is positive, with a landmark housing bill passed by both the House and the Senate.
“NAHB applauds lawmakers for working together in a bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass historic housing legislation that will deliver real benefits for the American people,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help increase the nation’s housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging local governments to reform zoning and land-use policies that have limited home building. By expanding homeownership and rental housing opportunities nationwide, this legislation will help ease the housing affordability crisis.”
People behind the homebuilding industry play a key part in this country’s founding ideals.
A celebration of the country’s 250 years of history includes homebuilding.
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Celebrating 41 Years of Excellence: Honoring the 2026 Hall of Fame Class
The California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame has celebrated the men and women whose vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have shaped the places Californians call home and left a lasting mark on our industry.
Now in its 41st year, the Hall of Fame proudly recognizes leaders who exemplify the very best of California homebuilding. Their achievements have raised industry standards, strengthened communities and inspired future generations of builders and leaders to carry their legacy forward. We are proud to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2026—five extraordinary leaders whose careers reflect exceptional achievement, service, and an enduring commitment to our industry and the communities they serve.
2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Patrick R. Fuscoe, P.E. – Fuscoe Engineering, Inc.
Tom Grable – Tri Pointe Homes
Glen Martin – Avila Real Estate Capital | Pacific InterWest
James J. Schmid – Chelsea Investment Corporation
Mary Teichert – Teichert, Inc.For more information about the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, to learn more about the program, or to join us in celebrating this milestone event, please visit the California Homebuilding Foundation or contact the Foundation office at jherman@mychf.org.
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Utah makes strides to speed up housing development
Leaders in Utah’s government are taking action to address the housing supply and, more importantly, a streamlined process for building new homes. Inside the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, a new Division of Housing and Community Development was formed by the Utah Legislature earlier in the year. At the helm of the new division is the Governor’s senior housing adviser, Steve Waldrip.
“Housing is foundational to opportunity. If young families, teachers, first responders and the people who keep our economy running can’t afford to live in the communities they serve, our long-term prosperity is at risk,” said Governor Spencer Cox. “This new division will help us better align state resources, local partnerships and private-sector innovation so we can build more homes, strengthen our neighborhoods and keep the Utah dream within reach for the next generation.”
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Luxury home prices outpace rest of market
Luxury home prices are rising faster than any other market, a recent report from Redfin explains. Year over year, the median U.S. luxury home sale price rose 4.7%.
It’s a reasonable turn in the sector considering that many high-end homebuyers do not have the same affordability concerns or mortgage rate sensitivities. Therefore, the demand for luxury homes continues to rise.
Pending sales of luxury homes gained 5.2% year over year, while pending sales for the rest of the market grew 3.6%.
This is seen side by side in some markets, such as Tampa, where luxury home prices rose 15.6% year over year while all other homes actually saw a decrease of 0.5%.
The influx of luxury buyers is extremely prominent in one major metro: the Bay Area. Pending sales for luxury homes in San Francisco climbed 45.9% year over year, largely attributed to the AI sector.
Exclusive Feature
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Breaking Barriers and Building Better
Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison…
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