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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…
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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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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…
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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…
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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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Residential construction spending up 1.8% year-over-year
According to the recently released May analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending continued its steady upward trend. Compared…
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According to the recently released May analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending continued its steady upward trend. Compared to a year ago, spending is up 1.8% and surpassed the previous month by 0.4.
This is the third consecutive month of gains, following the slight dip in activity in February. The current pace is a moderate sign of a stabilizing market, despite consumer economic uncertainty and rise in material costs.
Looking forward, the effects of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is expected to streamline review for builders and diminish some of the costly boundaries for builders.
“Multifamily construction spending growth has also slowed down after the peak in June 2023, with the index largely plateauing since late 2024,” said Catherine Koh an economist at the National Association of Homebuilders. “In contrast, improvement spending has been on an upward trend since the beginning of 2025, supported in part by the aging housing stock and sustained demand for renovation.
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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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Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison at $72.50 per common share.
Taylor Morrison is one of the leading homebuilders and developers in the U.S. Taylor Morrison’s Chairman and CEO, Sheryl Palmer drove the company to its nationwide strength and growth, going public in 2013 and currently building in 21 markets across 12 states. Under her tenure, Taylor Morrison’s leadership team boasts a unique point of view: 50% of senior leadership roles are occupied by women, over four times the industry standard. Of their women working in construction, 38% are Millennials or Gen Z.
Palmer is not going anywhere following this acquisition. Berkshire Hathaway announced that the Taylor Morrison team will continue with its existing management, including Palmer. While the company is going private, Palmer was the only woman to lead a publicly traded homebuilder for nearly two decades.
“Over the last 13 years as a public company, we built a track record of strategic growth, expanding our geographic footprint, integrating acquisitions with discipline and deepening our competitive strengths across procurement, brand and customer experience,” said Palmer. “Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term orientation is uniquely well-suited to the multi-year investment cycle of homebuilding and this combination will allow us to scale the Taylor Morrison platform in ways that would not be possible as a standalone company.”
Acquisition Execution
This is the first major move from Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO Greg Abel, who assumed the role in January. The move builds on Berkshire’s existing footprint in the sector; the company already owns Clayton Homes, the modern manufactured homebuilder, which it acquired in 2003 for $1.7 billion.
There are indications of a consolidation between the two homebuilders. Combining Taylor Morrison’s 12,997 closings and Clayton Properties’ 9,953 closings in 2025 would create the fourth largest homebuilder in the United States.
“We are excited to welcome Taylor Morrison into Berkshire’s portfolio, reflecting our long-standing commitment to housing, exemplified by Clayton Homes and our other building products businesses,” said Abel. “Over time, we expect to unify our site-built homebuilding operations into a combined platform enabling us to deliver the dream of homeownership to more Americans.”
What does Taylor Morrison bring to the table that would differentiate Berkshire’s offerings? A reputation of consumer trust built by leadership.
Role Models in Motion
Taylor Morrison exemplifies sustained leadership opportunities for women throughout the company. Andrea Murphy, Senior Director of Sales Implementation, found herself in the industry as her early passion naturally evolved into a career, where she could help others create spaces that reflect how they live.
“Taylor Morrison has allowed me to leverage my experience while also providing opportunities to stretch my skill set,” said Murphy.
Christie Ferro, Senior Vice President, Financial Services at Taylor Morrison Home Funding, Inc., knew she was in the right place 24 years ago. She points out that at Taylor Morrison, both the mortgage president and CEO are women.
“It mattered deeply to work in an environment where women are supported, visible and trusted to lead,” said Ferro. “Having strong female role models at the top reinforced that there was a path forward and that my voice and contributions belonged at the table.”
The duo of Murphy and Ferro are on the front lines when understanding buyer behavior. Together they host National Homebuying Webinars addressing over 700 prospective buyers.
Ferro notes by shifting homebuyer education and financing conversations from reactive to proactive, it reduces surprises and allows for the sales experience to be informative rather than overwhelming. For these events, Murphy emphasizes the importance of building trust and confidence between prospective buyers before they walk through the door.
Communities Coast to Coast
As Taylor Morrison averages 339 active selling communities at any given time, its offerings across the country suit different buyer needs and demographics.
Aurora at Luna Park in Irvine, Calif., features two‑story layouts with up to five-bedrooms, four-bathrooms and up to 3,320 square feet of living space. The community is applauded for its central location to major employment centers, healthcare and cultural hubs.
In Phoenix, Ariz., at Taylor Morrison’s master-planned community, Verdin, the one-story Alder floor plan includes three-bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a three-car garage with up to 3,527 square feet of open-concept living space. This community prioritizes space for function and entertainment.
The Travisso Naples Collection, Palisade, in Austin, Texas, offers 4,640 square feet with five-bedrooms and five-and-a-half-bathrooms. This community prides itself on the marriage of luxury, craftsmanship and a desirable location.
In Indianapolis, Ind., the Reserve community has up to three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and a two-car garage with 2,056 feet of open-concept living space. The traditional-style home markets a community-centric feeling to clients.
Every Taylor Morrison community is uniquely tailored to mirror the lifestyle and identity of the region it serves. The story behind the $8.5 billion deal does not point to just Taylor Morrison’s bottom line: it stands as a validation of the tangible culture Palmer built from the ground up.
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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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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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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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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D.R. Horton to build nearly 200-home subdivision in Virginia
D.R. Horton is set to build a 195-home subdivision on a 265-acre lot in Goochland, Va. The homes will average between 3,000 and 4,000 square feet on lots that range from 1 to 5 acres. Goochland supervisors approved plans for the Rural Hill on the James in 2021.
“They saw that there was a huge shortage of land in the region,” said Long & Foster Real Estate Kyle Yeatman. “D.R. Horton wanted the project the most. They thought that this would probably be the biggest subdivision that Goochland maybe ever approves, so they wanted to get their hands on it.”
The phased development will consist of four sections, the first of which will consist of 66 homes on smaller lots, served by county water and sewer. Subsequent phases will involve larger lots that will connect to county water and use septic systems.
Developer and real estate agent Kyle Yeatman said the five years since the board approved zoning for Rural Hill have been spent securing easements around the property, adding land and working with county staff on other aspects of the project. Yeatman said that D.R. Horton will take over the project once it completes its land purchase, which is scheduled to close in July.
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Mungo Homes acquires rapidly growing McGuinn Homes
Mungo Homes announced the acquisition of McGuinn Homes, a South Carolina-based homebuilder. In the past three years, McGuinn Homes posted a substantial increase in new home sales from 337 in 2023 to over 1,000 in 2025.
McGuinn Homes’ presence in Augusta, Georgia, and Aiken, South Carolina, was a driving factor in this strategic acquisition.
Mungo Homes is a Clayton Home Building Group builder, owned by larger subsidiary Berkshire Hathaway.
Berkshire Hathaway also recently acquired homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison in an $8.5 billion deal. While on a considerably smaller scale, the sale of McGuinn Homes continues the increase of consolidation in the housing industry. Financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed.
“We’re excited to join the Mungo family and continue our commitment to the markets we impact,” said Wade McGuinn, founder and managing shareholder of McGuinn Homes. “Together, we’re well positioned to provide more attainable homeownership opportunities through a shared commitment to customer service and operational excellence.”
“The addition of McGuinn Homes to the Mungo family reflects our shared values of attainable homeownership, world-class team member experience, and giving back to the people and communities we serve,” said Keith Holdbrooks, chief executive officer of Clayton Home Building Group. “This acquisition allows both teams to come together and expand access to affordable homes in more markets while serving as a united force for good through volunteerism.”
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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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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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Residential construction spending up 1.8% year-over-year
According to the recently released May analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending continued its steady upward trend. Compared to a year ago, spending is up 1.8% and surpassed the previous month by 0.4.
This is the third consecutive month of gains, following the slight dip in activity in February. The current pace is a moderate sign of a stabilizing market, despite consumer economic uncertainty and rise in material costs.
Looking forward, the effects of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is expected to streamline review for builders and diminish some of the costly boundaries for builders.
“Multifamily construction spending growth has also slowed down after the peak in June 2023, with the index largely plateauing since late 2024,” said Catherine Koh an economist at the National Association of Homebuilders. “In contrast, improvement spending has been on an upward trend since the beginning of 2025, supported in part by the aging housing stock and sustained demand for renovation.
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Builders Can Successfully Transition Into Bathroom Remodeling
Thinking about expanding your business into bathroom and shower remodeling? The biggest opportunities for builders exist within the wet space, especially remodels. Join Bestbath for a roundtable discussion on expanding into the wet space. Industry professionals will share perspectives on current market trends, business opportunities, operational considerations, and lessons learned from adding bathroom and shower projects to their offerings.
Attendees will gain practical insights into what it takes to enter the category, common challenges to expect, and how other contractors have successfully incorporated wet space projects into their businesses.
Learning Objectives:
- What’s driving demand for bathroom remodeling projects
- Where the biggest growth opportunities exist in the wet space
- What it takes to add bath and shower services to an existing business
- How to position and sell bathroom remodeling projects effectively
- Lessons learned from contractors who have successfully expanded their offerings
- Practical next steps for growing their business through wet space projects
Purpose: This webinar is designed to help contractors, remodelers, builders, and home improvement professionals evaluate the opportunity of expanding into bathroom and shower remodeling. Through a roundtable discussion with industry professionals, attendees will gain insight into market demand, growth opportunities, operational considerations, and real-world lessons learned from businesses that have successfully added wet space projects to their offerings. The goal is to provide practical guidance to help attendees determine whether expanding into the wet space is the right fit for their business.
Join speakers Michael Lunt, Dealer Sales Manager at Bestbath and Blake Watson, Owner at Age-Proof Homes, for this discussion.
Learn more about Bestbath
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AIA Awards 2026 Winners announced
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces its AIA Awards 2026 Winners at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 10 to 13, 2026, the event draws in over 5,000 architects and design professionals to network, take classes and expand on how to build a better world.
AIA Awards celebrated over 100 award winners across ten categories. One of the recipients of the AIA Housing Award, Pine Flat by Faulkner Architects, was featured in Green Home Builder’s January/ February issue. Other recipients include Spoonbill Ranch, a single-family custom home in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region by Johnsen Schmaling Architects.
“Every project honored across these 10 award programs is a powerful reminder of architecture’s profound impact on our communities—and its role in shaping a stronger future for generations to come,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “The projects being are forward-looking, creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. Together, the winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can enrich lives and help build a better future for all.”
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Backyard features homebuyers want in 2026
Homeowners now treat outdoor spaces like functional extensions of the house, packed with purpose, comfort and long-term value. When scanning listings, homebuyers look for backyard features that offer more than looks; they look for performance, resilience and year-round usability.
This year has seen a rise of climate-resilient backyard design. Designers are responding by introducing heat-tolerant plants, permeable surfaces and shade-first layouts that keep outdoor spaces usable longer. Smart plant groupings now replace random flower beds with intentional ecological zones. Gardeners mix native shrubs, deep-rooted grasses and drought-resistant perennials to stabilize soil and reduce watering needs.
Water efficiency now plays a large role in potential buyers’ decisions. Homebuyers are increasingly asking how a property manages irrigation, runoff and seasonal drought conditions. Smart irrigation systems answer those concerns with soil sensors, weather tracking and precision watering schedules.
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Award-Winning, Elevated Living
North River Ranch, developed by Neal Land & Neighborhoods, represents a fresh approach to developing a master-planned community in Southwest Florida. Located in Parrish, the project continues to expand across multiple phases of development.
On May 26, 2025, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new neighborhood, Crescent Creek, with both single-family detached homes, townhomes and two-story villas with rear garages. The developer plans for the community to host approximately 6,000 single-family homes, villas, townhomes and multi-family residences across the 2,640 acres full of community amenities for both engagement and entertainment.
The community received a Silver Award from the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) in the category of Best Single-Family Community from the National Association of Home Builders.
“Receiving recognition from BALA is especially meaningful because it reflects the intentional, thoughtful design and collaborative vision behind North River Ranch,” said John A. Neal, President of Neal Land & Neighborhoods. “From the beginning, the goal was to create a master-planned community where architecture, land planning, amenities and the natural environment work together cohesively to shape an elevated living experience.”
Diving into Development
In 2013, Neal founded the company with a vision to create innovative, master-planned communities that shape how people live and connect. The primary goal was to integrate residential living with high-quality lifestyle amenities and long-term economic growth.
“We create tomorrow’s neighborhoods through smart design and meticulous execution; neighborhoods that are both visually compelling and highly functional for the way people live,” said Neal.
The developer approaches community development from a holistic perspective, focusing on the overall neighborhood’s lifestyle and functionality rather than a single home. Neal Land & Neighborhoods recalled the challenge of developing new models for homes for master-planned, daily living in an emerging market, all while striving for infrastructure improvements and economic growth. On top of this, the developer worked closely with the builders, architects and engineers to preserve the community’s native landscape.
For North River Ranch, Neal Land & Neighborhoods worked with several homebuilders and designers, including Homes by WestBay, Cardel Homes Florida, Neal Communities, Pulte Homes and David Weekley Homes. With over 30 possible floor plans, new homes in the community range in size from 1,433 to 3,518 square feet and in price points from $300,000 to over $1 million.
Booth Design Group based the community’s architectural design to feel authentic to the way people live, from lighting aesthetics to on-site planning. Looney Ricks Kicks conceptualized and designed the community’s prominent amenities, including the 12-acre Camp Creek Clubhouse and Headwaters Swim Center.
Neal Land & Neighborhoods envisioned the community to function as a “city-within-a-city,” blending residential neighborhoods with educational centers, retail stores and healthcare facilities so residents have access to life necessities without venturing too far from the comfort of their home.
Elegant and Functional
Tucked into the southwest of the community is the Longmeadow neighborhood, with new homes by Pulte Homes, Homes by WestBay and Cardel Homes.
Homes by WestBay designed the single-family model homes with both traditional and luxurious elements. The homes range from 2,533 to 3,518 square feet, featuring three to five-bedrooms and three to five-bathrooms. The homes come in both one and two-story options as well as a three-car garage.
With a neutral color palette inspired by modern contemporary design, the homes’ interiors inspire a high-class lifestyle. The marble kitchen island is accented with dark, wooden cabinetry. An open layout between the kitchen and the living room allows for functionality of movement without sacrificing the elegant design. An opalescent dual-vanity with hidden storage features gives the bathroom a resort-spa-like feel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass-patio-covered pool overlook the lake, making the backyard feel like a lakeside vacation home.
Coastal Design
Next to Longmeadow is the Wildleaf neighborhood, featuring homes from Neal Communities. The builder’s single-family homes range from 1,533 to 2,400 square feet, with two to four-bedrooms, two to three-a-half bathrooms and two to three-car garages. These homes also come in one and two-stories.
The homes’ grey and white color palette inspires coastal living, amplified by sliding doors that lead to an open patio at the lake’s edge.
Sleek finishes and appliances accent the kitchen. The white cabinetry pairs beautifully with the pristine, white marble island and countertops.
Each of the model homes’ exteriors reflect the unique style of the individual builder while blending into a cohesive, community design; a credit to the planning and development of North River Ranch.
Photos courtesy of Neal Land & Neighborhoods.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
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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Home Prices Hit 2026 High
According to the Redfin Home Price Index, U.S. home prices continue to grow, up 0.3% month over month in May. This may appear to be a slight uptick from April’s 0.2% increase, but it is the largest growth rate of 2026.
Year-over-year, the average for housing growth sits at 2.5%, continuing the rise of the last six months.
The largest regional increases are reported in the Midwest, with both Cleveland (2.5%) and Columbus, Ohio (1.3%) in the top five cities overall. Posting the most declines are metros in the West, with Riverside, Calif. (-1.9%), San Jose, Calif. (-1.7%) and San Francisco (-1.3%) dropping month to month.
“Buyers got a boost from lower mortgage rates in the spring, and that momentum is showing up in prices,” said Sheharyar Bokhari, a senior economist at Redfin. “And even though there are many more home sellers than buyers in the market, the most desirable homes are still attracting multiple offers, driving up prices.”
Read Full Article
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Historic Housing Bill Awaits Signature
Currently, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act sits in front of the President, waiting for a signature. With many revisions, the bill advanced through the House and the Senate with a historic bipartisan effort. The bill, with over 50 sections, addresses the nation’s housing supply shortage with a drop in regulatory barriers to building and aids in repairing the nation’s aging housing stock.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is widely supported throughout the housing industry, with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) a key player in shaping the legislation. The bill is also supported by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the National League of Cities and other organizations.
“This is the most significant housing legislation to pass Congress in nearly 20 years,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. “At a time when affordability remains one of the nation’s greatest challenges, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan way to advance solutions that will help communities build more homes, expand housing opportunities and strengthen pathways to homeownership.”
After President Trump canceled the signing event, homebuilders are still optimistic that it will pass.
“Voters are demanding action on housing supply and affordability, and Congress has delivered a historic bill to address their concerns,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB. “Although there was no bill signing today, we are confident the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will eventually become law.”
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Alaska modernizes its legislation on interior designers
Alaska passed House Bill (HB) 314, to institute a protected title and regulation for qualified interior designers. The bill also creates a registration pathway for formal recognition through the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors.
The legislation was heavily supported by the American Society of Interior Designers and its Consortium for Interior Design.
Alaska is now the 31st state to enact reasonable regulation of the profession, following Idaho in March.
“Today’s action marks an important milestone for Alaska and for the future of the design profession,” said Khoi Vo, president and chief executive officer, ASID. “HB 314 recognizes the education, experience and examination standards that qualified interior designers meet and ensures they can contribute more fully to the design and construction process. This legislation supports public safety, strengthens professional practice and creates new opportunities to serve communities across Alaska.”
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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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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Fed holds rates steady in Warsh’s first decision as chairman
Kevin Warsh’s first decision as chairman of the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady. The Fed’s rate holding pattern is consistent throughout 2026; the last rate cut was in December 2025.
Warsh and the board affirmed that despite geopolitical uncertainty and a rise in inflation, the U.S. economy holds strong, with the unemployment rate largely unchanged and consumer spending up 0.09% in May.
For housing and construction, employment is up year over year and a major housing bill is set to move towards signing.
“Despite ongoing pressure on the Fed to ease ahead of the midterms, inflation remains the primary driver of policy decisions,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist for Cotality and regular contributor to Builder & Developer. “While we expect administrative focus to zero in on housing affordability again—likely through increased incentives as sales continue to disappoint—elevated costs and borrowing rates will persist. Importantly, regardless of Fed action, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully until inflation cools and long-term yields move decisively lower.”
“Overall, the June meeting pivoted the Fed to a notably more hawkish bias, reflecting an increase in current inflationary challenges,” said the National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Without relief from underlying causes of inflation, Fed policy action will not aid the housing and building market in the near term. However, there are dovish or disinflationary possibilities in the outlook, from resolution of geopolitical headline risks or benefits from productivity growth.”
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Takeaways from the current housing economy
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its annual State of the Nation’s Housing report, offering an overview of the current housing market. Many indicators show that housing market activity remained flat in early 2026. New home sales levels remained relatively unchanged, rental retention rates increased and new occupancies declined. Construction saw a slight decrease of 1% over the past year. Key takeaways from the report include subdued activity, weakening demand, and sidelined potential homebuyers.
The current weakness in housing demand is a direct result of several underlying economic drivers and a decreasing employment growth rate.
With many U.S. residents burdened by high housing costs, an increasing number of state and local governments are taking action to increase housing production.
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Mortgage rates average 6.52%
On June 11, 2026, Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey, showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reached an average of 6.52%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.52% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Stronger employment momentum has helped existing home sales reach a five-month high. Importantly, we’re seeing homebuyers look past the short-term rate fluctuations and actively enter the market, signaling renewed confidence in homeownership opportunities.”
The most recent 30-year FRM reached a 6.52% average, up from last week’s 6.48%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.84%. Meanwhile, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.84%, up from last week’s average of 5.79%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.97%.
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Industry legends honored with National Housing Center Awards
Several industry leaders were honored for their contributions to the housing industry during the National Housing Center Awards Ceremony on June 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The ceremony recognized the 2026 inductees to the National Housing Hall of Fame and the recipients of the Exemplary Service to Home Building Award.
Thomas Bozzuto and Laurie Goodman were among the National Housing Hall of Fame inductees. Bozzuto redefined the standards for building and managing homes, provided thought leadership on housing policy and has been an advocate for sustainable development. Goodman, who founded the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute, spent more than 30 years primarily focused on mortgage market research and analysis.
The 2026 Exemplary Service to Home Building Award recipients were Marvin “Jerry” Carter Jr. and Edward “Eddie” Martin Jr.
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act advances to Senate
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has reached the Senate. The bill aims to solve the national affordable housing shortage by increasing supply, easing regulatory burdens and modernizing outdated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.
On May 22, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the bill that would have removed a build-to-rent sales provision that would have hurt affordability and reduced much-needed housing supply. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) led the push to remove the provision and has been an active supporter of the bill.
“NAHB congratulates congressional leaders for reaching a bicameral and bipartisan agreement to move forward a final version of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act,” said Bill Owens, NAHB chairman, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “This landmark legislation would expand housing opportunities for buyers and renters, strengthen homeownership and help tackle the affordability challenges facing communities nationwide. It’s time for Congress to move this historic housing package across the finish line.”
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AIA Awards 2026 Winners announced
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces its AIA Awards 2026 Winners at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 10 to 13, 2026, the event draws in over 5,000 architects and design professionals to network, take classes and expand on how to build a better world.
AIA Awards celebrated over 100 award winners across ten categories. One of the recipients of the AIA Housing Award, Pine Flat by Faulkner Architects, was featured in Green Home Builder’s January/ February issue. Other recipients include Spoonbill Ranch, a single-family custom home in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region by Johnsen Schmaling Architects.
“Every project honored across these 10 award programs is a powerful reminder of architecture’s profound impact on our communities—and its role in shaping a stronger future for generations to come,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “The projects being are forward-looking, creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. Together, the winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can enrich lives and help build a better future for all.”
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NAHB study analyzes homebuilding regulatory costs
A new study from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analyzed homebuilding regulatory costs, comparing results from the 2026 survey to a previous one conducted in 2021. The 2026 survey revealed that, on average, regulations imposed by the government at all levels account for $131,734, or 26.4%, of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale. Of this amount, $46,795 is due to a higher price for the finished lot, a direct result of regulations imposed during the lot’s development. The remaining $84,939 is the result of regulatory costs imposed on the builder during construction, after the builder purchases the finished lot.
According to the study, regulatory costs are one of several factors, including record increases of tariff rates on building materials, ongoing skilled labor shortage, a decrease in available lots and tighter lending conditions, currently limiting the supply of housing, particularly housing for the entry-level market.
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Lennar announces C-suite changes
Lennar, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, announced two appointments in its C-suite: Jim Parker named Chief Operating Officer and David Grove appointed to Executive Vice President, Homebuilding.
Parker joined the company in 2018 following its merger with CalAtlantic Homes. Following the merger, he served as a Regional President for the builder. In 2003, Parker founded Parker Chandler Homes and sold the company three years later.
Grove joined Lennar in 1999 as a Construction Area Manager in Austin. He was then named Division President in 2004 and Regional President for Texas in 2022.
“Jim and David are tenured, proven Lennar leaders who are energized by the opportunity ahead,” said Stuart Miller, Lennar’s Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. “They have consistently delivered strong results for our teams and our business. More than that, they exemplify our core values — building quality homes and delivering more value to our customers, always with the highest level of integrity.”
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May 2026 Luxury Housing Market Report
Luxury home prices across the U.S. reached $1,283,432 in May 2026, despite year-over-year declines continuing at -1.4%. The pace of annual softening has pulled back considerably from the 5%-plus drops seen in early 2025, suggesting an uptick in the national luxury housing market.
Among tracked luxury metros, Minneapolis and Boise City, Idaho, have fully surpassed their pandemic-era peaks as of February, at 5% and 4.2%, respectively. The composition of the top 10 luxury markets was unchanged from April, with the same 10 appearing in slightly different order.
Year over year, Naples-Marco Island, Fla., at 4.3%, and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Fla., at 3.2%, were the only markets on the list with positive annual price growth.
Exclusive Feature
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A Masterclass in Bespoke Texan Building
Keechi Creek Builders stuns with regional vernacular architecture and interior design Decision Drive from Keechi Creek Builders charms with its remarkable attention…
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