Today’s News
Top Story
-
What metro report cards reveal about homebuilding and affordability
While REALTOR explored the housing industry’s geographic variation at a state level earlier this year, a new analysis from the company explored…
by
While REALTOR explored the housing industry’s geographic variation at a state level earlier this year, a new analysis from the company explored the 100 largest metros in the United States. Ten metro areas received a grade in the “A” range, while each scored greater than 50 on both the affordability and homebuilding components: Des Moines-West Des Moines in Iowa, Raleigh-Cary in North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos in Texas, Jacksonville, Fla., Oklahoma City, Palm Bay-Melbourne in Florida and Columbus, Ohio.
REALTOR’S metro report card revealed a similar pattern to the state one. The South and Midwest are home to the strongest performers, while the West and Northeast received a lower grade. Lower housing costs relative to incomes and higher levels of new construction activity are more common in the Midwest and South, where home prices are lower, job markets are robust, land is more affordable and available. Local policies around zoning and permitting are also more permissive.
-
BLM sells 940-acres for future master-planned community in Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the sale of 940 acres of federally managed public land to the City of Las…
by
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the sale of 940 acres of federally managed public land to the City of Las Vegas. The $94 million sale is expected to make way for up to 6,000 homes in a new master-planned community, Monument Hills.
“This is exactly the kind of bold action Nevada needs to increase our housing supply and make housing more attainable for hardworking Nevada families,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo.
Developed by Olympia Companies, the project is expected to deliver single-family detached homes, townhomes, multi-family and mixed-use structures.
Olympia Companies also developed the Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands communities with builders Century Communities, Toll Brothers, LGI Homes and Blue Heron.
The builders for Monument Hills have yet to be announced. However, the community design guidelines are public.
-
September builder confidence at 32
In the September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence fell three points from August…
by
In the September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence fell three points from August to 32.
This is the lowest recorded report since September 2025.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz noted that this is likely a continuation of headwinds facing the homebuilding industry: building materials costs rising, elevated mortgage rates and labor concerns.
With buyers more discerning, builders continue to offer incentives, up 3% from August. The HMI survey also reported that more builders cut prices than in August, but only by 1%.
Regionally, the Midwest remains the strongest market despite dropping one point to 44. The Northeast saw the greatest decline, from 44 to 38. The South and the West remained fairly stagnant, with the South falling one point (31) and the West gaining one (28).
With the Fed raising interest rates on Sept.16, 2026, builder buying power may also take a hit.
“The HMI shows builder confidence at its lowest level since September 2025, as tight lending conditions and elevated land, labor and construction costs persist,” said Dietz. “Notably, 42% of builders rated current lot availability as poor and 38% as fair.”
-
Drawing Inspiration from California’s History
The Chadmar Group seamlessly integrates comfort with rustic charm In 1932, architect Cliff May blended Spanish colonial haciendas with casual indoor-outdoor living…
by
The Chadmar Group seamlessly integrates comfort with rustic charm
In 1932, architect Cliff May blended Spanish colonial haciendas with casual indoor-outdoor living in San Diego, Calif., marking the birth of the state’s first ranch-style home. Tailored to California’s hot climate, the homes are known for their open layouts and low-pitched roofs, meant to be comfortable and maintainable.
Channelling the regional vernacular ranch-style heritage, The Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A is a high-end home inspired by historic architecture and outdoor connectivity. Built by The Chadmar Group, the 3,760-square-foot home embraces the state’s rustic heritage without compromising luxury living standards.
The project won the Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Single-Family Detached Home 3,500 to 4,000 square feet.
Inspired by Historical Architecture
Santa Barbara is one of the most historic and recognizable cities in California. While its origins can be traced back to the 1780s, its architectural integrity has confidently withstood the test of time. The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and ranch-style homes, with whitewashed stucco walls and angular arches.
Located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, in Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A draws inspiration from Santa Barbara’s historic charm.
“This distinctive residence reinterprets California’s agrarian and ranch-style heritage,” said Robert Hidey, AIA, NCARB, President of Robert Hidey Architects. “Exterior architecture is expressed through wood siding, natural trim and authentic detailing, with stones on the elevation nodding to Santa Barbara’s local character.”
Once again pulling a page from the Spanish-revival style design, an outside stairwell leads to the upper-level observation deck. While the outdoor patio is immersed by panoramic views of the nearby polo fields.
“The field acts as a figurative extension of the home, providing a backdrop for entertaining, quiet reflection and a connection to the landscape,” said Hidey.
Designed for Modern Comfort
The main level balances privacy with connection. The Great Room, with its open layout and large sliding glass doors, serves as the project’s centerpiece. Decorative trusses along the sloped ceilings mirror what the architect refers to as California’s enduring ranch-style tradition.
The home’s floor plan effortlessly connects the kitchen to the living area, meant to maintain an effortless flow in daily living.
The white color palette allows natural light to bounce off of it, making the space feel larger and luxurious. That same palette is offset by a natural stone backsplash above the fireplace, another callback to Spanish-style design. Beige tones and wooden elements add warmth to the space.
The kitchen and dining spaces’ stark white ceilings and walls are contrasted with darker-toned finishes throughout. A dark wooden table adds a rustic touch to the room. A chandelier, with its ring design and suspended, leather-appearing straps, pays homage to the home’s overall equestrian design.
The bathroom feels like the most luxurious space within the home. With its large, circular vanity above the sink and white-panel windows that offer a view to the next-door green fields, the space mimics a resort-style spa.
The bedroom is full of rich, earthy tones, with white, picture-frame windows inviting natural light into the space. This wellness-inspired design reflects the builder’s primary goal to seamlessly integrate comfort into a luxury lifestyle.
The Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and a two-car garage.
Rooted in Family
Based in Santa Monica, Calif., The Chadmar Group is a private homebuilding and development company, specializing in creating luxury neighborhoods throughout the western region of the United States. The company has offices and works in Los Angeles, Mammoth Lakes, Santa Barbara and Monterey, four of the most desirable markets in California.
Charles R. Lande founded the company after working in real estate for 36 years. Before this leadership position, Lande’s career specialized in commercial real estate. Now, he leads The Chadmar Group in the creation and restoration of a multitude of projects, from irreplaceable landmark buildings to high-end neighborhoods.
The company is deeply rooted in familial ties, down to its name. Lande named the organization after his children: Chad stems from a nickname for his first son, Charles R. Lande Jr., while “Mar” is short for Marissa, his daughter.
Charles R. Lande Jr. now works closely with his father as the Chief Operating Officer of The Chadmar Group. Together, the pair leads the company with a commitment to detail and client satisfaction.
“Our success is built on our unique ability to find undervalued, one-of-a-kind properties, reposition them, and multiply their economic value with financially sound discipline in a timely manner,” said Charles R. Lande, Founder, President and CEO of The Chadmar Group.
Photos courtesy of Eric Figge Photography/Jacob Gutherie
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
This story is featured in our September issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
-
Fed raises rates for the first time in 3 years
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. This bump is…
by
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%.
This bump is not a shock, as many economists predicted the Fed would increase rates to combat rising inflation. However, this is the first rate hike since July 26, 2023.
The unanimous decision to raise rates is the first real movement in nearly a year, holding steady throughout 2026 after the last cut in December 2025.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh described this decision in the post-decision press conference as a step to deliver a timelier return to the Fed’s 2% inflation goal.
Warsh also noted that despite the geopolitical landscape of shock and uncertainty, the FOMC remains optimistic for economic returns.
However, there is a question of whether short-term rate hikes address the core drivers of inflation.
“While a 25 bps rate hike would reinforce the Fed’s commitment to price stability and help address credibility concerns, it is less clear that higher short-term rates can meaningfully reduce inflation driven by supply constraints and capital-intensive investment trends,” said Selma Hepp, PhD, Cotality Chief Economist and Builder and Developer contributor. “The bigger question is whether the Fed risks fighting the wrong inflation battle.”
“With the Fed hiking rates for the first time since 2023 on a unanimous 12–0 vote, even its own economists think inflation gets worse before it gets better,” said Patrick Duffy, Principal, MetroIntelligence and Builder and Developer contributor.
Impact on the Residential Construction Industry
For homebuilders, the decision could reinforce constraints on both housing production and the buyer market.
The September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) reported that builder confidence is down to 32, with mortgage application volume falling 3.2% in August.
“Today’s rate hike will have a limited effect on mortgage rates, but it will increase the cost of financing for builder and land developer loans, which are more directly connected to short-term interest rates including the funds rate,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. “This will increase construction costs and add to housing affordability challenges.”
“A rate hike is unlikely to lower gasoline prices, reduce tariff-related costs, or accelerate homebuilding, but it would further dampen housing demand and delay a broader market recovery,” added Hepp. “For the housing market, the key challenge is that mortgage rates remain highly sensitive to Fed communication, even though they are increasingly driven by long-term Treasury yields rather than the federal funds rate itself.”
Throughout the year, volume builders have combated buyer affordability concerns with price cuts, incentives and rate buydowns.
“For the housing market already facing slower sales, this is a “higher for longer” signal, which benefits those builders who can offer mortgage rate buydowns while still retaining positive profit margins,” Duffy suggested. “If there is a silver lining, it’s that a stronger job market supports housing demand even as borrowing costs stay elevated.”
-
What metro report cards reveal about homebuilding and affordability
While REALTOR explored the housing industry’s geographic variation at a state level earlier this year, a new analysis from the company explored the 100 largest metros in the United States. Ten metro areas received a grade in the “A” range, while each scored greater than 50 on both the affordability and homebuilding components: Des Moines-West Des Moines in Iowa, Raleigh-Cary in North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos in Texas, Jacksonville, Fla., Oklahoma City, Palm Bay-Melbourne in Florida and Columbus, Ohio.
REALTOR’S metro report card revealed a similar pattern to the state one. The South and Midwest are home to the strongest performers, while the West and Northeast received a lower grade. Lower housing costs relative to incomes and higher levels of new construction activity are more common in the Midwest and South, where home prices are lower, job markets are robust, land is more affordable and available. Local policies around zoning and permitting are also more permissive.
-
Bay Area estate is August’s highest home sale
An estate in Hillsborough, Calif., sold for $70 million and was the highest U.S. home sale in August, followed by a $51.5 million waterfront villa in Miami Beach, Fla. California is home to six of August’s 10 priciest sales, with four in the Bay Area and two in Orange County.
Three of the most expensive homes sold were in Florida, with each selling at $30 million or more. A beach-compound in Hawaii sold for $38.2 million, earning it fifth place in August’s top 10 most expensive home sales.
San Francisco’s luxury housing market has been performing well throughout 2026, as AI wealth continues to drive the housing market in the Bay Area.
-
Fed raises rates for the first time in 3 years
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%.
This bump is not a shock, as many economists predicted the Fed would increase rates to combat rising inflation. However, this is the first rate hike since July 26, 2023.
The unanimous decision to raise rates is the first real movement in nearly a year, holding steady throughout 2026 after the last cut in December 2025.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh described this decision in the post-decision press conference as a step to deliver a timelier return to the Fed’s 2% inflation goal.
Warsh also noted that despite the geopolitical landscape of shock and uncertainty, the FOMC remains optimistic for economic returns.
However, there is a question of whether short-term rate hikes address the core drivers of inflation.
“While a 25 bps rate hike would reinforce the Fed’s commitment to price stability and help address credibility concerns, it is less clear that higher short-term rates can meaningfully reduce inflation driven by supply constraints and capital-intensive investment trends,” said Selma Hepp, PhD, Cotality Chief Economist and Builder and Developer contributor. “The bigger question is whether the Fed risks fighting the wrong inflation battle.”
“With the Fed hiking rates for the first time since 2023 on a unanimous 12–0 vote, even its own economists think inflation gets worse before it gets better,” said Patrick Duffy, Principal, MetroIntelligence and Builder and Developer contributor.
Impact on the Residential Construction Industry
For homebuilders, the decision could reinforce constraints on both housing production and the buyer market.
The September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) reported that builder confidence is down to 32, with mortgage application volume falling 3.2% in August.
“Today’s rate hike will have a limited effect on mortgage rates, but it will increase the cost of financing for builder and land developer loans, which are more directly connected to short-term interest rates including the funds rate,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. “This will increase construction costs and add to housing affordability challenges.”
“A rate hike is unlikely to lower gasoline prices, reduce tariff-related costs, or accelerate homebuilding, but it would further dampen housing demand and delay a broader market recovery,” added Hepp. “For the housing market, the key challenge is that mortgage rates remain highly sensitive to Fed communication, even though they are increasingly driven by long-term Treasury yields rather than the federal funds rate itself.”
Throughout the year, volume builders have combated buyer affordability concerns with price cuts, incentives and rate buydowns.
“For the housing market already facing slower sales, this is a “higher for longer” signal, which benefits those builders who can offer mortgage rate buydowns while still retaining positive profit margins,” Duffy suggested. “If there is a silver lining, it’s that a stronger job market supports housing demand even as borrowing costs stay elevated.”
-
BLM sells 940-acres for future master-planned community in Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the sale of 940 acres of federally managed public land to the City of Las Vegas. The $94 million sale is expected to make way for up to 6,000 homes in a new master-planned community, Monument Hills.
“This is exactly the kind of bold action Nevada needs to increase our housing supply and make housing more attainable for hardworking Nevada families,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo.
Developed by Olympia Companies, the project is expected to deliver single-family detached homes, townhomes, multi-family and mixed-use structures.
Olympia Companies also developed the Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands communities with builders Century Communities, Toll Brothers, LGI Homes and Blue Heron.
The builders for Monument Hills have yet to be announced. However, the community design guidelines are public.
-
Fischer Homes taps new President
Fischer Homes, a privately held homebuilder operating in 11 markets, announced Jason Finch as its president.
This decision is part of a broader leadership restructure and divides the president and chief operating officer roles into two positions. The COO, Jay Smith, will continue in his position.
Finch first joined the company in 2013 and most recently served as region president for the South Region. He will now oversee the builder’s growth strategy.
“Jason has consistently demonstrated the leadership, business judgment and ability to develop strong teams that this role requires,” said Tim McMahon, CEO of The Fischer Group. “He understands how to turn strategy into results while keeping people at the center of the business. His talent, experience and proven record make him the right leader to guide Fischer Homes through its next phase of growth.”
-
Trumark Homes expands presence in Washington
Trumark Homes announced its first land acquisition in Poulsbo, Washington, for Sandstone Ridge, a new 87-home community.
This comes after the company acquired Washington-based homebuilder JK Monarch in March.
Trumark Homes also announced its plans to transition ten active communities from JK Monarch’s name under the Trumark Homes brand. This Washington Division joined the existing teams in Northern, Central and Southern California and Colorado.
“The vision since day one was for Trumark Homes to be a Top 5 homebuilder in the Pacific Northwest, and the announcement of Sandstone Ridge is an important step towards that goal,” said Corey Watson, Washington Division President at Trumark Homes. “With enhanced capital and operational resources behind us, we can scale up quickly and pursue growth opportunities. We are well-positioned for an active Q4 2026 and beyond.”
Project development of the new community is in motion, with home sales expected in spring 2027.
Homes in the Sandstone community plan to range from 2,542 square feet to 3,087 square feet, with up to five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and two-car garages.
“The greater Seattle market has been a target for expansion since we entered the market in Q1, and with the experience of this team and the investment of financial and operational resources, we are beginning to execute on our strategic land plan,” said Steve Kalmbach, Chief Operating Officer at Trumark Homes. “We are actively engaged in conversations with landowners across the region and see a clear runway for sustained growth.”
Photos courtesy of Trumark Homes
-
September builder confidence at 32
In the September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence fell three points from August to 32.
This is the lowest recorded report since September 2025.
NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz noted that this is likely a continuation of headwinds facing the homebuilding industry: building materials costs rising, elevated mortgage rates and labor concerns.
With buyers more discerning, builders continue to offer incentives, up 3% from August. The HMI survey also reported that more builders cut prices than in August, but only by 1%.
Regionally, the Midwest remains the strongest market despite dropping one point to 44. The Northeast saw the greatest decline, from 44 to 38. The South and the West remained fairly stagnant, with the South falling one point (31) and the West gaining one (28).
With the Fed raising interest rates on Sept.16, 2026, builder buying power may also take a hit.
“The HMI shows builder confidence at its lowest level since September 2025, as tight lending conditions and elevated land, labor and construction costs persist,” said Dietz. “Notably, 42% of builders rated current lot availability as poor and 38% as fair.”
-
Mortgage rates average 6.76%
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.76%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS). Freddie Mac released the most recent PMMS results on Sept. 10, 2026.
The current FRM is up from the previous week’s average of 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.09%, up from the week before when it averaged 6.04%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.50%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Aspiring buyers should remember shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes can potentially save them thousands.”
-
Mortgage applications decline in August
Mortgage application activity continued to decline in August, as shown in the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, a measure of total mortgage application volume. The MBA declined 3.2% month-over-month in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline. Compared to a year ago, total mortgage applications declined 9.1%.
Applications for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) decreased 0.6% and 3.4% month-over-month, respectively. Compared with a year earlier, ARM application volume fell 18.2%, while FRM applications declined 8.2%.
Average loan sizes also declined across all categories last month, with the overall loan size decreasing 2.3% to $375,300.
-
The new trends defining fall’s luxury interiors
Restrained color palettes have defined luxury interiors for years. This fall, however, interior design is shifting towards warmer and darker tones.
Pale white oak and bleached finishes are being replaced by walnut, espresso oak and other rich brown woods. It is no secret why; dark wood introduces depth into a space, especially against ivory upholstery, travertine, alabaster or warm white walls. Rather than feel heavy, it feels intentional.
The traditional fall decor is easily recognizable with oranges, rusts and browns. However, this year is becoming more nuanced, moving toward richer, earthy tones. Cinnamon, caramel, tobacco and ochre bring warmth into a home. Oxblood, merlot and burgundy introduce a deeper, more dramatic note and could serve as a rich contrast. Mineral greens, earthy clays and muted purples round out the palette, creating interiors that feel distinctly autumnal without relying on the traditional autumn palette.
One of the biggest design shifts in luxury interiors is in materials. Velvet, silk, mohair, fine wool, carved wood, natural stone, antiqued metal and textured plaster are all gaining momentum as interiors embrace a more tactile approach to luxury.
Reflective surfaces are also being used strategically to introduce light, movement and dimension into these emerging deeper interiors.
-
Goodbye cool interiors, hello earthy tones
Throughout 2026, we have seen interior design move away from cool interiors and clean lines and instead towards spaces that feel warmer and more personal. There has been a growing emphasis on natural materials, earthy tones and pieces that bring individuality into the home.
Warm, earthy tones continue to influence interiors in 2026, bringing depth and comfort into contemporary spaces. Mocha, olive, terracotta and chocolate are replacing neutral palettes, creating rooms that feel grounded and inviting. Rather than dominating a space, these colors work beautifully when layered through artwork, natural materials and subtle accents.
The result is an interior that feels warm and sophisticated without losing its contemporary edge.
-
How California kitchen designs are evolving
In Southern California homes, kitchen designs are moving away from cold, showroom-style spaces toward warmer, more livable rooms. While indoor-outdoor flow remains the defining feature, warm wood and natural materials are becoming just as important in kitchen designs.
Large glass pocket doors connect the kitchen directly to the patio, allowing entertainment to flow naturally between both spaces. Homeowners continue to prioritize a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living, paving the way for open floor plans in kitchens to continue in popularity.
Shifting towards color palettes, white kitchens are evolving rather than disappearing entirely. Homeowners are pairing lighter upper cabinets with a darker, contrasting island or lower cabinetry for a two-tone look. As a result, this layered approach gives a modern kitchen more visual interest than an all-one-color design, while still keeping the space feeling bright.
Exclusive Feature
-
A More Balanced Market is Here
The housing market finally feels more normal. Buyers have more choices, bidding wars have become less common and builders are once again…
by
-
Report from the show floor: BIS 2026
Builder Media is a proud sponsor of the Building Industry Show (BIS) 2026.
Presented by the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California, this show brings together the homebuilding industry for unparalleled networking opportunities, featuring renowned keynote speakers, fostering invaluable connections and much more.
We thank everyone who attended our booth, where we were pleased to announce our latest magazine issues: the September issue of Builder and Developer, the September/October issue of American Infrastructure and the fall issue of Residential Contractor.
The show floor was thrumming with life, featuring regular contributors to Builder and Developer, such as HomeAid’s Scott Larson.
Thank you to everyone who came to our booth and for the great turnout for BIS 2026.
We’ll see you next year.
Cheers!
-
July residential construction spending cools to $859 billion
Private residential construction spending dipped again in July, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline. According to analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest construction spending data, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of spending was $859.0 billion in July.
This is down 1.3% from the previous month’s estimate and down 7.3% year over year.
Looking at each market, single-family construction spending decreased 3.2%. The National Association of Home Builders, in its analysis, noted that this aligns with the builder sentiment posted in August.
Throughout 2026, builder confidence remained below the 50 index of neutral, as single-family spending reported a 6.5% year-over-year decline.
While multi-family and renovation reported modest month-to-month results, both declined compared to 2025 results.
“The index illustrates how spending on single-family construction has slowed since early 2024, reflecting the impacts of elevated interest rates and ongoing uncertainty over building material tariffs,” said NAHB Forecasting and Analysis economist Catherine Koh.
-
Cross Creek West expands with luxury offerings
Cross Creek West, a 1,258-acre master-planned community in Fulshear, Texas, announced the start of its north phase of development.
With this next stage, the community is introducing new builders, David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers and Partners in Building, who will offer 65-, 70- and 80-foot-wide homesites.
The developer expects to add 250 homesites by the end of the year and over 3,000 homes at total build-out.
“With over 160 home sales this year, Cross Creek West has grown quickly, and this new phase will meet that demand,” said Sam Seligmann, Vice President and General Manager of Cross Creek West. “Earlier this year, we expanded our floor plan portfolio by introducing two of the five new builders, Coventry Homes and Ravenna Homes. With the newest addition of builders in our north tract being David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers and Partners in Building.”
Toll Brothers will deliver six floor plans with four distinct elevations per plan for 65-foot homesites.
Partners in Building will offer the community’s new 80-foot homesites for custom homes.
David Weekley Homes will introduce plans from its new Texas series for 65-foot homesites.
Other builders in the community with new offerings include Highland Homes, Newmark Homes, Ravenna Homes, Coventry Homes, Perry Homes and Westin Homes.
Photo depicts Toll Brothers’ new offering in Cross Creek West
Latest Issue
Sept 2026
-
This issue of Builder and Developer features the Award Winning Architecture and Design.
Exclusive Feature
-
Redefining the Single-Story Home Design
Tri Pointe Homes continues to set the standard for high-quality houses For 17 years, Tri Pointe Homes has built 330 neighborhoods and…
by
-
Registration now open for Design & Construction Week
Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Design & Construction Week (DCW). DCW includes the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).
The largest trade show for the residential design and building industry will take place from Feb. 2-4, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NAHB estimates over 120,000 attendees with educational opportunities spanning 120 sessions across nine education tracks and 2,350 exhibiting brands at IBS 2027.
“The International Builders’ Show is where the housing industry comes together to shape the future of home building. Whether you’re looking to discover the latest innovations, gain valuable business insights or build relationships with industry leaders, there is simply no substitute for being at IBS,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “If you want to stay competitive and connected in today’s evolving market, this is the event you can’t afford to miss.”
NKBA will present its show programming, including the NEXTStage, the Design & Industry Awards and an enhanced Voices From the Industry (VFTI) conference. The association expects more than 600 exhibitors at KBIS 2027.
“Our industry grows more interconnected and global each day and KBIS 2027 embodies that momentum,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA|KBIS. “As the hub uniting our industry, NKBA is excited to return to Las Vegas for an experience designed to build upon, and exceed, the energy and optimism of last year’s show. We’re committed to helping our community forge connections, discover new opportunities and drive business growth.”
-
Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026
Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying housing demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds and persistent affordability constraints. Sales gains have been consistent statewide, suggesting that buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates while benefiting from more stable inventory conditions and greater choice.
Pricing trends also point to a gradually improving market environment in Texas. While home prices remain below year-ago levels, the pace of decline has continued to ease.
As the peak home buying season comes to a close, continued improvement in inflation readings should help support market stability by reducing the likelihood of a policy rate increase.
-
Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts
Well-located land is in high demand, as seen in research from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). The company’s 2Q26 Residential Land Survey of the top land brokers nationwide reported the following: Demand remains lower than it was a few years ago. In 2Q24, 76% of brokers rated land demand as Hot or On Fire, but by 2Q26, that number decreased to 33%. However, finished lot prices continue to rise in high-quality A-B locations, up +5% year over year (YOY), while prices fell -2% YOY in farther-out C-D locations.
Higher-quality land is in higher demand, but there are still factors builders and developers should keep an eye on. Developers are encouraged to look out for easing growth. Meanwhile, builders may be able to push for better terms in negotiations with developers in some markets, particularly in oversupplied C-D areas.
-
Mortgage rates hold steady
Results from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.66% on Aug. 27, 2026. This is the second time in August that mortgage rates have averaged 6.66%. Mortgage rates remain relatively unchanged throughout the month, holding steady.
“Mortgage rates changed little this week, averaging 6.66%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The economy remains resilient, demonstrated by steady consumer spending and rising household incomes. More homes coming on the market and slower price growth in many areas are giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market.”
The current FRM is slightly up from last week’s average of 6.65%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.56%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.98%, up from last week when it averaged 5.95%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%.
-
Berkshire Hathaway doubles down on housing market investment
Berkshire Hathaway just raised its stake in the housing game, upping its stock in production builder Lennar to an estimated 30% or $1.157 billion. That’s not the only builder the firm bolstered its investment in. Berkshire Hathaway also purchased stakes in D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, valued at around $580,000.
This all comes about a month after Berkshire Hathaway closed on its $8.5 billion all-cash acquisition of Taylor Morrison.
What does this investment say about the future of housing?
Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO, Greg Abel, who started the role in January, sees the market making a major comeback from the slump that builders are widely reporting in 2026.
With increased federal investment from the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, big bets are being placed on the future of the built environment.
-
Slump continues in July AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) for July. The score is 46.6, a dip from June.
Important to note, it reports on all architectural billings, not residential alone. Multifamily residential received a stronger score than overall at 48.4.
AIA announced that the slump in billings is the longest in the ABI’s history, now surpassing three and a half years.
“Macroeconomic uncertainty continues to weigh on the built environment,” said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch. “High oil prices are putting upward pressure on inflation and may lead to even higher rates in the back half of the year. This will put additional pressure on developers and may lead to a further weakening in billings.”
-
Mattamy Homes announces new CEO
Mattamy Homes, a family-owned homebuilder in North America that just surpassed 150,000 homes delivered, announced the retirement of its current CEO, Keith Bass.
Bass has led the company since 2020 and will retire Sept. 1, 2026.
Chris Lindhorst, the current Chief Operating Officer at Mattamy Homes, will succeed him as CEO.
Lindhorst joined the company in early 2026 and previously served as Regional President at D.R. Horton.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead Mattamy Homes U.S.,” said Lindhorst. “Keith and the broader leadership team have built a strong business with an outstanding reputation, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I am excited to work alongside our teams across the United States to build on that momentum, continue delivering for our customers and create long-term value for the business.”
-
Pace of new home sales softens
According to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, newly built single-family home sales declined 10.5% in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of 607,000, following an upward estimate of new home sales in June. New home sales were 6.3% lower than a year earlier, according to July data.
A survey from the National Association of Home Builders shows that a majority of builders continue to offer incentives, including mortgage rate buy-downs, to accelerate the pace of new home sales. There is still hope in the industry as builders continue to outperform the broader market.
-
Goodbye cool interiors, hello earthy tones
Throughout 2026, we have seen interior design move away from cool interiors and clean lines and instead towards spaces that feel warmer and more personal. There has been a growing emphasis on natural materials, earthy tones and pieces that bring individuality into the home.
Warm, earthy tones continue to influence interiors in 2026, bringing depth and comfort into contemporary spaces. Mocha, olive, terracotta and chocolate are replacing neutral palettes, creating rooms that feel grounded and inviting. Rather than dominating a space, these colors work beautifully when layered through artwork, natural materials and subtle accents.
The result is an interior that feels warm and sophisticated without losing its contemporary edge.
Exclusive Feature
-
Toll Brothers’ Strategy and Style
Inside the builder’s executive evolution and dignified design Since we last featured Toll Brothers as our 2025 Builder of the Year, the…
by