News


  • Mortgage rates reflect buyers adapting to market conditions

    Mortgage rates reflect buyers adapting to market conditions

    Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey on Sept. 3, 2026, revealing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.71%. The FRM remains stable, reflecting homebuyers’ adaptation to current market conditions.

    “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.71% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Purchase demand has remained relatively stable, indicating steady interest from buyers adapting to evolving market conditions.”

    The 30-year FRM is up from the week before when it averaged 6.66%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.50%.

    The 15-year FRM averaged 6.04%, up from 5.98% the previous week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.60%.

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  • Report from the show floor: BIS 2026

    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

    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.

  • A tale of two cities and their housing markets

    A tale of two cities and their housing markets

    According to a new analysis from Redfin, San Francisco and Seattle are two of the nation’s leading technology hubs. However, the cities are currently at opposite ends of the housing market. San Francisco’s housing market continues to boom, while Seattle’s is beginning to cool.

    San Francisco’s median home-sale price jumped 6% year over year in July 2026 to $1.6 million, making it the priciest metro area in the United States. Meanwhile, Seattle’s median sale price declined 4% to $809,000, approximately half the price of San Francisco’s typical home. Seattle’s home price decline was the second-biggest among the 50 most populous U.S. metros.

    The two cities tell a very different story in their home sales. In San Francisco, home sales rose 9% from 2025, the second-biggest uptick in the country. In Seattle, home sales fell 9%, the fifth-biggest decline in the nation.

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  • Select markets see stronger housing growth

    Select markets see stronger housing growth

    According to the September 2026 U.S. Home Price Insights report from Cotality, national home price growth remained modest, rising 1.4% year over year. Mortgage rates continue to impact the housing market, as July experienced a cooldown.

    However, as Cotality’s Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp points out, beneath the headline numbers, momentum is shifting meaningfully. Select markets experiencing sharper price slowdowns have seen stronger growth in active inventory.

    “As we move through the remainder of the year, local labor market dynamics and affordability constraints will continue to shape housing market performance as much as broader macroeconomic shifts, especially the direction of mortgage rates,” said Hepp.

    Hepp said that several high-cost coastal markets, which previously posted strong yearly gains, are now showing near-term weakness. San Francisco was up 7.0% year over year, but prices fell 1.4% month over month.

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  • July residential construction spending cools to $859 billion

    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.

  • Trumark Homes expands presence in Washington

    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

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  • Report from the show floor: BIS 2026

    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! 

     

  • Cross Creek West expands with luxury offerings

    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

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  • Mortgage applications decline in August

    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.

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  • Mortgage rates reflect buyers adapting to market conditions

    Mortgage rates reflect buyers adapting to market conditions

    Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey on Sept. 3, 2026, revealing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.71%. The FRM remains stable, reflecting homebuyers’ adaptation to current market conditions.

    “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.71% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Purchase demand has remained relatively stable, indicating steady interest from buyers adapting to evolving market conditions.”

    The 30-year FRM is up from the week before when it averaged 6.66%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.50%.

    The 15-year FRM averaged 6.04%, up from 5.98% the previous week. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.60%.

    Read Full Article

  • Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts

    Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts

    Well-located land is in high demand, as seen in research from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). The company’s 2Q26 Residential Land Survey of the top land brokers nationwide reported the following: Demand remains lower than it was a few years ago. In 2Q24, 76% of brokers rated land demand as Hot or On Fire, but by 2Q26, that number decreased to 33%. However, finished lot prices continue to rise in high-quality A-B locations, up +5% year over year (YOY), while prices fell -2% YOY in farther-out C-D locations.

    Higher-quality land is in higher demand, but there are still factors builders and developers should keep an eye on. Developers are encouraged to look out for easing growth. Meanwhile, builders may be able to push for better terms in negotiations with developers in some markets, particularly in oversupplied C-D areas.

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  • HBGI Q2 2026 reveals geographical trends in residential construction

    HBGI Q2 2026 reveals geographical trends in residential construction

    According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), announced on Sept. 1, 2026, home building trends diverged across geographies in Q2. While single-family construction declined in nearly all geographic categories, multifamily construction expanded across six of the seven categories. Activity was increasingly concentrated in large metro cores and suburban counties.

    The decrease in single-family construction in the second quarter eased as these geographies contracted at a slower pace than the previous quarter. Outlying counties in small metro areas reported growth, increasing by 0.9% following four consecutive quarterly declines. The geographic composition of single-family construction continued to shift toward smaller and less densely populated markets in Q2.

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  • Registration now open for Design & Construction Week

    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.”

    Register for IBS or KBIS

     

  • Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026

    Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026

    Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying housing demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds and persistent affordability constraints. Sales gains have been consistent statewide, suggesting that buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates while benefiting from more stable inventory conditions and greater choice.

    Pricing trends also point to a gradually improving market environment in Texas. While home prices remain below year-ago levels, the pace of decline has continued to ease.

    As the peak home buying season comes to a close, continued improvement in inflation readings should help support market stability by reducing the likelihood of a policy rate increase.

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  • Prime land prices rise, outlying land readjusts

    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.

    Read Full Article

  • Mortgage rates hold steady

    Mortgage rates hold steady

    Results from Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey revealed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.66% on Aug. 27, 2026. This is the second time in August that mortgage rates have averaged 6.66%. Mortgage rates remain relatively unchanged throughout the month, holding steady.

    “Mortgage rates changed little this week, averaging 6.66%,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “The economy remains resilient, demonstrated by steady consumer spending and rising household incomes. More homes coming on the market and slower price growth in many areas are giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market.”

    The current FRM is slightly up from last week’s average of 6.65%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.56%. The 15-year FRM averaged 5.98%, up from last week when it averaged 5.95%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.69%.

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  • Berkshire Hathaway doubles down on housing market investment

    Berkshire Hathaway doubles down on housing market investment

    Berkshire Hathaway just raised its stake in the housing game, upping its stock in production builder Lennar to an estimated 30% or $1.157 billion. That’s not the only builder the firm bolstered its investment in. Berkshire Hathaway also purchased stakes in D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, valued at around $580,000.

    This all comes about a month after Berkshire Hathaway closed on its $8.5 billion all-cash acquisition of Taylor Morrison.

    What does this investment say about the future of housing?

    Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO, Greg Abel, who started the role in January, sees the market making a major comeback from the slump that builders are widely reporting in 2026.

    With increased federal investment from the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, big bets are being placed on the future of the built environment.

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  • Builder confidence edges higher in August

    Builder confidence edges higher in August

    According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released on Aug. 17, 2026, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes inched up one point to 35 in August.

    “While builder sentiment edged higher in August, builders continue to contend with high construction costs and broader economic uncertainty,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “However, the Midwest remains a bright spot for the home building industry, with new home sales up in that region more than 2% so far in 2026.”

    “Custom home builders continue to report stronger market conditions than spec builders, reflecting better conditions at the higher end of the market,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Smaller, less dense markets are also outperforming larger metropolitan areas, and smaller builders report relatively stronger conditions than larger builders.”

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  • July building permits 5% above June estimate

    July building permits 5% above June estimate

    The United States Census Bureau released the Monthly New Residential Construction for July 2026. Privately owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,443,000, 5% above the revised June rate of 1,374,000 and 3.1% above the July 2025 rate of 1,400,000.

    Privately owned housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,239,000, 12.4% below the revised June estimate of 1,415,000 and 13.5% below the July 2025 rate of 1,432,000. Single-family housing starts in July were at a rate of 808,000.

    Privately owned housing completions were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,212,000, 9.1 percent% below the revised June estimate of 1,333,000 and 16.8% below the July 2025 rate of 1,456,000.

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  • Rising home prices impact summer sales

    Rising home prices impact summer sales

    Due to higher mortgage rates and home prices, summer home sales have been more moderate this year. Home sales, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops, fell 1.7% in July 2026 compared to June. However, sales reached a 0.7% increase compared to a year ago. Lawrence Yun, the National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) chief economist, said that the year is still showing signs of improvement.

    “Home sales have been remarkably stable, even amid the rising mortgage rate environment of the past few months,” said Yun.

    NAR recently reported that 80% of about 235 major metro areas it tracked continued to see home prices rise in the second quarter. Some metros even reported double-digit annual price increases of about 10%.

    “Sellers are making more price adjustments as summer progresses, and buyers are responding more selectively, but homes are still going under contract at a faster pace than last year,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. “The key question for the months ahead is whether price reductions help sustain buyer engagement or signal that sellers are getting ahead of softer demand.”

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  • Mortgage demand moderates in July

    Mortgage demand moderates in July

    Recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index shows that mortgage applications fell across all sectors in July.

    Compared to June, applications decreased 6.6% and dropped 1.5% year-over-year, the first decline in two years.

    With current 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates at 6.69%, these dips in applications are largely attributed to growing economic pressures on consumers and geopolitical uncertainty with the war in Iran.

    In July, the average loan price also fell across all categories.

    “The overall loan size decreased 2.5% to $383,600,”  wrote NAHB Forecasting and Analysis economist Catherine Koh. “The average purchase loan size fell 2.6% to $444,600, while the average refinance loan size declined 2.2% to $296,000.”

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  • ‘Housing market is no longer moving in one direction’ says Cotality Chief Economist

    ‘Housing market is no longer moving in one direction’ says Cotality Chief Economist

    On Aug. 10, 2026, Cotality released its August 2026 U.S. home insights price report. According to the report, the Midwest and Northeast markets are still seeing firm price growth. Illinois is at a 6.4% year-over-year increase (YoY), followed by Connecticut at 6%, Nebraska at 5.8% and Indiana, also at 5.8%. National home price growth remains modest but shows signs of acceleration, edging up 0.3% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year in June 2026.

    “As long as mortgage rates stay consistently high, factors such as local job and income growth, migration patterns and specific industrial investments will influence the real estate market,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality.

    Cotality also found that major industrial and tech investments are driving sharp local growth spikes-highlighted by Abilene, Texas, at +9.5% YoY, where AI data centers insulated the metro from broader statewide housing declines.

    “Cities like Abilene demonstrate that even in a cooling state like Texas, targeted capital projects can generate localized demand shocks that completely contradict regional trends,” said Hepp.

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  • Mattamy Homes announces delivery of 150,000 homes

    Mattamy Homes announces delivery of 150,000 homes

    Mattamy Homes, a privately held homebuilder founded in 1978, announced that it has delivered over 150,000 homes in the U.S. and Canada.

    The builder delivered 8,453 homes in FY 2025, compared to 50,000 homes in its first 30 years of business.

    In 2026, the builder appears to be accelerating its land acquisition, with new developments announced in Arizona, Florida and Calgary, in the past two months.

    “This milestone reflects the consistency and dedication of our team members across the US,” said Keith Bass, CEO of Mattamy Homes US. “Every home we deliver represents a family we have the privilege to serve. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building high-quality homes and communities that meet the needs of today’s buyers.”

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  • Mortgage rates average 6.69%

    Mortgage rates average 6.69%

    As of Aug. 6, 2026, mortgage rates averaged 6.69%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Survey (PMS). These results are up from last week’s average of 6.66%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63%.

    “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “While mortgage rates continue to influence affordability, the housing market is showing signs of adjustment, with listing prices modestly below year-ago levels and for-sale inventory improving from the limited supply seen in recent years.”

    The 15-year FRM averaged 6.01%, down from the previous week’s 6.04%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.75%.

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  • PulteGroup launches expansion to Northwest Florida

    PulteGroup launches expansion to Northwest Florida

    PulteGroup, one of the nation’s largest builders, announced expansion to Northwest Florida, launching its Panhandle Division.

    The builder, which delivered an estimated 29,572 homes in 2025, has a long history in the Sunshine State. It first expanded to Sarasota in 1997, then acquired Florida-based builder DiVosta a year later.

    PulteGroup announced Taylor Larza to lead the new division as Vice President and Market Manager.

    “The opportunity to build a new division from the ground up is an exciting challenge and a tremendous honor,” said Larza. “I’m eager to help establish a strong foundation for our Panhandle Division while continuing to work closely with our Northeast Florida team, which will continue to support our operational functions as we develop. I’m grateful for the experiences, relationships, and support I’ve received throughout my career at PulteGroup, and I look forward to this next chapter of growth and opportunity.”

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  • Highland Homes purchases 100 acres for self development

    Highland Homes purchases 100 acres for self development

    Highland Homes, one of Texas’ most prominent builders, launches its self-development arm with the purchase of 100 acres in Melina. The builder estimates that the land will include 400 homesites ranging from 45 to 60 feet wide.

    Highland, overseeing the development, believes the lots will be ready by the end of the year, with home sales to begin in spring 2027.

    Highland Homes currently builds in 11 Austin-area communities and more than 100 in Texas. With these new avenues of self-development, the builder estimates delivering 600 homes in the near future to the Georgetown area.

    “This is a natural next step for Highland Homes in Central Texas,” said Jeff Stinson, Senior Vice President of Land for Highland Homes. “Developing these projects allows us to time supply to properly meet buyer demand. We’re excited to work with such esteemed partners to bring these communities to life.”

    Photo Courtesy of Highland Homes

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