Today’s News
Top Story
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Fed holds benchmark rate
On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal…
by
On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained a restrictive policy stance.
Inflation remains elevated above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed signaled it will wait for additional economic data before making further rate adjustments, like the September decision to raise rates for the first time in three years.
“For housing, today’s hold on monetary policy avoids another increase in the policy rate that influences builder acquisition, development and construction lending costs,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. However, financing conditions remain restrictive for projects already facing high development and construction expenses.
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New home sales hold steady in September
According to the New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales…
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According to the New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of new single-family houses hold strong at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 in September 2026.
This is a minor 0.6% decline from a bright August report and a 5.3% year-over-year dip. The median sales price recorded at $400,400, up 3.9% month-to-month, yet is down 3.9% compared to the year before.
Total for-sale inventory slowed to 476,000 units, bringing supply down to an 8.4-month pace.
“Affordability remains a significant hurdle for prospective home buyers,” said Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). “Builders continue to offer incentives and adjust pricing to attract buyers, but elevated mortgage rates and high home prices are limiting the number of households that can afford to purchase a home.”
Overall, resilient buyers, particularly in price tiers under $400,000, made up over half of all sales. This signals continuing opportunities for homebuilders operating targeted incentives, which, according to NAHB, 65% of homebuilders offer.
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Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
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LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design
Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond the surface-level functions.
“The home allowed us to explore whole-home wellness comprehensively through everything from architecture and landscape to natural light, circulation, air quality and smart-home integration,” said Linda Mamet, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tri Pointe Homes. “We wanted to create a design-forward benchmark that shows how all of those elements can work together to support emotional, physical and social wellbeing.”
Pavilions at Holladay Hills, the first iteration of the LivingWell concept unveiled to the public in March 2026. Planning for the new offering began in 2024. Tri Pointe Homes looked closely at how to evolve for the next generation of wellness-focused residential design.
Building off of the company’s longstanding LivingSmart program, which focuses on responsible building practices, LivingWell expands to how a home feels and supports daily life.
Inside LivingWell
Pavilions at Holladay Hills is a limited collection of six estate homes, ranging from 6,811 to 9,800 square feet. It is located in one of Utah’s most desirable markets, offering connection to the Wasatch Mountain Range. The project was designed in collaboration with some of the industry’s finest: Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Bobby Berk and PKJ Design Group.
“LivingWell depended on collaboration because whole-home wellness cannot be delivered by any one discipline,” said Mamet.
At 7,772 finished square feet, the concept home is organized around a private interior courtyard, enhancing the contemporary English manor’s natural light, privacy, circulation and indoor-outdoor connection. The project includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a four-car garage and an attached carriage house.
The interiors, led by Berk, take on a Cotswolds Rustic style, characterized by his use of natural materials, layered textures and warm finishes.
Beyond the home’s aesthetic, it includes high-performance building systems like upgraded insulation, engineered ducting and duct sealing, high-efficiency HVAC, an HRV system, MERV 13 filtration and low-VOC materials.
“The value comes from treating everything as an integrated whole rather than viewing performance and wellbeing as separate priorities,” said Mamet.
Designed for Daily Life
“What stands out most to me are the features that truly support everyday routines and different stages of life,” said Mamet.
Mamet noted that the dedicated pet station and dog wash recognize that pets are an important part of many households. Similarly, multigenerational living is an important feature for many buyers. The carriage house provides that flexibility.
The home design is cohesive, with maroon tile and marble elements echoed in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen itself is a standout. Design-wise, the elegant range grounds the room, while the cabinetry, built-in appliances and hardware selection offer depth and warmth. The two oversized islands provide ample space for prep and entertainment. The layout also allows for seamless connection through the cooking, living and dining areas.
The primary bathroom feels like a tranquil escape. The dual sinks are separated by a charming soaking tub, complemented by the waterfall shower and dedicated vanity.
The initiative behind LivingWell is to curate a space not just stunning in model pictures, but one that has the ability to evolve. There are opportunities to transform spaces based on lifestyle, such as offices, an in-home gym, music rooms and more.
Even the finished basement uses light wells to bring daylight and planted views into the lower level.
The landscape design offers opportunity for further connection with an orchard, raised garden beds and edible and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Validating the Vision
The concept home was presented at the 80th Salt Lake Parade of Homes and received the Judges’ Choice Award for Best Interior. Mamet elaborated that the recognition was a validation of the thought and collaboration behind the project and a meaningful milestone to mark its public debut.
As for the future of LivingWell, the Tri Pointe team sees this venture as an opportunity to explore how wellness can be integrated more holistically.
“We view the LivingWell concept home as a benchmark rather than a one-off showcase,” said Mamet.
Future editions may not have the same features; the adaptability is key to how the LivingWell concept would influence Tri Pointe’s national portfolio over time.
“It’s an approach that can inform how future homes and communities are designed, while still responding to the character of any given market and the needs of different homebuyers,” said Mamet.
Cover Image is courtesy of Ikon Media for Tri Pointe Homes. All other images are courtesy of Kara Mercer.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is featured in our October issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.
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Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched…
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According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
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Dream Finders Homes seals $2.2 billion Beazer Homes deal
Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed…
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Dream Finders Homes has openly eyed Atlanta-based, energy-efficient homebuilder Beazer Homes since February of 2026. On Oct. 20, 2026, Dream Finders finally closed on the $2.2 billion deal.
This marks the ninth acquisition for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Dream Finders since 2021. The company is now expected to be the sixth-largest homebuilder in the nation.
“Today, Beazer’s teams officially join ours, and the real work begins. We are closing this transaction in a challenging housing environment and we are clear-eyed about that,” said Patrick Zalupski, Founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman of Dream Finders.
It remains unclear if Dream Finders will continue the energy-efficient legacy left by Beazer. They have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Dream Finders affirmed that this deal will provide leverage in the current market; it also expanded its homebuilding presence into four new states.
“This combination is built to perform throughout the housing market cycle,” said Rick Beckwitt, Co-Chairman of Dream Finders. “We continue to expect over $100 million of annual run-rate cost synergies and double-digit percentage EPS accretion in year one, while expanding our financial services platform and preserving the asset-light model that underpins our returns.”
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NAHB sees opening for housing action after midterms
The 2026 midterm elections reshaped Congress, but the National Association of Home Builders sees housing as one of the issues most likely to retain bipartisan attention. NAHB says affordability, housing supply, permitting, workforce development and the cost of building materials remain central concerns for lawmakers and voters alike.
For builders, the important takeaway is less about party control than policy momentum. NAHB expects continued debate over permitting reform, housing finance, tariffs, immigration and regulatory barriers that affect the cost and pace of new construction. With housing affordability still elevated on the national agenda, the association is positioning the industry to press for measures that make it easier to add supply and improve attainable homeownership.
The practical question for builders is whether election-year attention on housing can be converted into policy that lowers barriers to construction and expands supply. For Builder & Developer readers, the larger story is what this development says about where builders are finding momentum and how they are positioning for the next phase of the housing cycle. The industry benefits when growth is tied to tangible investment in communities, product, people and processes rather than short-term promotional activity.
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Fed holds benchmark rate
On Oct. 28, 2026, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate target range at 3.75%–4.00%. In a 10-2 vote, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained a restrictive policy stance.
Inflation remains elevated above the Fed’s 2% target. The Fed signaled it will wait for additional economic data before making further rate adjustments, like the September decision to raise rates for the first time in three years.
“For housing, today’s hold on monetary policy avoids another increase in the policy rate that influences builder acquisition, development and construction lending costs,” said Robert Dietz, PhD, NAHB Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy. However, financing conditions remain restrictive for projects already facing high development and construction expenses.
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San Francisco mansion sells for $28.5 million, breaking records
A mansion in San Francisco sold for $28.5 million, $10 million above the home’s $18.5 million asking price, on Oct. 22, 2026. With eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the luxury residence was on the market for 20 days.
The Cherry Street home is not the first big purchase we’ve seen from San Francisco’s luxury housing market: A home at 2 Sixth Ave. sold for $15 million, with a listing price of $8 million. In May, a home in Cow Hollow at 2512 Union St. sold for $15 million after listing for $7.95 million.
We’ve followed the city’s luxury boom all year, which was largely attributed to the AI sector in San Francisco.
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Toll Brothers opens new luxury model in Alpharetta
Toll Brothers is adding another point of visibility in metro Atlanta with a new model home at Kennemore in Alpharetta. The community targets the upper end of the market with estate-sized homesites and luxury residences beginning at approximately $1.15 million.
For the builder, the model opening is part of a broader effort to keep its luxury pipeline active in high-demand suburban markets where buyers continue to prioritize space, customization and location. Alpharetta remains one of metro Atlanta’s most established upscale housing markets, making the opening a useful indicator of continued confidence in premium new-home demand.
The opening reflects the importance of strategic land acquisition and community development as luxury homebuilders navigate evolving market conditions. By expanding its presence in established suburban markets, Toll Brothers continues to position itself to serve buyers seeking premium housing options. The investment also highlights the role of desirable locations, differentiated home designs and long-term market planning in sustaining growth within the luxury residential sector.
Photo credit: Toll Brothers
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D.R. Horton marks 25 years as the nation’s largest homebuilder
D.R. Horton closed fiscal 2026 with another major industry milestone: 25 consecutive years as the nation’s largest homebuilder by volume. The company closed 84,202 homes during the year and continues to operate across a broad mix of entry-level, move-up, active-adult and luxury segments.
The scale of that platform is matched by continued market expansion. D.R. Horton says it has entered 30 new markets and seven new states over the past five years, while roughly 43,500 fiscal 2026 closings served first-time buyers. The combination of geographic reach and product breadth illustrates how the industry’s largest builder continues to pursue growth while serving a wide range of homebuyer needs.
Expansion by a major builder is especially meaningful in a market where disciplined land strategy and community selection remain critical to maintaining sales pace. D.R. Horton’s continued investment in new markets and diverse housing options underscores the importance of strategic growth, operational efficiency and adapting to evolving buyer demand as the homebuilding industry navigates the next phase of the housing cycle.
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Dream Finders expands national reach as closings hit records
Dream Finders Homes entered the final stretch of 2026 with record closing activity and a substantially larger national footprint. The builder reported record third-quarter closings of 1,967 homes and record year-to-date closings of 6,127, giving the company positive operating momentum despite a difficult housing environment.
It’s acquisition of Beazer Homes adds another layer to that growth story. Dream Finders says the transaction expands its reach into California, Nevada, Indiana and Delaware and moves the company to the No. 6 position among U.S. homebuilders by volume. The combination underscores how scale, geographic diversification and acquisition strategy continue to reshape the national builder landscape.
Expansion by a major builder is especially meaningful in a market where disciplined land strategy and community selection remain critical to maintaining sales pace. For Builder & Developer readers, the larger story is what this development says about where builders are finding momentum and how they are positioning for the next phase of the housing cycle. The industry benefits when growth is tied to tangible investment in communities, product, people and processes rather than short-term promotional activity. That is a constructive signal for the broader builder market.
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NKBA sees wellness and resilience reshaping kitchen design
Wellness, sustainability and resilience are emerging as key priorities in residential kitchen design, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The findings point to growing interest in features that support healthier indoor environments, improved safety and greater household efficiency. Ventilation systems, water filtration, leak detection, automatic shutoff valves, backup power and air filtration are increasingly influencing kitchen planning alongside traditional considerations such as cabinetry, appliances and finishes.
The report reflects a broader shift in homeowner expectations, with kitchens evolving beyond spaces for cooking and entertaining into environments that support everyday wellness and long-term functionality. As consumers place greater emphasis on indoor air quality, water quality and home resilience, builders and designers have opportunities to incorporate these features into new construction and renovation projects. Integrated technologies and thoughtful design solutions are also helping connect kitchen performance with overall home comfort and efficiency.
For the residential construction industry, these trends highlight the growing importance of balancing aesthetics with practical performance. As kitchen design continues to evolve, builders, architects and product manufacturers are increasingly challenged to deliver spaces that meet changing lifestyle preferences while supporting durability, safety and long-term value. The findings suggest that wellness-focused features and resilient building solutions will play an increasingly important role in shaping kitchen specifications and residential design decisions in the years ahead.
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Mortgage rates ease to 7.32%
According to Freddie Mac’s recent Primary Mortgage Market Survey released on Oct. 22, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.32%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined this week, offering some relief to prospective homebuyers,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
The current FRM is down from last week’s average of 7.40%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.19%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.68%, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%.
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Mortgage rates hold steady
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is holding steady, averaging 7.40%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained unchanged this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
As of Oct. 15, 2026, the FRM held steady at 7.40%, up from last year’s average of 6.27%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.71%, down from the previous week’s average of 6.73%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.52%.
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NKBA sees wellness and resilience reshaping kitchen design
Wellness, sustainability and resilience are emerging as key priorities in residential kitchen design, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The findings point to growing interest in features that support healthier indoor environments, improved safety and greater household efficiency. Ventilation systems, water filtration, leak detection, automatic shutoff valves, backup power and air filtration are increasingly influencing kitchen planning alongside traditional considerations such as cabinetry, appliances and finishes.
The report reflects a broader shift in homeowner expectations, with kitchens evolving beyond spaces for cooking and entertaining into environments that support everyday wellness and long-term functionality. As consumers place greater emphasis on indoor air quality, water quality and home resilience, builders and designers have opportunities to incorporate these features into new construction and renovation projects. Integrated technologies and thoughtful design solutions are also helping connect kitchen performance with overall home comfort and efficiency.
For the residential construction industry, these trends highlight the growing importance of balancing aesthetics with practical performance. As kitchen design continues to evolve, builders, architects and product manufacturers are increasingly challenged to deliver spaces that meet changing lifestyle preferences while supporting durability, safety and long-term value. The findings suggest that wellness-focused features and resilient building solutions will play an increasingly important role in shaping kitchen specifications and residential design decisions in the years ahead.
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These 7 colors will define 2027 bedroom interiors
As 2027 draws closer, interior design trends are evolving, especially in color schemes. Homeowners are already gravitating towards interiors that evoke warmth and tranquility. Interior designers are expecting this trend to become extremely prominent in bedrooms, spaces where homeowners seek to refresh and unwind at the beginning and end of their day.
Creamy whites and beiges are continuing to remain dominant next year, according to Co-owner and Principal Designer at Tran + Thomas Design Studio Jill Tran.
“I feel we will forever be using creams as they remove the fear of committing to color, and for a lot of people, that speaks to their hearts,” said Tran.
Interiors, especially luxury ones, are going darker in 2027 with chocolate browns and blue-gray tones.
Earthy greens, beige and taupes, as well as clay, terracotta and muted reds inspire wellness and feel soothing; these are the feelings homeowners are expected to chase next year.
These rising trends in bedroom design are in line with our 2027 Colors of the Year forecast.
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What the 2027 Colors of the Year say about the future of design
For years, interior design leaned into clean, cool grays and sterile whites that were easy to style, but often left homes feeling cold and detached. Rather than staging spaces for resale, the industry noticed that homeowners want to invest in colors that activate the senses, honor natural materials and age gracefully over time.
As we look toward 2027, the paint industry is making a collective statement: bring personality back to the home. This reflects a broader shift across design, with buyers wanting more tailored features to their everyday lives.
Dunn Edwards
Dunn-Edwards launched French Press Coffee, a chocolatey brown with a rich plum undertone. The dimensional shade offers an easy complement to natural materials and an ode to craftsmanship.
The color represents the pendulum swinging towards moody and unique design choices.
“Largely, it’s a reaction to the years when gray and white dominated. Those palettes were clean and easy to sell, but many people found them cold and impersonal to live with,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, Color Marketing Manager at Dunn-Edwards to Builder and Developer.
“Now buyers and homeowners want warmth, and the entire supply chain is responding, from cabinetry and flooring to countertops and fixtures. For builders, warm neutrals offer a practical advantage too: they complement the natural wood, stone and warm-metal finishes buyers are asking for, and they show and photograph with a welcoming, lived-in quality that starker palettes often lack.”
Hoferkamp noted that the shade’s timelessness drove the selection.
I forecast this shade to be a chameleon across design, with welcome applications to exteriors, cabinetry or color-drenching a laundry room or home office.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Celery is a stark contrast to the organic warm neutrals across the industry. Selected by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team, the shade brings an energetic pop to interiors.
“Celery was chosen as the 2027 Color of the Year because it reflects today’s priorities: wellness, balance and connection,” says Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.
“Homeowners and designers are increasingly prioritizing wellness at home, seeking soothing environments that support mental health and overall well-being.”
I can see this shade used to draw playfulness into a sitting room, bathroom, or personalized spaces such as a home gym or children’s play area.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2027 is Webster Green HC-130: a marriage of the traditional and contemporary. It’s an instant, not overpowering character blending well with rich woods, brass and natural materials.
“For 2027, our focus centred on the green colour family. When we looked across the past, present and future of colour trends, variations on green consistently demonstrated remarkable staying power,” said Andrea Magno, Vice President of Brand, Colour and Integrated Marketing, at Benjamin Moore.
“Webster Green HC-130 reflects this timeless appeal by pairing reassuring stability with optimistic energy. Its composed nature feels both rooted and forward-looking, while enhancing spaces that feel distinctive, collected and continually new.”
This shade could be easily adapted in grounding spaces, like a home office, entryway or living room.
C2 Paint
C2 Paint named Pueblo its 2027 Color of the Year. It’s a warm, multifaceted hue of earth, rose and brown.
The shade serves as an anchor for the brand’s “Rural Renaissance” palette, evoking natural materials, craftsmanship, gardening, and cooking.
“For several years, the conversation around home and design has centered on calm, comfort and restoration,” said Philippa Radon, Interior Designer and C2 Paint Color Specialist.
“For 2027, we began asking a different question: What comes next? After a period of looking inward, we’re seeing a renewed desire to engage with the world around us—to create, gather, explore and reconnect with the experiences that make us feel alive.
The shade is noted to change with light, season and weather; the perfect use of it would be on cabinetry, utility rooms or closets.
Exclusive Feature
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Tri Pointe Homes Blends Wellness and Elegance
LivingWell debuts as the next generation of home design Tri Pointe Homes’ LivingWell concept home asks how homes can support residents beyond…
by
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Mortgage rates ease to 7.32%
According to Freddie Mac’s recent Primary Mortgage Market Survey released on Oct. 22, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.32%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined this week, offering some relief to prospective homebuyers,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
The current FRM is down from last week’s average of 7.40%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.19%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.68%, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%.
-
These 7 colors will define 2027 bedroom interiors
As 2027 draws closer, interior design trends are evolving, especially in color schemes. Homeowners are already gravitating towards interiors that evoke warmth and tranquility. Interior designers are expecting this trend to become extremely prominent in bedrooms, spaces where homeowners seek to refresh and unwind at the beginning and end of their day.
Creamy whites and beiges are continuing to remain dominant next year, according to Co-owner and Principal Designer at Tran + Thomas Design Studio Jill Tran.
“I feel we will forever be using creams as they remove the fear of committing to color, and for a lot of people, that speaks to their hearts,” said Tran.
Interiors, especially luxury ones, are going darker in 2027 with chocolate browns and blue-gray tones.
Earthy greens, beige and taupes, as well as clay, terracotta and muted reds inspire wellness and feel soothing; these are the feelings homeowners are expected to chase next year.
These rising trends in bedroom design are in line with our 2027 Colors of the Year forecast.
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Premium buyers drive PulteGroup’s Q3 earnings
According to PulteGroup’s Q3 2026 Financial Report, the homebuilder maintained resilient gross margins despite pressures from elevated mortgage rates, inflation and stretched homebuyer affordability.
The builder is concentrating on the higher-margin move-up and active-adult buyer segments, helping cushion margins against entry-level affordability headwinds. PulteGroup President and CEO, Ryan Marshall, reflected that the company’s balance of price and pace of home sales is critical in the current environment.
PulteGroup reported 6,876 home closings, down 9% year-over-year, with an average selling price of $561,000, declining 1% year-over-year.
The company’s community count increased 7% year-over-year, totaling 1,077 active communities.
“With homebuying demand increasingly pressured by rising mortgage rates, widespread inflation and global unrest, we continue to benefit from our diversified operating platform and consistent strategies for delivering superior returns over the housing cycle,” said Marshall. “With more than 60% of our business now comprised of more profitable move-up and active-adult homebuyers, our strong gross margins were instrumental to driving third quarter earnings of $2.53 per share.”
Latest Issue
Oct. 2026
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This issue of Builder and Developer is our Fine Homes Edition.
Exclusive Feature
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The Architecture of Quiet
Designing Inner Peace for calm on a difficult hillside site The hills of Tustin do not compromise. They rise in dry, sun-baked…
by
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U.S. home sales see modest gains in September
According to Redfin’s Home Price Index, on a seasonally adjusted basis, U.S. home prices increased 0.25% month over month in September. Although home sale prices rose slightly from 0.21% the previous month, home sale growth is in line with the modest gains seen in the U.S. housing market.
According to the report, home prices rose in 34 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros month over month in September, with home prices rising most in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, home prices rose 1.9% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Home prices fell in 16 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, with the biggest price declines happening in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Mortgage rates hold steady
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is holding steady, averaging 7.40%.
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained unchanged this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
As of Oct. 15, 2026, the FRM held steady at 7.40%, up from last year’s average of 6.27%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 6.71%, down from the previous week’s average of 6.73%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.52%.
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September AIA ABI drops to 44.7
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently released the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for September. The ABI score dropped to 44.7 from 47.2 in August.
There is a slight silver lining in the continued decline: inquiries for new projects increased to 53.2. AIA reported a steady pipeline of future work, with backlogs stable.
Multifamily residential and institutional firms appear to take the largest hit against the current market conditions.
“This is an increasingly difficult environment for architecture firms,” said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch. “Weakening billings are being compounded by a soft economy, challenging project financing and growing caution among clients. With fewer projects moving forward, there is little reason to expect a meaningful improvement in business conditions in the near term.”
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NAHB backs EPA and Army Corps rules proposal
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers further clarify rules on tidal changes and droughts, supporting the supplemental Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal under the Clean Water Act.
NAHB is in favor of changes to the final rules to give builders and developers a more defined course of action during project planning, land assessment and permit requirements.
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What the 2027 Colors of the Year say about the future of design
For years, interior design leaned into clean, cool grays and sterile whites that were easy to style, but often left homes feeling cold and detached. Rather than staging spaces for resale, the industry noticed that homeowners want to invest in colors that activate the senses, honor natural materials and age gracefully over time.
As we look toward 2027, the paint industry is making a collective statement: bring personality back to the home. This reflects a broader shift across design, with buyers wanting more tailored features to their everyday lives.
Dunn Edwards
Dunn-Edwards launched French Press Coffee, a chocolatey brown with a rich plum undertone. The dimensional shade offers an easy complement to natural materials and an ode to craftsmanship.
The color represents the pendulum swinging towards moody and unique design choices.
“Largely, it’s a reaction to the years when gray and white dominated. Those palettes were clean and easy to sell, but many people found them cold and impersonal to live with,” said Lauren Hoferkamp, Color Marketing Manager at Dunn-Edwards to Builder and Developer.
“Now buyers and homeowners want warmth, and the entire supply chain is responding, from cabinetry and flooring to countertops and fixtures. For builders, warm neutrals offer a practical advantage too: they complement the natural wood, stone and warm-metal finishes buyers are asking for, and they show and photograph with a welcoming, lived-in quality that starker palettes often lack.”
Hoferkamp noted that the shade’s timelessness drove the selection.
I forecast this shade to be a chameleon across design, with welcome applications to exteriors, cabinetry or color-drenching a laundry room or home office.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Celery is a stark contrast to the organic warm neutrals across the industry. Selected by the Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team, the shade brings an energetic pop to interiors.
“Celery was chosen as the 2027 Color of the Year because it reflects today’s priorities: wellness, balance and connection,” says Ashley Banbury, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.
“Homeowners and designers are increasingly prioritizing wellness at home, seeking soothing environments that support mental health and overall well-being.”
I can see this shade used to draw playfulness into a sitting room, bathroom, or personalized spaces such as a home gym or children’s play area.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2027 is Webster Green HC-130: a marriage of the traditional and contemporary. It’s an instant, not overpowering character blending well with rich woods, brass and natural materials.
“For 2027, our focus centred on the green colour family. When we looked across the past, present and future of colour trends, variations on green consistently demonstrated remarkable staying power,” said Andrea Magno, Vice President of Brand, Colour and Integrated Marketing, at Benjamin Moore.
“Webster Green HC-130 reflects this timeless appeal by pairing reassuring stability with optimistic energy. Its composed nature feels both rooted and forward-looking, while enhancing spaces that feel distinctive, collected and continually new.”
This shade could be easily adapted in grounding spaces, like a home office, entryway or living room.
C2 Paint
C2 Paint named Pueblo its 2027 Color of the Year. It’s a warm, multifaceted hue of earth, rose and brown.
The shade serves as an anchor for the brand’s “Rural Renaissance” palette, evoking natural materials, craftsmanship, gardening, and cooking.
“For several years, the conversation around home and design has centered on calm, comfort and restoration,” said Philippa Radon, Interior Designer and C2 Paint Color Specialist.
“For 2027, we began asking a different question: What comes next? After a period of looking inward, we’re seeing a renewed desire to engage with the world around us—to create, gather, explore and reconnect with the experiences that make us feel alive.
The shade is noted to change with light, season and weather; the perfect use of it would be on cabinetry, utility rooms or closets.
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Manhattan home sells for $25 million, topping luxury market
Manhattan scored its most expensive home sale last week. A penthouse on Park Avenue, which had been listed at $24,950,000 by Sotheby’s International Realty in January 2026, sold. Located close to Central Park, the triplex condo at 1110 Park Ave. is currently under contract.
According to the Olshan Realty luxury market report for the week ending on Oct. 11, the fall luxury market is showing increased signs of activity: 25 luxury contracts, over $4 million, were signed in Manhattan. The 10-year average for the first two weeks of October is 47 luxury contracts, but 55 have been signed so far this month, proving that the luxury market remains strong in New York City.
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Upcoming kitchen designs for 2027
It’s official: kitchen designs are going warmer in 2027. From darker wooden cabinetry to warm natural elements, next year is expected to move further away from sterile gray tones and sleek, refined interiors. Homeowners want spaces that emphasize warmth, functionality and personalization.
Pantry and larder storage will remain a priority in 2027, but the inside will receive the same detail that the outside does. Storage does not have to mean clutter; efficient but aesthetic displays and shelves will take center stage in cabinetry next year. Designers and manufacturers are expecting more emphasis on storage that responds to the way clients cook, with smaller internal drawers sitting behind larger drawer fronts for a simple exterior.
Built-in seating has become more prominent in kitchens throughout 2026, but it is expected to become one of the most desirable features in 2027. Built-in seating at kitchen dining tables encourages socialization and makes the space feel less cluttered, since the seating is against a wall rather than in the center of a room.
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New York and Connecticut luxury markets surged in Q3
According to the Houlihan Lawrence Q3 2026 Luxury Market Report, the luxury housing market in New York and Connecticut showed strong activity in the third quarter. Continued buyer demand and strong results across key markets demonstrated strong momentum.
New York’s luxury market performed exceedingly well in Q3: Westchester County, at the $2 million-and-above level, recorded increases in both home sales and prices. Homes moved quickly, with average days on market continuing to decline. In Putnam and Dutchess Counties, prices continued to rise in the $1 million-and-above market, despite declining transaction activity and longer days on market.
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NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.
One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.
The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).
As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.
Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.
Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).
“For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”
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