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Breaking Barriers and Building Better
Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison…
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Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison at $72.50 per common share.
Taylor Morrison is one of the leading homebuilders and developers in the U.S. Taylor Morrison’s Chairman and CEO, Sheryl Palmer drove the company to its nationwide strength and growth, going public in 2013 and currently building in 21 markets across 12 states. Under her tenure, Taylor Morrison’s leadership team boasts a unique point of view: 50% of senior leadership roles are occupied by women, over four times the industry standard. Of their women working in construction, 38% are Millennials or Gen Z.
Palmer is not going anywhere following this acquisition. Berkshire Hathaway announced that the Taylor Morrison team will continue with its existing management, including Palmer. While the company is going private, Palmer was the only woman to lead a publicly traded homebuilder for nearly two decades.
“Over the last 13 years as a public company, we built a track record of strategic growth, expanding our geographic footprint, integrating acquisitions with discipline and deepening our competitive strengths across procurement, brand and customer experience,” said Palmer. “Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term orientation is uniquely well-suited to the multi-year investment cycle of homebuilding and this combination will allow us to scale the Taylor Morrison platform in ways that would not be possible as a standalone company.”
Acquisition Execution
This is the first major move from Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO Greg Abel, who assumed the role in January. The move builds on Berkshire’s existing footprint in the sector; the company already owns Clayton Homes, the modern manufactured homebuilder, which it acquired in 2003 for $1.7 billion.
There are indications of a consolidation between the two homebuilders. Combining Taylor Morrison’s 12,997 closings and Clayton Properties’ 9,953 closings in 2025 would create the fourth largest homebuilder in the United States.
“We are excited to welcome Taylor Morrison into Berkshire’s portfolio, reflecting our long-standing commitment to housing, exemplified by Clayton Homes and our other building products businesses,” said Abel. “Over time, we expect to unify our site-built homebuilding operations into a combined platform enabling us to deliver the dream of homeownership to more Americans.”
What does Taylor Morrison bring to the table that would differentiate Berkshire’s offerings? A reputation of consumer trust built by leadership.
Role Models in Motion
Taylor Morrison exemplifies sustained leadership opportunities for women throughout the company. Andrea Murphy, Senior Director of Sales Implementation, found herself in the industry as her early passion naturally evolved into a career, where she could help others create spaces that reflect how they live.
“Taylor Morrison has allowed me to leverage my experience while also providing opportunities to stretch my skill set,” said Murphy.
Christie Ferro, Senior Vice President, Financial Services at Taylor Morrison Home Funding, Inc., knew she was in the right place 24 years ago. She points out that at Taylor Morrison, both the mortgage president and CEO are women.
“It mattered deeply to work in an environment where women are supported, visible and trusted to lead,” said Ferro. “Having strong female role models at the top reinforced that there was a path forward and that my voice and contributions belonged at the table.”
The duo of Murphy and Ferro are on the front lines when understanding buyer behavior. Together they host National Homebuying Webinars addressing over 700 prospective buyers.
Ferro notes by shifting homebuyer education and financing conversations from reactive to proactive, it reduces surprises and allows for the sales experience to be informative rather than overwhelming. For these events, Murphy emphasizes the importance of building trust and confidence between prospective buyers before they walk through the door.
Communities Coast to Coast
As Taylor Morrison averages 339 active selling communities at any given time, its offerings across the country suit different buyer needs and demographics.
Aurora at Luna Park in Irvine, Calif., features two‑story layouts with up to five-bedrooms, four-bathrooms and up to 3,320 square feet of living space. The community is applauded for its central location to major employment centers, healthcare and cultural hubs.
In Phoenix, Ariz., at Taylor Morrison’s master-planned community, Verdin, the one-story Alder floor plan includes three-bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a three-car garage with up to 3,527 square feet of open-concept living space. This community prioritizes space for function and entertainment.
The Travisso Naples Collection, Palisade, in Austin, Texas, offers 4,640 square feet with five-bedrooms and five-and-a-half-bathrooms. This community prides itself on the marriage of luxury, craftsmanship and a desirable location.
In Indianapolis, Ind., the Reserve community has up to three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and a two-car garage with 2,056 feet of open-concept living space. The traditional-style home markets a community-centric feeling to clients.
Every Taylor Morrison community is uniquely tailored to mirror the lifestyle and identity of the region it serves. The story behind the $8.5 billion deal does not point to just Taylor Morrison’s bottom line: it stands as a validation of the tangible culture Palmer built from the ground up.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is also featured in B&D July, read the print version.
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Historic Housing Bill Awaits Signature
Currently, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act sits in front of the President, waiting for a signature. With many revisions, the…
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Currently, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act sits in front of the President, waiting for a signature. With many revisions, the bill advanced through the House and the Senate with a historic bipartisan effort. The bill, with over 50 sections, addresses the nation’s housing supply shortage with a drop in regulatory barriers to building and aids in repairing the nation’s aging housing stock.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is widely supported throughout the housing industry, with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) a key player in shaping the legislation. The bill is also supported by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the National League of Cities and other organizations.
“This is the most significant housing legislation to pass Congress in nearly 20 years,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. “At a time when affordability remains one of the nation’s greatest challenges, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan way to advance solutions that will help communities build more homes, expand housing opportunities and strengthen pathways to homeownership.”
After President Trump canceled the signing event, homebuilders are still optimistic that it will pass.
“Voters are demanding action on housing supply and affordability, and Congress has delivered a historic bill to address their concerns,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB. “Although there was no bill signing today, we are confident the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will eventually become law.”
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California introduces $11.25 billion investment in housing
The California Governor, State Assembly, and Senate introduced the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, a $11.25 billion investment to…
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The California Governor, State Assembly, and Senate introduced the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, a $11.25 billion investment to support veterans’ homeownership, housing development and affordability. The bill will be placed on the November 2026 ballot for voters to decide whether to adopt it.
This statewide piece of legislation comes after a major federal investment in housing development, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, passed by the House and Senate.
In California, the bond is expected to invest in veterans and first-time homebuyers by providing down payment assistance and affordable mortgage financing. Specifically, $1.25 billion is allocated to the self-supporting revenue bonds for the CalVet Home Loan Program.
“California has been building toward this moment. We’ve cut red tape, fast-tracked construction, protected renters,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. “And now, we’re going bigger: $11.25 billion for affordable housing to expand homeownership for veterans and working families, drive down costs and prove that the door to opportunity is open to everyone. This is California delivering.”
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Fed holds rates steady in Warsh’s first decision as chairman
Kevin Warsh’s first decision as chairman of the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady. The Fed’s rate holding pattern is consistent throughout…
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Kevin Warsh’s first decision as chairman of the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady. The Fed’s rate holding pattern is consistent throughout 2026; the last rate cut was in December 2025.
Warsh and the board affirmed that despite geopolitical uncertainty and a rise in inflation, the U.S. economy holds strong, with the unemployment rate largely unchanged and consumer spending up 0.09% in May.
For housing and construction, employment is up year over year and a major housing bill is set to move towards signing.
“Despite ongoing pressure on the Fed to ease ahead of the midterms, inflation remains the primary driver of policy decisions,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist for Cotality and regular contributor to Builder & Developer. “While we expect administrative focus to zero in on housing affordability again—likely through increased incentives as sales continue to disappoint—elevated costs and borrowing rates will persist. Importantly, regardless of Fed action, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully until inflation cools and long-term yields move decisively lower.”
“Overall, the June meeting pivoted the Fed to a notably more hawkish bias, reflecting an increase in current inflationary challenges,” said the National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Without relief from underlying causes of inflation, Fed policy action will not aid the housing and building market in the near term. However, there are dovish or disinflationary possibilities in the outlook, from resolution of geopolitical headline risks or benefits from productivity growth.”
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Takeaways from the current housing economy
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its annual State of the Nation’s Housing report, offering an overview of the current…
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The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its annual State of the Nation’s Housing report, offering an overview of the current housing market. Many indicators show that housing market activity remained flat in early 2026. New home sales levels remained relatively unchanged, rental retention rates increased and new occupancies declined. Construction saw a slight decrease of 1% over the past year. Key takeaways from the report include subdued activity, weakening demand, and sidelined potential homebuyers.
The current weakness in housing demand is a direct result of several underlying economic drivers and a decreasing employment growth rate.
With many U.S. residents burdened by high housing costs, an increasing number of state and local governments are taking action to increase housing production.
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Luxury home prices outpace rest of market
Luxury home prices are rising faster than any other market, a recent report from Redfin explains. Year over year, the median U.S. luxury home sale price rose 4.7%.
It’s a reasonable turn in the sector considering that many high-end homebuyers do not have the same affordability concerns or mortgage rate sensitivities. Therefore, the demand for luxury homes continues to rise.
Pending sales of luxury homes gained 5.2% year over year, while pending sales for the rest of the market grew 3.6%.
This is seen side by side in some markets, such as Tampa, where luxury home prices rose 15.6% year over year while all other homes actually saw a decrease of 0.5%.
The influx of luxury buyers is extremely prominent in one major metro: the Bay Area. Pending sales for luxury homes in San Francisco climbed 45.9% year over year, largely attributed to the AI sector.
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AIA/Deltek ABI reports decline
The latest AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) reported a decrease from its April posting of 48.3, down to 44.5. This is the lowest level since the beginning of 2026. Signaling effects from general economic uncertainty in the past few months, despite cautious optimism earlier in the year.
The South remains the strongest regional market at 49.6, with the Northeast (46.2), West (45.4) and Midwest (45.3) trailing a bit behind.
“The uncertainty created by the Iran conflict, and substantially higher energy costs, weighed on architect billings in May,” said AIA Chief Economist, Richard Branch. “Higher interest rates, rapidly rising material costs and continued labor shortages all contributed to softer demand.”
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Takeaways from the current housing economy
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its annual State of the Nation’s Housing report, offering an overview of the current housing market. Many indicators show that housing market activity remained flat in early 2026. New home sales levels remained relatively unchanged, rental retention rates increased and new occupancies declined. Construction saw a slight decrease of 1% over the past year. Key takeaways from the report include subdued activity, weakening demand, and sidelined potential homebuyers.
The current weakness in housing demand is a direct result of several underlying economic drivers and a decreasing employment growth rate.
With many U.S. residents burdened by high housing costs, an increasing number of state and local governments are taking action to increase housing production.
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2026 Gold Nugget Award of Merit honorees announced
For
From an extraordinary field of more than 800 entries, the 2026 competition recognized the year’s most exceptional achievements. Selected by a distinguished Blue-Ribbon panel of industry experts, this year’s Honorees represent the highest level of excellence in their respective categories.
We proudly congratulate every Honoree on this remarkable achievement. Your vision, talent and dedication continue to inspire our industry and demonstrate what’s possible through exceptional design and innovation.
The winners will be recognized during the 63rd Annual Gold Nugget Awards Gala, presented by PCBC, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, Calif.
View the complete list of Honorees at goldnuggetawards.com
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Historic Housing Bill Awaits Signature
Currently, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act sits in front of the President, waiting for a signature. With many revisions, the bill advanced through the House and the Senate with a historic bipartisan effort. The bill, with over 50 sections, addresses the nation’s housing supply shortage with a drop in regulatory barriers to building and aids in repairing the nation’s aging housing stock.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is widely supported throughout the housing industry, with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) a key player in shaping the legislation. The bill is also supported by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), the National League of Cities and other organizations.
“This is the most significant housing legislation to pass Congress in nearly 20 years,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. “At a time when affordability remains one of the nation’s greatest challenges, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan way to advance solutions that will help communities build more homes, expand housing opportunities and strengthen pathways to homeownership.”
After President Trump canceled the signing event, homebuilders are still optimistic that it will pass.
“Voters are demanding action on housing supply and affordability, and Congress has delivered a historic bill to address their concerns,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB. “Although there was no bill signing today, we are confident the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will eventually become law.”
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Alaska modernizes its legislation on interior designers
Alaska passed House Bill (HB) 314, to institute a protected title and regulation for qualified interior designers. The bill also creates a registration pathway for formal recognition through the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors.
The legislation was heavily supported by the American Society of Interior Designers and its Consortium for Interior Design.
Alaska is now the 31st state to enact reasonable regulation of the profession, following Idaho in March.
“Today’s action marks an important milestone for Alaska and for the future of the design profession,” said Khoi Vo, president and chief executive officer, ASID. “HB 314 recognizes the education, experience and examination standards that qualified interior designers meet and ensures they can contribute more fully to the design and construction process. This legislation supports public safety, strengthens professional practice and creates new opportunities to serve communities across Alaska.”
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Residential construction spending up 1.8% year-over-year
According to the recently released May analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending continued its steady upward trend. Compared to a year ago, spending is up 1.8% and surpassed the previous month by 0.4.
This is the third consecutive month of gains, following the slight dip in activity in February. The current pace is a moderate sign of a stabilizing market, despite consumer economic uncertainty and rise in material costs.
Looking forward, the effects of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is expected to streamline review for builders and diminish some of the costly boundaries for builders.
“Multifamily construction spending growth has also slowed down after the peak in June 2023, with the index largely plateauing since late 2024,” said Catherine Koh an economist at the National Association of Homebuilders. “In contrast, improvement spending has been on an upward trend since the beginning of 2025, supported in part by the aging housing stock and sustained demand for renovation.
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Builders Can Successfully Transition Into Bathroom Remodeling
Thinking about expanding your business into bathroom and shower remodeling? The biggest opportunities for builders exist within the wet space, especially remodels. Join Bestbath for a roundtable discussion on expanding into the wet space. Industry professionals will share perspectives on current market trends, business opportunities, operational considerations, and lessons learned from adding bathroom and shower projects to their offerings.
Attendees will gain practical insights into what it takes to enter the category, common challenges to expect, and how other contractors have successfully incorporated wet space projects into their businesses.
Learning Objectives:
- What’s driving demand for bathroom remodeling projects
- Where the biggest growth opportunities exist in the wet space
- What it takes to add bath and shower services to an existing business
- How to position and sell bathroom remodeling projects effectively
- Lessons learned from contractors who have successfully expanded their offerings
- Practical next steps for growing their business through wet space projects
Purpose: This webinar is designed to help contractors, remodelers, builders, and home improvement professionals evaluate the opportunity of expanding into bathroom and shower remodeling. Through a roundtable discussion with industry professionals, attendees will gain insight into market demand, growth opportunities, operational considerations, and real-world lessons learned from businesses that have successfully added wet space projects to their offerings. The goal is to provide practical guidance to help attendees determine whether expanding into the wet space is the right fit for their business.
Join speakers Michael Lunt, Dealer Sales Manager at Bestbath and Blake Watson, Owner at Age-Proof Homes, for this discussion.
Learn more about Bestbath
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Home Prices Hit 2026 High
According to the Redfin Home Price Index, U.S. home prices continue to grow, up 0.3% month over month in May. This may appear to be a slight uptick from April’s 0.2% increase, but it is the largest growth rate of 2026.
Year-over-year, the average for housing growth sits at 2.5%, continuing the rise of the last six months.
The largest regional increases are reported in the Midwest, with both Cleveland (2.5%) and Columbus, Ohio (1.3%) in the top five cities overall. Posting the most declines are metros in the West, with Riverside, Calif. (-1.9%), San Jose, Calif. (-1.7%) and San Francisco (-1.3%) dropping month to month.
“Buyers got a boost from lower mortgage rates in the spring, and that momentum is showing up in prices,” said Sheharyar Bokhari, a senior economist at Redfin. “And even though there are many more home sellers than buyers in the market, the most desirable homes are still attracting multiple offers, driving up prices.”
Read Full Article
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AIA Awards 2026 Winners announced
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces its AIA Awards 2026 Winners at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 10 to 13, 2026, the event draws in over 5,000 architects and design professionals to network, take classes and expand on how to build a better world.
AIA Awards celebrated over 100 award winners across ten categories. One of the recipients of the AIA Housing Award, Pine Flat by Faulkner Architects, was featured in Green Home Builder’s January/ February issue. Other recipients include Spoonbill Ranch, a single-family custom home in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region by Johnsen Schmaling Architects.
“Every project honored across these 10 award programs is a powerful reminder of architecture’s profound impact on our communities—and its role in shaping a stronger future for generations to come,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “The projects being are forward-looking, creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. Together, the winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can enrich lives and help build a better future for all.”
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Backyard features homebuyers want in 2026
Homeowners now treat outdoor spaces like functional extensions of the house, packed with purpose, comfort and long-term value. When scanning listings, homebuyers look for backyard features that offer more than looks; they look for performance, resilience and year-round usability.
This year has seen a rise of climate-resilient backyard design. Designers are responding by introducing heat-tolerant plants, permeable surfaces and shade-first layouts that keep outdoor spaces usable longer. Smart plant groupings now replace random flower beds with intentional ecological zones. Gardeners mix native shrubs, deep-rooted grasses and drought-resistant perennials to stabilize soil and reduce watering needs.
Water efficiency now plays a large role in potential buyers’ decisions. Homebuyers are increasingly asking how a property manages irrigation, runoff and seasonal drought conditions. Smart irrigation systems answer those concerns with soil sensors, weather tracking and precision watering schedules.
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Award-Winning, Elevated Living
North River Ranch, developed by Neal Land & Neighborhoods, represents a fresh approach to developing a master-planned community in Southwest Florida. Located in Parrish, the project continues to expand across multiple phases of development.
On May 26, 2025, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new neighborhood, Crescent Creek, with both single-family detached homes, townhomes and two-story villas with rear garages. The developer plans for the community to host approximately 6,000 single-family homes, villas, townhomes and multi-family residences across the 2,640 acres full of community amenities for both engagement and entertainment.
The community received a Silver Award from the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) in the category of Best Single-Family Community from the National Association of Home Builders.
“Receiving recognition from BALA is especially meaningful because it reflects the intentional, thoughtful design and collaborative vision behind North River Ranch,” said John A. Neal, President of Neal Land & Neighborhoods. “From the beginning, the goal was to create a master-planned community where architecture, land planning, amenities and the natural environment work together cohesively to shape an elevated living experience.”
Diving into Development
In 2013, Neal founded the company with a vision to create innovative, master-planned communities that shape how people live and connect. The primary goal was to integrate residential living with high-quality lifestyle amenities and long-term economic growth.
“We create tomorrow’s neighborhoods through smart design and meticulous execution; neighborhoods that are both visually compelling and highly functional for the way people live,” said Neal.
The developer approaches community development from a holistic perspective, focusing on the overall neighborhood’s lifestyle and functionality rather than a single home. Neal Land & Neighborhoods recalled the challenge of developing new models for homes for master-planned, daily living in an emerging market, all while striving for infrastructure improvements and economic growth. On top of this, the developer worked closely with the builders, architects and engineers to preserve the community’s native landscape.
For North River Ranch, Neal Land & Neighborhoods worked with several homebuilders and designers, including Homes by WestBay, Cardel Homes Florida, Neal Communities, Pulte Homes and David Weekley Homes. With over 30 possible floor plans, new homes in the community range in size from 1,433 to 3,518 square feet and in price points from $300,000 to over $1 million.
Booth Design Group based the community’s architectural design to feel authentic to the way people live, from lighting aesthetics to on-site planning. Looney Ricks Kicks conceptualized and designed the community’s prominent amenities, including the 12-acre Camp Creek Clubhouse and Headwaters Swim Center.
Neal Land & Neighborhoods envisioned the community to function as a “city-within-a-city,” blending residential neighborhoods with educational centers, retail stores and healthcare facilities so residents have access to life necessities without venturing too far from the comfort of their home.
Elegant and Functional
Tucked into the southwest of the community is the Longmeadow neighborhood, with new homes by Pulte Homes, Homes by WestBay and Cardel Homes.
Homes by WestBay designed the single-family model homes with both traditional and luxurious elements. The homes range from 2,533 to 3,518 square feet, featuring three to five-bedrooms and three to five-bathrooms. The homes come in both one and two-story options as well as a three-car garage.
With a neutral color palette inspired by modern contemporary design, the homes’ interiors inspire a high-class lifestyle. The marble kitchen island is accented with dark, wooden cabinetry. An open layout between the kitchen and the living room allows for functionality of movement without sacrificing the elegant design. An opalescent dual-vanity with hidden storage features gives the bathroom a resort-spa-like feel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass-patio-covered pool overlook the lake, making the backyard feel like a lakeside vacation home.
Coastal Design
Next to Longmeadow is the Wildleaf neighborhood, featuring homes from Neal Communities. The builder’s single-family homes range from 1,533 to 2,400 square feet, with two to four-bedrooms, two to three-a-half bathrooms and two to three-car garages. These homes also come in one and two-stories.
The homes’ grey and white color palette inspires coastal living, amplified by sliding doors that lead to an open patio at the lake’s edge.
Sleek finishes and appliances accent the kitchen. The white cabinetry pairs beautifully with the pristine, white marble island and countertops.
Each of the model homes’ exteriors reflect the unique style of the individual builder while blending into a cohesive, community design; a credit to the planning and development of North River Ranch.
Photos courtesy of Neal Land & Neighborhoods.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
Exclusive Feature
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Breaking Barriers and Building Better
Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison…
by
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Industry legends honored with National Housing Center Awards
Several industry leaders were honored for their contributions to the housing industry during the National Housing Center Awards Ceremony on June 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The ceremony recognized the 2026 inductees to the National Housing Hall of Fame and the recipients of the Exemplary Service to Home Building Award.
Thomas Bozzuto and Laurie Goodman were among the National Housing Hall of Fame inductees. Bozzuto redefined the standards for building and managing homes, provided thought leadership on housing policy and has been an advocate for sustainable development. Goodman, who founded the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute, spent more than 30 years primarily focused on mortgage market research and analysis.
The 2026 Exemplary Service to Home Building Award recipients were Marvin “Jerry” Carter Jr. and Edward “Eddie” Martin Jr.
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act advances to Senate
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has reached the Senate. The bill aims to solve the national affordable housing shortage by increasing supply, easing regulatory burdens and modernizing outdated U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.
On May 22, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the bill that would have removed a build-to-rent sales provision that would have hurt affordability and reduced much-needed housing supply. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) led the push to remove the provision and has been an active supporter of the bill.
“NAHB congratulates congressional leaders for reaching a bicameral and bipartisan agreement to move forward a final version of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act,” said Bill Owens, NAHB chairman, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “This landmark legislation would expand housing opportunities for buyers and renters, strengthen homeownership and help tackle the affordability challenges facing communities nationwide. It’s time for Congress to move this historic housing package across the finish line.”
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AIA Awards 2026 Winners announced
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces its AIA Awards 2026 Winners at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 10 to 13, 2026, the event draws in over 5,000 architects and design professionals to network, take classes and expand on how to build a better world.
AIA Awards celebrated over 100 award winners across ten categories. One of the recipients of the AIA Housing Award, Pine Flat by Faulkner Architects, was featured in Green Home Builder’s January/ February issue. Other recipients include Spoonbill Ranch, a single-family custom home in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region by Johnsen Schmaling Architects.
“Every project honored across these 10 award programs is a powerful reminder of architecture’s profound impact on our communities—and its role in shaping a stronger future for generations to come,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “The projects being are forward-looking, creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. Together, the winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can enrich lives and help build a better future for all.”
Latest Issue
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June 2026
This issue of Builder and Developer features our mid-year housing update and insights into the future of luxury living.
Exclusive Feature
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A Masterclass in Bespoke Texan Building
Keechi Creek Builders stuns with regional vernacular architecture and interior design Decision Drive from Keechi Creek Builders charms with its remarkable attention…
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Mortgage rates decrease to 6.48%
On June 4, 2026, Freddie Mac announced that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.48%, according to its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The FRM decreased from the week before, when it averaged 6.53%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.85%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 6.48% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “With mortgage rates in the mid-6% range and income growth outpacing home price growth, housing affordability is marginally improving.”
The 15-year FRM averaged 5.79%, down from the week prior when it averaged 5.87%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.99%.
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Connecticut expands building code adoption cycle
On June 9, 2026, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that lays the groundwork to expand the state’s building code adoption cycle to every six years rather than the current three years. Housing affordability was a primary driver of the new law.
The law calls for the state to pause its adoption of model building codes between the 2024 and 2030 cycles. The current law calls for the state to adopt new building codes within 18 months of their publication.
The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut (HBRA-CT) was instrumental in getting the law passed and providing more stability to home builders in the state. HBRA-CT officials successfully argued that adopting new building codes on a six-year cadence strikes the right balance between the need to keep up with evolving technologies and the ability of all impacted parties to transition to new code requirements. It also allows the industry to accumulate meaningful practical experience with adopted codes before deciding on new changes.
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Backyard features homebuyers want in 2026
Homeowners now treat outdoor spaces like functional extensions of the house, packed with purpose, comfort and long-term value. When scanning listings, homebuyers look for backyard features that offer more than looks; they look for performance, resilience and year-round usability.
This year has seen a rise of climate-resilient backyard design. Designers are responding by introducing heat-tolerant plants, permeable surfaces and shade-first layouts that keep outdoor spaces usable longer. Smart plant groupings now replace random flower beds with intentional ecological zones. Gardeners mix native shrubs, deep-rooted grasses and drought-resistant perennials to stabilize soil and reduce watering needs.
Water efficiency now plays a large role in potential buyers’ decisions. Homebuyers are increasingly asking how a property manages irrigation, runoff and seasonal drought conditions. Smart irrigation systems answer those concerns with soil sensors, weather tracking and precision watering schedules.
-
Award-Winning, Elevated Living
North River Ranch, developed by Neal Land & Neighborhoods, represents a fresh approach to developing a master-planned community in Southwest Florida. Located in Parrish, the project continues to expand across multiple phases of development.
On May 26, 2025, the community celebrated the grand opening of a new neighborhood, Crescent Creek, with both single-family detached homes, townhomes and two-story villas with rear garages. The developer plans for the community to host approximately 6,000 single-family homes, villas, townhomes and multi-family residences across the 2,640 acres full of community amenities for both engagement and entertainment.
The community received a Silver Award from the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) in the category of Best Single-Family Community from the National Association of Home Builders.
“Receiving recognition from BALA is especially meaningful because it reflects the intentional, thoughtful design and collaborative vision behind North River Ranch,” said John A. Neal, President of Neal Land & Neighborhoods. “From the beginning, the goal was to create a master-planned community where architecture, land planning, amenities and the natural environment work together cohesively to shape an elevated living experience.”
Diving into Development
In 2013, Neal founded the company with a vision to create innovative, master-planned communities that shape how people live and connect. The primary goal was to integrate residential living with high-quality lifestyle amenities and long-term economic growth.
“We create tomorrow’s neighborhoods through smart design and meticulous execution; neighborhoods that are both visually compelling and highly functional for the way people live,” said Neal.
The developer approaches community development from a holistic perspective, focusing on the overall neighborhood’s lifestyle and functionality rather than a single home. Neal Land & Neighborhoods recalled the challenge of developing new models for homes for master-planned, daily living in an emerging market, all while striving for infrastructure improvements and economic growth. On top of this, the developer worked closely with the builders, architects and engineers to preserve the community’s native landscape.
For North River Ranch, Neal Land & Neighborhoods worked with several homebuilders and designers, including Homes by WestBay, Cardel Homes Florida, Neal Communities, Pulte Homes and David Weekley Homes. With over 30 possible floor plans, new homes in the community range in size from 1,433 to 3,518 square feet and in price points from $300,000 to over $1 million.
Booth Design Group based the community’s architectural design to feel authentic to the way people live, from lighting aesthetics to on-site planning. Looney Ricks Kicks conceptualized and designed the community’s prominent amenities, including the 12-acre Camp Creek Clubhouse and Headwaters Swim Center.
Neal Land & Neighborhoods envisioned the community to function as a “city-within-a-city,” blending residential neighborhoods with educational centers, retail stores and healthcare facilities so residents have access to life necessities without venturing too far from the comfort of their home.
Elegant and Functional
Tucked into the southwest of the community is the Longmeadow neighborhood, with new homes by Pulte Homes, Homes by WestBay and Cardel Homes.
Homes by WestBay designed the single-family model homes with both traditional and luxurious elements. The homes range from 2,533 to 3,518 square feet, featuring three to five-bedrooms and three to five-bathrooms. The homes come in both one and two-story options as well as a three-car garage.
With a neutral color palette inspired by modern contemporary design, the homes’ interiors inspire a high-class lifestyle. The marble kitchen island is accented with dark, wooden cabinetry. An open layout between the kitchen and the living room allows for functionality of movement without sacrificing the elegant design. An opalescent dual-vanity with hidden storage features gives the bathroom a resort-spa-like feel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass-patio-covered pool overlook the lake, making the backyard feel like a lakeside vacation home.
Coastal Design
Next to Longmeadow is the Wildleaf neighborhood, featuring homes from Neal Communities. The builder’s single-family homes range from 1,533 to 2,400 square feet, with two to four-bedrooms, two to three-a-half bathrooms and two to three-car garages. These homes also come in one and two-stories.
The homes’ grey and white color palette inspires coastal living, amplified by sliding doors that lead to an open patio at the lake’s edge.
Sleek finishes and appliances accent the kitchen. The white cabinetry pairs beautifully with the pristine, white marble island and countertops.
Each of the model homes’ exteriors reflect the unique style of the individual builder while blending into a cohesive, community design; a credit to the planning and development of North River Ranch.
Photos courtesy of Neal Land & Neighborhoods.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
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Luxurious Lakeside Living
Waterford Homes, a custom homebuilder, turns everyday living into something extraordinary. By combining timeless architectural designs, premium materials and meticulous attention to detail, the builder creates spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Since 1991, the company strives to build elevated luxury homes with features that are tailored to the unique lifestyles and needs of each of their clients.
Waterford Homes, based in Atlanta, prides their building philosophy as client-driven; providing elevated design and active communication through every step of the homebuilding process. At the heart of that process is the father and son duo, David and Drew Clough, respectively.
Since founding the company, David Clough won numerous awards, including the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Georgia’s Lewis Cenker Award, which honors an individual’s lifetime achievements. David Clough was named the HBA’s Builder of the Year in 2010 and received the Greater Atlanta HBA’s 2012 Builder of the Year.
David Clough continues to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, while Drew Clough works as the company’s Chief Operating Officer.
Quality over Quantity
For the first 25 years of the company’s duration, Waterford Homes focused on first and second time move-up projects in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. To make their mark in the ever-evolving housing market, they focused on building custom, luxury homes in the most in-demand areas of Atlanta.
“We have evolved by focusing on luxury products, building less volume, but higher quality, custom homes,” said Drew Clough.
Waterford Homes continues to rely heavily on the long-term relationships established throughout their 35-year-long lifespan. The builder’s commitment to strong communication is evident in the persisting relationships with Atlanta-based interior designers, architects and engineers.
One philosophy the COO reiterates is the company’s dedication to building forever homes, which is why so much detail is put into every aspect of a project’s design, from start to finish.
A Waterside Estate
Development for the 1216 Fox Squirrel project began in the fall of 2024 and completed in May 2026. Located in the Reynolds community in Greensboro, Ga., the home was designed to feel like a lakeside, vacation home while still supporting the homeowner’s everyday lifestyle as a permanent residence.
The 7,000-square-foot home overlooks Lake Oconee, surrounded by native greenery that provides an immersiveness into nature while offering privacy and seclusion.
Drew Clough described the project as a ranch on top of a basement, with additional bonus rooms over the project’s garage. The home’s rear elevation sits the project over the lake and a dramatic, vaulted covered porch, including a motorized screen, overlooks a pool with a waterfall edge.
One challenge the builder encountered was blending the home into the 12,000 acre, lakefront community without sacrificing the quality design. Waterford Homes worked closely with the Reynolds Architectural Review Board to design a home in a transitional style that effortlessly fits in with the look of other Reynolds homes without compromising the project’s functionality and beauty. The result is a design that maximizes both a luxurious and rustic feel.
Bringing the Outdoors, Indoors
Large, picture-frame windows were installed throughout the home to frame the rustic outdoors, offering a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living. The expansive windows bring in natural light and incredible views of Lake Oconee.
The home’s angular design makes it feel like a cabin getaway, its sharpness balanced with a soft color palette to brighten the interiors. Wooden beams were installed for architectural structure and to add a rustic flare to the living room.
The muted color palette allows for the outdoor views to take center stage, offering a gentle contrast to the saturated green forest.
Rather than be seated on the ground level, the vaulted porch hangs over the backyard patio and is the pinnacle of an outdoor-indoor lifestyle. Its location within the home’s design was strategic, meant to serve as the heart of the home to encourage connection to nature while providing that contemporary aesthetic Waterford Homes is known for.
Photos courtesy of Brock Company Creative.
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor of Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
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June 2026 Housing Market Forecast
The National Association of REALTORS released an analysis forecasting the housing market dynamics in June, including sales, inventory and buying trends. The analysis cited various factors, called seasonality trends, that influence the housing market and compared the current market conditions to previous seasonality trends to predict the June 2026 housing forecast.
The analysis found that existing-home sales typically rise by 8.2% during the month, reaching their highest level of the year on average. The beginning of the summer marks a distinct shift in the housing market, characterized by the end of the school year for most localities, additional daylight and consistently warm weather. These conditions provide more flexibility for potential buyers to view a wider range of open listings.
June usually sees an average increase of 0.8% in housing inventory, presenting specific advantages for sellers, including the optimal moving conditions previously mentioned, if they plan to buy and the high prices associated with the season.
Historically, the average home spends about 30 days on the market in June, representing the fastest turnover in the year, alongside May. The favorable weather conditions drive prospective buyers to spend more time viewing homes, resulting in more frequent offers and decreasing the days spent on the market.
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Residential Contractor Magazine: Coming July 2026
Residential Contractor MagazineTHE PROJECTS. THE PRODUCTS. THE PROS.
Residential Contractor connects manufacturers with the remodelers, contractors, trades and dealers shaping today’s residential construction market.
The Summer 2026 issue features the National Deck Competition Winner’s Showcase alongside the products, tools, technology and business solutions driving better, more profitable projects.
If you are interested in participating please contact fiona@builder.media
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Less young adults are first-time homebuyers
According to a report from First American, young adults are the missing gap in first-time homebuyers. Nearly half of 20-to 24-year-olds still lived with their parents in 2025. Only about 25% of 25-to 29-year-olds owned their homes.
The reality is that homeownership is arriving later in life for young adults, with the delay often originating at moving out of their childhood homes.
Young adults are moving through traditional markers of adulthood, such as moving out, work, marriage and children, on a different timeline than previous generations. As those milestones shift, the housing sequence that often follows, moving out, renting and buying, also shifts.
Most young adults are still renting. While today’s renters are likely to become tomorrow’s buyer, that “tomorrow” is happening later in life. The reasons for this vary between affordability challenges, as well as other life milestones that have shifted into the later years, such as school, work or family.
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Taylor Morrison acquired in $8.5 billion deal
Announced on May 31, 2026, Berkshire Hathaway will acquire homebuilding giant, Taylor Morrison for $8.5 billion. The all-cash transaction values Taylor Morrison at $72.50 per common share.
This is the first major move from Berkshire Hathaway ‘s new CEO Greg Abel who assumed the role in January. Berkshire Hathaway owns Clayton Homes, the modern manufactured homebuilder, which it acquired in 2003 for $1.7 billion..
There are indications of a consolidation between the two homebuilders. Between Taylor Morrison’s 12,997 closings and Clayton Properties’ 9,953 closings in 2025 would create the fourth largest homebuilder in the United States.
“We are excited to welcome Taylor Morrison into Berkshire’s portfolio, reflecting our long-standing commitment to housing, exemplified by Clayton Homes and our other building products businesses,” said Abel. “Over time, we expect to unify our site-built homebuilding operations into a combined platform enabling us to deliver the dream of homeownership to more Americans.”
However, Taylor Morrison’s extremely successful CEO Sheryl Palmer is not going anywhere following this acquisition. Berkshire Hathaway announced the Taylor Morrison team to continue with its existing management, including Palmer. Palmer drove the company to its nationwide strength and growth, going public in 2013 and currently building in 21 markets across 12 states. Under her tenure, Taylor Morrison’s leadership team boasts a unique point of view, 50% of senior leadership roles are occupied by women, four times the industry standard.
“Over the last 13 years as a public company, we built a track record of strategic growth—expanding our geographic footprint, integrating acquisitions with discipline and deepening our competitive strengths across procurement, brand and customer experience,” said Palmer. “Berkshire Hathaway’s long-term orientation is uniquely well-suited to the multi-year investment cycle of homebuilding, and this combination will allow us to scale the Taylor Morrison platform in ways that would not be possible as a standalone company.
Exclusive Feature
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Residential Contractor Magazine: Coming July 2026
Residential Contractor Magazine residentialcontractormag.com THE PROJECTS. THE PRODUCTS. THE PROS. Residential Contractor connects manufacturers with the remodelers, contractors, trades and dealers shaping…
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