human experiences

  • Bay Area estate is August’s highest home sale

    Bay Area estate is August’s highest home sale

    An estate in Hillsborough, Calif., sold for $70 million and was the highest U.S. home sale in August, followed by a $51.5 million waterfront villa in Miami Beach, Fla. California is home to six of August’s 10 priciest sales, with four in the Bay Area and two in Orange County.

    Three of the most expensive homes sold were in Florida, with each selling at $30 million or more. A beach-compound in Hawaii sold for $38.2 million, earning it fifth place in August’s top 10 most expensive home sales.

    San Francisco’s luxury housing market has been performing well throughout 2026, as AI wealth continues to drive the housing market in the Bay Area.

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  • Fischer Homes taps new President

    Fischer Homes taps new President

    Fischer Homes, a privately held homebuilder operating in 11 markets, announced Jason Finch as its president.

    This decision is part of a broader leadership restructure and divides the president and chief operating officer roles into two positions. The COO, Jay Smith, will continue in his position.

    Finch first joined the company in 2013 and most recently served as region president for the South Region. He will now oversee the builder’s growth strategy.

    “Jason has consistently demonstrated the leadership, business judgment and ability to develop strong teams that this role requires,” said Tim McMahon, CEO of The Fischer Group. “He understands how to turn strategy into results while keeping people at the center of the business. His talent, experience and proven record make him the right leader to guide Fischer Homes through its next phase of growth.”

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  • Mortgage rates average 6.76%

    Mortgage rates average 6.76%

    The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.76%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS). Freddie Mac released the most recent PMMS results on Sept. 10, 2026.

    The current FRM is up from the previous week’s average of 6.71%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.35%.

    The 15-year FRM averaged 6.09%, up from the week before when it averaged 6.04%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.50%.

    “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Aspiring buyers should remember shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes can potentially save them thousands.”

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  • Drawing Inspiration from California’s History

    Drawing Inspiration from California’s History

    The Chadmar Group seamlessly integrates comfort with rustic charm

    In 1932, architect Cliff May blended Spanish colonial haciendas with casual indoor-outdoor living in San Diego, Calif., marking the birth of the state’s first ranch-style home. Tailored to California’s hot climate, the homes are known for their open layouts and low-pitched roofs, meant to be comfortable and maintainable. 

    Channelling the regional vernacular ranch-style heritage, The Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A is a high-end home inspired by historic architecture and outdoor connectivity. Built by The Chadmar Group, the 3,760-square-foot home embraces the state’s rustic heritage without compromising luxury living standards. 

    The project won the Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Single-Family Detached Home 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. 

    Inspired by Historical Architecture 

    Santa Barbara is one of the most historic and recognizable cities in California. While its origins can be traced back to the 1780s, its architectural integrity has confidently withstood the test of time. The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and ranch-style homes, with whitewashed stucco walls and angular arches.

    Located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, in Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A draws inspiration from Santa Barbara’s historic charm. 

    “This distinctive residence reinterprets California’s agrarian and ranch-style heritage,” said Robert Hidey, AIA, NCARB, President of Robert Hidey Architects. “Exterior architecture is expressed through wood siding, natural trim and authentic detailing, with stones on the elevation nodding to Santa Barbara’s local character.” 

    Once again pulling a page from the Spanish-revival style design, an outside stairwell leads to the upper-level observation deck.  While the outdoor patio is immersed  by panoramic views of the nearby polo fields. 

    “The field acts as a figurative extension of the home, providing a backdrop for entertaining, quiet reflection and a connection to the landscape,” said Hidey. 

    Designed for Modern Comfort

    The main level balances privacy with connection. The Great Room, with its open layout and large sliding glass doors, serves as the project’s centerpiece. Decorative trusses along the sloped ceilings mirror what the architect refers to as California’s enduring ranch-style tradition. 

    The home’s floor plan effortlessly connects the kitchen to the living area, meant to maintain an effortless flow in daily living. 

    The white color palette allows natural light to bounce off of it, making the space feel larger and luxurious. That same palette is offset by a natural stone backsplash above the fireplace, another callback to Spanish-style design. Beige tones and wooden elements add warmth to the space. 

    The kitchen and dining spaces’ stark white ceilings and walls are contrasted with darker-toned finishes throughout. A dark wooden table adds a rustic touch to the room. A chandelier, with its ring design and suspended, leather-appearing straps, pays homage to the home’s overall equestrian design. 

    The bathroom feels like the most luxurious space within the home. With its large, circular vanity above the sink and white-panel windows that offer a view to the next-door green fields, the space mimics a resort-style spa. 

    The bedroom is full of rich, earthy tones, with white, picture-frame windows inviting natural light into the space. This wellness-inspired design reflects the builder’s primary goal to seamlessly integrate comfort into a luxury lifestyle. 

    The Santa Barbara Polo Residences Plan 8A includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and a two-car garage. 

    Rooted in Family

    Based in Santa Monica, Calif., The Chadmar Group is a private homebuilding and development company, specializing in creating luxury neighborhoods throughout the western region of the United States. The company has offices and works in Los Angeles, Mammoth Lakes, Santa Barbara and Monterey, four of the most desirable markets in California. 

    Charles R. Lande founded the company after working in real estate for 36 years. Before this leadership position, Lande’s career specialized in commercial real estate. Now, he leads The Chadmar Group in the creation and restoration of a multitude of projects, from irreplaceable landmark buildings to high-end neighborhoods. 

    The company is deeply rooted in familial ties, down to its name. Lande named the organization after his children: Chad stems from a nickname for his first son, Charles R. Lande Jr., while “Mar” is short for Marissa, his daughter. 

    Charles R. Lande Jr. now works closely with his father as the Chief Operating Officer of The Chadmar Group. Together, the pair leads the company with a commitment to detail and client satisfaction. 

    “Our success is built on our unique ability to find undervalued, one-of-a-kind properties, reposition them, and multiply their economic value with financially sound discipline in a timely manner,” said Charles R. Lande, Founder, President and CEO of The Chadmar Group. 

    Photos courtesy of Eric Figge Photography/Jacob Gutherie 

    By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media

    This story is featured in our September issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here.