Newsletter Stories

• Lennar approved on 2,360-home Florida development
  Lennar, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, just received the thumbs-up on its 2,360-home Everlands West development from the Palm Bay City Council. The project is noted as one of the most ambitious residential projects for the city in recent memory. Lennar plans to build an estimated 1,600 single-family homes and 760 multi-family homes. The […]
• Builder confidence remains soft
  According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell two points to 34 in July, down from an upwardly revised reading of 36 in June. Economic uncertainty and persistent affordability challenges driven by rising material prices, high land costs and […]
• ASID recognizes next generation of design innovators
  The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) announced its 2026 Ones to Watch Award, a recognition for early-career interior design leaders. The program aims to celebrate individuals advancing the future of the built environment through design excellence, research, education, advocacy, volunteer leadership and service. As the Ones to Watch program enters its tenth year, the award […]
• Mortgages average 6.49%
  According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released on July 9, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%. This report demonstrates that the FRM has remained relatively unchanged. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.49% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Mortgage rates have not changed much recently, but economic growth […]
• A new era for homebuilding: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is law
  The homebuilding industry celebrates a major legislative milestone this week: the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is officially law. Since the bipartisan bill was first introduced in 2025, it was shaped and championed by various industry organizations to increase housing development across the country. The bill, with over 50 sections, notably decreases regulatory barriers […]
• Single-story home starts increase in 2025
  According to the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, while the gap between one-story and two-or-more-story shares has been relatively stable since 2021, 2025 saw a slight decrease in two-or-more-story starts. Two-or-more story starts dropped in 2025 to 51.4% from 52.2% in 2024. Meanwhile, the share of new homes with one story […]
• B&D Interview: Heather Laminack, NAHB PWB Chair
  In the July issue of Builder and Developer, Laminack discusses her and NAHB’s efforts to expand the involvement of women in the residential building industry Builder and Developer: Where did your interest in residential construction begin?  Heather Laminack: I come from a long line of builders. My family legacy began with my great-grandfather, Alexander Ferrier, who emigrated […]
• The Power of Perspective
  Why your voice is the best design tool My architectural design philosophy is deeply rooted in a respect for the context of place and the emotional power of space, a passion that was ignited during my college years while studying architectural history and finding my voice in my community.  Growing up in Northern California, I […]
• Everyday Experience: The New Measure of Luxury Design
  Luxury design has traditionally centered on a home’s architecture, finishes and craftsmanship. Today, builders and developers are learning the power of pairing those elements with a greater understanding of how homes support the everyday living experience. Recent research suggests luxury buyers are investing differently now than they have in the past. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s […]
• Ad – New Tech Wood – Skyscraper
  The post Ad – New Tech Wood – Skyscraper appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.