Newsletter Stories

• Research shows architects seek building innovation influence
  On Feb. 25, 2026, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with Deltek and ConstructConnect, published the latest Architect’s The post Research shows architects seek building innovation influence appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Mortgage rates drop below 6%
  On Feb. 26, mortgage rates reported below 6%, the lowest rate since 2022. According to Freddie Mac’s results of their The post Mortgage rates drop below 6% appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Designers prioritize flow in living room layout
  Interior designers craft living rooms to be designed to optimize flow, accented with balanced furniture for connection.  “Flow isn’t just The post Designers prioritize flow in living room layout appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Average age of first-time homebuyer drops to 35
  The typical first-time homebuyer was 35 years old in 2025, down from 36 the year before and down from a The post Average age of first-time homebuyer drops to 35 appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Housing affordability improved in all 50 states
  First American reported that housing affordability at the end of 2025 is the strongest in three years. The First American The post Housing affordability improved in all 50 states appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Young adult headship rates decline
  According to NAHB’s analysis of the American Community Survey data, reversing the post-pandemic rebound, the headship rates among young adults, The post Young adult headship rates decline appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Supreme Court decision may improve price of building materials
  On Feb. 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the President’s attempts to use emergency powers under the International Emergency The post Supreme Court decision may improve price of building materials appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Average FRM decreases to 6%
  On Feb. 24, 2026, the National Association of Homebuilders announced that the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage The post Average FRM decreases to 6% appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Bestbath Introduces Crestline by Bestbath: Luxury Wall Panels Built for Fast, Clean Remodels
  Bestbath, a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-performance bathing solutions, today announces the launch of Crestline by Bestbath, a new line of The post Bestbath Introduces Crestline by Bestbath: Luxury Wall Panels Built for Fast, Clean Remodels appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.
• Housing Headwinds are Fading
  At last, there’s some good news for builders! The mortgage-rate lock-in effect, which has recently represented one of the biggest The post Housing Headwinds are Fading appeared first on Builder and Developer Magazine.