Higher mortgage rates averaging above 7% put a damper on single-family production in August, as builders also continue to face supply-side challenges in the form of elevated construction costs, a lack of skilled labor and a shortage of buildable lots. Led by a sharp decline in multifamily production, overall housing starts declined 11.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of… Read More ›

This Santa Barbara modern home has broad appeal for its classic, yet refreshing, style. The open floor plan appeals to the growing affluent family, inviting togetherness, as well as designated activities — such as these his and her office spaces. “His and hers offices are great solutions to the work-from-home needs that have become more prevalent in recent years,” the judges noted. “Both are well-detailed, with ample built-in storage and functionality, and warm finishes help create a calm work environment.…

With a mandate from the soon-to-be-retired builder to create a modernist piece of architecture as his swan song project, the architect set out to commemorate his father’s military service as a Marine Corps aviator and pilot of the F8 Crusader.  The house takes inspiration from an F8 Crusader plane, wings folded, on a carrier deck. The roof form folds and angles were the genesis of the design. A spinal column runs through providing circulation and illumination by sky lights and…

Persistently high mortgage rates above 7% continue to erode builder confidence, as sentiment levels have dropped below the key break-even measure of 50 for the first time in five months. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in September fell five points to 45, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index… Read More ›

Centrally located between the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, is a 430-unit luxury multifamily community situated on five acres overlooking the Las Colinas skyline. The five-story community is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, music venues, parks and running trails. With direct access to major highway 114, the development is a short drive to downtown Dallas’ lively nightlife. Residents can enjoy elevated amenities, including a stunning rooftop lounge overlooking Lake Carolyn, a resort-style pool with…

Christopher Homes, Class of 2008 Founded in 1981 Christopher Homes is recognized both locally and nationally as an innovative leader in the home building industry. A pre-eminent characteristic of the company is the high degree of design flexibility it provides for home buyers. From adding bedrooms and baths to extending major living areas to installing elevators, Christopher Homes offers an extensive list of floor plan variations for each of its homes, along with myriad customizing options to suit buyers’ individual…

Over the first seven months of 2023, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 527,158. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, this is 18.4% below the July 2022 level of 645,877. Year-to-date ending in July, single-family permits declined in all four regions. The Northeast posted the lowest decline of 12.1%, while the West region reported the steepest… Read More ›

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) ticked up 0.1% in August (not seasonally adjusted).  Prices have also increased 0.1% over the past 12 months as year-over-year price growth has slowed from 4.9% in January 2023 and 14.7% in August 2022. The 12-month increase is the smallest… Read More ›

Anchoring the Great Room, the kitchen is as much about aesthetics and overall good design as it is function. Finishes are an unexpected mixture of rustic and modern materials with distinctive application. The large open plan allows for flexibility and adds to its drama and high design which set the eclectic tone for the contemporary Spanish home. Built speculatively, this kitchen is designed to appeal to sophisticated affluent buyers who appreciate distinctive architecture and who seek a luxury, casual lifestyle…

Consumer prices in August saw the largest monthly gain since June 2022, primarily driven by a surge in gasoline costs. Core service inflation excluding housing was little changed in August, suggesting that the path toward disinflation ahead still has some fluctuations. Meanwhile, shelter costs continued to remain at a high level and was the second-largest contributor to the increase in… Read More ›