SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Vol. 18 No. 34
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HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY NEWS
Housing industry experts weigh in on Fed decision
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. This bump is not a shock, as many economists predicted the Fed would increase rates to combat rising inflation. However, this is the first rate hike since July 26, 2023. The unanimous decision to raise rates is the first real movement in nearly a year, holding steady throughout 2026 after the last cut in December 2025. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh described this decision in the post-decision press conference as a step to deliver a timelier return to the Fed’s 2% inflation goal…
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Builder and Developer


September builder confidence at 32
In the September National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) /Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence fell three points from August to 32. This is the lowest recorded report since September 2025. NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz noted that this is likely a continuation of headwinds facing the homebuilding industry: building materials costs rising, elevated mortgage rates and labor concerns. With buyers more discerning, builders continue to offer incentives, up 3% from August. The HMI survey also reported that more builders cut prices than in August, but only by 1%...
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Builder and Developer
 


BLM sells 940 acres for future master-planned community in Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the sale of 940 acres of federally managed public land to the City of Las Vegas. The $94 million sale is expected to make way for up to 6,000 homes in a new master-planned community, Monument Hills. “This is exactly the kind of bold action Nevada needs to increase our housing supply and make housing more attainable for hardworking Nevada families,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. Developed by Olympia Companies, the project is expected to deliver single-family detached homes, townhomes, multi-family and mixed-use structures…
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Builder and Developer


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…
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Builder and Developer

FEATURED PRODUCTS AND COMPANIES


Carrier
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Amrize
From single-family homes to large-scale residential developments, we combine innovative design with state-of-the-art materials to deliver smarter, greener solutions tailored to every project’s needs. Backed by expertise in insulation, roofing, concrete, and structural systems, we create durable, climate-ready living spaces that are built to withstand the challenges of a changing world and last for generations.
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Fence Trac
FenceTrac – based in Tulsa, Oklahoma – is the manufacturer of modern fencing systems designed to solve common problems associated with traditional fences. We sell our patented systems direct to fence contractors and DIY homeowners. FenceTrac fence systems open up a world of design possibilities for residential and commercial property owners.
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BRK and First Alert are now part of the Resideo family, helping to deliver global solutions for energy management, home comfort, security and safety. All Resideo products, services and brands are tied together with the vision of simplifying life, in a world where people are healthy, happy and secure.
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MORE HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY NEWS


Recognize Your Favorite Brands In Our 2026 Reader's Choice Survey 
Your voice shapes our industry! Take two minutes to complete our 2026 Reader's Choice Survey. Nominate your favorite brands, give top manufacturers the recognition they deserve and help guide your industry peers toward the products that deliver proven results.
Submit Your Nominations


What metro report cards reveal about homebuilding and affordability
While REALTOR explored the housing industry's geographic variation at a state level earlier this year, a new analysis from the company explored the 100 largest metros in the United States. Ten metro areas received a grade in the “A” range, while each scored greater than 50 on both the affordability and homebuilding components: Des Moines-West Des Moines in Iowa, Raleigh-Cary in North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis…
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Builder and Developer


Drawing Inspiration from California’s History
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…
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Builder and Developer

Why you shouldn't miss our upcoming webinar
In today’s shifting housing market, builders, architects and design-build firms face a shared strategic challenge: expanding project margins and revenue without overextending operational capacity. The solution increasingly lies in targeted, high-margin residential interventions—most notably specialized bathroom design and remodeling. Driven by surging demand for universal design, barrier-free living and aging-in-place functionality, bath renovations offer fast project turnarounds, reliable profitability and high-impact value. To bridge this gap, Bestbath is hosting an industry Lunch & Learn webinar, Building Your Bathroom Remodel Business, on Oct. 8, 2026…
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Builder and Developer
 
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%...
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Builder and Developer

Nominations now open for December Awards Issue
Recognizing excellence drives the homebuilding industry forward. Nominating a deserving colleague for Builder and Developer’s prestigious Who’s Who feature in the upcoming December Awards Issue is the ultimate way to honor the innovators, visionaries and dedicated leaders shaping residential construction. In addition to individual recognition in the Who’s Who roster, Builder and Developer is currently accepting entries for three premier project and company honors. Nominations close on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
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Builder and Developer
 
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…
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Builder and Developer
 
The new trends defining fall's luxury interiors
Restrained color palettes have defined luxury interiors for years. This fall, however, interior design is shifting towards warmer and darker tones. Pale white oak and bleached finishes are being replaced by walnut, espresso oak and other rich brown woods. It is no secret why; dark wood introduces depth into a space, especially against ivory upholstery, travertine, alabaster or warm white walls. Rather than feel heavy, it feels intentional. This year is becoming more nuanced…
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Builder and Developer
 
 












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