Good afternoon, Builder Besties. This is Builder Buzz, the newsletter that’s here because building a home is a team effort- and we’re on your side. ✨🐝🏡

In today’s Buzz:

• 🏡 The must-watch NEW community of 2025.

• 🔎 2025 Housing Predictions

• 💡 Why do some buyers secure better deals than others

Plus SO MUCH more…..let’s see what is buzzing this week.

Danielle Kim, Publisher Builder Buzz

New Construction News 🗞️

Lumber prices dip..but don’t break out the confetti yet 🎉

Lumber prices dropped 2% last week, but here’s the kicker: they’re still 12.8% higher than this time last year. Translation? New construction in Houston is still pricey, and builders won’t see relief until mill prices chill out for weeks—maybe months.

So, Houston buyers, the million-dollar question: Pay top dollar for that fresh, new-home smell, or snag a resale and DIY your way to glory?

I’m not trying to get political, but…. 🛠️

I came across something interesting (and a little concerning): Texas’ construction industry could be facing some major challenges. With nearly 60% of the workforce being undocumented, proposed immigration changes might shrink the labor pool. That could mean delays for housing, schools, and infrastructure projects—things we all rely on.

Texas is growing fast, and immigrant labor has been a huge part of keeping up with demand. If the labor supply tightens, we might see higher costs and slower builds, especially here in Houston, where the market’s already competitive.

What do you think? Could this reshape the industry, or will builders find a way to keep moving forward? Definitely something to watch.

Burning Questions 🔥❓❓

This Week’s Question:
Why do some buyers get better deals from builders than others?

The Answer:
Ever wonder why your friend snagged an upgraded kitchen and $10K in closing costs while you got... a free doormat? It’s all about timing and strategy. Builders love to offload quick move-ins or hit those quarterly targets, and savvy buyers know when to jump. Hint: year-end deals and negotiating for upgrades are your secret weapons.

Pro Tip: Teaming up with an agent who knows the market can make all the difference. (I might know someone. 😉)

Have your own burning question? Reply to this email, and you could see it answered here next week! 🔥

The Design Buzz 🖌️

✨ 2025 home trends: smarter, sleeker, better

Taylor Morrison just shared their 2025 design predictions, and these trends are all about how we actually live. Here’s what’s worth knowing:

• Inclusive Design: Stepless showers, fewer hallways, and sensory-friendly spaces—practical and thoughtful.

• Multi-Gen Living: Floor plans with casitas, en-suites, and separate living areas are perfect for blending families.

• Nature Connection: Big patios (hello, 160 sq. ft.) and floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in—without the bugs.

• Smarter Space: Every square foot has a job. Smaller homes, better flow, zero wasted rooms.

“More function per foot” is the theme, and we’re here for it. Which trend fits your future home best?

Sponsored by….Your Houston Real Estate Insider 🌟

Your New Construction Insider 🏡

Buying a new home can feel overwhelming—but not when you’ve got Houston’s go-to new construction expert (that’s me) on your team. I’m here to cut through the noise and help you find the perfect fit.

Here’s the deal: I’ll show you which communities are set to hold their value, how to leverage builder incentives without falling for gimmicks, and why certain neighborhoods just make more sense for your lifestyle and budget.

Let’s make your next move a smart one. And if we don’t work together? No hard feelings—just at least invite me to the housewarming party. I’m great with games. 😉

📩 Reply to this email to get started!

What Builders Are Saying About 2025 👀

Some of Houston’s top builders and real estate leaders just shared their insights on what’s coming next year. Here’s the scoop:

• More homes, ready faster: Builders like Kathy Delgado (M/I Homes) and Brad Tiffan (Legend Homes) are ramping up ready-to-move-in homes for spring. New communities, including Colton, Kresston, and Beacon Point, are set to launch, according to Zein Mangalji (Highland Homes).

• Agents Are Key: Russell Bynum (Hillwood Communities) says Realtors drive over 80% of traffic to their communities. Builders know the right agent can make all the difference for buyers.

• Hot Trends: Buyers want flexible spaces for work or school, smart home tech, and outdoor living areas like patios and parks, say Brock Eller (David Weekley Homes) and Brad Tiffan (Legend Homes).

The Bottom Line:
Suburbs like Cypress, Magnolia, and Fulshear are heating up for 2025. With more homes on the market and better designs, spring could be the best time to find your dream home.

On the Horizon 🌄🏡

The Newest Community on the Block: COLTON

Montgomery County is growing fast, and with it comes Colton—a massive 5,700-acre master-planned community set to launch in 2025. With builders like Highland Homes and Perry Homes involved, it’s got the kind of variety and quality that gets people talking.

Communities like Colton can feel a bit like resorts with all their trails, green spaces, and splashy amenity centers (literally—there’s a splash pad). But those perks aren’t just about lifestyle; they also add long-term value. Big master-planned communities like this tend to hold their appeal better over time compared to smaller developments.

My take: Colton is worth watching because of its development potential and the quality of the builders involved. Mark your calendars for the grand opening in early 2025—it’ll be interesting to see how it all comes together. and no, this isn’t sponsored.

The Suburb Scoop 📍

The Buzz in Hockley 🌟

Hockley might not be the first suburb you think of, but it’s quietly making waves—and for good reason. With master-planned communities like Jubilee, Dellrose, and The Grand Prairie, Hockley is bringing parks, trails, and that family-friendly vibe to the table. The best part? Price tags here are a little easier to digest compared to neighboring Cypress.

And there’s more: Waller ISD just invested a whopping $295 million into upgrading schools. That’s a big deal for families and a clear signal of rising home values. Then there’s the buzz about the proposed bullet train to Dallas. If it happens, Hockley could transform into a major transit hub, driving even more growth.

Add in quick access to 290 and the Grand Parkway, and Hockley becomes a sweet spot for space, value, and convenience. It’s shaping up to be one of Houston’s next big hotspots.

What do you think? Should we spotlight another up-and-coming suburb next? Reply and let me know where we should take a closer look!🌟

Builder Bulletin 🗞️

Ready for the rundown on this month’s hottest builder deals? Here’s what caught my eye—and could save you big:

🛠 Perry Homes: $25K to use your way on select inventory homes. (Pick your perk: rate buydown, upgrades, or closing costs!)

🏠 Highland Homes: Take $10K off your rate or closing costs when you grab one of their inventory homes.

✨ Drees Homes: Fixed rates as low as 4.49% (6.572% APR) on select homes when you finance with their in-house lender. Plus, a 2-1 buydown option!

🔌 Ravanna Homes: A free whole-home generator and $10K in design credits or closing costs. (Your future self during a power outage will thank you.)

🍽️ Lennar Homes: FHA fixed rate at 3.99% (4.943% APR), $40K off the price, and an appliance package on move-in-ready homes. Talk about a triple threat.

💸 David Weekley: 4.99% fixed rate for year one, 5.99% after that—plus move-in-ready options now available.

🌳 Brookfield Residential: Get $20K-$30K off select inventory homes. (More cash for your backyard oasis!)

💡 Brightland Homes: $35K for design and structural upgrades, plus $10K toward closing costs.

📦 Tri-Point Homes: $30K in flex credit to make your home truly yours.

_{Disclaimer: Incentives are offered by the builders directly and may vary by each community within Houston. They typically apply to inventory homes and require using the builder’s lender and title company. Details are subject to change -confirm directly with the builder*}

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