Helena Habitat for Humanity Aims to Build 1,000 Affordable Homes
A new Habitat for Humanity project in Helena, Mont., aims to deliver 1,000 affordable housing units and outdoor community amenities
How Eminent Domain May Be Used to Respond to Climate Crises
Eminent domain, which grants the government power to take private property for public use, has displaced thousands of Americans for the sake of infrastructure in the past, but it may be used for a better purpose in a global climate crisis
Soil Connect Is Moving Dirt and Building Relationships
Cliff Fetner created Soil Connect so builders and developers could more easily move dirt and other aggregates from jobsite to jobsite, but it has expanded to become something much more
NAHB Develops Land Use Resources for Home Builders and Buyers
NAHB Chairman's Message: An NAHB Land Development Committee working group is creating educational resources to help make land-use policy information more accessible
How to Transform a Non-View Lot Into an Eye-Catching Home Site
Not everyone can afford to pay a premium for sought-after view lots, but following these design tips can turn any basic yard into a charming outdoor living space
North Carolina Habitat for Humanity Buys 100 Acres of Land for Workforce Housing
The Sandhills, NC, office recently bought 100 acres of land to build workforce housing for hundreds of families
The New Home Company forms subsidiary specializing in complex land transactions
The New Home Company of Aliso Viejo, Calif. has formed a new subsidiary, TNHC Land, to source and purchase land in key Southern California and Northern California markets. Andrew “A.J.” Jarvis has been named president of TNHC Land.
Wash. town considers giving developers up to eight years to finish projects
Spokane Valley, Wash., may dramatically increase the amount of time developers and builders have to complete projects.
Crescent Resources appoints Andrew Carmody president of residential division
A national search culminated in the appointment of Andrew Carmody as president of the residential division of Crescent Resources LLC. Carmody has held senior leadership positions with Kitson & Partners, Centex Homes and McKinsey & Co.
Northern California master-planned community sold to Lafferty Communities
The Hoffman Company—one of California’s most established land brokerage firms—announced today that it has closed the sale of the Faria Preserve property to Lafferty Communities, a private, family-owned developer, in one of the largest land transactions in the East Bay area in several years.
Forestar Land Partners buys last parcel of Corona, Calif. master planned community
Forestar Land Partners, a venture between the owners of Foremost Communities and an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group Global, LP, announced it has acquired a 300-acre parcel of entitled land at the western edge of Corona at a public auction.
Editorial: Land of opportunity
Lately, the talk from builders that I’ve connected with has been about the suddenly dwindling supply of available prime real estate in their markets, especially entitled land and finished lots in good locations. I’m also hearing stories of bidding wars leading to a run-up in lot and land prices in certain submarkets and communities. The fascinating thing is that these land battles and lot shortages are even occurring in some of the nation’s most overbuilt markets.
California Marine base to become a residential development
Irvine, Calif., officials last week granted final approval for the development of up to 5,000 homes on the old El Toro Marine Corps base. The development has a 10-year timeline and includes more than 500 affordable-housing units.
Taylor Morrison CEO: ?We have the cleanliness of our balance sheet to move this business forward?
Professional Builder recently sat down with Taylor Morrison President and CEO Sheryl Palmer to discuss the firm's acquisition, growth opportunities, road to profitability, and land strategy. Here's a recap of the conversation.
Pella, Iowa and Southlake, Texas among top U.S. cities to ‘live and learn’
GreatSchools and Forbes have released their annual Top Cities to Live and Learn report, which ranks U.S. cities with the top-performing public schools in every housing price range. Among the 67 cities to make the 2011 list are: Pella, Iowa; Southlake, Texas; St. Johns, Fla.; Mercer Island, Wash.; and Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Business Management
Builders Profit From Distressed Land Acquisitions
While many home builders are minimizing exposure to land assets, opportunistic companies like Charter Homes, Signature Homes, and Toll Brothers view distressed land acquisition as a solution for both short-term survival and future success
