Multi HB - Home Building, Construction Trends, Financing New Homes - Page 2

Showing articles 13 - 24 of 293

Why Mass Timber Beats Steel and Concrete in 2026

Mass timber transforms contemporary construction through rapid assembly, environmental sustainability, and inherent beauty. Professionals select it for lower carbon emissions, efficient workflows, and resilient, welcoming designs. Engineered options like cross-laminated and glue-laminated timber fuse tradition with advancement, delivering durability, livability, and enduring style that influences building practices into 2026 and further.

By Becca Woods

Jan 3, 2026

6 min read

sustainable materials construction

Budgeting & Financing

Builders Pay Your Interest to Lower Monthly Payments

Homebuilders employ mortgage rate buydowns to sustain sales despite elevated interest rates. These incentives allow builders to cover portions of buyers' interest costs, resulting in reduced initial payments and improved affordability.

By Kara Harris

Jan 2, 2026

5 min read

home financing mortgage

Construction Trends

Battery-Ready Homes: What the 2026 Wiring Rule Means

From 2026 onward, new residential constructions must incorporate battery-ready features, such as pre-installed wiring and designated spaces for energy storage systems. This regulation promotes seamless integration with solar power, eliminates the need for disruptive retrofits, and enhances property value. Proactive planning during the building phase allows homeowners to install backup power solutions effortlessly in the future.

By Kara Harris

Jan 2, 2026

4 min read

storage energy homes

Construction Materials & Methods

Hempcrete Walls Absorb Carbon While They Cure

Hempcrete transitions from niche material to mainstream choice, enabling carbon-negative construction by 2026. Composed of hemp, lime, and water, it forms breathable, durable walls that sequester CO2 while providing energy efficiency and natural comfort in modern designs.

By Becca Woods

Jan 1, 2026

5 min read

sustainable materials construction

Budgeting & Financing

Builder Rate Buydowns Soften the Landing in 2026

Builder rate buydowns emerge as vital 2026 incentives, providing temporary interest rate reductions that lower early mortgage payments and enhance buyer confidence in new home acquisitions.

By Emily Lockwood

Jan 1, 2026

4 min read

home financing mortgage

Budgeting & Financing

Bridge Loans at 6% Break the Selling-Building Gap

With bridge loan rates at 6 percent, homeowners can initiate construction promptly, bypassing delays from unsold properties and unlocking equity efficiently.

By Becca Woods

Jan 1, 2026

4 min read

construction financing construction financing

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

Solar Roof Tiles Now Match Shingles on Price

In 2025, solar roof tiles compete directly with shingles on price, combining elegant design, robust performance, and renewable energy generation. Advanced manufacturing and incentives deliver long-term savings and environmental gains, making them an ideal choice for forward-thinking homeowners.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 31, 2025

5 min read

tiles integrated roofing

Construction Materials & Methods

Why Hempcrete and Ashcrete Are Going Mainstream

Hempcrete and ashcrete emerge as viable alternatives to traditional concrete, offering environmental benefits and practical advantages. Hempcrete provides carbon-negative insulation and moisture regulation, while ashcrete repurposes industrial waste for durable, low-cost applications. These materials support energy-efficient, resilient buildings that align with modern sustainability goals.

By Becca Woods

Dec 31, 2025

4 min read

construction concrete hempcrete

Budgeting & Financing

Builder Buydowns Drop Payments Hundreds for First Years

As mortgage rates climb in 2025, builder buydowns gain prominence by reducing buyer interest rates temporarily or permanently. Builders fund these cuts to sustain sales, delivering substantial early savings. Understand the process, expenses involved, and ways to integrate them into your financial plan.

By Becca Woods

Dec 30, 2025

4 min read

home financing 2025

Construction Materials & Methods

Hempcrete and Mycelium: Natural Materials That Breathe

Hempcrete and mycelium revolutionize sustainable construction by providing breathable, renewable insulation that regulates climate, cuts emissions, and enhances durability. These materials create vibrant, efficient homes. Discover planning and building strategies for eco-conscious spaces that promote wellness and environmental harmony.

By Kara Harris

Dec 29, 2025

5 min read

materials construction concrete

Budgeting & Financing

Why Real Estate Investors Skip W-2s for DSCR Loans

DSCR loans allow real estate investors to secure financing without W-2s by prioritizing property cash flow over personal income. Ideal for self-employed individuals and short-term rental owners, they provide swift approvals and scalable options. This guide explains DSCR calculations, advantages, pitfalls, and implementation strategies for portfolio growth.

By Becca Woods

Dec 29, 2025

5 min read

financing loans real

Construction Trends

Insurance Now Rewards Homes Built to Resist Storms

With 2025 insurance mandates in place, homeowners must demonstrate climate resilience to secure coverage and manage premiums. Upgrades like fire-rated roofs and flood barriers safeguard properties, cut expenses, and enhance living conditions. Discover how these prevention-oriented policies transform homeownership by incentivizing durable, adaptive designs.

By Becca Woods

Dec 28, 2025

4 min read

insurance climate homeowners

Construction Materials & Methods

Hempcrete Homes Cut Energy Bills in Half While Absorbing Carbon

Hempcrete emerges as a game-changer in sustainable building, delivering carbon-negative performance, breathability, and energy savings. Composed of hemp hurds, lime, and water, this material provides long-lasting strength, enhanced comfort, and aesthetic appeal while minimizing emissions and operational expenses. As construction professionals integrate it into complete residential structures, hempcrete sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible living.

By Kara Harris

Dec 28, 2025

4 min read

sustainable materials construction

Budgeting & Financing

Builders Face 85% Insurance Premium Jump in 2025

Construction professionals encounter insurance premiums potentially increasing by 85% in 2025 due to heightened claims from extreme weather, escalating material prices, and operational hazards. Industry leaders adapt by revising budgets, enhancing safety protocols, and pursuing cost-effective group insurance options. This trend fosters advanced risk management practices and drives innovation across the sector.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 27, 2025

4 min read

insurance coverage construction

Budgeting & Financing

Bridge Loans Buy Time When Buyer Financing Stalls

90-day bridge loans offer builders swift short-term financing to sustain project progress amid delays in long-term funding or buyer mortgage approvals. These loans feature rapid processing, adaptable repayment options, and competitive rates to enhance cash flow and avert expensive setbacks, provided borrowers establish precise timelines, control expenditures, and develop robust repayment strategies.

By Kara Harris

Dec 27, 2025

4 min read

construction financing loans

Construction Materials & Methods

Build Higher Now or Pay More Later for Flood Insurance

Upcoming 2025 flood regulations elevate building standards and associated expenses. Strategic choices, such as higher foundations, durable materials, and enhanced drainage, reduce insurance rates while enhancing property resilience. Elevation exceeds mere regulatory adherence; it delivers security, financial benefits, and tranquility amid increasing flood risks.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 26, 2025

4 min read

insurance construction 2025

Budgeting & Financing

Bridge Loans Turn Home Building Gaps Into Opportunities

Navigating the sale of your current home while constructing a custom one presents financial challenges. Bridge loans provide short-term financing to support land purchases, deposits, and construction timelines. In 2025, favorable rates and structured options enable builders to maintain momentum without unnecessary delays.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 26, 2025

5 min read

home construction financing

Construction Materials & Methods

Materials That Withstand Wildfires and Hurricanes

Learn about key building materials such as fiber cement siding, insulated concrete forms, metal roofing, impact-resistant windows, and fire-rated components. These options provide robust protection against wildfires and hurricanes while maintaining aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency for long-term home resilience.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 26, 2025

6 min read

climate materials wildfire

Construction Materials & Methods

Foundation Alternatives Cut Building Costs 40% in 2025

Innovative foundation materials including hempcrete, recycled plastic panels, and screw piles are revolutionizing construction in 2025. These options lower costs by up to 40 percent, accelerate installation, and minimize environmental impact, offering durable and sustainable solutions for homeowners, small-scale builders, and developers.

By Emily Lockwood

Dec 25, 2025

6 min read

foundation hempcrete alternatives

Budgeting & Financing

USDA Loans Now Cover Solar in Rural Home Builds

From 2025, USDA construction loans integrate solar financing for rural homes, offering single-close simplicity, no down payment options, and immediate energy savings to foster affordable, eco-friendly builds.

By Becca Woods

Dec 25, 2025

5 min read

home construction financing