Page 10 - Builder Brief December 2025

E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T
UNLOCKING INSIGHTS: WHAT
2026 HOLDS FOR THE HOME
BUILDING INDUSTRY
I recently read a thought-provoking article titled Navigating the Fog in
the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Magazine published by the Urban Land
Institute (ULI), a highly respected association of real estate professionals.
The article addressed the uncertainty that lays ahead in 2026 after the
interest driven repricing cycle we experienced in 2025.
It was interesting to note that the critical issues outlined in the research
conducted by ULI were very closely aligned with ours. The critical issues
from the ULI November issue are listed below.
y Labor Cost and Availability
y State and Local Regulations
y Operating Costs
y Immigration
y Housing Costs and Availability
y Political Extremism
NAHB has a few additional issues which include lot and land availability,
federal regulations and the skilled labor shortage.
Ali Wolf, Chief Economist for Zonda, in a speech to industry leaders on
November 19th, echoed comments from the ULI article and forecasted
that 2026 will be stable but risks are higher due to new policies, conflicting
datasets and the fluid environment. She noted that if the Federal Reserve
resumes cutting interest rates, it will boost sales.
NAHB Economist Eric Lynch in his latest Economic Update webinar gave
interesting statistics that look hopeful. Eric shared that NAHB research shows
that inflation is trending lower but continues to be higher than the Federal
Reserves target rate of 2%.The Consumer Price Index (CPI) registered a
year-over-year reading of 2.9%, the highest rate since January and the
shelter component continues to be the largest contributor to headline
inflation and is at its lowest rate of 3.6% since October of 2021.
As we look to the future, adding to the housing supply is the key solution.
We want to invite you to GSABA’s Annual Housing Forecast on Friday,
January 9th at 8:00 am at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, breakfast will be
served. Our Keynote Speakers are Dr. Rob Dietz, Chief Economist with
NAHB and Bryan Glasshagel, Sr. Vice President with Zonda, both back by
popular demand.
Our keynote speakers will share critical information with you to help you
craft your company’s business plan and give you insight into what the year
ahead holds. Will consumers sit on the sidelines? What does housing
affordability look like? Will there be a lack of job growth? Are interest rate
buydowns the new norm?
K R I S T I S U T T E R F I E L D
Join us to gain valuable insight and to network
with industry leaders and your peers. You can
purchase a table or a ticket online at www.
sabuilders.com. We expect 900+ members to
attend and we have built in great networking time
before breakfast, during the coffee break and
immediately after the forecast too.
If you're interested in advertising in the 2026
Housing Forecast Magazine, please email me
at KSutterfield@sabuilders.com. This magazine
is one of our most sought-after publications,
featuring the PowerPoint slides from our keynote
speakers. We utilize the magazine throughout the
year and distribute it to city officials and elected
representatives as well. Don’t miss this opportunity
to showcase your brand!
I invite you to get involved in 2026, join us at our
Tuesday, January 20th Board of Directors meeting
at 11:30am, lunch will be served. Please let us
know if you plan to attend so we can have your
meal ready for you. This is a wonderful opportunity
to connect with the leadership of the Association
and stay informed about upcoming developments!
Thank you for being a GSABA member. As
we look back on 2025, we are thankful for our
members and for all that you do for our industry
and community.
Warm Regards,
10 DECEMBER 2025 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION