Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Sept. 14 lowered its ratings for home builder Pulte Group Inc., saying the company's earnings will likely remain weak into next year due to a slower-than-expected U.S. housing recovery.
Builders rightly obsess about cost reduction, but there's a revolution brewing under the banner of Lean operations. On the surface, it resembles traditional value engineering, but there are crucial distinctions
The scenario is all too familiar to builders that have lived through multiple economic recessions: The moment the housing market dives, banks and lending institutions come calling.
Mixed-use residential development is on the upswing, particularly in urban areas. But before jumping into this market, home builders need to consider the risks versus rewards.
