A roadside ditch miles from the nearest body of water larger than a puddle

Run down the list of Strivers, firms that rank from No. 276 to No. 400 in housing revenue, and it's obvious these companies have more in common with the fragmented mainstream of the American housing industry than with the multimarket Masters of the Uni..

That water and/or sewer main running near the property you want to buy is often a blessing, but trouble could lurk there, too, says Tom Stephani, a builder in Crystal Lake, Ill.

Who's No.1 in housing revenue matters to the public homebuilders at the top of PB's rankings, mostly because it's a measure of their own choosing.

Everyone loves the story of David and Goliath, save perhaps the likes of Donald Rumsfeld, George Steinbrenner, Shaquille O'Neal or last season's Miami Hurricanes football team

Laura Ziff, president of Associated Asset Management, a Phoenix-based real estate management firm whose clients include Richmond American, D.R. Horton and Pulte, advises a beefed-up approach to homeowners associations with general tips

The new home sector has shown extraordinary strength as the national economy has meandered through the past three years.

A new Department of Housing and Urban Development education initiative is aimed at helping builders, developers, architects and designers learn how to design and build multifamily homes in compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

The new LifeStyle Ironing Center allows builders to sell convenience, offering customers practical and inexpensive solutions to their needs.