If you’re thinking about buying or building a new construction home in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the builder you choose matters just as much as the neighborhood.
I’m Keela McGraw, a Dallas–Fort Worth REALTOR®, and I work with new-construction buyers across DFW every week. One builder that consistently comes up in buyer conversations—and one we work with across many communities—is Highland Homes.
This article is for buyers who are already considering new construction and want clarity, not marketing, around quality, pricing, communication, and what happens after closing.
This is not sponsored. The goal is to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Why Builder Choice Matters So Much in DFW Right Now
Dallas–Fort Worth continues to rank among the top metro areas in the country for new home construction. Because of inventory challenges, timelines, and buyer preferences, many relocation buyers are choosing new construction over resale homes.
When you have this much construction happening at once, not all builders operate the same way. The differences often show up during the build process—and even more so after closing.
That’s why builder selection matters.
Who Is Highland Homes?
Highland Homes was founded in 1985 by siblings Rod Sanders and Jean Anne Brock. They build throughout Texas, including Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
In DFW alone, Highland builds in 50+ communities, giving buyers flexibility when it comes to location, price point, and timing.
One important distinction:
Highland Homes is employee-owned and not publicly traded.
In our experience, that often shows up in:
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Accountability
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Consistency
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Better on-site communication
As REALTORS®, we pay close attention to how on-site teams talk about their builder when they don’t have to sell. With Highland, we consistently hear positive internal feedback—something that is not universal in this industry.
Our Experience Working With Highland Homes Buyers
We’ve helped multiple relocation buyers purchase Highland homes across DFW, including:
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Buyers on tight job relocation timelines
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Families needing homes ready before school start dates
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Buyers choosing between quick move-in homes and ground-up builds
In several situations, Highland had available options when other builders did not.
Are they perfect? No builder is.
But when issues come up—and every home has something—those issues are typically addressed rather than ignored.
That matters when you’re making one of the largest financial decisions of your life.
Highland Homes Pricing in DFW
Highland Homes in DFW generally range from:
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Mid $300,000s up to $2M+
Pricing depends on:
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Location
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Lot size
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Community guidelines
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Structural and design selections
Most of the buyers we work with fall into the $400,000–$800,000 range, which tends to be Highland’s sweet spot for:
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Layout efficiency
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Value
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Community availability
Floor Plans & Home Options
One thing buyers are often surprised by is just how many options Highland offers.
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200+ floor plans across communities
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Single-story and two-story options
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Flex spaces, offices, media rooms, and multi-gen layouts
Not every plan is available in every community—lot size and HOA guidelines still apply—but buyers rarely feel boxed in.
Quick Move-In vs Building From the Ground Up
With Highland Homes, buyers typically have two paths:
Quick Move-In Homes
These homes are already built or near completion and are ideal for:
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Relocation buyers
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Buyers on tight timelines
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Lease-ending situations
Building From the Ground Up
This includes:
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Choosing a floor plan
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Selecting structural options
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Completing interior design selections
Highland is not a custom builder, which actually helps keep:
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Pricing more predictable
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Timelines clearer
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Expectations realistic
Want More Customization? Huntington Homes
For buyers wanting more luxury or design flexibility, Highland also builds under their Huntington Homes brand.
Huntington Homes typically offer:
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Larger lots
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Higher-end finishes
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More architectural flexibility
This is often where we guide buyers who want a more custom feel while still benefiting from the structure, systems, and warranties of a larger builder.
Warranties & What Happens After Closing
This is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of choosing a builder.
Highland Homes offers:
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1-year functional warranty
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2-year mechanical warranty
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6-year structural warranty
They also service warranties internally, meaning you’re dealing directly with the builder rather than a third-party warranty company.
No home is perfect.
The difference is whether the builder stands behind it.
From our experience, Highland does.
Inspections & Communication
We always recommend that buyers get a third-party inspection, even with new construction.
What we’ve seen:
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Highland is receptive to inspection reports
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Items are addressed rather than dismissed
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Communication remains professional
This is where builder experience truly shows.
Incentives & Financing
Like most large builders, Highland has an in-house lender. Incentives can vary by:
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Community
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Timing
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Inventory levels
Incentives may include:
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Closing cost assistance
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Rate buydowns
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Price adjustments
These change often, which is why having representation matters.
When Highland Homes May Not Be the Best Fit
Highland may not be ideal if:
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You want the absolute lowest price per square foot
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You want a fully custom home from scratch
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You want to design every detail without production structure
Highland’s strength is consistency, communication, and predictability, not rock-bottom pricing.
Final Thoughts: Is Highland Homes Worth Considering?
If you’re considering new construction in DFW and Highland Homes has a community that fits your:
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Budget
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Timeline
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Location
They are absolutely worth considering—especially if you value:
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Clear communication
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Predictable timelines
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A smoother overall experience
Important Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with Highland Homes or Huntington Homes, and this is not sponsored. We are only compensated when representing buyers.
Every builder experience can vary by community and team.
Thinking About Building in DFW?
If you’re considering building or buying new construction anywhere in Dallas–Fort Worth and want help comparing builders, incentives, or communities, feel free to reach out.
If you’ve built with Highland or Huntington Homes, sharing your experience can help other buyers make informed decisions.
Contact Torrey & Keela McGraw, Dallas–Fort Worth REALTORS®, if you have questions about building with Highland Homes or new construction in DFW.
