Each summer, builders, remodelers, associates and industry leaders across our state gather at the Sunbelt Builders Show to learn and hear where our industry is headed. One session I look forward to most is the housing market forecast. While headlines focus on uncertainty, this year’s presentation reinforced what I believe: Texas — and especially Greater San Antonio — is built for the long haul.
Today’s market differs from a few years ago. Higher interest rates have slowed buyer activity, affordability remains a challenge, and builders face elevated development costs and labor shortages. But our industry adapts.
Housing is cyclical: markets rise, cool and recover. The fundamental need for housing endures. Families keep moving to Texas, businesses invest, employers create jobs, and people seek communities to build futures. That’s why I’m optimistic.
Texas remains a strong housing market because fundamentals are solid: population growth, economic expansion and opportunities unmatched elsewhere. While home sales may fluctuate, long-term housing demand persists.
In Greater San Antonio, we see that strength firsthand. San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing metros in the nation. Families are drawn by relative affordability, military presence, expanding healthcare, manufacturing growth and quality of life — long-term drivers of housing demand.
Demand alone doesn’t solve affordability. Today’s buyers face higher monthly payments, even as prices stabilize. Builders absorb higher labor, infrastructure, insurance, regulatory and development costs. Every fee, delay or unnecessary regulation raises a family’s price.
That’s why advocacy is one of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association’s (GSABA) key responsibilities. Whether working with the City of San Antonio, surrounding municipalities, Bexar County, the Texas Association of Builders, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or our local REALTOR® associations, our mission is the same: promote policies that increase housing opportunities, not make homes less attainable.
We advocate for smarter regulations, predictable permitting, infrastructure investment and policies encouraging responsible growth. We work to ensure government is a partner — not a barrier — in addressing housing needs.
We’re also investing in people. A major challenge isn’t demand but the shortage of skilled professionals to build needed homes. GSABA expands workforce development with local school districts, Construction Careers Academy, St. Philip’s College, UTSA and NAHB Student Chapters. From introducing students to construction careers to continuing education for professionals, we’re building a workforce for decades to come.
I’m proud of partnerships with educators, contractors and members who offer job shadowing, internships, scholarships and mentoring. These efforts may not make headlines, but they’ll have lasting impact on South Texas housing.
The forecast showed encouraging signs of greater stability. Inflation has eased, supply chains are more predictable, and many economists expect a more favorable lending environment as inflation moderates. Greater economic stability will help restore confidence for builders, REALTORS® and buyers alike.
Meanwhile, our members continue innovating to serve customers, manage costs and deliver quality homes that strengthen communities. That’s why I’m confident about the future.
Our association is strongest when we work together — builders, remodelers, developers, suppliers, financial institutions, REALTORS®, elected officials, educators and community partners all play vital roles. No single organization can solve affordability alone, but together we can make meaningful progress.
As the year continues, GSABA will keep advocating for attainable housing, supporting members, developing tomorrow’s workforce and promoting policies for industry success.
Our market may evolve, but our mission remains unchanged.
We build homes. We create jobs. We strengthen communities.
I have every confidence Greater San Antonio’s building industry — working hand in hand with the REALTORS® who bring these homes to families — will continue leading Texas forward.
Thank you for your continued investment in our association and in the communities we serve. I look forward to building that future together.
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