Highland vs Darling Question (Allen, Huntington: sales, houses, buying)

[flyfishingjones]

I live in a development in Allen where these two are the builders, and Highland/Huntington is outselling Darling easily 5 to 1. I know they both have great reputations, nice plans, prices seem to be similar. Any insight from folks as to the disparity in sales?

[Rakin]

These are both fantastic builders and both do a great job.

Over the years, Highland has been very aggressive in promoting themselves to the Realtor community and are highly thought of. Darling traditionally was a little less aggressive but the last 2-3 years is doing much better on getting their name and product out to agents.

These are both 2 of the top builders in their price range and either choice you make will not be a wrong choice.

I sell a lot of Highland Homes, live in a Darling home and have no trouble recommending either to my clients. The Darling Home we built last year was one of the best experiences I've had with a builder and their warranty and follow up has been beyond expectations.

[flyfishingjones]

Originally Posted by Rakin

These are both fantastic builders and both do a great job.

Over the years, Highland has been very aggressive in promoting themselves to the Realtor community and are highly thought of. Darling traditionally was a little less aggressive but the last 2-3 years is doing much better on getting their name and product out to agents.

These are both 2 of the top builders in their price range and either choice you make will not be a wrong choice.

I sell a lot of Highland Homes, live in a Darling home and have no trouble recommending either to my clients. The Darling Home we built last year was one of the best experiences I've had with a builder and their warranty and follow up has been beyond expectations.

Interesting... so you'd chalk up the disparity to agent promotion? Do you see the same kinds of disparity in sales across DFW in developments where these two build together, or is my development an anolmoly? (I live in Star Creek, for reference).

Thanks for your input!

[Big G]

My impression with Darling is that their operations can support a certain volume of business. That's what they sell and that's what they build.

They're not interested in selling, say, 50 extra houses, only to have them slapped together by unsupervised subs and overwhelmed construction managers. They'd rather operate within the limitations of their business than expand to the point of letting the quality and reputation suffer.

So no, I don't think it's a matter of one builder being "better" than the other, just "bigger".

[Rakin]

BigG hit it pretty well.

Any subdivision Highland sells in they will usually sell out all their homes 1st and be gone from the subdivision before the others. I've seen this when they build with Drees, Darling and the others. Highland is geared and has the process in place for a higher volume. They accomplish this (IMO) with out cutting corners on their homes. I currently have 1 client building with Darling and 2 about to go under contract with Highland.

As I mentioned, I personally would be happy with either builder. I am very pleased with the home we built with Darling last year. If Highland had built in my subdivision I would have also talked to them.

[flyfishingjones]

Makes sense - that would be consistent with the pace they seem to build as well. The Darling homes that have been built take longer - there doesn't seem to be as much consistent activity as there is at the Highland homes, which would support the argument that they just aren't geared for managing as much volume/ process.

And I haven't noticed or heard of any disparity in quality between the two either, so I guess it just boils down to buisness model differences.

Thanks again for the responses

[tigervegas]

I recently had a highland home built in the newer phase of star creek. Just moved in in January (Hi neighbor!). The reason we went with highland at the time was because they could promise us the house quicker. They quoted us a 6-7 month delivery time frame. Darling quoted 6 months before they could START construction. Im happy with my highland home but am sure that I would have been happy with either.

[arps]

hi ... me n my husband r looking to buy our 1st house in star creek allen... we looked at darling n highland homes.. frm price point pref. in the 50' lot, HL is the only player. would like to know if
1. do darling/highland home negotiate on base price or upgrades
2.do u face any inconvenience or safety issues with rear end garage
3. could kids get admission in kerr elementary school

[mikestrong]

Originally Posted by arps

hi ... me n my husband r looking to buy our 1st house in star creek allen... we looked at darling n highland homes.. frm price point pref. in the 50' lot, HL is the only player. would like to know if
1. do darling/highland home negotiate on base price or upgrades
2.do u face any inconvenience or safety issues with rear end garage
3. could kids get admission in kerr elementary school

1. Darling not so much. Highland sometimes, BUT that is a really good area so I don't see you getting much off the base. You might be able to get more in options though since those always are a profit maker for a builder.
2. No.
3. Don't know.

[flyfishingjones]

Originally Posted by arps

hi ... me n my husband r looking to buy our 1st house in star creek allen... we looked at darling n highland homes.. frm price point pref. in the 50' lot, HL is the only player. would like to know if
1. do darling/highland home negotiate on base price or upgrades
2.do u face any inconvenience or safety issues with rear end garage
3. could kids get admission in kerr elementary school

1. There is *some* room, especially if you are buying a spec home. Highland and Darling have both been building quite a few homes on spec in Star Creek, mostly because they sell before they're finished.
2. Nope, alley entry garages are pretty normal here and no safety issues that I'm aware of. (and you can get front entry garages in Star Creek, you just have to be in the 6-700k price point)
3. Probably not, and frankly, I'm not sure why you'd want to if school quality is your concern. Cheatham Elementary is brand new, and from all reports, a very good school.

Good luck!