D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume

D.R. Horton builds single-family homes across the United States under multiple brand names, including Horton Homes, Emerald Homes, Express Homes, and Hillwood Homes. The company operates in over 140 markets and sells tens of thousands of homes each year. If you are shopping for a new construction home, you are likely to encounter D.R. Horton properties in your area.

D.R. Horton does not finance home purchases itself. Instead, the company partners with mortgage lenders and can connect you with loan officers who work with their sales team. You will still need to shop for your own mortgage rate and terms, just as you would buying an existing home. The builder's role is to construct the house and manage the sales process; the lender's role is to fund the purchase.

Understanding how D.R. Horton's pricing, incentives, and financing connections work helps you compare their homes fairly against other builders and against existing homes in your market.

Key Takeaways

  • D.R. Horton prices vary widely by region and floor plan, ranging from entry-level to luxury segments depending on the market and brand.
  • The builder frequently offers incentives such as upgraded appliances, flooring, or closing cost information, but these change based on local market conditions and inventory levels.
  • D.R. Horton does not lend money directly; you will need to obtain a mortgage from a separate lender, though the builder can introduce you to loan officers.
  • New construction homes typically take several months to build after you sign a purchase agreement, so your mortgage rate may be locked in before construction begins.
  • You should compare D.R. Horton's base price, included features, and incentives against other builders and resale homes in the same area before committing.

How D.R. Horton's pricing and incentives work

D.R. Horton publishes base prices for each floor plan in each community, but the final price you pay depends on the lot, any upgrades you choose, and current builder incentives. A home on a corner lot or a lot with a view may cost more than the same floor plan on a standard lot. Upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, or a finished basement add to the base price.

Builder incentives—such as paying closing costs, upgrading appliances, or reducing the price—are common in new construction. D.R. Horton's incentives shift based on how quickly homes are selling in each community. In a slow market, incentives tend to be larger. In a fast-moving market, they may be smaller or unavailable. You should ask the sales agent what incentives are currently offered and whether they are negotiable.

The base price typically includes standard finishes: basic kitchen and bathroom fixtures, standard flooring, and standard exterior features. Anything beyond that—a premium kitchen package, upgraded countertops, a deck, or a finished basement—costs extra. Get a detailed list of what is included in the base price before you compare it to other builders.

D.R. Horton's multiple brands and what they target

D.R. Horton operates several brands, each aimed at a different market segment. Horton Homes is the original brand and typically builds mid-range homes. Express Homes focuses on entry-level and first-time buyers with smaller floor plans and lower prices. Emerald Homes targets the move-up and luxury segments with larger homes and premium finishes. Hillwood Homes operates primarily in Texas and builds across multiple price points.

The brand you encounter depends on your region and price range. A D.R. Horton community in an urban area may feature Express Homes at lower price points, while a suburban community in the same metro area might feature Horton Homes or Emerald Homes at higher price points. Ask which brand operates in the community you are considering, because brand can signal the price range and typical buyer profile.

How financing works when you buy from D.R. Horton

D.R. Horton does not originate mortgages. You will need to obtain a loan from a bank, credit union, mortgage company, or online lender. The builder's sales office typically has relationships with several mortgage lenders and can introduce you to loan officers, but you are not required to use them. You can shop for a mortgage on your own or work with a mortgage broker.

When you sign a purchase agreement with D.R. Horton, you will choose a closing date—typically 4 to 6 months after signing, depending on the construction timeline. Your mortgage lender will lock in your interest rate at some point before closing. Some buyers lock in the rate when ready after signing the purchase agreement; others wait closer to the closing date. A rate lock protects you if rates rise, but it expires if you do not close by the lock expiration date.

You will need to provide the lender with proof of income, employment, assets, and credit history, just as you would for any mortgage. The lender will order an appraisal of the home once construction is underway or complete. If the appraised value is lower than the purchase price, you may need to pay the difference out of pocket or renegotiate the price with the builder.

What to expect during the construction and closing process

After you sign the purchase agreement, D.R. Horton will begin construction on your home. The timeline varies by community and current workload, but most homes take 4 to 6 months to build. You will typically have one or more walk-throughs during construction to inspect the work and note any issues.

A few weeks before the closing date, your lender will order a final appraisal and conduct a final walkthrough of the completed home. You will also conduct your own final walkthrough to verify that all agreed-upon upgrades and finishes are in place and that any construction defects have been corrected. If you find issues, notify the builder when ready; some issues may delay closing until they are fixed.

At closing, you will sign the mortgage note and deed of trust, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys. D.R. Horton will provide you with a one-year warranty covering structural defects and major systems. Some communities offer extended warranty options for an additional cost.

Comparing D.R. Horton homes to other builders and resale homes

New construction homes offer advantages: everything is under warranty, you choose the finishes, and you know the home's history. They also carry disadvantages: you pay builder markup, you wait months for completion, and you may pay more than a comparable resale home in the same area.

To compare fairly, list the base price, all included features, all upgrades you want, and all incentives offered. Then find 3 to 5 resale homes in the same community or neighborhood with similar square footage, lot size, and finishes. Compare the total out-of-pocket cost—including down payment, closing costs, and any repairs or upgrades you would need to make to a resale home. Sometimes new construction is cheaper; sometimes resale is.

Also compare the mortgage terms. A resale home purchase closes in 30 to 45 days; a new construction purchase closes in 4 to 6 months. If you lock in a mortgage rate for new construction, you are betting that rates will not fall significantly before closing. If rates do fall, you will be locked in at a higher rate.

Common issues to watch for when buying D.R. Horton new construction

New construction buyers sometimes discover that the final price is higher than expected because upgrades add up quickly. Get a detailed estimate of the total price—base price plus all upgrades plus closing costs—before you commit. Ask whether the builder will credit any incentives toward upgrades or closing costs, or whether incentives are only price reductions.

Construction delays are common in new construction. Weather, supply chain issues, and labor shortages can push closing dates back by weeks or months. Your mortgage rate lock may expire before closing, forcing you to renegotiate or lock in a new rate. Ask the builder what happens if closing is delayed and whether you have any recourse.

Some buyers find that the home does not match the model they toured. Floor plans, finishes, and lot layouts can vary. Walk through the actual home you are buying—not just the model—during construction to verify it matches your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price with D.R. Horton?

Base prices are typically fixed, but incentives and upgrades are sometimes negotiable, especially in slower markets. Ask the sales agent what is negotiable and what is not. Builders are more likely to negotiate on incentives than on base price.

What if I need to back out of the purchase agreement?

Your purchase agreement will specify the terms under which you can cancel and what happens to your deposit. Most agreements allow cancellation during an inspection period (usually 7 to 10 days) with your deposit returned. After that period, cancellation terms vary and may result in loss of your deposit.

Does D.R. Horton offer any financing information or down payment help?

D.R. Horton does not directly lend money or offer down payment information. However, some communities may offer builder incentives that can be applied toward closing costs. Ask your sales agent whether any incentives can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing.

How long does it take to build a D.R. Horton home?

Construction typically takes 4 to 6 months from the time you sign the purchase agreement, though timelines vary by community, floor plan, and current workload. Weather and supply delays can extend the timeline. Ask the builder for an estimated completion date when you sign.

What warranty does D.R. Horton provide?

D.R. Horton provides a one-year warranty covering structural defects and major systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Some communities offer extended warranties for an additional cost. Review the warranty terms in your purchase agreement.