I am looking at some in Friendswood (Lake at San Joaquim) and the $/sq. ft. is much less than West Ranch (other new subdivision, Trendmaker Homes, Village Builders, HIghland Homes, Toll Brothers, Partners in Building, and Coventry Homes).

Other than location, are those builders making much better quality homes than Brighton? Or is there something else to the home values in West Ranch?

Brighton is owned by K. Hovnanian, who is a huge national builder.

They are generally considered fairly entry level and not really on par with the other ones you listed.

Ronnie did you end up building in San Joaquin or West Ranch?

My realtor said that is one of the few builders he would urge me to not see

theo,
That generally means that they don't offer nice little extra commissions to the agent. In slow times or in neighborhood closeouts builders routinely offer a little extra$$ at closing. Usually $500 to $1000 above and beyond the usual 3%. Buyers are never told.
Brighton is a pretty good builder.

A. Doubt $500 or $1000 is much of an incentive on a deal that's likely netting a commission of $6k+ on a new home.

B. Buyers are aware of the little bonuses... disclosure is required by law on the HUD and, in this age of lending, that's taken pretty damn seriously.

Understand your line of thinking and appreciate the concern. But have a rock star realtor (ag) that we trust. Some of his assessment may be customer service based as well.

Brighton builds big boxes. Nowhere near the same class of the other builders you've mentioned.

I love Trendmaker homes. They do some really cool stuff with their designs.