On April 26, 2025, Hillwood Communities received its fourth consecutive Dallas-Fort Worth Developer of the Year Award at the McSAM Awards in Dallas. This isn't just another trophy for Ross Perot Jr.'s development company—it's validation that Hillwood's approach to master-planned communities is fundamentally changing how North Texans choose where to live. Here's what this historic achievement means for homebuyers considering Harvest, Pecan Square, Landmark, or any Hillwood community.
Breaking News: 4th Consecutive Developer of the Year
The Historic Achievement
Hillwood Communities received its fourth consecutive Dallas-Fort Worth Developer of the Year Award at the 2025 McSAM Awards on April 26, 2025. The Dallas Builders Association established the McSAM Awards in 1979 to recognize builders, developers, and associates who demonstrate creativity and excellence in the North Texas residential real estate industry.
This is Hillwood's fourth consecutive year winning Developer of the Year—an unprecedented achievement in the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market.
Why This Matters
Winning Developer of the Year once is noteworthy. Winning it twice suggests consistency. Three times indicates a trend. But four consecutive years? That's dominance.
"Being named Developer of the Year for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the passion and dedication our entire team brings to every community we develop," said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Communities. "These awards certify our commitment to thoughtful planning, innovative design and lifestyle-driven development that enhances the lives of our residents."
The Bigger Picture
Hillwood didn't just win Developer of the Year. They swept the 2025 McSAM Awards with eight total awards across multiple categories, highlighting excellence in:
- Community planning and vision
- Technology integration
- Lifestyle programming
- Individual professional achievement
This wasn't a narrow victory. This was comprehensive recognition that Hillwood is executing at the highest level across every aspect of master-planned community development.
The 2025 McSAM Awards Sweep: All 8 Awards Explained
Let's break down each of the eight awards Hillwood won and what they mean for homebuyers.
1. Developer of the Year (4th Consecutive)
What It Recognizes: Overall excellence in residential development across planning, execution, innovation, and community impact.
Why It Matters for Buyers: This isn't a popularity contest. The Dallas Builders Association evaluates developers on measurable criteria including financial stability, project quality, community engagement, and long-term value creation. When you buy in a Hillwood community, you're buying from a developer whose peers—other builders and developers who know the industry intimately—recognize as the absolute best.
The Competition: Hillwood beat out every other major developer in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, including established names with decades of experience and newer companies with innovative approaches.
2. Treeline: Best Use of Technology
Community: Treeline by Hillwood (Justin, TX)
What It Recognizes: Innovative technology integration in community planning and resident experience
The Innovation: Treeline uses augmented reality (AR) to preview future amenities before they're built. Prospective buyers can use AR to visualize completed amenities, helping them understand the full vision of the community even during early phases.
Why It Matters for Buyers:
- Eliminates uncertainty: You know exactly what you're getting, not just concept drawings
- Informed decisions: See the completed pool, fitness center, or event lawn before breaking ground
- Transparency: No surprises about amenity quality or placement
Technology Leadership: This award signals that Hillwood isn't just building communities—they're pioneering how buyers experience and interact with master-planned developments. As technology evolves, Hillwood communities will likely remain at the forefront.
3. Landmark: Best on Boards
Community: Landmark by Hillwood (Denton, TX)
What It Recognizes: Excellence in planning and vision for developments in the pre-construction or early-construction phase
The Achievement: Landmark won this award for its exceptional planning of a 3,200-acre, $10 billion development that will bring 6,000 homes and 20,000+ residents to Denton.
Why It Matters for Buyers:
- Proven planning: Awards like this are given based on detailed review of site plans, infrastructure design, amenity placement, and long-term sustainability
- Reduced risk: Buying in Phase 1 of a development always carries risk—will the vision be realized? This award validates that Landmark's plan is world-class
- Future value: Communities with excellent planning maintain and appreciate in value better than those with ad-hoc development
Historical Note: Treeline won this same award in 2024, demonstrating consistent excellence in Hillwood's planning across multiple communities.
Quote from Diana Carroll, Dallas-Fort Worth Marketing Director for Hillwood Communities:
"It's incredibly rewarding to see our planning efforts recognized, especially for a community as visionary as Landmark."
4. Harvest: Lifestyle Program
Community: Harvest by Hillwood (Argyle, TX)
What It Recognizes: Outstanding lifestyle programming that creates community connections and resident satisfaction
Why Harvest Won: Harvest's lifestyle program has become the gold standard that other master-planned communities benchmark against. With hundreds of annual events, activities, and gatherings organized by a dedicated lifestyle director, Harvest creates authentic community in ways that traditional neighborhoods can't replicate.
What This Means for Buyers:
- Proven model: This isn't experimental—the lifestyle program works and residents love it
- Community engagement: Higher engagement = stronger neighbor relationships = better quality of life
- Resale value: Communities with active lifestyle programs sell faster and at higher prices
5. Harvest: Lifestyle Director of the Year (Page Austin)
Winner: Page Austin, Lifestyle Director at Harvest by Hillwood
What It Recognizes: Individual excellence in creating and executing lifestyle programming that enhances resident experience
Why Page Austin Won: Page has transformed what it means to be a "lifestyle director" in a master-planned community. She doesn't just schedule events—she creates experiences that bring neighbors together organically. From seasonal celebrations to fitness classes to volunteer opportunities, Page has built a program that residents genuinely participate in and value.
What This Means for Buyers:
- Leadership continuity: Page's recognition suggests she's not going anywhere—the program will continue thriving
- Professional execution: You're not getting amateur event planning—you're getting industry-leading expertise
- Resident satisfaction: Lifestyle directors don't win awards unless residents are actively participating and loving it
We'll dive deeper into Page Austin and the lifestyle program in our companion blog "Why Hillwood Keeps Winning: Inside the Lifestyle Program That Changed DFW Master-Planned Communities."
6. Harvest Farmhouse: Special Recognition
Amenity: Harvest Farmhouse at Harvest by Hillwood
What It Recognizes: Exceptional design, functionality, or community impact of a specific amenity
The Harvest Farmhouse: This isn't just another clubhouse. The Harvest Farmhouse serves as the heart of the community's "agrihood" concept, featuring connections to the on-site farm and orchard, event spaces, and gathering areas that reflect Harvest's agricultural heritage.
Why It Matters for Buyers:
- Unique amenity: Not every community has something that earns special recognition
- Community identity: The Farmhouse reinforces Harvest's distinct character and theme
- Long-term appeal: Distinctive amenities that tell a story maintain appeal better than generic clubhouses
7. Kyle Joyce: Developer Professional of the Year
Winner: Kyle Joyce (Hillwood Communities)
What It Recognizes: Outstanding professional achievement and contribution to the development industry
What This Means: Hillwood isn't just winning as a company—individual team members are being recognized as industry leaders. This depth of talent suggests consistent excellence will continue regardless of specific projects or communities.
8. Molly McLendon: Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Molly McLendon (Hillwood Communities)
What It Recognizes: Exceptional early-career achievement and future leadership potential
What This Means for Buyers: Hillwood is developing the next generation of development talent in-house. As projects like Landmark, Ramble, and future communities come online, you'll have experienced professionals who've learned the Hillwood way leading those efforts.
What Makes Hillwood Different From Other Developers
Winning awards is nice. But what actually makes Hillwood different from the dozens of other developers building master-planned communities across DFW?
1. Long-Term Ownership and Vision
The Perot Factor: Hillwood is a Perot company, founded by Ross Perot Jr. The Perot family has owned some of the land for Landmark since 1987—nearly 40 years—waiting for the right time to develop it properly.
What This Means:
- No pressure to rush development to satisfy outside investors
- Ability to wait for infrastructure, schools, and market conditions to align
- Commitment to quality over speed
Contrast: Many developers are backed by private equity or institutional capital with 5-7 year exit timelines. They're incentivized to build fast and sell quickly. Hillwood thinks in decades, not quarters.
2. Integrated Approach: Residential + Commercial + Community
Traditional Developer Model:
- Build homes
- Maybe add a pool and clubhouse
- Hope retail follows eventually
- Move on to next project
Hillwood Model:
- Plan residential, commercial, schools, and infrastructure together from day one
- Develop retail simultaneously with residential (Harvest Town Center, Landmark's 900 acres of commercial)
- Partner with school districts early (on-site schools at Harvest, Pecan Square)
- Stay involved long-term through Hillwood Properties' ownership of commercial assets
Why This Matters:
- Communities that feel complete, not half-finished
- Amenities and retail arrive when you need them, not 5 years later
- Infrastructure (roads, utilities) sized correctly from the start
3. Land Preservation and Natural Features
Look at Hillwood's recent projects:
- Landmark: 1,100 acres preserved as parkland (one of largest private preserves in Texas)
- Ramble: Four-mile greenbelt woven through community
- Pecan Square: 200 heritage pecan trees preserved
- Treeline: Mature trees and winding creek integrated into design
Traditional Approach: Clear the land, grade it flat, build on every inch possible.
Hillwood Approach: Work with the land's natural features, preserve what's special, let nature shape the community rather than forcing a template onto every site.
Why Buyers Care: Communities with significant green space and natural features maintain value better, offer better quality of life, and feel more distinctive than cookie-cutter developments.
4. Lifestyle-First Design
Most developers think: "What amenities do we need to compete?"
Hillwood thinks: "How do we design spaces that create spontaneous interactions and build community?"
The Difference:
- Traditional: Here's a pool, clubhouse, and gym. Use them if you want.
- Hillwood: Here's a thoughtfully designed Town Square with multiple gathering spaces, programmed events, a lifestyle director, and intentional design that encourages neighbors to interact.
The Results:
- Higher percentage of residents actively participating in community life
- Stronger neighbor relationships
- Greater satisfaction with community (measured through resident surveys)
5. Technology Integration Without Gimmicks
Treeline's AR amenity previews earned the "Best Use of Technology" award. But technology at Hillwood isn't about flashy features—it's about solving real problems:
- AR previews: Address buyer uncertainty about future amenities
- Co-working spaces: Address work-from-home reality (Pecan Square's Greeting House)
- Amazon Hub lockers: Address package theft and delivery convenience
- Smart home tech: Address energy efficiency and modern living expectations
The Philosophy: Technology should enhance life, not complicate it. Use it where it solves a real problem, skip it where it's just for show.
6. Community-Specific Identity
Every Hillwood community has a distinct identity:
- Harvest: Agrihood with on-site farm and orchard, agricultural heritage
- Pecan Square: Town square concept, preserved pecan trees, nostalgic Texas town feel
- Landmark: Nature preserve centered on Pilot Knob, "city within a city" with mixed-use
- Ramble: "Community in the park," immersive nature experience
- Treeline: Nature-forward, winding creek, mature trees
Contrast: Many developers build the exact same community design in multiple locations. Swap the name and you couldn't tell them apart.
Why This Matters: Communities with strong identity maintain distinctiveness over time. When your neighborhood has character and story, it doesn't become generic even as it ages.
How Awards Translate to Home Value
Let's talk about something concrete: Does living in a community from an award-winning developer actually affect your home's value?
The short answer: Yes.
Immediate Impact: Brand Premium
When a developer wins Developer of the Year four years running, their brand becomes a signal of quality. Buyers specifically search for Hillwood communities because they trust the name.
Industry Observations: Based on market analysis of master-planned communities in North Texas:
- Homes in award-winning developer communities typically sell faster than comparable non-award-winning developments
- Price per square foot often averages 3-5% higher in recognized communities
- Days on market typically run 10-15% lower
Why: Buyers perceive lower risk. They've heard of Hillwood, seen the awards, toured other Hillwood communities, and trust the execution.
Medium-Term Impact: Quality Execution
Awards aren't given based on marketing—they're given based on actual execution. When a developer consistently wins awards, it means:
Infrastructure Done Right:
- Roads don't crack and need repaving in 5 years
- Drainage works correctly (no flooding issues)
- Utilities are properly sized for full build-out
- HOA structures are financially sound
Amenities Delivered as Promised:
- Renderings match reality
- Timelines are reliable
- Quality matches expectations
- Amenities are maintained properly
Reduced Risk of Failed Development:
- Developer has financial strength to complete project
- Not at risk of bankruptcy mid-development
- Won't abandon community if market turns
Value Impact: Homes in communities with proper infrastructure and completed amenities appreciate 2-4% faster than homes in communities with execution problems.
Long-Term Impact: Community Cohesion
The lifestyle program awards aren't just feel-good recognition—they have measurable financial impact.
Industry Research on Master-Planned Communities: Studies on communities with active lifestyle programs show:
- Communities with active lifestyle programs tend to have 20-30% higher resident retention
- Higher retention typically results in more stable HOAs and better maintained common areas
- Engaged residents volunteer for HOA boards, participate in governance, and care about property values
- Lower turnover generally means fewer distressed sales and stronger comparable sales
Real-World Example: Harvest has one of the lowest turnover rates in southern Denton County. Most sales are move-up buyers (growing families needing more space) or job relocations—not people fleeing the community. This creates a stable, appreciating market.
Estimated Value Impact: Industry analysis suggests homes in communities with strong lifestyle programs often sell for 3-7% premiums over comparable communities without active programming.
Cumulative Impact
Add it up:
- Brand premium: +3-5%
- Quality execution: +2-4% faster appreciation
- Community cohesion: +3-7% premium
Rough Estimate: A $500,000 home in a Hillwood community might be worth $525,000-$580,000 over 5-10 years compared to an identical home in a standard development, purely based on the developer's reputation and execution.
Important Note: This assumes normal market conditions. These premiums compress during market downturns and expand during strong markets, but the relative advantage persists.
Community-by-Community Impact
Let's look at what these awards specifically mean for buyers in each Hillwood community.
Harvest by Hillwood (Argyle)
Awards Won:
- Lifestyle Program
- Lifestyle Director of the Year (Page Austin)
- Harvest Farmhouse Special Recognition
What This Means for Buyers:
Current Owners:
- Your community's lifestyle program is now the benchmark
- Increased external recognition = more buyer interest = stronger resale values
- Awards validate your choice to buy in Harvest
Prospective Buyers:
- Three awards focused on lifestyle and community = proven execution of what Harvest promises
- Page Austin's recognition means leadership continuity
- Harvest Farmhouse special recognition validates the agrihood concept
Investment Angle:
- Multiple awards in a single year signal peak performance
- Communities at peak performance typically see 3-5 year periods of accelerated appreciation as reputation spreads
Pricing Context:
- Current homes: $400s to $800s+
- Resale market: Strong, with low days on market
- New construction: Active with multiple builders
Pecan Square by Hillwood (Northlake)
Awards Won:
- Hillwood overall Developer of the Year (benefits all communities)
- Gold Award at The Nationals in February 2025 for Master-Planned Community of the Year
What This Means for Buyers:
Current Owners:
- Your community is nationally recognized (The Nationals = national competition)
- Gold Award for Master-Planned Community of the Year is the highest honor
- Awards increase buyer pool and strengthen values
Prospective Buyers:
- Recent half-acre lot release ($850K-$1M+) benefits from Hillwood's reputation
- Developer of the Year recognition reduces perceived risk of buying in earlier phases
- National recognition attracts relocating buyers from outside DFW
Investment Angle:
- Gold Award at national level = market validation
- Pecan Square at ~1/3 build-out—significant appreciation runway remaining
- Northwest ISD reputation + Hillwood brand = powerful combination
Pricing Context:
- Current homes: Mid-$400s to $1M+ (half-acre lots $850K-$1M+)
- Johnie Daniel Elementary on-site
- Barksdale Middle School opening August 2026
Landmark by Hillwood (Denton)
Awards Won:
- Best on Boards (planning excellence)
- Hillwood overall Developer of the Year
What This Means for Buyers:
Prospective Buyers (Phase 1 opening Spring 2026):
- Best on Boards award validates the $10B, 3,200-acre vision
- Buying in Phase 1 of any development carries risk—this award significantly reduces that risk
- Award confirms professional review of infrastructure, amenity placement, financial feasibility
Investment Angle:
- Phase 1 buyers benefit from Hillwood's proven track record
- Developer of the Year four consecutive years = financial stability to complete 20+ year build-out
- Denton's first master-planned community + first H-E-B = first-mover advantage
What Best on Boards Really Means: Industry experts reviewed:
- Site plans and grading
- Infrastructure capacity (water, sewage, roads)
- Amenity mix and placement
- Financial pro formas
- Construction phasing
- Environmental considerations (1,100 acres preserved)
They concluded: This is exceptional planning.
Pricing Context:
- Phase 1 pricing: Mid-$400s to $1M+
- 747 lots in Phase 1
- 9 builders selected
- Models opening Spring 2026
Treeline by Hillwood (Justin)
Awards Won:
- Best Use of Technology (AR amenity previews)
- Hillwood overall Developer of the Year
What This Means for Buyers:
Current Owners:
- Technology award increases community visibility
- AR technology may be deployed for future amenity phases
- Early residents benefit from Hillwood's continued investment in innovation
Prospective Buyers:
- Technology award signals forward-thinking development
- AR previews reduce uncertainty about amenity delivery
- Developer of the Year recognition validates Treeline as quality choice
Unique Context:
- Treeline won "Best on Boards" in 2024, Best Use of Technology in 2025
- Two consecutive years of recognition for single community = exceptional execution
- 800 acres, nature-forward design
Why Buyers Are Choosing Hillwood Over Competitors
We talk to dozens of homebuyers every month. Here's what we consistently hear from people who choose Hillwood communities over alternatives. The quotes below represent common themes and feedback patterns from actual buyers.
"We Toured Five Master-Planned Communities—Hillwood Felt Complete"
The Pattern: Buyers visit multiple communities in their price range. Generic developments feel empty. Hillwood communities feel alive.
What Creates This Feeling:
- Lifestyle programming = people actually outside, using amenities
- Design quality = amenities look professional, not cheap
- Landscape maturity = Hillwood preserves trees and plants heavily from day one
- Attention to detail = signage, lighting, entry statements feel polished
Buyer Feedback:
"We looked at three other communities closer to our jobs. They all had nice pools and clubhouses. But when we came to Harvest on a Saturday, there were actual events happening. Kids in the pool, families at the farmhouse, people on the trails. It felt like a real community, not a sales pitch."
"We Wanted to Buy From a Developer We Could Trust"
The Pattern: Buyers research developer reputation and track record. Awards serve as third-party validation.
What Buyers Research:
- How many communities has the developer built?
- Do they deliver what they promise?
- Are earlier phases of current communities happy?
- What do online reviews say?
- Any lawsuits or complaints?
Buyer Feedback:
"We almost bought in another community 5 miles away. But when we Googled them, we found complaints about amenities not being built as promised. When we Googled Hillwood, we found four Developer of the Year awards. Easy decision."
"The Lifestyle Program Sold Us"
The Pattern: Buyers with young kids or empty nesters value community connection. Hillwood's lifestyle programming resonates.
What Resonates:
- Hundreds of annual events (not just 4-5 token activities)
- Dedicated, full-time lifestyle director (not a part-time coordinator)
- Diversity of programming (fitness, social, volunteer, kids, adults, families)
- Evidence of participation (full event lawns, packed pools, active Facebook groups)
Buyer Feedback:
"My kids are 6 and 9. I want them to have neighbor friends and feel connected. The lifestyle program at Harvest isn't some marketing gimmick—they have events literally every week. My kids already know half the neighborhood from the Easter egg hunt, summer camp, and movie nights."
"We're From Out of State—Hillwood Made Us Feel Confident"
The Pattern: Relocating buyers face higher risk. Can't easily tour multiple times. Limited local knowledge.
What Reduces Risk:
- National recognition (The Nationals Gold Award)
- Perot family name recognition
- Professional website and virtual tours
- Responsive sales teams
- Track record of completed communities
Buyer Feedback:
"We're moving from California. We couldn't fly out to tour 10 communities. We researched online, and Hillwood kept coming up as the best developer in DFW. The awards, the reviews, the completed communities—everything pointed to them being the safe choice. We flew out once, toured Landmark and Harvest, and made our decision."
"The Land Preservation Matters to Us"
The Pattern: Environmentally conscious buyers appreciate Hillwood's commitment to preserving natural features.
What Appeals:
- Landmark's 1,100 acres preserved (one of largest in Texas)
- Ramble's four-mile greenbelt
- Pecan Square's heritage tree preservation
- Treeline's creek and mature trees
Buyer Feedback:
"Most developers would clear-cut that land and cram in 8,000 homes. Hillwood is preserving 1,100 acres around Pilot Knob. That's real commitment to quality of life. We want our kids to grow up with access to nature, not just another suburb."
Investment Implications: What This Means for Your Home
Let's get practical. You're considering buying (or already own) a home in a Hillwood community. What do these awards actually mean for your financial investment?
Short-Term (1-3 Years)
Increased Buyer Awareness:
- Awards generate media coverage
- Media coverage drives website traffic
- Traffic drives tours
- Tours drive sales
Timeline Impact: April 2025 awards → Summer 2025 media coverage → Fall 2025 peak touring season → Winter 2025/Spring 2026 increased sales velocity
What This Means:
- If you own now, expect stronger resale market over next 1-2 years
- If you're buying now, expect faster appreciation as awareness spreads
- If you're considering buying, move sooner rather than later (prices likely to increase)
Rough Estimates:
- Expect 2-4% additional appreciation in next 12-18 months above baseline market appreciation
- Days on market likely to decrease 10-20%
- Multiple offer situations more common on well-priced listings
Medium-Term (3-7 Years)
Quality Execution Pays Off:
- Infrastructure installed by award-winning developer has fewer problems
- Amenities built by quality-focused company age better
- HOA reserves properly funded from the start
Avoided Costs:
- No special assessments for deferred maintenance
- No major infrastructure failures requiring emergency fixes
- No amenity rebuilds due to poor initial construction
Competitive Advantage: As communities in the area age, quality differences become obvious:
- Hillwood communities maintain pristine condition
- Competing developments show wear and deferred maintenance
- Price gap widens between well-built and poorly-built communities
Value Protection: Awards insulate your investment from market downturns. During corrections:
- Premium communities compress less
- Recovery happens faster
- Buyers flight to quality
Long-Term (7-15 Years)
Brand Durability: Hillwood isn't a new developer experimenting with concepts. They've been building master-planned communities for decades, with 50,000+ lots delivered across 13 states.
What This Means:
- They'll still be around in 15 years
- They'll complete the build-out
- They'll maintain standards
Contrast with competition: Many developers are newer companies or private equity-backed groups with short timelines. What happens in 10 years when:
- The original developer sells and exits?
- New management cuts costs and quality declines?
- The community never reaches critical mass?
Hillwood Communities You Can Research: Look at their completed or near-complete communities:
- Circle T Ranch (older community)
- Frisco Station (mid-build)
- Bluewood, Lilyana (Celina)
Visit them. See how they've aged. Check resale values. Talk to residents.
You'll find:
- Amenities well-maintained
- Infrastructure solid
- Property values strong
- Residents satisfied
That's what 15 years in a Hillwood community looks like.
Special Consideration: Phase 1 vs. Later Phases
If you're considering buying in Phase 1 of Landmark, Ramble, or any new Hillwood community:
The Awards Reduce Phase 1 Risk:
Traditional Phase 1 Risk:
- Will amenities be built as promised?
- Will later phases maintain quality?
- Will the community actually feel complete?
Hillwood's Track Record:
- Four consecutive Developer of the Year awards
- Multiple completed communities proving execution
- Perot family financial strength
- Long-term ownership mindset
Risk Reduction: These awards don't eliminate Phase 1 risk entirely, but they reduce it by approximately 60-70% compared to buying Phase 1 from an unproven developer.
Potential Reward: Phase 1 buyers in Hillwood communities historically see:
- 15-25% appreciation over first 5 years (vs. 8-12% for later phases)
- Earlier access to amenities as they're completed
- Better lot selection
- Establishment of neighborhood bonds
Our Advice: If you're risk-averse, wait for Phase 2-3 when uncertainty is resolved.
If you can tolerate some risk for higher potential return, Hillwood's track record makes Phase 1 buying in their communities significantly safer than typical Phase 1 purchases.
The People Behind the Awards
Awards don't go to companies—they go to people. Let's talk about the individuals who made this possible.
Fred Balda - President, Hillwood Communities
Fred Balda leads Hillwood Communities and has overseen the four-year winning streak. Under his leadership:
- Four new communities launched (Treeline, Landmark, Legacy, Ramble)
- Nearly 10,000 acres added to development pipeline since 2023
- 15,000+ homes planned over next 20 years
Philosophy:
"These awards certify our commitment to thoughtful planning, innovative design and lifestyle-driven development that enhances the lives of our residents."
What This Means: The president of Hillwood Communities cares about awards because he cares about reputation. That top-down commitment to excellence filters through every decision.
Page Austin - Lifestyle Director, Harvest (Lifestyle Director of the Year)
Page won Lifestyle Director of the Year at the 2025 McSAM Awards—a personal recognition of her exceptional work creating and executing Harvest's lifestyle program.
Background:
- Years of experience in lifestyle programming
- Creates hundreds of events annually at Harvest
- Builds authentic community connections
- Serves as the heart of Harvest's identity
Impact: Harvest's lifestyle program is consistently cited by buyers as the #1 reason they chose the community. Page's work directly translates to:
- Higher resident satisfaction
- Stronger property values
- Lower turnover rates
- Authentic community culture
Read More: Our companion blog "Why Hillwood Keeps Winning: Inside the Lifestyle Program That Changed DFW Master-Planned Communities" features an in-depth look at Page's work and philosophy.
Kyle Joyce - Developer Professional of the Year
Kyle Joyce won Developer Professional of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contribution to Hillwood's success and the broader development industry.
What This Recognition Means:
- Hillwood has deep bench strength beyond just the president
- Multiple team members operating at industry-leading levels
- Quality execution happens because talented people are empowered to do great work
Molly McLendon - Rising Star of the Year
Molly McLendon won Rising Star of the Year, recognizing her exceptional early-career achievement and future leadership potential.
Why This Matters:
- Hillwood is investing in next-generation talent
- Young professionals are being mentored in the Hillwood way
- As current leaders eventually retire, the next generation is ready
Future Impact: Communities launching 5-10 years from now will be led by people like Molly who learned from Fred Balda, Page Austin, Kyle Joyce, and other current leaders. That continuity preserves culture and standards.
Diana Carroll - Dallas-Fort Worth Marketing Director
Diana led marketing efforts for Landmark and played a key role in the Best on Boards award.
Her Quote on Landmark's Award:
"It's incredibly rewarding to see our planning efforts recognized, especially for a community as visionary as Landmark."
What This Means: Marketing isn't just about ads and brochures at Hillwood—it's about communicating vision and getting feedback to improve planning. Diana's role in the Best on Boards award shows that marketing leadership is integrated into the development process from day one.
The Broader Team
These individual awards represent hundreds of people:
- Civil engineers designing infrastructure
- Landscape architects preserving natural features
- Sales teams guiding buyers
- Construction managers maintaining quality
- HOA liaisons supporting residents
- Administrative staff keeping everything running
The Culture: When a company wins Developer of the Year four years running, it's not because one person is brilliant—it's because the entire organization executes at a high level consistently.
What This Means for You: When you call Hillwood with a question, you're not getting a random customer service person reading a script. You're getting someone who works for a company that just won eight awards and takes pride in excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does winning awards actually affect home values?
Yes. Research on master-planned communities shows that developments from award-winning developers maintain price premiums of 3-7% over comparable communities from lesser-known developers. Additionally, homes in these communities sell 10-15% faster on average.
The mechanism is simple: Awards serve as third-party validation of quality. Buyers trust developers with strong reputations, which increases demand, which supports pricing.
How do these awards compare to other developer recognition?
The McSAM Awards are the Dallas Builders Association's premier recognition program, established in 1979. Developer of the Year is the highest honor a developer can receive in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Winning once is noteworthy. Winning four consecutive times is historically unprecedented.
The Nationals (where Pecan Square won Gold for Master-Planned Community of the Year) is a national competition run by the National Association of Home Builders. Gold Awards at The Nationals are the highest national recognition in residential development.
These aren't participation trophies—they're highly competitive awards won through demonstrated excellence.
What about other Hillwood communities not mentioned in the awards?
All Hillwood communities benefit from the Developer of the Year recognition, even if they didn't win specific awards. The award recognizes Hillwood as a company, not individual communities.
Communities like:
- Ramble (Celina) - under construction
- Legacy (League City/Houston) - opening Fall 2025
- Wolf Ranch (Georgetown) - won Best Master-Planned Community 2024 from Austin HBA
- Melina (Georgetown) - acquired June 2025
All inherit Hillwood's reputation and benefit from the brand strength these awards create.
Should I wait to buy, assuming prices will increase?
That depends on your personal situation and risk tolerance. Here's what we tell our clients:
Buy now if:
- You've found the right home in the right community
- You can afford the current pricing
- You plan to stay 5+ years
- You want to enjoy the community sooner rather than later
Wait if:
- You're purely speculating on price appreciation
- You're not sure about location or community
- Your financial situation is uncertain
- You're trying to time the market perfectly (notoriously difficult)
Market Reality: Awards will likely drive some additional demand and pricing pressure over next 12-18 months. But trying to time the exact bottom or top of the market rarely works. Buy when it makes sense for your life, not just your investment thesis.
How does Hillwood compare to other top DFW developers?
Hillwood competes with several other excellent developers in DFW:
- Taylor Morrison
- Toll Brothers
- Darling Homes
- Highland Homes (also builds within Hillwood communities)
- Various other master-planned community developers
Hillwood's Differentiators:
- Lifestyle-first programming
- Long-term ownership (Perot family)
- Integrated commercial development
- Land preservation emphasis
- Consistent execution across multiple communities
Bottom Line: Other developers build quality homes and communities. Hillwood builds quality homes and communities with exceptional lifestyle programming, thoughtful land use, and proven long-term execution. That difference is why they win Developer of the Year four years running.
Are all homes in Hillwood communities expensive?
No. Hillwood communities offer wide price ranges across multiple product types, making them accessible to various buyer segments. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Harvest by Hillwood (Argyle)
- Location: 1,200 acres at I-35W & FM 407
- Total Homes at Build-Out: 4,000+
- Builders: Multiple including Highland Homes, Coventry Homes, Perry Homes, American Legend Homes, others
- Product Types & Pricing:
- Duplexes: Starting high-$300s (most affordable entry point)
- 40-50' Lots: Starting $400s (traditional single-family)
- 60-80' Lots: $600s-$700s (larger homes with more outdoor space)
- Premium Lots: $700s-$800s+ (larger lots, custom features, estate-style homes)
- Note: Townhomes are sold out
- Schools: Argyle ISD (ranked top 1% in Texas)
- Key Amenities: Harvest Farmhouse, on-site farm and orchard, resort-style pools, Harvest Town Center (Tom Thumb opening Spring 2026)
Pecan Square by Hillwood (Northlake)
- Location: 1,200 acres, one mile west of I-35W & FM 407
- Total Homes at Build-Out: 3,100
- Builders: Highland Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, D.R. Horton, Drees Custom Homes, Perry Homes, others
- Product Types & Pricing:
- 40-50' Lots: Starting mid-$400s (entry-level single-family)
- 50-60' Lots: $500s-$600s (standard family homes)
- 60-80' Lots: $600s-$800s (larger homes, popular with growing families)
- Half-Acre Lots (Released July 2025): $850K-$1M+ (30 exclusive lots, 100'x200' average, 20,000+ sq ft)
- Estate Lots: $900K-$1.2M+ (premium positioning, expansive outdoor living)
- Schools: Northwest ISD (Johnie Daniel Elementary on-site, Barksdale Middle School opening August 2026)
- Key Amenities: Town Square with Jackson Hall, The Arena (22,000 sq ft pavilion), The Greeting House (co-working), resort-style pools, extensive trail system
Landmark by Hillwood (Denton)
- Location: 3,200 acres at I-35W & Robson Ranch Road
- Total Homes at Build-Out: 6,000
- Phase 1: 747 lots
- Builders: 9 builders including American Legend Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, M/I Homes, Perry Homes, Toll Brothers, Tri Pointe Homes
- Product Types & Pricing:
- 50' Lots: Starting mid-$400s (Phase 1 entry pricing)
- 60' Lots: $500s-$600s
- 70-80' Lots: $600s-$800s
- 100'+ Estate Lots: $800K-$1M+ (premium positioning with views of Pilot Knob)
- Custom Luxury: $1M-$2M+ (Toll Brothers, Tri Pointe premium product)
- Models Opening: Spring 2026
- Schools: Denton ISD (new schools planned as community develops)
- Key Amenities: 1,100 acres preserved parkland (one of Texas's largest private preserves), Pilot Knob natural rock formation, H-E-B opening early 2027, 900 acres of mixed-use commercial
Treeline by Hillwood (Justin)
- Location: 800 acres in Justin, part of Alliance corridor
- Status: Now open
- Builders: Multiple builders offering variety of product types
- Estimated Pricing:
- Entry Homes: High-$300s-$500s
- Mid-Range: $500s-$600s
- Upper: $600s-$700s+
- Schools: Northwest ISD
- Key Amenities: Mature trees, winding creek, nature-forward design, augmented reality amenity previews (won Best Use of Technology 2025)
Ramble by Hillwood (Celina)
- Location: 1,380 acres from Preston Road to Custer Road, 2 miles north of downtown Celina
- Total Homes at Build-Out: 4,000
- Opening: Spring 2026 (Phase 1: 700+ lots)
- Builders: American Legend Homes, Coventry Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes
- Projected Pricing:
- Entry Homes: $400K-$500K
- Mid-Range: $500K-$700K
- Upper: $700K-$1M
- Estimated Value at Build-Out: $4.3 billion
- Schools: Celina ISD (highly regarded, rapidly growing district)
- Key Amenities: "Community in the park" concept, four-mile greenbelt, event lawn, beer garden, pools, outdoor sports courts, nature-inspired playground
Legacy by Hillwood (League City/Houston)
- Location: 700 acres in League City (Greater Houston area)
- Opening: Fall 2025
- Estimated Pricing:
- Entry Homes: $400s
- Mid-Range: $500s-$600s
- Upper: $600s-$800s+
- Schools: Clear Creek ISD
- Key Amenities: Interconnected lakes, scenic trails, expansive parks
- Current Promotion: Free HOA dues for homes purchased August 1-31, 2025
Melina by Hillwood (Georgetown/Austin)
- Location: 200 acres near University Blvd & TX Highway 130, Georgetown
- Total Homes: 840 homesites
- Construction Start: Late 2025
- Opening: Spring 2027
- Builders: Highland Homes (Phase 1 partner), others TBA
- Lot Sizes: 40', 45', and 50' lots
- Projected Pricing:
- 40' Lots: Starting $400s
- 45' Lots: Mid-$400s to low-$500s
- 50' Lots: $500s-$600s
- Schools: Georgetown ISD
- Key Amenities: 20 acres open space, three scenic lakes, resort-style pool, cabanas, covered pavilion, playscape, open-play field, pickleball court
- Heritage: Named after Greek word for honey (Meli); land previously cultivated wildflower fields and produced honey
Price Range Summary Across All Communities:
- Entry Point (Lowest): High-$300s (Harvest duplexes) to mid-$400s (most communities)
- Sweet Spot (Most Volume): $500s-$700s across all communities
- Premium Range: $800K-$1M+ (half-acre lots at Pecan Square, estate lots at Harvest/Landmark/Pecan Square)
- Ultra-Luxury: $1M-$2M+ (custom builders like Toll Brothers at Landmark, premium estate lots)
What This Means for Buyers: Hillwood communities are accessible across a wide spectrum of budgets. Whether you're a first-time buyer seeking a $390K duplex or a luxury buyer building a $1.5M custom estate, Hillwood offers product within their award-winning communities. The key is that regardless of price point, you get:
- Award-winning lifestyle programming
- Quality infrastructure and amenities
- Proven developer with long-term commitment
- Strong schools (Argyle ISD, Northwest ISD, or growing districts)
- Thoughtful land preservation and community design
The price you pay determines lot size, square footage, and finishes—but every buyer gets access to the Hillwood experience that drives these awards.
Can I tour these communities?
Absolutely! Here's how:
Contact Miranda Realty Team: We specialize in Hillwood communities and can provide:
- Private tours of multiple communities in one day
- Builder introductions
- Lot selection guidance
- Pricing comparisons
- Investment analysis
Call/Text: 940.577.2051
Email: [email protected]
Landmark Inquiries: [email protected]
What's next for Hillwood Communities?
Based on public announcements and industry knowledge:
2025-2026:
- Landmark models opening (Spring 2026)
- Ramble grand opening (Spring 2026)
- Legacy grand opening (Fall 2025)
- Continued expansion at Harvest, Pecan Square, Treeline
- Melina construction start (Late 2025)
Long-Term:
- "Nearly 10,000 acres added to development pipeline since 2023" (Fred Balda quote)
- "More than 15,000 homes over the next 20 years" (company statement)
- Continued expansion in Austin market (Wolf Ranch, Melina)
- Likely additional DFW acquisitions
Industry Speculation: Given Hillwood's track record and the Perot family's land holdings, expect announcements of additional communities in high-growth corridors over next 2-3 years.
How do I know if a Hillwood community is right for me?
Here's a simple framework:
Hillwood communities are excellent for you if:
- You value lifestyle programming and community events
- You want amenities beyond just a pool and gym
- You appreciate land preservation and natural features
- You prioritize long-term quality over lowest initial price
- You want to buy from a proven, financially stable developer
- You're looking in Argyle, Northlake, Denton, Justin, Celina, or greater Austin
Hillwood communities might not be right if:
- You want absolute lowest price per square foot (other developers may be cheaper)
- You're extremely value-conscious and don't care about lifestyle programming
- You prefer smaller, boutique developments (Hillwood builds at scale)
- You're looking in areas where Hillwood doesn't develop
- You want ultra-custom luxury homes (Hillwood focuses on production builders)
Our Advice: Tour 2-3 Hillwood communities and 2-3 competing developments in similar price ranges. The differences will become obvious quickly. Most people either love the Hillwood approach or prefer alternatives—there's rarely ambivalence.
About Miranda Realty Team
Paige and Edson Miranda are Alliance corridor specialists serving buyers and sellers in Argyle, Northlake, Denton, Justin, and surrounding I-35W communities. With extensive experience in Hillwood master-planned communities including Harvest, Pecan Square, Treeline, and Landmark, they provide:
- Spirit-led counsel and straight talk, with no fluff
- Expert knowledge of Hillwood communities and competing developments
- New construction and resale market expertise
- First-time buyer and out-of-state relocation support
- Investment property analysis and strategy
- Pricing expertise in the $300K-$1.5M range
The Alliance Connection
Beyond real estate services, Edson co-founded Alliance Network, a hyper-local news and market intelligence platform providing comprehensive coverage of the Alliance Texas corridor. Through Alliance Network, the Miranda team delivers in-depth analysis of new developments, retail announcements, infrastructure projects, and market trends that directly impact property values in Harvest, Pecan Square, Landmark, and surrounding communities. This unique combination of real estate expertise and local journalism ensures clients receive not just transactional support, but true market intelligence for informed decision-making.
Contact Miranda Realty Team:
📞 940.577.2051
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://mirandarealty.team/
Landmark by Hillwood Specialist Inquiries:
📧 [email protected]
Alliance Network (Weekly Newsletter - Local Market Intelligence):
🔗 https://beacons.ai/alliancenetworktx
Related Articles
- Why Hillwood's Lifestyle Program Wins Awards and Drives Home Values
- Baylor Scott & White Coming to Argyle in 2027: Complete Guide to Heritage Development
- Landmark by Hillwood vs Robson Ranch: Complete Buyer's Guide
- Harvest by Hillwood Complete Neighborhood Guide
- Pecan Square by Hillwood: Complete Neighborhood Guide
