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Trust the Process

Trust Home Builders
22 episodes   Last Updated: May 14, 25

Building a new home is a journey, full of wins, obstacles, and milestones. Join Michael Johnson, broker, builder, developer, industry expert and owner of Trust Home Builders along with Krista, a New Homes and Real Estate Marketing professional, as they explore the new home construction industry. Whether you're building, buying, or simply curious, this podcast dives into market trends, costs, challenges and lessons learned. We'll cover the Las Vegas real estate market, national housing trends and what it means to build in today's housing crisis. Pull back the curtain on home building with Trust the Process.

Episodes

Sticker Shock: 6 Surprising Costs of Building a Custom HomeThink building a luxury home is all about finishes and square footage? In this episode, Krista and Michael break down six surprising costs—three that are shockingly high and three that are lower than you'd expect. From $75K design fees to $23K window packages, we pull back the curtain on what really drives the budget in custom home construction. Whether you're a buyer, agent, or just curious, this episode offers real numbers, expert insight, and a few laughs along the way.
Episode 20: A small infill parcel. A straightforward plan. And then — zoning chaos. In this episode, we share the real story of how one project in Henderson, NV went from 23 townhomes to just 7 custom homes, thanks to setbacks, cul-de-sac requirements, and a sewer truck with a 100-ft turning radius.It’s frustrating, funny, and eye-opening — a must-hear for anyone in real estate, land development, or luxury homebuilding.
Episode 19: In this episode of Trust the Process, we explore why walkability is so elusive in modern suburban development. From wide streets and single-use zoning to the psychological cues that make pedestrians feel unsafe, we unpack the design decisions that have shaped our car-centric cities. We also touch on historical context—from horse paths to high-rises—and why cities in Europe and the East Coast often get walkability right by accident, not by design.We dive into zoning complexities, and ask what it will take for walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods to become more than just a planning ideal. Whether you're in real estate, urban planning, or just curious about how we build better communities, this is a must-listen conversation.
Episode 18: We’re back with Part 2 of our special listener Q&A edition!In this episode, we continue tackling the most common — and most important — questions from future homeowners. From the biggest challenges to what's happening in new home design, we’re diving deep into the real-world concerns that come up during the homebuilding journey. Whether you're exploring your options or already breaking ground, these conversations are designed to equip you with clarity, confidence, and a better understanding of how to build with Trust.
Episode Description: In this special Q&A edition of the podcast, we're answering your most pressing questions about building a home with Trust. From timelines and budgeting to design choices and navigating the build process, we’re covering it all—honestly and in detail. Whether you're just starting your journey or already knee-deep in planning, this episode is packed with insights to help you feel more confident and informed.This is Part 1 of our listener question series—stay tuned for even more next week!
Episode 16 -In this episode of Trust the Process, Michael and Krista pull back the curtain on how builders set pricing and choose product types — sometimes years before a home ever hits the market. From raw land to market-ready, they discuss the layered decision-making process that involves zoning, lot sizes, neighborhood context, material lead times, and market forecasting.Michael shares real-world examples of two active projects — one with tentative map approval and one still in the zoning stage — and how everything from speed limits to surrounding home values can influence whether a lot holds a $1M home or a $2.5M custom build. If you’ve ever wondered how pricing is determined before there’s even a road in place, this one’s for you.
Episode 15: The biggest question we get asked when it comes to new homes in Las Vegas, "but what about the water?" New homes, shrinking rivers, and rising questions—this week, we’re diving into one of the hottest topics in the Southwest: water. Everyone’s asking, “What about the water?” whenever Las Vegas breaks ground on new development. But is housing really the main problem? In this episode, we break down the facts behind water usage, sustainability, and growth in the desert. From the Colorado River to agriculture and state-level cooperation, we explore what’s really driving water concerns—and what gets overlooked in the conversation. ✅ Can we keep building in Las Vegas?✅ Who’s actually using the most water?✅ And how are the states working together to protect the river?Let’s talk about it. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly episodes!
Housing Market Q1: What’s Driving the Headlines? The first quarter of 2024 is in the books, and we’re breaking down what’s been shaping the real estate market. Mortgage rates, homebuilding sentiment, tariffs, and shifting industry trends—what’s making the biggest impact?In this episode of the Trust the Process Podcast, we take a deep dive into: ✅ Mortgage rates & affordability ✅ Homebuilding trends & builder sentiment ✅ Market-moving headlines & industry shifts ✅ The impact of tariffs on housingWhat do you think has been the biggest factor affecting the market this quarter? Drop a comment below and join the conversation! ⬇️🎙️ Subscribe for weekly insights on real estate, homebuilding, and the forces shaping the industry.🔔 Don’t forget to like & subscribe! #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Podcast #TrustTheProcess
The homebuilding industry has seen countless attempts at disruption—from 3D printing and prefabrication to new materials and AI-driven planning. But despite all this innovation, real transformation has been slow. Why does home construction resist change?In this episode, we break it all down: 🏗 Technology Disruptors – 3D printing, automation, and modular construction Alternative Living – Why tiny homes and new housing models struggle to go mainstream The Barriers to Change – What’s keeping the industry stuck?Will homebuilding finally see a major shift, or will traditional methods continue to dominate? Tune in to find out!🔊 Listen now and join the conversation on the future of home construction!#Homebuilding #ConstructionTech #Innovation #HousingCrisis #FutureOfCitiesSee less
Episode 12 - In this week’s episode of the Trust the Process Podcast, we dive deep into the complex world of interest rates and explore how the Federal Reserve’s decisions really affect the housing market and your financial future. This isn’t your average conversation on rates—we’re breaking it down in a way that sheds light on the factors you might not fully understand or even realize are at play. From Fed policies to the bond market and mortgage-backed securities, we’re taking a fresh approach to explain how these elements shape the rates you see today. Tune in for a new perspective and valuable insights that could change how you think about your home buying, refinancing, and investment decisions. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode—listen now! 🎧