Forecast Luncheon 2026 Program by Greater Houston Builders Association

ECONOMIC FORECASTLuncheon

J A N U A R Y 2 9 , 2 0 2 6

THE AGENDA

Chris Bolio, GHBA President

Russ Bynum, GHBA Vice President

James Miller, GHBA Secretary

Tracy Brown, Benefit Homes Chair

Aimee Bertrand, GHBA CEO

Harry Masterson, GHBA HOME-PAC Co-Chair

Odeta Kushi, First American Financial Corporation

UNICORN SERVICE SOLUTIONS: TURNING RED TAPE INTO RAINBOWS

ABOUT US

At Unicorn Service Solutions, we specialize in turning the complexities of red tape into seamless, successful outcomes. We are your dedicated partner in navigating the intricacies of development projects, offering expertise in development consulting, permit management, planning and platting services, and government relations.

OUR SERVICES

Permit Management: We manage the entire lifecycle from application to approval. Leveraging deep regulatory knowledge and robust connections, we streamline the process to save time and eliminate stress.

AI Plan Review & Compliance

Bridging the gap between developers and municipalities. We utilize a proprietary AI platform to revolutionize the review process.

• For Municipalities: We automate document analysis to clear backlogs and accelerate plan checks.

• For Developers & Architects: We pre-validate plans against local codes to ensure rapid approval.

• The Result: Faster permits, reduced revisions, and streamlined code compliance.

Development Consulting: Strategic guidance tailored to your project. From feasibility studies to execution, we ensure your development goals are met with precision and efficiency.

Planning and Platting Services: Expert navigation of land planning and platting complexities. We ensure strict compliance with zoning laws while aligning your project with community goals.

Government Relations: We advocate on your behalf using extensive networks with elected officials. We stay actively involved in policy-making to ensure regulations support your industry.

Drone Photo & Videography

WHY CHOOSE US:

Solutions-Oriented Approach:

We focus on finding practical solutions to regulatory challenges, ensuring your project progresses smoothly.

Customer-Centric Service::

Our deep personal care for your project translates into a personalized approach. We are committed to understanding your needs and delivering tailored solutions.

Expertise and Connections:

Our strong ties to government officials and knowledge of the policy landscape give us an edge in navigating complex regulatory environments.

Stress-Free Compliance:

By managing compliance and regulatory hurdles, we free you to focus on your project’s success. Our proactive approach gives you confidence and clarity throughout the process

OUR PROMISE:

At Unicorn Service Solutions, we take pride in turning the stress of compliance into a smooth, predictable journey. Let us turn your red tape into rainbows and bring your projects to life with clarity and success.

about how we

make your next project a success.

Unparalleled aerial perspectives including progress visualization, bird'seye Property Inspections, and captivating Real Estate imagery to bring your project to life. FAA licensed drone pilots.

Real

B U I L D E R P A R T N E R

Our Story: Rooted in Texas, Buil t on Trust

From our beginnings in 2004 as a small, family-run business, Keystone Tile has always been a labor of love. We started with a simple vision: to bring distinctive, high-quality natural stone to our neighbors in Houston. Since then, we have grown into a multi-location operation, expanding our collection to include premium porcelain tiles, mosaics, wall tiles, and complete hardscape solutions for pools and outdoor living

What truly evolved. Keystone Tile isn't just the products we sell, it is the community of builders, designers, and fellow Texans who placed their trust in us long before we became one of the most active showrooms and tile warehouses in the state We are ever grateful for the relationships we have built; you are the reason we take such pride in helping build Texas homes

We’re not just operating in Texas we’re par t of the way Texas builds

“Proudly serving Texas Bui lders, Architects and Designers since 2004.”

At the heart of our process is a dedicated, women-led interior team focused on making your design decisions seamless, convenient, and deeply personal. We believe in service that is just one phone call away, ensuring you feel supported at every step of your project

As we look to the future, our commitment remains simple: to give back to the country that has given us so much

One hundred percent of Keystone Tile’s investments stay within the United States, as we strive to create jobs and strengthen the local economy

We thank you sincerely, f rom the bottom of our hearts, for the trust and support that have shaped Keystone Tile into what it is today.

THE MENU Desserts

cucumbers, match stick carrots and purple onions. Italian Dressing

CHICKEN PICATTA

Lightly battered chicken breast, pan-fried, with house made lemon piccata sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs.

ROSEMARY MASHED POTATOES with butter

SMOKEY CARAMELIZED

SPROUTS

In Houston’s fast-moving new-home market, clarity and confidence come from having the right information and the right partner.

CBAS membership is designed to provide continuous access to the region’s most complete and verified housing market intelligence Members not only gain powerful data, but also the context and conversation that make it meaningful through quarterly briefings, consultations, and peer connection within Houston’s professional builder community

The CommunityVision platform is the information cornerstone of CBAS membership an interactive web-based system housing our proprietary quarterly data

CommunityVision is designed for clarity, and practical use whether you’re analyzing competitive activity, guiding land strategy, or preparing an investment presentation.

Get a Personalized Platform Preview and CBAS Membership Tour

Contact Lana Lawrence, VP of Sales call (713) 725-4945, or email LLawarence@cbashome.com

Odeta Kushi

THE KEYNOTE

VP, Deputy Chief Economist

First American Financial Corporation

Odeta Kushi is the vice president and deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation, a premier provider of title, settlement, and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry. In this role, Kushi leads the development of analysis, commentary, and forecasts on trends in the real estate and mortgage markets. Kushi’s research focuses on economic trends impacting real estate, including demographic shifts, affordability, and housing supply, as well as monitoring and analyzing quarterly surveys and economic data related to the housing industry.

Highly regarded as an industry expert, Kushi regularly delivers keynote presentations at national and international events. Kushi is also a frequent guest on top national and international television and radio programs, including Marketplace, CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, and Reuters TV, offering insights and perspectives on the forces shaping the housing industry. Her research has been published in leading business and industry trade publications, including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, HousingWire, and Inman News. She publishes research and analysis on First American’s Economic Center and co-hosts The REconomy Podcast™ with Chief Economist Mark Fleming.

In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Kushi was named a GlobeSt. 2024 Woman of Influence, a HousingWire 2023 Woman of Influence, and a 2023 leading woman in homebuilding by Builder & Developer magazine, among other honors. Kushi graduated from Northeastern University with a master’s degree in economics, specializing in applied econometric methods, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from St. John Fisher College, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is completing her Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University. Originally from Albania, she now lives and works in Washington, D.C.