When it comes to new home builders, Pulte Homes and Toll Brothers are two of the biggest names in the industry. Both companies have been around for decades and have built hundreds of thousands of homes across the country.
But which builder is better for today’s homebuyers? Here’s an in-depth look at Pulte Homes and Toll Brothers, including their history, home styles, prices, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table:
| Category | Pulte Homes | Toll Brothers |
| Founded | 1950 | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, GA | Horsham, PA |
| Home Types | Single-family, suburban, active adult | Luxury single-family, high-rise urban condos |
| Home Sizes | 1,200 – 4,500+ sq ft | 2,500 – 9,000+ sq ft |
| Home Prices | $200k – $1M+ | $750k – $5M+ |
| Locations | Affordable and mid-range suburbs | Upscale suburbs and urban centers |
| Construction Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive |
| Brand Cachet | Moderate | High-end luxury |
| Buyer Profile | Budget-conscious families | Wealthy move-up buyers |
| Resale Value | Moderate appreciation | Holds value extremely well |
Detail Comparison Of Pulte Homes And Toll Brothers
History
Pulte Homes was founded in 1950 by William Pulte in Detroit, MI. Originally called Pulte Engineering Co., the company focused on building affordable single-family suburban homes.
By the late 1960s, Pulte began expanding into other states and eventually became the nation’s largest homebuilder. Today, Pulte Homes operates in over 40 markets across the country.
Toll Brothers was established in 1967 by brothers Bruce and Robert Toll in Pennsylvania. Like Pulte, Toll Brothers started out building single-family homes in suburban communities. But the company began catering to a more upscale market earlier in its history.
By the 2000s, Toll Brothers was focused on luxury homes and master-planned communities. The company now operates nationwide.
So, while both Pulte and Toll Brothers have been influential home builders for decades, Pulte has traditionally targeted a more broad market while Toll Brothers has focused on the higher-end.
Home Types
In terms of products, Pulte Homes offers a range of home types across its brands:
- Pulte Homes – Single-family suburban homes. Sizes range from 1,500 to 4,500+ sq ft.
- Del Webb – Active adult communities for ages 55+. Attached villas and single-family homes.
- Centex – Entry-level to mid-range suburban homes. Sizes from 1,200 to 3,000+ sq ft.
Toll Brothers is best known for its luxury single-family homes. Typical home sizes range from 2,500 to over 9,000 square feet.
Toll Brothers communities feature luxury amenities like golf courses, clubhouses, and spas. The company also builds high-rise urban condominiums in select markets.
So while both builders offer single-family homes, Toll Brothers caters exclusively to the high-end while Pulte has more diverse products across price points.
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Quality & Features
As you’d expect given the price differences, Toll Brothers homes typically feature more upscale finishes and details than Pulte. For example, Toll Brothers homes usually have:
- Hardwood floors
- Granite/marble countertops
- Custom cabinetry
- High-end stainless steel appliances
- Luxury master suites
Pulte homes still offer nice features but more in line with a mid-range suburban home, including:
- Carpet and tile flooring
- Laminate countertops
- Stock cabinetry
- Stainless/black appliances
- Spacious master suites
Both Pulte and Toll Brothers allow some customization of finishes. But Toll Brothers offers far more ability to upgrade and customize your home.
Prices
It’s no surprise that Toll Brothers commands a significant price premium over Pulte. Here are some average pricing ranges:
Pulte
- Entry-level homes – $200,000 to $400,000
- Move-up homes – $400,000 to $600,000
- Luxury homes – $600,000 to $1 million
Toll Brothers
- Luxury homes – $750,000 to $2 million+
- High-rise condos – $500,000 to $5 million+
There is some price overlap for larger, luxury Pulte homes and smaller Toll Brothers homes. But on average, you can expect to pay nearly double for a Toll Brothers home over a comparable Pulte home.
Locations
With its broad range of home types, Pulte builds in more suburban locations focused on affordability and family buyers. Toll Brothers communities are usually found in more affluent suburban and urban areas.
For example, in Dallas you may find Pulte building homes in McKinney or Prosper while Toll Brothers builds in Southlake or Frisco. In Washington DC, Pulte may be in Manassas while Toll is in McLean or Bethesda.
So the right builder for you can depend on your preferred suburban location. Just remember, Toll Brothers is always situated in upscale areas given its luxury brand.
Quality & Customer Service
By most accounts, both Pulte Homes and Toll Brothers build high-quality homes. They use vetted subcontractors and building partners and have processes to monitor home construction.
However, Toll Brothers does seem to have a reputation for better build quality thanks to its focus on luxury fit and finish. The company is also known for excellent customer service during and after the home buying process.
Pulte has faced some criticism over the years for inferior quality or customer service. But the company has made improvements in recent years, especially with their Centex brand.
Overall, buyers can feel confident in the construction quality from both builders. But expect white-glove treatment from Toll Brothers compared to a more business-like experience with Pulte.
Resale Value
It’s hard to directly compare resale values given the different products. But Toll Brothers’ luxury brand name and amenities typically translate to higher resale versus Pulte’s more modest homes.
In the same market, it’s not uncommon for a Toll Brothers home to sell for 25-50% more than a Pulte home of similar size. And Toll Brothers homes tend to hold their value better during down markets.
However, Pulte homes likely appreciate faster in terms of percentage gains. So, if you plan to sell in 5-10 years, a Pulte home may actually net you more equity depending on market conditions.
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Who Should Choose Pulte?
Pulte Homes is ideal for buyers who:
- Want a suburban single-family home
- Are on a budget
- Prefer simpler finishes
- Don’t require extensive customization
- Are looking for good schools and amenities
Pulte offers well-built homes with nice curb appeal. While not luxurious, their homes still have attractive features at a reasonable price.
Who Should Choose Toll Brothers?
Toll Brothers is the perfect choice for buyers who:
- Want luxury and customization
- Prefer upscale homes and neighborhoods
- Appreciate first-class service
- Don’t have budget constraints
- Value high-end brands and cache
If you want one of the top luxury home brands with a reputation for quality, Toll Brothers is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Toll Brothers’ biggest competitor is Lennar, another national homebuilder focused on the luxury market. Lennar offers high-end homes across the country that compete directly with Toll Brothers’ products and locations.
In 2009, Pulte Homes merged with Centex, another large production homebuilder. The combined company kept the Pulte name but gained increased reach into entry-level and move-up home segments through Centex.
Some of Toll Brothers top competitors in Massachusetts include Landsea Homes, SummerHill Homes, and Windsor Custom Homes. These builders offer luxury custom homes and communities that rival Toll Brothers’ high-end brand.
Yes, Pulte Homes acquired Centex in 2009 in one of the housing industry’s largest mergers. The deal gave Pulte an entry-level brand while expanding its operations in Texas and other states where Centex was strong.
Also Read: Comparison Between Networx And HomeAdvisor.
The Final Word
While both are excellent builders, Pulte Homes caters to the mass market while Toll Brothers is truly a luxury brand. Toll Brothers will offer more customization and higher-end features for a significant price premium.
Pulte Homes represents a great value proposition if you want a nice, new suburban home without breaking the bank. Overall quality and customer satisfaction is still good.
So, the right builder really comes down to your budget, desired location, and preferences for home style, features, and brand cache. Both Pulte and Toll Brothers have thousands of happy homeowners across the country, so you can feel confident with either builder.
