D.R. Horton vs Ivory Homes

Purchase agreement comparison

Overview

D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes both build in Utah, where buyers may compare the nation's largest homebuilder with Utah's largest homebuilder. Both compete in the Wasatch Front and surrounding communities.

These builders rely on standardized purchase agreements containing clauses affecting buyer rights. This comparison examines documented contract patterns and key differences based on publicly available information.

The presence of a contract clause does not mean it appears in every agreement. Terms may vary by state, community, and transaction.

At a Glance

D.R. HortonIvory Homes
Market PositionLargest homebuilder in the United States by volumeUtah's largest homebuilder by volume
TickerNYSE: DHIPrivate
HeadquartersArlington, TexasSalt Lake City, Utah
Affiliated LenderDHI MortgageNone identified
Documented Clauses118
Documented Cases83

Contract Clause Comparison

The following comparison shows documented contract patterns for each builder. A check mark indicates the clause type has been documented; it does not mean it appears in every contract.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include implied warranty of habitability waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Utah's construction defect framework may affect the enforceability of such waivers.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include mandatory binding arbitration language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include class action lawsuit waiver language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include deposit forfeiture clause language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include daily closing penalty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include independent inspection restriction language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include material substitution without consent language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

D.R. Horton:✓
Ivory Homes:✓

Both D.R. Horton and Ivory Homes include restrictive limited warranty language in their documented contract patterns. Buyers considering either builder should be aware that this clause type has been identified in purchase agreements from both companies.

Legal History Comparison

D.R. Horton has 8 documented cases and investigations; Ivory Homes has 3. D.R. Horton's larger national scale provides more visibility into its litigation history.

D.R. Horton

  • Smith v. D.R. Horton (SC Supreme Court, 2016) — multiple contract provisions found unconscionable
  • Two active payment suppression lawsuits (Robinson, Santiago — 2025)
  • $16.1M construction defect settlement in South Carolina
  • Hunterbrook Media investigation into lending practices

Ivory Homes

  • Construction defect claims in Utah
  • Warranty dispute litigation in the Wasatch Front market
  • Consumer complaints regarding contract terms

D.R. Horton has a more extensive documented litigation history, consistent with its much larger national scale. Ivory Homes, as a private company operating exclusively in Utah, has less publicly available litigation information. Buyers should review the full builder profiles for detailed case information.

States Where Both Builders Operate

Utah

Key Differences

Market Position

D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume, closing 84,863 homes in FY2024 across 33 states. Ivory Homes is Utah's largest homebuilder with approximately 1,500-2,000 annual closings exclusively in Utah.

Documented Contract Patterns

D.R. Horton has 11 documented clause types; Ivory Homes has 8. D.R. Horton has a broader set of documented contract patterns, though this may partly reflect more extensive public documentation due to its scale.

Geographic Overlap

D.R. Horton operates in 33 states; Ivory Homes operates exclusively in Utah. Their competition is limited to the Utah market, where Ivory Homes holds a dominant local position.

What Buyers Should Consider

Both contracts require careful review.

Whether you are buying from D.R. Horton or Ivory Homes, the purchase agreement contains clauses that may limit your rights. Standardized contracts from both builders contain provisions that allocate risk toward the buyer.

Check your state's specific protections.

Both builders compete in Utah, where the Utah Residence Lien Restriction and Lien Recovery Fund Act and other state laws govern construction defect claims and buyer protections.

Do not assume one builder's contract is inherently safer.

Both contracts contain similar clause types. The differences appear in specific language and implementation. An independent contract review can identify the specific risks in whichever agreement you are considering.

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This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.