Splendora, Texas — April 2026

Gemini, a new 585-homesite community in Splendora developed by Ellison Development and built by D.R. Horton, has recorded its first two home closings since opening earlier this year — and both transactions share a notable distinction: the buyers were first-time homeowners.

The community, which offers new construction starting in the $150s on 86 acres in the City of Splendora, was designed specifically to address an affordability gap that has grown steadily across the greater Houston market. The early closings suggest that demand for attainable new construction in the region is strong.

First Closing: Roberto and Jesus

The first home at Gemini was purchased by Roberto, who works for Amazon, and Jesus, who is employed by US Foods. The two found the community after coming across a TikTok video about Gemini — an increasingly common path for homebuyers in 2026, as short-form social media has become a significant driver of real estate discovery.

After closing, the two planned a surprise for their family. They told relatives they were attending a get-together, and it was not until the family arrived at the address that they revealed the news: the home belonged to Roberto and Jesus. The family celebrated with homemade empanadas, a ribbon cutting, and champagne.

When asked about the significance of the purchase, each spoke plainly.

"We now have completed the dream of owning our first home."

— Roberto, First Gemini Homeowner

"We wanted to stop paying rent, and stop wasting our money, buy a property and prosper in this country."

— Jesus, First Gemini Homeowner

Their real estate agent, Sailin Blanco, who represented the buyers at closing, noted the financial case for the purchase.

"I just closed on the very first home at Gemini and I am excited because my clients will have a monthly payment of only $1,047. This community is very affordable."

— Sailin Blanco, Realtor

At $1,047 per month, the payment is below the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in many parts of the greater Houston area, according to regional rental market data.

Second Closing: Jose and Selene

The second closing at Gemini was completed by Jose and Selene, who also purchased their first home. The couple found the community through an online search.

"We saw it on the internet."

— Jose

The family arrived at the home together. While Jose and Selene took in the reality of the purchase, their son made his own immediate assessment — walking room to room, already claiming his space. For the couple, part of what drew them to Gemini was less about the home itself and more about where it sits: a quiet community away from the noise of the city.

Selene spoke for the family when asked about the purchase.

"We are excited to have our first home."

— Selene

The appeal of a peaceful neighborhood is something Gemini's developers anticipated. The community was designed around walking trails, open green spaces, and a 3.5-acre fishing lake — amenities intended to give residents, and their families, a place to slow down.

Filling a Gap in the Market

The fact that Gemini's first two closings were both first-time homebuyers is consistent with the community's stated mission. Ellison Development designed Gemini to serve buyers who have been largely priced out of new construction in the Houston metro area, where entry-level inventory has declined and prices have climbed steadily over the past several years.

Recent housing data places average home values in Splendora around $240,000. Competing new construction communities in the surrounding area typically start in the $190s to $220s. Gemini's pricing represents a gap of roughly $30,000 to $60,000 compared to nearby alternatives — a meaningful difference for buyers relying on FHA financing or down payment assistance programs.

More than 22 homes are currently under contract at Gemini since the community opened for sales.

"When you look at the numbers, it's pretty straightforward," said Bill Ellison, Co-Founder of Ellison Development. "Families can own a brand-new home at Gemini for less than they're paying in rent. That puts real money back in their pocket every month. Over time, that adds up. And that changes lives."

"Moving from renting to owning changes more than a monthly payment," said Colleen Ellison, Co-Founder of Ellison Development. "It builds pride. It builds stability. We wanted Gemini to feel special — like a place families can truly put down roots and grow."

About Gemini

Gemini is an 86-acre community located within the City of Splendora, Texas, zoned to Cleveland Independent School District. The community is developed by Ellison Development and all homes are constructed by D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in the United States by volume. Planned amenities include a 3.5-acre fishing lake, walking trails, a community playground, and open green spaces. The community comprises 585 total homesites across three sections. Homes start in the $150s.