Two of Northern Colorado's longest-running local builders are joining forces. On October 7, 2026, Baessler Homes and Hartford Homes announced plans to merge into a single company called Baessler Hartford Homes, with the deal expected to close by the end of 2026, pending final legal and regulatory steps.
If you're under contract on a home with either builder, or you've been eyeing one of their communities, here's what's actually changing, what isn't, and what I'd keep an eye on as a buyer.
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Two Local Builders With Deep Roots
This isn't a national builder swallowing a local one. Both companies grew up here, and together they bring more than a century of combined building experience.
| Builder | Founded | Homes built |
|---|---|---|
| Baessler Homes | 1968 | 4,500+ |
| Hartford Homes | 1988 | 5,200+ across 40+ communities |
The combined company plans to keep building throughout Greeley, Fort Collins, Windsor, Timnath, Loveland, Johnstown, Hudson, Ault, Fort Lupton and the surrounding area. Hartford's current lineup includes Bloom in Fort Collins, Trailside and Timnath Ranch Townhomes in Timnath, and Prairie Song and RainDance Condos in Windsor. Baessler's current communities include Conestoga in Ault, Granary in Johnstown and Liberty Draw in Evans.
What Changes for Buyers and Homeowners? For Now, Nothing
Both builders are clear that it's business as usual during the transition. Until the merger closes, they'll keep operating as two separate companies with their own names, websites and sales processes.
According to the announcement:
- Homes already under contract will close as planned.
- Warranty service continues as it is today.
- Your current builder contacts stay the same.
- Existing communities keep their current names.
The builders say any future changes will be communicated well in advance. If you're mid-build, keep working with the same people you've been working with.
A 100% Employee-Owned Builder
The most interesting detail in the announcement: Baessler Homes is already 100% employee-owned, and the combined Baessler Hartford Homes will be too. That means the people building, selling and servicing your home have a direct stake in how the company performs.
Baessler CEO Jamie Baessler framed the merger as combining strengths built in the same communities for decades, with an eye on the long term. Hartford CEO Landon Hoover pointed to nearly 40 years of relationships across Northern Colorado. According to BizWest, Jamie Baessler will lead the combined company as CEO, and Landon Hoover will serve as chairman and chief financial officer.
The new company says it will be guided by three values:
- Places: communities people can afford and are proud to live in.
- Relationships: long-term ties with homeowners, real estate brokers, trade partners and cities.
- Finance: a financially strong company that can keep investing in its people and communities.
My Take: What It Could Mean for You
I work with new construction buyers across Northern Colorado every week, so here's how I'd read this.
It's a vote of confidence in local building. With national builders holding a big share of the NoCo market, two local companies teaming up gives them more scale to compete on price, land and incentives while keeping local decision-making.
Watch incentives and lender programs over the next few months. Hartford has been running aggressive rate buydowns this fall. Mergers sometimes bring promotions that clear inventory before a rebrand, and sometimes bring a pause while programs get aligned. Either way, timing matters.
Get answers in writing. If you're under contract, it's worth confirming your warranty contact and closing timeline now, and keeping copies of everything. Nothing is expected to change, but documentation is cheap insurance.
More floor plans, more choice. Over time, buyers may get access to a broader range of plans and communities under one roof.
Thinking About a Baessler or Hartford Home?
Whether you're already under contract or just starting to compare builders, I can help you sort out current incentives, compare Baessler and Hartford side by side, and make sure your interests are represented from contract to closing. Reach out anytime and let's talk through your options.
Mark Leavitt, RE/MAX Alliance · noconewbuilds.com
Sources
- Baessler Homes and Hartford Homes Announce Plans to Merge, Creating Baessler Hartford Homes, Baessler Homes, October 7, 2026
- Baessler, Hartford homebuilders join forces in Northern Colorado, BizWest, October 7, 2026
