Hakes Brothers and French Brothers are the two most active new-construction builders in Las Cruces. Here is the honest, head-to-head comparison from a buyer agent who works with both daily.
Hakes Brothers is the larger of the two, building across many more Las Cruces communities, with a broader floor plan library and faster build cycle. Typical buyer: someone who wants modern, efficient design and lots of community + price-point options.
French Brothers is the more design-forward of the two, with stronger interior finishes at standard, custom touches more readily available, and slightly higher pricing. Typical buyer: someone willing to pay 5-10% more for a noticeably more refined product.
| Factor | Hakes Brothers | French Brothers |
|---|---|---|
| Active LC communities | Metro Verde, Metro Evolution, Sierra Norte Heights, Parkhill, Metro West, Arcadia | Metro Arcadia, Metro North, Somerset Village, Tierra Hermosa, University Meadows, Sonoma Ranch |
| Typical floor plans | 1,400 - 2,800 sqft, modern open concept | 1,500 - 3,200 sqft, traditional + modern mix |
| Starting prices (2026) | ~$285,000 | ~$305,000 |
| Standard finishes | Modern, mid-grade | Modern + traditional, upper-mid grade |
| Build time | 4-6 months | 5-7 months |
| Customization | Limited (pick from options) | More flexible (some custom features) |
| Warranty | 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 10-year structural | Same |
| Builder reputation | Solid, high volume | Solid, design-focused |
| Resale strength | Strong in established neighborhoods | Strong in design-driven neighborhoods |
"We picked Hakes because we could get a 4-bedroom under $320K in Metro Evolution. The build was fast, no major issues. Finishes are basic but we plan to upgrade over time."
"We looked at both. French was about $20K more for a similar floor plan, but we liked the standard finishes better and did not want to spend another $30K on upgrades after closing. Net-net it was a wash and we got the house we wanted."
Not really. Both builders meet the same Las Cruces and Do帽a Ana County code standards. The difference is in finishes, customization, and design language, not structural quality. Both have similar warranty experiences.
Both are production builders. French offers more customization options within their floor plans but you cannot build a fully custom home with them. For true custom builds, see Maravilla Custom Homes.
Patino represents buyers at both builders weekly. The right answer depends on the specific community, lot, floor plan, and your budget. We help buyers compare apples to apples across both.
Builder representation is free for buyers in New Mexico. We walk the model homes with you, help you compare plans across builders, negotiate upgrades and incentives, review the contract, attend pre-drywall and final walk-throughs, and protect your earnest money. There is no cost to the buyer for using us at either Hakes or French.
See our dedicated builder reviews:
Neither is universally better. Hakes wins on price entry-point, inventory selection, and build speed. French wins on standard finishes, customization, and curb appeal. The right choice depends on your priorities and budget.
No. Both builders meet the same code standards and have similar warranty programs. Hakes is priced lower mostly because of standard finishes and customization limits, not structural quality.
You can pick from a wider menu of options than Hakes (cabinet finishes, flooring, light fixtures, some structural options like room expansions). French is not a custom builder, but they are more flexible than typical production builders.
Both builders have preferred lenders that offer incentive packages (closing credits, rate buy-downs) on their homes. Patino guides buyers through whether the builder lender or an outside lender will net the best deal.
Both have similar warranty experiences in our buyer base. Issues arise occasionally with both. The difference is how each builder handles complaints, and based on our 8 years working with both, both have responsive service teams.
Walk both builders' model homes. Compare floor plans you like across both. Get quotes including incentives. Patino can help with side-by-side comparisons. The right answer is often determined by specific community + lot + floor plan availability rather than overall builder choice.
Family-owned brokerage. Hakes Brothers vs French Brothers Las Cruces representation. Call 575-520-7604.
