Keystone Custom Homes Expands into Virginia Through Strategic Partnership with Southern Development Homes, United by Profit for Purpose

"At Keystone, we believe that building homes can change lives — not just locally, but globally," said Jeff Rutt, Founder and CEO of Keystone Custom Homes . "Southern Development Homes shares that vision, and this partnership allows us to combine our strengths and serve more families while continuing to build with purpose."

Southern Development Homes has been a trusted name in Central Virginia homebuilding for well over two decades, known for its thoughtful design, local relationships, and its role as Charlottesville's Community Builder . The partnership brings together two companies with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to enhancing the homebuilding experience.

"This partnership gives Southern Development Homes access to Keystone's proven systems, technology, and expanded resources, while keeping their deep-rooted relationships and local leadership intact," Rutt said. " We're investing in what's working — and building on it together."

At the heart of the partnership is a common mission: profit for purpose . Keystone Custom Homes is 90% owned by charity, which allows more resources to be directed to organizations like HOPE International , a global nonprofit also founded by Jeff Rutt focused on education, savings, and economic empowerment.

It was through Homes for HOPE, a nonprofit empowering builders to use their unique skillsets to benefit HOPE International, that Jeff Rutt and Frank Ballif first connected. Their shared passion and mutual respect paved the way for this partnership built on aligned values and a greater vision for impact.

"Southern Development has always believed in using business as a force for good," said Frank Ballif, Founder and President of Southern Development Homes. "This partnership only strengthens that mission. A portion of all combined profits in Virginia will stay local – supporting the charitable efforts that align with the shared mission of Southern Development Homes and Keystone Custom Homes."

Homeowners currently building with Southern Development Homes will continue working with the same trusted team — with no disruption to construction schedules, service, or quality. Moving forward, the combined strength of Southern Development Homes and Keystone Custom Homes will operate as one unified team, preserving the values that made Southern Development a trusted name while expanding opportunities to serve even more families with excellence, care, and purpose.

About Keystone Custom Homes: Keystone Custom Homes, founded in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1992, currently builds over 500 homes annually from the Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast. Expansion into the Carolinas in 2021 extends the opportunity for homeowners in the greater Charlotte area to build a customized home at an exceptional value. Follow @kchhomes on Instagram, @keystonecustomhomes on Facebook, or visit KeystoneCustomHome.com to view all locations & floorplans, to see what's new, or to learn more about their unique ownership structure which is 90% charity-owned. About Southern Development Homes: Southern Development Homes has built a reputation as Charlottesville's Community Builder with a focus on thoughtful design, sustainability, and giving back. Since its founding in 1999, the company has delivered over 1,500 homes while investing deeply in the Central Virginia region. Visit southern-development.com to learn more about the active communities in Charlottesville. This transaction was advised and facilitated by Tony Avila from Builder Advisory Group and Zack Andrews of Bean, Kinney, & Korman.

SOURCE Keystone Custom Homes