In Business Since 1995

About the Company

Founded in 1995 by Julio L. Laguarta, Forrest Homes aims to create visually stunning and architecturally diverse custom homes in Central Texas. In our first year, we successfully built and sold five custom homes. With a distinct “Hill Country” style, our homes boast solid rock and pine exteriors, complemented by exquisite pine hardwood floors, granite counters, and elegant wood trims throughout the interior.

Julio Laguarta

Julio L. Laguarta, President

Julio L. Laguarta is a highly experienced and respected professional in the real estate and residential construction market, with over 25 years of expertise.

Born and raised in Houston, Laguarta pursued a real estate major at the University of Texas at Austin. He began his career in 1979 by managing sales and marketing activities for real estate partnerships throughout Houston, involving over 100 investors and property valued at more than $20,000,000. As vice president of the commercial real estate division of Laguarta, Gavrel & Kirk, in 1983, Laguarta supervised a team of 25 sales associates who brokered real estate deals in the greater Houston area.

In 1986, Laguarta transitioned to residential real estate, working for Neighborhood Homes, where he applied his management expertise to selling single-family homes. With 12 sales associates under his leadership, Laguarta successfully facilitated 250 sales over a two-year period. Building on this experience, Laguarta ventured into construction supervision, overseeing the building and sale of 70 homes ranging from 2,500 to over 4,500 square feet, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.

Between 1993 and 1996, Laguarta worked in his family’s business, managing the construction of homes in Bellaire and West University. These homes varied in size from 3,000 to 4,500 square feet, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $300,000. With a growing interest in West University, Laguarta left the family business to establish Lansford Homes and Forrest Homes building 15 homes during that time span.

In 1996, Laguarta partnered with two equity partners and focused on the $500,000 to $800,000 market. He gained recognition for his innovative use of limestone as a prominent design feature, showcasing his creativity and forward-thinking approach. In 1995, capitalizing on the high demand for this style, he acquired larger lots and entered the $1,000,000 price range, offering homes exceeding 5,000 square feet, building 25 homes from 1995-2009.

Additionally, Laguarta actively participates in professional associations such as the Houston Association of Realtors and the Texas Association of Realtors. He served as a director of the Houston Association of Realtors from 1985 to 1990, holding various leadership roles, including secretary, treasurer, and vice president.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Laguarta is dedicated to his community and serves as a member at The Crosspoint Church in LaGrange, TX. He is happily married and enjoys spending quality time with his three children and eight grandchildren, as well as pursuing hobbies such as fishing, hunting, and snow skiing.