Revenue Recognition
Home closings revenue, net — Home closings revenue is recorded using the completed-contract method of accounting at the time each home is delivered, title and possession are transferred to the buyer, we have no significant continuing involvement with the home, risk of loss has transferred, the buyer has demonstrated sufficient investment in the property, and the receivable, if any, from the homeowner or escrow agent is not subject to future subordination.
We typically grant our homebuyers certain sales incentives, including cash discounts, incentives on options included in the home, option upgrades, and seller-paid financing or closing costs. Incentives and discounts are accounted for as a reduction in the sales price of the home and home closings revenue is shown net of discounts. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, discounts and incentives were $289.5 million, $250.5 million and $179.3 million, respectively. We also receive rebates from certain vendors and these rebates are accounted for as a reduction to cost of home closings.
Land closings revenue — Revenue from land sales is recognized when title is transferred to the buyer, there is no significant continuing involvement, and the buyer has demonstrated sufficient investment in the property sold. If the buyer has not made an adequate investment in the property, the profit on such sales is deferred until these conditions are met.
Mortgage operations revenue — Loan origination fees (including title fees, points, closing costs) are recognized at the time the related real estate transactions are completed, usually upon the close of escrow. All of the loans TMHF originates are sold to third party investors within a short period of time, on a non-recourse basis. Gains and losses from the sale of mortgages are recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 860-20, “Sales of Financial Assets.” Because TMHF does not have continuing involvement with the transferred assets, we derecognize the mortgage loans at time of sale, based on the difference between the selling price and carrying value of the related loans upon sale, recording a gain/loss on sale in the period of sale. Also included in mortgage operations revenue/expenses is the realized and unrealized gains and loss from hedging instruments.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.