UNITED HOMES INC
S-1/A, 1997-11-14
GENERAL BLDG CONTRACTORS - RESIDENTIAL BLDGS
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<PAGE>
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 14, 1997
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-33965
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-1
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
                                     UNDER
 
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           --------------------------
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
           ILLINOIS                          1520                  36-3978181
 (State or other jurisdiction    (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S.Employer
     of incorporation or         Classification Code Number)     Identification
        organization)                                               Number)
</TABLE>
 
                                DAVID L. FELTMAN
                        VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL
                           2100 GOLF ROAD, SUITE 110
                        ROLLING MEADOWS, ILLINOIS 60008
                                 (847) 427-2450
 
    (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                  of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                           --------------------------
 
                                WITH COPIES TO:
 
       MICHAEL J. CHOATE, ESQ.                    DANIEL A. YARANO, ESQ.
       Shefsky & Froelich Ltd.                   Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
      444 North Michigan Avenue                 1100 International Center
              Suite 2500                         900 Second Avenue South
       Chicago, Illinois 60611                          Suite 1100
            (312) 836-4066                  Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3397
                                                      (612) 347-7149
 
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                           --------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
     FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
                           --------------------------
 
   
    If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box: /X/
    
                           --------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
          CROSS REFERENCE SHEET SHOWING LOCATION IN THE PROSPECTUS OF
 
             INFORMATION REQUIRED BY ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM                                                                             LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                    <C>
       1.  Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside Front
             Cover Page of Prospectus...........................  Outside Front Cover Page
 
       2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
             Prospectus.........................................  Outside Front Cover page; Outside Back Cover Page;
                                                                    Additional Information
 
       3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
             Earnings to Fixed Charges..........................  Outside Front Cover Page; Prospectus Summary; Risk
                                                                    Factors
 
       4.  Use of Proceeds......................................  Prospectus Summary, Use of Proceeds
 
       5.  Determination of Offering Price......................                            *
 
       6.  Dilution.............................................                            *
 
       7.  Selling Security Holders.............................                            *
 
       8.  Plan of Distribution.................................  Outside Front Cover Page; Underwriting
 
       9.  Description of Securities to be Registered...........  Prospectus Summary; Dividend Policy; Description of
                                                                    Securities
 
      10.  Interest of Named Experts and Counsel................                            *
 
      11.  Information with Respect to Registrant...............  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Use of Proceeds;
                                                                    Capitalization; Selected Consolidated Financial
                                                                    Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                                                                    Financial Condition and Results of Operations;
                                                                    Business; Management; Security Ownership of Certain
                                                                    Benefical Owners and Management; Certain
                                                                    Transactions
 
      12.  Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification
             for Securities Act Liabilities.....................                            *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Not Applicable
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 14, 1997
    
 
                                 [UNITED LOGO]
 
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             11% MANDATORY REDEMPTION DEBENTURES DUE MARCH 15, 2005
                             ---------------------
 
    United Homes, Inc. ("United") is hereby offering on a "best effort" basis a
minimum of 3,050 debentures, approximately $3,000,000, (the "Minimum Amount")
and a maximum amount of 6,091 debentures, approximately $6,000,000, (the
"Maximum Amount") of its 11% Mandatory Redemption Debentures which will mature
on March 15, 2005 (the "Debentures"). See "Use of Proceeds." If the Minimum
Amount is not sold within 60 days of the date of this Prospectus, the Offering
will terminate at the end of such period, otherwise, the Offering will terminate
no later than six months from the date of this Prospectus.
 
    Interest on the Debentures will accrue from their date of original issuance
(the date the Minimum Amount is sold) or with respect to Debentures issued after
March 15, 1998, from March 15, 1998. Interest will be payable quarterly on
December 15, March 15, June 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing on
March 15, 1998. The Debentures initially will be issued in registered principal
amounts of $1,000 each, or any integral multiple thereof.
 
    United must redeem a portion of the Debentures on or before September 15,
1999. Commencing on or before September 15, 1999 and on each September 15th and
March 15th thereafter, United will pay the Trustee on each redemption date
sufficient cash to redeem $83,333 for each $1,000,000 registered principal
amount of Debentures sold by United. The Debentures are redeemable, at United's
option, in whole or in part, upon at least 30 days' notice, at any time
beginning December 15, 1997 at the redemption prices set forth herein plus
accrued interest to the date of redemption. The Debentures to be redeemed will
be selected by the Trustee by lot or other similar method.
 
   
    The Debentures will be unsecured obligations of United and will rank equally
and ratably with all other unsecured indebtedness of United. The Debentures are
not guaranteed by, or otherwise an obligation of, any of United's subsidiaries.
As of June 30, 1997, United and its operating subsidiaries had a total of
approximately $84.0 million of outstanding liabilities, including approximately
$70.3 million of secured indebtedness and approximately $13.0 million of
indebtedness incurred by the Subsidiaries which indebtedness is effectively
senior to the Debentures. See "Risk Factors--Lack of Collateral." The Indenture
governing the Debentures does not limit the amount of secured indebtedness
United or its Subsidiaries may incur.
    
                           --------------------------
 
AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEBENTURES INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. THERE IS NO
     EXISTING PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE DEBENTURES AND THERE CAN BE NO
        ASSURANCE THAT A PUBLIC MARKET WILL DEVELOP. SEE
                          "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8.
                             ---------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
     EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
              COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
                  OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                          THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
                                    OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        UNDERWRITING
                                                                                        DISCOUNT AND      NET PROCEEDS TO
                                                                 PRICE TO PUBLIC(1)    COMMISSIONS(2)      COMPANY(2)(3)
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>                 <C>
PER DEBENTURE..................................................         $985                7.0%                $916
MINIMUM AMOUNT (3,050 DEBENTURES)..............................      $3,004,250             7.0%             $2,793,953
MAXIMUM AMOUNT (6,091 DEBENTURES)(4)...........................      $5,999,635             7.0%             $5,579,661
</TABLE>
 
(1) Each Debenture will be offered at 98.5% of the registered principal amount
    plus accrued interest from the Closing Date of the Minimum Amount or, with
    respect to Debentures sold after March 15, 1998, from March 15, 1998. See
    "Underwriting."
 
(2) The Company has granted the Underwriter the exclusive right to sell the
    Debentures on a "best efforts" basis for a period of six months, unless
    terminated earlier. The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriter an
    Underwriting Discount and Commission equal to 7%, a management fee equal to
    2%, and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the total Price
    to Public and to reimburse the underwriter for accountable expenses up to
    $120,000. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against
    certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
 
(3) The "Net Proceeds to Company" in each case reflects the total Price to
    Public reduced by all Underwriting Discount and Commissions, but before
    deducting management fees as well as accountable and non-accountable expense
    allowances described in note (2) above and other expenses of the offering
    payable by the Company which other expenses are estimated at approximately
    $188,000.
 
   
(4) The Company has granted the Underwriter an option to increase the maximum
    amount by up to an additional 1,015 Debentures, approximately $1,000,000,
    (the "Optional Maximum"). If all of the Debentures are purchased, including
    the additional Debentures, the total Underwriting Discount and Commissions,
    management fees, and the non-accountable and accountable expenses will be
    approximately $490,000, $140,000, $70,000 and $140,000, respectively.
    
                         ------------------------------
 
                       MILLER & SCHROEDER FINANCIAL, INC.
            The date of this Prospectus is ________________ , 1997.
<PAGE>
                                      MAPS
                  MAPS INDICATE THE LOCATION OF THE COMPANY'S
                DEVELOPMENTS IN ARIZONA, ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN.
 
Map 1. ILLINOIS.  The map depicts the Chicago Area with the location of the
       Company's developments marked with a star. Additionally, the map contains
       a picture of homes in the Woodmere development located in Illinois.
 
Map 2. WESTERN MICHIGAN.  The map depicts the Grand Rapids Area with close-ups
       of the locations of the Company's developments. Additionally, the map
       contains a picture of the interior of a home.
 
Map 3. ARIZONA.  The map depicts the greater Phoenix Area with locations of the
       Company's developments marked with a star. Additionally the map contains
       a picture of a home in the Altezza development located in Phoenix,
       Arizona.
 
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE DEBENTURES.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITER MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING
AND MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE SHARES OF THE DEBENTURES IN THE OPEN MARKET. IN
ADDITION, THE UNDERWRITER AND SELLING GROUP MEMBERS MAY ENGAGE IN PASSIVE MARKET
MAKING. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO,
APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. AS USED HEREIN, THE "COMPANY" MEANS
UNITED HOMES, INC. ("UNITED"), AND UNITED'S WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES UNITED
HOMES OF ILLINOIS, INC.; UNITED HOMES OF MICHIGAN, INC.; AND UNITED HOMES, INC.,
AN ARIZONA CORPORATION (INDIVIDUALLY, A "SUBSIDIARY," COLLECTIVELY THE
"SUBSIDIARIES") AND THE FOLLOWING PARTNERSHIPS IN WHICH UNITED OR THE
SUBSIDIARIES OWN CONTROLLING INTERESTS IN EITHER AS GENERAL OR LIMITED PARTNERS:
WILLIAMS GLEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, THE HIDDEN SPRINGS REAL ESTATE LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP, UNITED/RBG XII L.P. AND THE UNITED LINDSAY EAST VALLEY LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP. UNITED WAS FORMED IN 1994 TO CARRY ON THE HOMEBUILDING ACTIVITIES
OF UNITED'S PARENT CORPORATION UNITED DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY (THE
"PARENT"). UNITED IS A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE PARENT. STATISTICAL AND
OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN REGARDING THE COMPANY'S HOMEBUILDING
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE HOMEBUILDING ACTIVITIES OF THE PARENT SINCE 1982. THE
DATA INCLUDED HEREIN ASSUMES THAT THE UNDERWRITER'S OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION IS NOT
EXERCISED.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
    The Company is a fully-integrated land development and homebuilding company
operating in the Chicago, Phoenix and western Michigan markets and since 1982
has developed over 7,300 lots and has built and closed over 6,100 homes. The
Company acquires undeveloped land and develops it into finished lots for
residential subdivisions, and periodically options or purchases finished lots
from third parties, primarily for the construction and sale of homes. The
Company maintains an inventory of potential home sites (lots) by controlling
undeveloped and developed land through options, contingent purchase agreements,
joint ventures, partnerships and other contractual relationships with landowners
("Acquisition Agreements"). The Company believes that this strategy allows it to
control sites for future development and at the same time maximize use of its
available capital. For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company closed
on the sale of 280 homes generating approximately $50.8 million in revenue from
housing and land sales as compared to 205 homes generating approximately $35.0
million in revenue from housing and land sales for the nine months ended June
30, 1996. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had contracts to sell an additional
425 homes and a current inventory of 739 lots on which the Company anticipates
developing and selling 739 homes. Additionally, as of the date of this
Prospectus, the Company controlled, under the Acquisition Agreements, seven
parcels of land on which it had completed its due diligence for future
development of homes.
    
 
    Prices for the Company's homes, including the lot, range from $110,000 to
$400,000 per home. During the first nine months of fiscal 1997, the average
price for a home sold by the Company was approximately $179,000. The Company
markets its products to entry-level, first and second move-up, and empty-nest
buyers by emphasizing the community atmosphere of its residential subdivisions,
as well as those characteristics that the Company believes that its homes
possess: desirable designs, quality construction and competitive prices.
 
    United, which is an Illinois corporation, has its principal office at 2100
Golf Road, Suite 110, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008. Its telephone number is
847-427-2450.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Securities Offered................  A minimum of 3,050 Debentures, approximately $3,000,000,
                                    (the "Minimum Amount") and up to 6,091 Debentures,
                                    approximately $6,000,000, (the "Maximum Amount") of 11%
                                    Mandatory Redemption Debentures, due March 15, 2005 to
                                    be issued pursuant to an Indenture (the "Indenture")
                                    between the Company and National City Bank of
                                    Minneapolis (the "Trustee") only in fully registered
                                    form in registered principal amounts of $1,000 each, or
                                    any integral multiple thereof. See "Description of
                                    Securities."
 
Interest Payment Dates............  Interest will accrue from the date of original issuance
                                    or, with respect to Debentures issued after March 15,
                                    1998, from March 15, 1998. Interest will be payable
                                    quarterly on December 15, March 15, June 15 and
                                    September 15 of each year ("Interest Payment Date"),
                                    commencing on March 15, 1998.
 
Mandatory Redemptions.............  The Debentures will be subject to mandatory redemption
                                    beginning September 15, 1999. On or before September 15,
                                    1999 and on each September 15 and March 15 thereafter
                                    through September 15, 2004, United will pay to the
                                    Trustee cash sufficient to redeem $83,333 for each
                                    $1,000,000 registered principal amount of Debentures
                                    sold by United. On or before March 15, 2005, United will
                                    pay to the Trustee cash sufficient to redeem all
                                    remaining outstanding Debentures. Debentures to be
                                    redeemed will be selected by the Trustee by lot or other
                                    similar method. See "Description of
                                    Securities--Mandatory Redemption."
 
Optional Redemptions..............  United may, at its option, redeem Debentures on any
                                    Interest Payment Date in minimum aggregate principal
                                    amounts of $100,000 at a price equal to the principal
                                    amount plus accrued interest and a premium. If an
                                    optional redemption occurs on or before September 15,
                                    1998, United must pay a 5% premium. After this date, the
                                    premium due on optional redemption will decline at the
                                    rate of 1% per year, with no premium due after September
                                    15, 2002. United may, at its option, elect to have any
                                    optional redemption payment applied to the next
                                    mandatory redemption payment or payments. See
                                    "Description of Securities--Optional Redemption."
 
Rank..............................  The Debentures will be unsecured obligations of United
                                    and will rank equally and ratably with all other
                                    unsecured indebtedness of United. The Debentures are not
                                    guaranteed by, or otherwise an obligation of, any
                                    Subsidiary. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had total
                                    outstanding liabilities of $84.0 million (including
                                    $70.3 million of secured indebtedness) and approximately
                                    $13.0 million of indebtedness incurred by the
                                    Subsidiaries which indebtedness is effectively senior to
                                    the Debentures. See "Risk Factors--Lack of Collateral."
                                    The Indenture governing the Debentures does not limit
                                    the amount of secured indebtedness United or its
                                    Subsidiaries may incur.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Use of Proceeds...................  United intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of
                                    the Debentures, estimated to be approximately $5,091,677
                                    assuming sale of the Maximum Amount, first to repay
                                    indebtedness incurred in connection with land
                                    acquisitions or working capital loans ($2,600,000) and
                                    second to repay indebtedness outstanding under its
                                    Construction Lines as defined herein ($2,482,000).
                                    Amounts repaid on these Construction Lines may be
                                    reborrowed for land acquisition, land development,
                                    construction of homes, and for working capital. See "Use
                                    of Proceeds."
 
Certain Covenants.................  United has agreed to comply with certain financial
                                    covenants as set forth in the Indenture. See
                                    "Description of Securities."
</TABLE>
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    An investment in the Debentures involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors"
for a discussion of factors that investors should carefully consider before
purchasing any of the Debentures offered hereby.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
    The following summary of the Company's consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 NINE MONTHS                 FISCAL YEAR
                                                                ENDED JUNE 30,           ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                               1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
    Revenues...............................................  $  50,841  $  34,991  $  65,117  $  44,349  $  32,886
    Gross Profit...........................................  $   2,710  $   3,692  $   4,623  $   4,282  $   3,659
    Operating Income.......................................  $     809  $   1,406  $   1,785  $   1,512  $   1,169
    Investor's Share of Income in Majority Owned Land
      Development and Housing Partnerships.................  $    (465) $    (375) $    (735) $     (70)    --
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Income before Income Taxes.............................  $     344  $   1,031  $   1,050  $   1,442  $   1,169
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
OTHER DATA:
    Number of Homes and Lots Closed........................        310(3)       205       378       267        174
    Average Selling Price per Home.........................  $     179  $     169  $     171  $     163  $     185
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)......................         (4)      1.06         (4)      1.14       2.45
Ratio of Earnings to Adjusted Fixed Charges(2).............       4.41      60.35      13.12      27.14      34.54
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) In calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of
    income before minority interests, income tax and fixed charges, less
    capitalized interest, plus the interest component included in cost of sales.
    Fixed charges consist of interest expended and capitalized and amortization
    of debt service costs. The interest factor implicit in rent expense is not
    significant.
 
(2) Represents the ratio of the amount of fixed charges actually funded from the
    Company's earnings. In calculating this ratio the amount of interest charges
    which are funded from the Company's various lines of credit through draws on
    these lines is excluded from fixed charges. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
    Capital Resources" below.
 
   
(3) Includes (i) the sale of 30 lots at an average price of $46,000 per lot and
    (ii) the sale of 22 model homes to an affiliate for which the gain on sale
    has been deferred (see note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Interim
    Financial Statements of the Company).
    
 
   
(4) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately $209,000
    for the year ended September 30, 1996 and by approximately $2,660,000 for
    the nine months ended June 30, 1997. See "Risk Factors--Substantial
    Leverage, Reliance on Financing and No Assurance of Availability of Credit"
    and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
    of Operations."
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       AS OF
                                                   JUNE 30, 1997                    AS OF
                                               ----------------------           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                   AS                  -------------------------------
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:                   ADJUSTED(6)   ACTUAL      1996       1995       1994
                                               -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
    Housing Inventories......................  $  80,420    $  80,420  $  54,588  $  28,796  $  21,143
    Total Assets.............................  $  95,632(7) $  95,083  $  69,931  $  34,365  $  26,779
    Total Liabilities (excluding
      Debentures)............................  $  81,867    $  84,323  $  58,699  $  22,909  $  18,825
    Debentures...............................  $   3,004       --         --         --         --
    Investor's Equity in Majority-Owned
      Projects(5)............................  $   1,467    $   1,467  $   2,165  $   3,037  $     400
    Stockholder's Equity.....................  $   9,293    $   9,293  $   9,067  $   8,419  $   7,554
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(5) Represents the equity of investors in projects, a majority of which
    interests are owned by the Company.
 
(6) Adjusted to give effect to the sale of the Minimum Amount and the
    application of the net proceeds as of June 30, 1997. See "Use of Proceeds"
    and "Underwriting."
 
(7) The increase includes the costs of the offering estimated at an aggregate of
    $548,511 (assuming the sale of the Minimum Amount). These costs are paid
    currently but are capitalized and amortized over the life of the Debentures.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    THE DEBENTURES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. IN ADDITION TO
THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD
CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS BEFORE PURCHASING THE DEBENTURES.
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE, RELIANCE ON FINANCING AND NO ASSURANCE OF AVAILABILITY OF
  CREDIT
 
    The land development and homebuilding business is capital intensive. The
Company typically finances the acquisition of land parcels and the costs
associated with development of the parcels (such as entitlement activities and
construction of streets and sewers) by drawing on its A&D Lines (as defined
herein), including the Residential Line II which can be used solely to fund
acquisition and development activity such as sewer and roadway construction.
Under the agreements governing the A&D Lines, the Company may generally draw up
to 75-80% of the value of the land and improvements (based on an as-built
appraisal) to fund acquisition and development costs. Based on the outstanding
balance of the A&D Lines at the end of each month, an interest charge is either
paid by the Company if the particular loan does not have an interest reserve or
is funded through an additional draw on the loan. As of June 30, 1997, and
September 30, 1996, the Company had total indebtedness of approximately $24.3
million and $22.1 million, respectively, outstanding on its A&D Lines, including
$10.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively, on the Residential Line II ($10.8
million as of the date of this Prospectus). As of June 30, 1997 and September
30, 1996, the Company had funded interest charges of approximately $2.2 million
and $1.9 million associated with these lines, including $0.3 million and $0.5
million, respectively, on the Residential Line II through additional draws on
such line. Additional interest charges of approximately $619,000 associated with
other A&D Lines that do not have interest reserves or permit additional draws to
fund the interest and approximately $285,000 associated with corporate level
debt were incurred and paid by the Company from earnings.
 
   
    Once construction of a home commences, the Company is able to draw on the
Heller Line and the Residential Line I to finance the costs associated with
constructing a home and preparing a lot for delivery and the home for sale to
the end purchaser. As noted herein, the Company typically does not commence
construction of a home until a buyer executes a purchase contract. See
"Business--Inventory Management" below. As of June 30, 1997 and September 30,
1996, the Company had total indebtedness of approximately $38.1 million and
$16.5 million, respectively, outstanding on these two lines ($5.5 million and
$22.6 million as of the date of this Prospectus) and had incurred interest
charges of approximately $2.5 million and $1.7 million associated with these
lines, all of which was funded by additional draws allowable on these lines.
    
 
    The amount of indebtedness incurred with respect to any particular project
is based on the purchase price of the land and the costs of constructing and
selling homes on the land. These estimates are based on, among other things,
demand for housing in the Company's market areas which the Company then factors
into its analysis of the number of homes that it believes may be constructed and
the rate in which these homes may be sold to end-purchasers. However, from time
to time the Company will sell improved lots without constructing a home thereon.
There can be no assurance that the Company's estimate of the demand for housing
in the market area or more particularly the rate at which these houses can be
sold will prove correct. Differences in projected and actual demand may cause
the Company to incur additional holding costs associated with land which is
being improved for the construction of homes.
 
    Upon closing of a home sale, the Company utilizes all of the net closing
proceeds (including the Company's profit) from the sale of the home to reduce
indebtedness under the relevant A&D Line as well as the Heller Line or
Residential Line I as the case may be. Thus, the amount of indebtedness
outstanding on these lines fluctuates based on the number of parcels and homes
under development or construction at any one time and the rate at which the
Company closes on homes under contract for sale. During the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company made
principal
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
reductions of approximately $59.8 million and $40.9 million, respectively on
these lines. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $6.5
million available for borrowing under all of its credit facilities.
 
   
    As of June 30, 1997, the Company had a total of $84.0 million of outstanding
liabilities, including $70.3 million of secured indebtedness and approximately
$13.0 million of indebtedness incurred by the Subsidiaries which indebtedness is
effectively senior to the Debentures. The Indenture governing the Debentures
does not limit the amount of secured indebtedness United or its Subsidiaries may
incur. Although the Company has been able to draw on its various lines to
finance substantially all of its fixed charges, there can be no assurance that
it will have sufficient resources to fund these charges if it were unable to
draw on its lines or does not have sufficient interest reserves. Earnings were
inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately $209,000 and $2,660,000 for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, and the nine months ended June 30,
1997, respectively. However, such earnings were sufficient to cover these
charges when adjusted to reflect the interest charges funded by draws on the
lines. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" below. Although the Company believes that
internally generated funds, the net proceeds from the Debentures and the
Company's available borrowings under its credit facilities will be sufficient to
meet its reasonably anticipated needs for working capital and fixed charges
including debt service on the Debentures, there can be no assurance that these
sources will be sufficient. If the Company does not realize net proceeds equal
to at least $2,600,000, it will be unable to pay down indebtedness bearing
interest at rates higher than the Debentures and will be unable to create
additional borrowing capacity under its Construction Lines.
    
 
    The Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations is dependent upon
the future performance of the Company, which, in turn, is subject to general
economic conditions as to financial, competitive, business and other factors,
including factors beyond the Company's control. The level of the Company's
leverage could restrict its flexibility in responding to changing business and
economic conditions. If the Company is at any time unable to generate sufficient
cash flow from operations or borrow under its existing credit facilities to
service its debt, it may be required to seek refinancing for all or a portion of
that debt or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that
additional financing, either in the form of equity or debt, will be available on
terms and conditions acceptable to the Company, if at all. Further, any
additional debt financing may rank senior in right of payment to the Debentures.
The Indenture imposes limitations on the Company's ability to declare and pay
dividends or make other payments to the Parent. See "Description of
Securities--Restrictive Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments;--Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates;--Limitation on Dividends
and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting a Subsidiary."
 
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE
 
    Under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or
comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance law, if the
Company, at the time it issued the Debentures: (i) incurred the indebtedness
with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors; or (ii) (a) received less
than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the issuance of the
Debentures; and (b) (I) was insolvent at the time of the incurrence, (II) was
rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence, (III) was engaged or was about
to engage in a business or transaction for which the assets remaining with the
Company constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business or (IV)
intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to
pay such debts as they mature, then, in each such case, a court of competent
jurisdiction could avoid, in whole or in part, the Debentures or, in the
alternative, subordinate the Debentures to existing and future indebtedness of
the Company. The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing would vary
depending upon the law applied in each case. Generally, the Company would be
considered insolvent if the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities
was greater than all of its assets at fair valuation or if the present fair
saleable value of its assets
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
was less than the amount that would be required to pay the probable liability on
its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute
and matured.
 
    The Company believes that, for purposes of the United States Bankruptcy Code
and state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, the Debentures will be issued
without the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors and for proper purposes
and in good faith, that the Company will receive fair consideration in exchange
for the Debentures, and that the Company, after the issuance of the Debentures
and the application of proceeds therefrom, will be solvent, with sufficient
capital for carrying on its business and will be able to pay its debts as they
mature. Accordingly, the Company believes that these provisions of the
Bankruptcy Code and the state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws will not be
triggered by the issuance of the Debentures.
 
LACK OF COLLATERAL
 
   
    United's obligations under the Indenture are not secured by any of its
assets. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had a total of approximately $84.0
million of outstanding liabilities, including approximately $70.3 million of
secured indebtedness and approximately $13.0 million of indebtedness incurred by
the Subsidiaries which indebtedness is effectively senior to the Debentures.
Creditors who have a security interest in a particular asset have a right
ranking ahead of the holders of the Debentures with respect to that asset.
Further, United's homebuilding operations are conducted entirely through the
Subsidiaries. Accordingly, United derives its operating income and cash flow
from the Subsidiaries, and relies on the Subsidiaries to generate the funds
necessary to meet its obligations, including its obligations to pay principal
and interest on the Debentures. The ability of the Subsidiaries to pay dividends
or otherwise make payments to United is subject to, among other things,
applicable state law and restrictions imposed on the Subsidiaries by their
respective creditors. The Indenture will not limit the ability of the
Subsidiaries to incur additional restrictions in the future. Further, the right
of United to participate in the assets of any Subsidiary (and thus the ability
of the holders of the Debentures to benefit indirectly from these assets) is
generally subject to the prior claims of creditors, including trade creditors,
of that Subsidiary except to the extent that United is recognized as a creditor
of such Subsidiary. In this latter case, United's claims would still be
subordinate to any secured creditors of that Subsidiary. The Debentures,
therefore, will be structurally subordinated to creditors, including trade
creditors of the Subsidiaries.
    
 
    In the event of the dissolution, winding up, liquidation or bankruptcy of
United, the holders of the Debentures will not be entitled to receive any
payment until the holders of secured indebtedness receive payment or
distributions in respect of the assets collateralizing their debt. Upon the
occurrence of any payment default on secured indebtedness, proceeds from the
assets collateralizing the secured indebtedness which is in default may not be
used to satisfy United's obligations on the Debentures. The Indenture does not
limit the amount of secured indebtedness that United or its Subsidiaries may
incur. Amounts drawn by United on the A&D Lines are typically secured by the
parcel for which the funds are being drawn. As described above, United is
typically permitted to make draws on the A&D Lines up to 75-80% of the value of
the parcel (on an as-built basis). Reductions in the value of these parcels
would limit the amount of proceeds United could draw to fund acquisition and
development expenses which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition since revenues would likely
decrease and projects would likely be delayed.
 
INTEREST RATES; MORTGAGE FINANCING
 
    In general, the demand for housing is influenced in large part by the
availability of mortgage financing and the ability of prospective purchasers to
finance home purchases since virtually all purchasers of the Company's homes
finance their acquisitions through third-party lenders. Increases in interest
rates generally reduce the demand for, and affordability of, mortgage financing
and therefore the demand for the Company's homes. Increases in interest rates
would have a material adverse affect on the Company's results of operations and
financial condition.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
CYCLICAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
    The homebuilding industry is cyclical in nature and is significantly
affected by changes in national and local economic and other conditions, such as
employment levels, availability of financing, interest rates, consumer
confidence and housing demand. Sales of new homes are also affected by market
conditions for resale homes and rental properties. Certain of the markets in
which the Company operates have at times in the past experienced significant
declines in housing demand and there can no assurance that these declines will
not occur in the future. Homebuilders such as the Company also incur substantial
risk due to the fluctuating market value of land, building lots, and housing
inventories. Additionally, the carrying cost of the Company's inventory can be
significant and can result in losses in poorly performing projects or markets.
Homebuilders are also subject to various other risks which may cause
fluctuations in operating results such as competitive over building, shortage of
desirable land with municipal services, availability and cost of materials and
labor, construction delays, cost overruns, weather conditions, government
regulation, availability of adequate financing, changes in mortgage interest
rates and real estate taxes as well as other governmental fees.
 
FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS/IMPACT ON FUTURE OPERATIONS
 
    The Company's operating results fluctuate from time to time based on factors
not entirely within the Company's control. These factors include, among others:
(i) the timing of home closings and land sales; (ii) the Company's ability to
acquire additional land or options thereon on acceptable terms; (iii) the
condition of the real estate market and the general economy in the Company's
markets as well as other markets into which the Company may expand; (iv) the
cyclical nature of the home building industry and changes in prevailing interest
rates and availability of mortgage financing; and (v) cost of material and labor
and delays in construction schedules. The Company's gross margins also are
affected by the location and type of lot, as well as the design of the
particular home sold. Negative fluctuations in operating results may have an
adverse effect on the Company's future results and financial condition. As noted
above, the Company utilizes the net proceeds from home sales to repay
indebtedness on its lines of credit. Amounts repaid on these lines are then
available to be "reborrowed" to fund future acquisition, development and
construction activities. A slowing or reduction in home sales from those
projected or anticipated by the Company would have an adverse impact on the
Company's ability to fund future activities since it would have less capital in
the form of additional borrowing capacity available to finance acquisition,
development and construction activity.
 
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF INDENTURE
 
    The Indenture will restrict United and the Subsidiaries from, among other
things, incurring additional indebtedness, paying excessive dividends or making
certain other restricted payments or investments to the Parent, consummating
certain asset sales, entering into certain transactions with affiliates,
incurring liens, or merging or consolidating with any other person or selling,
assigning, transferring, conveying or otherwise disposing of all of
substantially all of their respective assets. See "Description of Securities--
Restrictive Covenants." The Indenture will also impose limitations on United's
ability to restrict the ability of its Subsidiaries to pay dividends or make
certain payments to United or any of the Subsidiaries. In addition, the
Indenture will require United to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy
certain financial tests. United's ability to meet these ratios and tests may be
affected by events beyond its control, and there can be no assurance that the
United will meet these tests. The Indenture does not, however, prohibit United
from entering new markets and United may elect to utilize a portion of the
proceeds from the Debentures to fund expansion into new markets. See
"Description of Securities"
 
NEED TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
 
    The Company's ability to generate revenues in the future depends, in part,
on its ability to acquire or otherwise control an inventory of undeveloped land
while efficiently deploying its available capital.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
Although the Company attempts to minimize the amount of capital invested in land
parcels, the Company's inventory of land may, from time to time, exceed the
demand for the Company's products thus limiting the capital available for
additional land acquisition. In pursuing its development activities, the Company
may invest significant amounts of capital to acquire and maintain control of
undeveloped land as well as to apply for regulatory approvals prior to
determining whether the Company will actually develop the land. There can be no
assurance that such land will be developed on acceptable terms and conditions,
if at all, or that the Company will have adequate capital to compete with third
parties in acquiring land. See "Business--Operating Strategy" and
"Business--Land Development."
 
EXTENSIVE REGULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
 
    The homebuilding industry in general, and the Company in particular, is
subject to extensive and complex laws and regulations which cover, among other
things, zoning and density requirements, design and building permits, building
materials, environmental and health issues, advertising and consumer credit,
development, homebuilding and sales activities. These laws and regulations
impact the time required to obtain approvals necessary to begin home
construction and can adversely impact the time between the initial control of
land, commencement of development and completion of construction. The Company is
also subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations which can affect
its business and its homebuilding projects. The particular environmental laws
and regulations which apply to any given homebuilding site vary greatly
depending on the site's location, environmental condition, present and former
uses of the site as well as adjoining properties. These laws and regulations may
result in additional delays, may cause the Company to incur substantial
compliance and other costs, and may prohibit or severely restrict homebuilding
activity in certain environmentally sensitive areas. See "Business--Governmental
Regulation."
 
    In addition, the Company is subject to laws and regulations governing the
type of materials used in constructing its homes and imposing liability on the
Company for personal injury and worker's compensation claims. Although the
Company maintains insurance against the liability for personal injury and
worker's compensation claims, there can be no assurance that this coverage will
be adequate.
 
RELIANCE ON SUBCONTRACTORS
 
    With the exception of field supervisors, the Company does not employ its own
development or construction personnel. Instead, the Company depends on
subcontractors and other independent contractors to complete its land
development and home construction activities. There can be no assurances that
the Company will continue to be able to contract for the services of
subcontractors necessary to complete such land development and construction on
reasonable terms, if at all. See "Business--Home Design and Construction."
 
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company relies upon certain key management employees, including United's
Chairman, Virgil W. Owings, and President, Edward F. Havlik. The loss of either
individual's services could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition. The Company believes that its
future success will depend on its ability to retain key members of management
and to attract experienced management in the future. There can be no assurance
that it will be able to do so. The Company does not carry, and will not likely
obtain any key man life insurance on these individuals nor has it entered into
contracts with any of these individuals. See "Management."
 
COMPETITION
 
    The homebuilding industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Homebuilders
compete for desirable properties, financing, raw materials and skilled labor.
The Company competes for residential sales with
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
other homebuilders, individual resales of existing homes, available rental
housing and, to a lesser extent, resales of condominiums. The Company's
competitors include a number of large national and regional homebuilding
companies (Chicago and Phoenix markets) and small local homebuilding companies
(in all of the Company's markets), some of which may have greater financial
resources, easier access to capital markets or lower costs than the Company.
 
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
 
    From time to time the Company may enter into transactions with affiliates
including the Parent or its shareholders as well as the Company's officers and
directors. Although the Indenture will impose limitations on the Company's
ability to engage in certain of these transactions, there can be no assurance
that these transactions will be on terms and conditions similar to those that
may be available with a third party. Such transactions with affiliates may have
an unfavorable impact on the Company's results of operation and financial
condition. See "Description of Securities" and "Certain Transactions" below.
 
NO PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE DEBENTURES
 
    There is no existing public market for the Debentures, and there can be no
assurance that one will develop or, if a market does develop, that it will
provide sufficient liquidity or will continue in existence until maturity of the
Debentures. Even if a market develops, there can be no assurance that a holder
of the Debentures will be able to sell Debentures on acceptable terms and
conditions, if at all. To the extent that a market develops, future trading
prices of the Debentures will depend on many factors, including, among other
things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating results, competitive
factors and the market for similar securities which is subject to numerous
factors, including but not limited to fluctuating interest rates. The Company
does not intend to list the Debentures on any securities exchange or to seek to
have the Debentures authorized for quotation on Nasdaq.
 
BEST EFFORTS OFFERING
 
    The Debentures are being underwritten by the Underwriter on a "best efforts"
basis whereby the Underwriter is required to use its best efforts to sell the
Debentures on behalf of the Company. If all of the Debentures are not sold
during the six months following the date of this Prospectus, the Company may not
have sufficient funds available from its own resources and from the proceeds of
the Debentures already sold to complete all of its objectives. The amount of
proceeds actually raised by the Company may affect the Company's future capital
requirements. See "Use of Proceeds", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources,"
and "Underwriting."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The net proceeds from sale of the Debentures are estimated to be
approximately $5,091,677 if the Maximum Amount is sold and approximately
$2,455,739 if only the Minimum Amount is sold. The Company will utilize the net
proceeds first to repay indebtedness incurred by the Company in connection with
land acquisition (the "Land Indebtedness") and, second, to repay a portion of
the debt outstanding under the Heller Line and the Residential Line I (each as
defined herein, collectively the "Construction Lines"). If only the Minimum
Amount is sold, the Company will utilize the net proceeds to repay a portion of
the Land Indebtedness.
 
    Because the Debentures are being sold by the Underwriter on a "best efforts"
basis, no assurance can be given as to the amount of Debentures that will be
sold or as to the amount of net proceeds which will be available to the Company
as a result of this offering. The amount of proceeds actually raised may affect
the Company's future capital requirements. See "Risk Factors--Best Efforts
Offering" and "Underwriting."
 
    The table below sets forth information concerning the estimated use of
proceeds assuming the sale of the Minimum Amount and the Maximum Amount.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ASSUMING SALE OF THE             ASSUMING SALE OF THE
                                                               MINIMUM AMOUNT                   MAXIMUM AMOUNT
                                                             (3,050 DEBENTURES)               (6,091 DEBENTURES)
                                                       -------------------------------  -------------------------------
                                                                       PERCENTAGE OF                    PERCENTAGE OF
                                                          AMOUNT      GROSS PROCEEDS       AMOUNT      GROSS PROCEEDS
                                                       ------------  -----------------  ------------  -----------------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>
Gross Proceeds.......................................  $  3,004,250           100%      $  5,999,635           100%
Underwriting Discount and Commissions................       210,298             7%           419,975             7%
Management Fee.......................................        60,085             2%           119,993             2%
Non-Accountable Expense Allowance....................        30,043             1%            59,997             1%
Accountable Expense Allowance........................        60,085             2%           119,993             2%
Other Expenses.......................................       188,000             6%           188,000             3%
Total Expenses.......................................       548,511            18%           907,958            15%
                                                       ------------                     ------------
Proceeds Available to the Company....................  $  2,455,739            82%      $  5,091,677            85%
                                                       ------------                     ------------
                                                       ------------                     ------------
</TABLE>
 
   
    The Company will require approximately $2,600,000 to fully repay the Land
Indebtedness. This indebtedness bears interest at an annual rate of 25% and
matures in February and August, 1999. Amounts in excess of $2,600,000, including
any proceeds resulting from the sale of the Optional Maximum, will be allocated
equally to repay indebtedness owed by the Company on the Heller Line and the
Residential Line I.
    
 
   
    Draws on the Heller Line bear interest at a variable rate equal to the
General Electric Capital Corporation Composite Commercial Paper Rate (as defined
in the loan agreement) plus 3.75% per annum (9.4% as of June 30, 1997). Draws on
the Heller Line which are outstanding on May 31, 1998 automatically convert to a
term loan maturing on May 31, 1999. Draws under Residential Line I bear interest
at a variable rate equal to prime plus 1.25% per annum (9.75% as of June 30,
1997). Residential Line I matures on March 14, 2001. As of the date of this
Prospectus, a total of $5.5 million and $22.6 million was outstanding on the
Heller Line and the Residential Line I, respectively. The Company is in
compliance with the terms of the credit agreements governing this indebtedness.
The Company may re-borrow amounts repaid under either line for general corporate
purposes including land acquisition, land development, construction of homes and
for working capital. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of
Operations and Financial Condition--Financial Condition and Liquidity."
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company at June 30, 1997, and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the
Minimum Amount and the application of the net proceeds.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
                                                               -------------------------------
                                                                              AS ADJUSTED
                                                                           (ASSUMING SALE OF
                                                                ACTUAL    THE MINIMUM AMOUNT)
                                                               ---------  --------------------
                                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>
Indebtedness:
  Debt due within one year...................................  $   8,899       $    8,999
  Debt due after one year (excluding Debentures).............  $  61,394       $   58,938
  Debentures.................................................     --           $    3,004
                                                               ---------          -------
  Total indebtedness.........................................  $  70,293       $   70,941
Total stockholder's equity...................................  $   9,293       $    9,293
                                                               ---------          -------
Total capitalization.........................................  $  79,586       $   80,234
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following selected consolidated financial data as of September 30, 1996
and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1996
has been derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, whose report with respect thereto is
included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected consolidated financial data
as of September 30, 1994, 1993 and 1992 and for each of the two years in the
period ended September 30, 1993, has been derived from audited financial
statements. The selected consolidated financial data for the nine months ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996 are derived from unaudited financial statements but, in
the opinion of management, includes adjustments, all of which are of a normal
recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation. The results of operations
for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 may not be indicative of the results to
be expected for the year ending September 30, 1997. The following selected
consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements, including the notes thereto, set forth elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                     30,                             YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                            ----------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------
                                               1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SELECTED STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
  Revenues................................  $   50,841  $   34,991  $   65,117  $   44,349  $   32,886  $   24,896  $   35,011
  Cost of Sales...........................  $  (48,131) $  (31,299) $  (60,494) $  (40,067) $  (29,227) $  (19,674) $  (28,523)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Gross Profit............................  $    2,710  $    3,692  $    4,623  $    4,282  $    3,659  $    5,222  $    6,488
  Operating Expenses......................  $   (1,901) $   (2,286) $   (2,838) $   (2,770) $   (2,490) $   (2,607) $   (4,473)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Income before Investors Share of Income
    in Majority Owned Land Development and
    Housing Partnerships..................  $      809  $    1,406  $    1,785  $    1,512  $    1,169  $    2,615  $    2,015
  Investor's Share of Income in Majority
    Owned Land Development and Housing
    Partnerships..........................  $     (465) $     (375) $     (735) $      (70)     --          --          --
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Income before Income Taxes..............  $      344  $    1,031  $    1,050  $    1,442  $    1,169  $    2,615  $    2,015
  Income Taxes............................  $     (119) $     (401) $     (401) $     (577) $     (468) $   (1,046) $     (826)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net Income..............................  $      225  $      630  $      649  $      865  $      701  $    1,569  $    1,189
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
OTHER DATA:
  Number of Homes and Lots Closed.........         310(4)        205        378        267         174         110         146
  Average Selling Price per Home..........  $      179  $      169  $      171  $      163  $      185  $      224  $      233
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)...          (3)       1.06          (3)       1.14        2.45        7.28        5.48
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Ratio of Earnings to Adjusted Fixed
    Charges(2)............................        4.41       60.35       13.12       27.14       34.54       31.92       14.46
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) In calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of
    income before minority interests, income tax and fixed charges, less
    capitalized interest, plus the interest component included in cost of sales.
    Fixed charges consist of interest expended and capitalized and amortization
    of debt service costs. The interest factor implicit in rent expense is not
    significant.
 
(2) Represents the ratio of the amount of fixed charges actually funded from the
    Company's earnings. In calculating this ratio, the amount of interest
    charges which are funded from the Company's various lines of credit through
    draws on these lines is excluded from fixed charges. See "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" below.
 
   
(3) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately $209,000
    for the year ended September 30, 1996 and by approximately $2,660,000 for
    the nine months ended June 30, 1997 respectively. See "Risk
    Factors--Substantial Leverage,
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
    Reliance on Financing and No Assurance of Availability of Credit" and
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations."
 
   
(4) Includes (i) the sale of 30 lots at an average price of $46,000 per lot and
    (ii) the sale of 22 model homes to an affiliate for which the gain on sale
    has been deferred (see note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Interim
    Financial Statements of the Company).
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 AS OF JUNE 30,                      AS OF SEPTEMBER 30,
                              --------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:    1997       1996       1996       1995       1994       1993       1992
                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Inventories...............  $  80,420  $  52,827  $  54,588  $  28,796  $  21,143  $  12,506  $   9,157
  Total Assets..............  $  95,083  $  60,615  $  69,931  $  34,365  $  26,779  $  21,216  $  15,310
  Debt Due after One Year...  $  61,394  $  40,139  $  37,692  $  16,507  $   7,250  $   7,196  $   3,323
  Total Liabilities.........  $  84,323  $  48,865  $  58,699  $  22,909  $  18,825  $  13,718  $   7,302
  Investor's Equity in
    Majority-Owned
    Projects(5).............  $   1,467  $   2,702  $   2,165  $   3,037  $     400     --         --
  Stockholders' Equity......  $   9,293  $   9,048  $   9,067  $   8,419  $   7,554  $   7,498  $   8,008
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(5)  Represents the equity of investors in projects, a majority of which
    interests are owned by the Company.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following analysis of the Company's consolidated financial condition and
results of operations as of September 30, 1995 and 1996, for the years ended
September 30, 1994, 1995, and 1996 and for the nine months ended June 30, 1996
and 1997 should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements, including the notes thereto, and other information presented
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company generates revenue from the interrelated activities of land
acquisition, development and homebuilding. The Company generally enters into a
purchase agreement with a potential home buyer prior to commencing construction,
except where the home is being constructed on a speculative basis or to be used
as a model home. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had 430 homes built or under
construction, 425 of which were under contract for sale. The number of homes
under construction prior to execution of sales contracts tends to vary by season
reflecting the fact that weather conditions in the Chicago and western Michigan
markets necessitate starting foundation construction in the fall and early
winter months prior to executing purchase agreements to ensure available
inventory for winter sales and spring closings. The Company does not recognize a
sale for accounting purposes until the sale of a home or lot is closed. The time
period from execution of a purchase agreement to the closing of the sale of a
home generally ranges from six to nine months. See "Business-Land Acquisition."
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
    NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996.  Revenues from housing and land
sales increased approximately $16.2 million or 47% for the nine months ended
June 30, 1997, compared to an increase from approximately $34.5 million to
approximately $50.8 million for the same period in 1996. The increase in revenue
resulted from both an increase in the volume of homes and lots closed during the
period and the sale of twenty-two model homes to Model Homes L.L.C. which
produced approximately $3.9 million in additional revenue, net of a deferred
gain of approximately $766,000. See "Certain Transactions." During this time
period, the Company closed on the sale of 280 homes and lots at an average
selling price of $179,000 compared to 205 closings at an average selling price
of $169,000 in the same period in 1996. The Company believes that the volume
increase reflected an increase in demand for the Company's homes and lots and an
increase in the number of housing starts. Further, although the Company
increased the average selling price of a home by 5% on all its products, the
increase was offset by a change in the mix of homes closed in 1997 (lower priced
homes) compared to 1996. Finally, the average selling price of a home was
positively impacted by sales of "higher priced" homes made to affiliates which
sales averaged approximately $211,000 per home.
    
 
   
    Direct construction costs, including amortization of capitalized interest
and real estate taxes, increased during the nine-month period ended June 30,
1997 from approximately $28 million to approximately $42 million as compared to
the same period in 1996. The increase in these costs resulted mainly from
increases in the number of homes constructed, sold and closed during the period
as compared to the same period in 1996 and a corresponding increase in the
expense incurred related to interest and real estate taxes previously
capitalized. As a percentage of housing and land sales revenue, however, direct
construction costs increased from 81.4% during the nine months ended June 30,
1996 to 82.4% during the nine months ended June 30, 1997. Other costs and
expenses also increased from approximately $5.5 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 1996 to approximately $8.3 million for the nine months ended June
30, 1997. The increase in these costs and expenses was due to the increase in
the number of homes closed between the two periods which resulted in additional
selling and general administrative costs. Income after adjusting for minority
interests in company controlled land development and housing partnerships and
income taxes decreased from approximately $630,000 for the nine months ended
June 30,
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
1996 to approximately $225,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. Total
earnings, which reflects net income before minority interests and income taxes
adjusted for the amount of interest expense during the period, increased to
$2,733,916 for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 from $2,380,808 for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996. Total fixed charges which means all interest
charges, whether expensed or capitalized also increased to $5,393,865 for the
nine months ended June 30, 1997 from $2,241,106 for the nine months ended June
30, 1996. Of this amount, a total of approximately $4.7 million was funded from
draws on the Company's lines of credit with the remaining amount being funded
from the Company's earnings. The increase in fixed charges reflects the increase
in the number of homes constructed and sold during the period, as well as
increases in the Company's inventory of homes under construction, but whose
sales are not closed. These charges are amortized at the time of closing.
Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges for the nine months ended June
30, 1997 by approximately $2.66 million. Management believes that the Company
has adequate capital to cover these fixed charges, since not all fixed charges
require funding from earnings. In particular, a substantial portion of these
fixed charges are funded through additional draws on the Company's lines of
credit if permitted by the relevant loan agreement. See "Risk
Factors--Substantial Leverage, Reliance on Financing and No Assurance of
Availability of Credit." On an adjusted basis giving effect to fixed charges
funded through draws on the Company's lines of credit, the Company's earnings
exceeded these adjusted fixed charges by 4.41 times for the nine months ended
June 30, 1997 and by 60.35 times for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.
    
 
    YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1995 AND 1994.  Revenue from housing and
land sales for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
approximately $64.7 million, $43.4 million and $32.2 million, respectively.
Total revenues were approximately $65.1 million, $44.3 million and $32.8
million, respectively, when adding in revenue from the Company's share of net
income from minority owned land development housing partnerships, as well as
management fees. The total number of homes sold and closed for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was 378 homes, 267 homes and lots and
174 homes, respectively. The Company believes that the increases in the volume
of homes closed when comparing 1995 to 1994 and 1996 to 1995 was caused in part
by increases in demand for new residential housing resulting from decreases in
long-term mortgage interest rates, and in the case of 1995 compared to 1994,
increases in the Company's inventory of land available for development which
translated into the construction and sale of more homes in 1995. The average
selling price of a home closed in 1996 also increased from $163,000 in 1995 to
$171,000 in 1996. In contrast, the average selling price for a home closed
during fiscal year 1995 decreased from $185,000 for fiscal year 1994 to
$163,000. The Company believes that the increase in the average selling price of
homes closed in 1996 when compared to 1995 resulted from changes in the mix of
homes closed during 1996 (higher priced homes), which also accounted for the
decline in average selling price during fiscal year 1995 when compared to fiscal
year 1994 (lower priced homes).
 
    Direct construction costs, including amortization of capitalized interest
and real estate taxes for the year ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
approximately $53.7 million, $36.3 million and $26.3 million, respectively. The
year-to-year increases were generally the result of increases in the number of
homes constructed, sold and closed during 1995 when compared to 1994 and during
1996 when compared to 1995. As a percentage of housing and land sales revenue,
direct construction and costs increased to 83.6% for fiscal year 1995 when
compared to 81.6% for fiscal year 1994 and then declined to 83% for fiscal year
ended 1996 when compared to fiscal year 1995. Other costs and expenses for the
year ended September 1996, 1995 and 1994 were approximately $9.5 million, $6.5
million and $5.4 million, respectively. The increase in these expenses resulted
mainly from an increase in the number of active projects, as well as increases
in advertising costs associated with these projects. Net income was $648,627 in
1996 compared to $864,939 in 1995. Total earnings for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $3,751,766, $2,171,289 and $1,889,538
respectively. Fixed charges for these periods were $3,960,336, $1,904,939 and
$771,379. A total of approximately $3.6 million, $1.8 million and $717,000 was
funded from draws on the Company's lines of credit with the remaining amount
being funded by the Company from earnings. The increase in these charges from
period to period reflects an increase in the inventory of
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
homes under construction, but whose sales had not closed. For example, as of
September 30, 1996, the Company had housing inventories of approximately $54.8
million compared to approximately $28.7 million as of September 30, 1995.
Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately $209,000 for
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, but exceeded fixed charges by 1.14
times and 2.45 times for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. On an adjusted basis giving effect to fixed charges funded through
draws on the Company's lines of credit as described above, the Company's
earnings exceeded these adjusted fixed charges by 13.12, 27.13 and 34.54 times,
respectively. See "Risk Factors--Substantial Leverage, Reliance on Financing and
No Assurance of Availability of Credit."
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company's cash and cash equivalents balance at June 30, 1997 and
September 30, 1996 was approximately $1.1 million and $824,000, respectively. As
described below, the increase in cash and cash equivalents was attributable to
an increase in cash flow from financing activities of approximately $20.9
million and offset by net cash used in operating activities of approximately
$20.6 million.
 
    The Company typically finances the acquisition of land parcels and the costs
associated with initial development of the parcels (such as entitlement
activities and construction of streets and sewers) by drawing on various
acquisition and development lines of credit (the "A&D Lines"), including a $25
million line of credit from Residential Funding Corp. which can be used solely
to fund acquisition and development activity, such as sewer and roadway
construction (the "Residential Line II"). Under the agreements governing the A&D
Lines, the Company may generally draw up to 75-80% of the value of the land and
improvements (based on an as-built appraisal) to fund acquisition and
development costs. Based on the outstanding balance of the A&D Lines at the end
of each month, an interest charge is either paid by the Company if the
particular loan does not have an interest reserve or is funded through an
additional draw on the loan. As of June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, the
Company had total indebtedness of approximately $24.3 million and $22.1 million,
respectively, outstanding on its A&D Lines, including $10.9 million on the
Residential Line II. As of these dates, the Company had funded interest charges
of approximately $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, associated with
these lines, including $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, on the
Residential Line II, through additional draws on such line. Additional interest
charges of approximately $619,000 associated with other A&D Lines that do not
have interest reserves or permit additional draws to fund the interest and
approximately $285,000 associated with corporate level debt were incurred and
paid by the Company from earnings.
 
    Once construction of a home commences, the Company is able to draw on two
lines of credit, a $25 million facility with Heller Financial (the "Heller
Line") and a second line in the amount of $25 million from Residential Funding
Corp. (the "Residential Line I," collectively with the "Residential Line II,"
the "Residential Lines") to finance the costs associated with constructing a
home and preparing a lot for delivery and the home for sale to the end
purchaser. As noted herein, the Company typically does not commence construction
of a home until a buyer executes a purchase contract. See "Business--Inventory
Management" above. As of June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, the Company had
total indebtedness of approximately $38.1 million and $16.5 million,
respectively, outstanding on these two lines and had incurred interest charges
of approximately $2.5 million and $1.7 million associated with these lines, all
of which were funded by additional draws allowable on these lines.
 
    The amount of indebtedness incurred with respect to any particular project
is based on the purchase price of the land, the estimated costs of
infrastructure activities and the costs of constructing and selling homes on the
land. These estimated costs are based on, among other things, demand for housing
in the Company's market areas which the Company then factors into its analysis
of the number of homes that it believes may be constructed and the rate in which
these homes may be sold to end-purchasers. However, from time to time the
Company will sell improved lots without constructing a home thereon. See "Risk
Factors--Substantial Leverage, Reliance on Financing and No Assurance of
Availability of Credit" above.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    Upon closing of a home sale, the Company utilizes all of the net closing
proceeds (including the Company's profit) from the sale of the home to reduce
the indebtedness under the relevant A&D Line as well as the Heller Line or
Residential Line I as the case may be. Thus, the amount of indebtedness
outstanding on these lines fluctuates based on the number of parcels and homes
under development or construction at any one time and the rate at which the
Company closes on homes under contract for sale. During the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1996 and the nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company made
principal reductions of approximately $59.8 million and $40.9 million,
respectively, on these lines. As of September 30, 1997, the Company had
approximately $6.5 million available for borrowing under its credit facilities.
Draws on the Heller Line bear interest at a variable rate equal to the General
Electric Capital Corporation Composite Commercial Paper Rate plus 3.75% per
annum (9.4% as of June 30, 1997). Draws on the Heller Line which are outstanding
on May 31, 1998 automatically convert to a term loan maturing on May 31, 1999.
Draws under the Residential Lines bear interest at a variable rate equal to
prime plus 1.25% per annum (9.75% as of June 30, 1997). Residential Line I
matures on March 14, 2001. From time to time, the Company also incurs
indebtedness secured by specific projects for specific acquisition and
development activities. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $21.3
million of this indebtedness outstanding, all of which was secured by certain of
the Company's assets. This indebtedness generally matures between 1997 and 2000
and bears interest at a rate of approximately 9.75% per annum as of June 30,
1997.
 
    Finally, the Company also generates additional working capital by selling,
and then leasing back, certain of its model homes to Model Homes, L.L.C. ("Model
Homes"), a company controlled by family members of certain of the Company's
directors and shareholders. See "Certain Transactions." Under this arrangement,
the Company sells certain of its model homes to Model Homes at a price equal to
the appraised value of the completed home and then leases the completed home
from Model Homes. As part of the sale, Model Homes typically assumes
indebtedness secured by the particular model home. The net proceeds after debt
assumption, typically 25% of the purchase price, are paid to the Company in cash
(15%) and an interest bearing demand note. See "Certain Transactions." As of
June 30, 1997, the Company had a $600,000 note from Model Homes in respect of
these sales. This demand note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum. The
Company believes this arrangement allows it to increase its available capital by
reducing the amount of capital committed to model homes which typically are the
last homes sold at the Company's developments.
 
   
    On September 30, 1997, the Company sold undeveloped property located in Lake
County, Illinois to United Round Lake Land and Development, L.L.C. ("Round Lake
LLC") for approximately $7,217,000, including the asumption of approximately
$4,840,000 of indebtedness owed to a third party by the Company and assumed by
Round Lake LLC. The remaining portion of the purchase price is evidenced by a
demand note from Round Lake LLC of approximately $2.3 million. The demand note
bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum.
    
 
   
    On September 22, 1997, the Company assigned its rights to acquire a property
commonly known as the "Mirage Property" to the Mirage L.L.C., for approximately
$1,032,000. The full amount of the purchase price was evidenced by a demand note
from Mirage L.L.C. to the Company. The demand note bears interest at a rate
equal to 10% per annum. As of the date of this Prospectus, the outstanding
balance on the demand note is approximately $750,000.
    
 
    The Company believes that the capital available under the lines of credit
described above, project specific indebtedness and cashflow from the sale of
model homes, internally generated funds and the proceeds from this offering,
will be sufficient to meet the Company's reasonably anticipated needs for
working capital and liquidity. If these amounts prove insufficient, however, the
Company would likely have to raise additional capital (debt or equity or both)
from third parties. There can be no assurance that additional capital, either in
the form of equity or debt, will be available on terms and conditions acceptable
to the Company, if at all. Further, any additional debt capital may rank senior
in right of payment to the Debentures. The Indentures impose limitations on the
Company's ability to declare and pay dividends or
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
make other payments to the Parent. See "Description of Securities--Restrictive
Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments;--Limitation on Transactions with
Affiliates;--Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting a
Subsidiary."
 
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES.  The Company's operating activities
utilized cash in both the year ended September 30, 1996 and the nine months
ended June 30, 1997. The Company utilized approximately $29.5 million in cash in
operating activities during the year ended September 30, 1996. This cash was
used primarily to increase the Company's housing inventories (approximately $26
million) and to increase land held for future development (approximately $8.0
million) and was offset by an increase in the Company's accounts payable
(approximately $4.0 million). Similarly, for the nine months ended June 30,
1997, the Company utilized approximately $20.6 million in cash from operating
activities. This cash was utilized primarily to increase the Company's inventory
of housing (approximately $26 million) and was offset by an increase in the
Company's accounts payable (approximately $2.3 million). In each case, the
increase in the Company's accounts payable reflects an increase in amounts owed
to vendors and other subcontractors reflecting an increase in the number of
homes being constructed by the Company.
 
    CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES.  The Company's financing
activities provided the bulk of the Company's cashflow in both the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1996, as well as the nine months ended June 30, 1997. During
the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, net cash provided by financing
activities was approximately $29 million comprised almost entirely of proceeds
from development loans and other notes payable of approximately $99.5 million
offset by repayments on development loans and other notes payable of
approximately $68.8 million. For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, financing
activities provided the Company with net cash of approximately $20.9 million
comprised of the proceeds from development loans and other notes payable of
approximately $93.4 million offset by repayments on development loans and other
notes payable of approximately $71.3 million. The increase in borrowing activity
in each time period reflects increases in the amount of funds necessary to
finance the Company's construction and development activities as reflected by
increases in the number of homes constructed and sold by the Company in each
period when compared to the prior comparable period. These borrowings are
typically repaid from the proceeds of housing or lot sales and then reborrowed
by the Company to fund construction costs. Thus, borrowings on the Company's
lines of credit (described above) fluctuate significantly based on the level of
the Company's activities.
 
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES.  Net cash provided by or used for
investing activities was not significant for the nine months ended June 30, 1997
or for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.
 
    INFLATION AND THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING PRICES.  Real estate and residential
housing prices are affected by inflation, which can cause increases in the price
of land, raw materials and subcontracted labor. Historically, the Company has
been able to increase the price of its housing products to cover these costs.
Interest rate fluctuations also affect gross profit margins by increasing or
decreasing financing costs for land, construction and operations. The Company
believes that product demand and sales are impacted by mortgage interest rates.
The Company benefited from low mortgage interest rates from 1994 through early
1995 and then again from mid-year 1995 through 1997. If rates increase potential
customers may be discouraged from purchasing a home due to the increased cost,
decrease in buying power and possible difficulty in qualifying for a mortgage.
Seasonality is generally not a significant factor in the Company's operations,
in part because homes can be constructed and sold year-round, particularly in
the Phoenix Area.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
   
    The Company is a fully integrated land development and homebuilding company
operating in the Chicago, Phoenix and western Michigan markets and since 1982
has developed over 7,300 lots and has built and closed over 6,100 homes. The
Company acquires undeveloped land and develops it into finished lots for
residential subdivisions and periodically options or purchases finished lots
from third parties primarily for the construction and sale of homes. The Company
maintains an inventory of potential home sites (lots) by controlling undeveloped
and developed land through the use of the Acquisition Agreements. The Company
believes that this strategy allows it to control sites for future development
and at the same time maximize the use of its available capital. See "--Land
Acquisition" below. For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company closed
on the sale of 280 homes and lots generating approximately $50.8 million in
revenue from housing and land sales as compared to 205 homes and lots generating
approximately $35.0 million in revenue from housing and land sales for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had contracts to
sell an additional 425 homes and a current inventory of 739 lots on which the
Company anticipates developing and selling 739 homes. Additionally, as of the
date of this Prospectus the Company controlled, through Acquisition Agreements
seven parcels of land on which it had completed its due diligence for future
development of homes. See "Land Acquisition" below.
    
 
    Prices for the Company's homes (including the lot) range from $110,000 to
$400,000 per home. During the first nine months of fiscal 1997, the average
price for a home sold by the Company was approximately $179,000. The Company
markets its products to entry level, first and second move-up, and empty-nest
buyers by emphasizing the community atmosphere of its residential subdivisions,
as well as those characteristics that the Company believes its homes possess:
desirable designs, quality construction, and competitive prices.
 
    The table below summarizes the number of closings for the last three fiscal
years and the interim periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   JUNE 30,           YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             --------------------  -------------------------------
                                                               1997       1996       1996       1995       1994
                                                             ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSAND)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Homes and Lots Closed......................................      310(1)       205        378        267        174
 
Average Selling Price of Homes.............................  $     179  $     169  $     171  $     163  $     185
 
Total Dollar Volume of Closed Homes........................  $  50,192  $  34,567  $  64,749  $  43,448  $  32,231
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes the sale of 30 lots at an average price of $46,000 per lot.
 
    United, which is an Illinois corporation, was formed in 1994 when the Parent
transferred ownership of the Subsidiaries to United in return for all of the
outstanding stock of United. United and the Subsidiaries own controlling general
partner and limited partner interests in the Williams Glen Limited Partnership,
The Hidden Springs Real Estate Limited Partnership, United/RBG XII L.P. and the
United Lindsay East Valley Limited Partnership. United also has a
non-controlling interest in the United Development Bristolwood Limited
Partnership. United's principal place of business is located at 2100 Golf Road,
Suite 110, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008, and its telephone number is (847)
427-2450.
 
OPERATING STRATEGY
 
    The Company seeks to locate and control property for development while
minimizing the amount of direct capital investment. The Company seeks to
minimize its financial exposure by carefully monitoring and controlling the
costs of designing, building and selling its homes and by carefully managing its
inventory of undeveloped land, developed lots and unsold homes. The Company
attempts to achieve this goal by maintaining its inventory of homesites, lots,
undeveloped and developed land by using Acquisition
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
Agreements. Generally, the Company attempts to develop homes in areas with
limited competition and before purchasing any property employs an independent
marketing consultant to analyze the real estate market in which the property is
located. The Company seeks to control construction costs by requiring firm bids
from its subcontractors and approval of all payments and change orders by the
Company's construction supervisor.
 
    The Company's product mix includes both single family and multifamily home
designs. The Company uses competitive market analysis, focus groups and research
in an effort to define and develop each product line to suit the needs of each
particular market. Each home design is periodically updated in order to reflect
changing market and customer needs and demand.
 
    The Company sells its homes through commissioned employees who work from
sales offices located at each project or, in certain cases, outside brokers. The
Company markets its homes through a combination of newspaper, radio and
television advertisements, direct mail, directional signage, special promotions,
the Internet and referrals both from homebuyers and brokers. The Company has
developed uniform corporate brochures and promotional pieces to create cost
efficiencies and to promote uniformity in the use of the Company's name,
identity and vision.
 
    The Company monitors customer satisfaction through an annual survey
conducted by independent third parties, through post-closing customer
satisfaction surveys and through sample surveys of individuals who did not
purchase a home from the Company.
 
MARKETS/PRODUCT
 
    CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AREA.  The Company believes that the Chicago
metropolitan area which essentially consists of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry,
Will and Kane counties (the "Chicago Area") offers significant opportunities for
expansion. The economy in this area has exhibited growth in recent years due in
part to the diversification of employment opportunities which has led to an
increase in employment, population and housing starts. According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce, annual building permits issued for single-family
residential units in the Chicago Area have increased from approximately 17,726
in 1991 to approximately 24,597 in 1996.
 
    The Chicago Area was ranked 88th in the nation by the National Association
of Homebuilders ("NAHB") in population growth during the time period 1986-1995.
According to Claritas Inc., the population of the Chicago Area is projected to
grow to approximately 7,769,033, up from the 1990 census figures of
approximately 7,410,858 and is projected to rise to approximately 7,995,867
people by 2002. The unemployment rate in the Chicago CMSA (which includes the
Chicago Area plus the Gary Indiana; Kankakee, Illinois; and Kenosha, Wisconsin
PMSA's) has declined from 5.0% in December, 1995 to 4.4% as of December, 1996.
From 1990-1996, approximately 260,600 new jobs were created in the Chicago Area
with projected increases of approximately 62,000 new jobs in 1997. The median
annual household income of the Chicago Area is estimated at approximately
$45,792 for 1997 and approximately 33% of the population is between the ages of
25 and 44, which the Company believes are favorable indicators of a good supply
of potential customers in various stages of the home buying cycle.
 
    United's subsidiary, United Homes of Illinois, Inc. was ranked among the top
twenty homebuilders for calendar year 1996 and the first half of calendar year
1997. For the first nine months ended June 30, 1997 the Company sold 372 homes,
including lot sales, in the Chicago Area and is currently constructing homes in
Antioch, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Cary, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Darien, and
Tinley Park. Prices for the Company's Chicago Area homes range from $110,000 to
$400,000. Of these sales, a total of 41 homes and 30 lots were closed during the
time period.
 
    PHOENIX.  The Company believes that the City of Phoenix and the surrounding
metropolitan area (the "Phoenix Area") offers significant growth opportunities.
The Phoenix Area economy has exhibited growth in recent years due in part to the
high technology industry which has led to an increase in employment,
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
population and housing starts. Annual building permits issued for single-family
residential units in the Phoenix MSA have increased from approximately 10,909 in
1990 to approximately 28,583 in the Phoenix-Mesa MSA in 1995.
 
    The Phoenix Area was ranked 12th in the nation by the NAHB in population
growth during the time period 1986-1995. According to Claritas, Inc., the
population of the Phoenix Area is projected to grow to approximately 2,815,051,
up from the 1990 census figures of approximately 2,238,480 and is projected to
rise to approximately 3,232,179 by 2002. The unemployment rate in the
Phoenix-Mesa MSA (which includes Maricopa and Pinal counties) has declined from
4.8% in 1993 to 3.1% as of December, 1996. From 1990-1996 approximately 300,000
new jobs were created in the Phoenix Area. The median annual household income of
the Phoenix Area is approximately $37,583 and approximately 32% of the
population is between the ages of 25 and 44, which the Company believes will
assure a good supply of potential customers in various stages of the home buying
cycle.
 
    United's subsidiary, United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation, has
operated in the Phoenix Area since 1984. For the first nine months ended June
30, 1997 the Company sold 72 homes in the Phoenix Area. Prices for the Company's
homes in this market range from $110,000 to $400,000.
 
    WESTERN MICHIGAN  The Company conducts its homebuilding operations in
Western Michigan primarily in a 60 mile radius of Grand Rapids, Michigan which
includes Holland and Kalamazoo Michigan (the "Grand Rapids Area"). The Company
believes the Grand Rapids MSA (comprised of Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon)
offers opportunities for expansion. United believes that the Grand Rapids Area
economy has exhibited growth in recent years due in part to the continued
expansion and addition of New York Stock Exchange listed businesses located
within the area/region and continued recognition by these businesses of a
skilled workforce which has led to an increase in employment, population and
housing starts. Annual building permits issued for single-family residential
units in the Grand Rapids MSA have increased from approximately 3,957 in 1990 to
approximately 6,117 in 1996.
 
    The Grand Rapids Area was ranked 54th in the nation by the NAHB for
population growth during the time period 1986-1995. According to the U.S. Census
Bureau the 1996 population of the Grand Rapids MSA was approximately 1,015,099,
up from the 1990 census figures of approximately 941,776 and is projected to
increase to approximately 1,052,300 by 2000. The unemployment rate in the Grand
Rapids Area has declined from 6.2% in 1990 to 3.4% as of December 1996.
Approximately 72,000 new jobs were created in the Grand Rapids Area between 1990
and 1996. The median annual household income of the Grand Rapids Area is
projected to be approximately $47,400 in 1997 and approximately 33% of the
population is between the ages of 25 and 44, which the Company believes are
favorable indicators of a good supply of potential customers in various stages
of the home buying cycle.
 
    United's subsidiary, United Homes of Michigan, Inc., is the second largest
homebuilder in the Grand Rapids Area based on homes closed. United Homes of
Michigan, Inc. is currently exploring expanding its operations into Lansing, Ann
Arbor and Detroit, Michigan, as well as Indianapolis, Indiana. The Company
generally sells single family homes to move-up buyers with prices generally
averaging $154,000 in this market which is below the market average of $165,000.
For the first nine months ended June 30, 1997, the Company sold 66 homes in the
Grand Rapids Area.
 
LAND ACQUISITION
 
    A significant factor influencing the Company's results of operation and
financial condition is its ability to acquire land for future home sites on
acceptable terms and conditions. The Company has developed procedures for, and
employs management specialized in, site acquisition and development. The Company
attempts to develop homes in areas with limited competition and before entering
into an acquisition arrangement generally employs an independent marketing
consultant to perform a market analysis.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    The Company attempts to minimize the amount of capital invested in
undeveloped land by entering into agreements containing contingencies allowing
the Company extended periods of time to conduct its due diligence review prior
to the actual purchase of the land. The Company uses this review period to
obtain necessary development approvals from government units and to evaluate the
feasibility and profitability of the project. The Company also investigates
other factors affecting the feasibility of the project, including:
 
<TABLE>
<C>        <S>                                     <C>        <C>
   --      topography                                 --      archeological site status
   --      geology, soils and grading                 --      regulatory processing and approval
                                                               schedule
   --      traffic, transportation and access         --      financing alternatives
   --      market research                            --      hazards, including noise and pollution
   --      environmental issues                       --      economic feasibility
</TABLE>
 
    Occasionally, the Company acquires control of land through joint ventures
and other contractual relationships with third-party landowners. Under these
arrangements, the Company generally is employed as an agent to zone and develop
the property and build and sell homes for the ventures. The Company is typically
required to meet certain criteria relating to cost control and absorption rates.
The landowner generally subordinates his or her interest in the land to a
mortgage securing the development financing typically provided by a third party.
As lots are sold, the landowner shares in the profits on the finished lots. This
approach allows the landowner to maximize the profit to be made on the sale of
the land and enables the Company to control a site which it might not otherwise
have been able to control. The arrangement also enables the Company to
participate in the lot profit, while retaining the profit from the construction
of the homes on the site. Affiliates of the Company may be participants in these
arrangements. See "Certain Transactions."
 
    Periodically, the Company uses Acquisition Agreements to control finished
lots developed by third parties. The Company believes that this approach allows
it to control and market a large number of finished lots with minimal capital
investment and limited development risk. Generally, under these agreements, the
Company can continue to control these finished lots as long as the Company
purchases a specified number of lots within a predetermined time period. The
Company attempts to ultimately build its homes on lots developed by the Company,
although the Company occasionally builds homes on lots developed by third
parties. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996, approximately 80% of
the homes sold by the Company were built on lots developed by the Company. This
falls within the Company's goal of 70-85% which was set at that level since
homes built on land developed by third parties result in lower profit margins to
the Company.
 
    As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company controlled, through
Acquisition Agreements, seven parcels of land for future development of homes.
The acquisition of any particular parcel is subject to numerous conditions such
as receipt by the Company of satisfactory environmental reports, engineering
studies, surveys, favorable zoning determinations and acceptable financing.
Below is a summary of the principal terms and conditions of these agreements.
There can be no assurance that the Company will complete the acquisitions on the
terms and conditions set forth below, if at all.
 
    1.  GREGG'S LANDING:  Contract to purchase approximately ten acres in Vernon
Hills, Illinois for approximately $2.5 million from an unaffiliated third party.
The Company must exercise its right of purchase no later than 30 days after the
developer receives final water permits. Purchase of the parcel is contingent on
the Company obtaining zoning and other governmental approvals to permit the
development of 45 units.
 
    2.  ANTIOCH:  Contract to purchase 162 acres in Antioch, Illinois for
approximately $3.7 million from an unaffiliated third party. The Company must
exercise its right of purchase no later than November 1998.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
Purchase of the parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and other
governmental approvals to permit the development of 280 units.
 
    3.  DARIEN:  Contract to purchase 16 acres in Darien, Illinois for
approximately $2.2 million from an unaffiliated third party. The Company must
exercise its option to purchase the property by April 30, 1998. Purchase of the
parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and other governmental
approvals to permit the development of 78 units.
 
    4.  ROSS:  Contract to purchase 86 acres in unincorporated Lake County,
Illinois for approximately $1.5 million from an unaffiliated third party. The
Company must exercise its option to purchase the property no later than April
1998. Purchase of the parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and
other governmental approvals to permit the development of 63 units.
 
    5.  SIERRA VISTA:  Contract to purchase 120 acres in Sierra Vista, Arizona
for approximately $1.4 million from an unaffiliated third party. The Company
must exercise its option to purchase the property by November 30, 1997. Purchase
of the parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and other
governmental approvals to permit the development of 90 units.
 
    6.  CLARENDON HILLS:  Contract to purchase 6.8 acres in Clarendon Hills,
Illinois for approximately $650,000 from an unaffiliated third party. The
Company must exercise its right to purchase no later than December 31, 1997.
Purchase of the parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and other
governmental approvals to permit the development of 33 units.
 
    7.  BAYBERRY (GREENBROOKE):  Contract to purchase ten acres in Wyoming,
Michigan for approximately $230,000 from an affiliated third party. The Company
must exercise its right to purchase no later than December 1998. Purchase of the
parcel is contingent on the Company obtaining zoning and other governmental
approvals to permit development of 52 units. See "Certain Transactions."
 
    The following table summarizes the Company's inventory of homes sold, but
not yet closed, the current lot inventory, lots available for future development
and completed homes as of June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   LOTS AVAILABLE
                                                                   CURRENT LOT       FOR FUTURE       COMPLETED
                                 HOMES SOLD BUT NOT CLOSED(1)     INVENTORY(2)     DEVELOPMENT(3)     HOMES(4)      TOTAL
                                -------------------------------  ---------------  -----------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                             <C>                              <C>              <C>                <C>          <C>
ILLINOIS......................                   280                      381             3,076           5,622       9,034
MICHIGAN......................                    84                      168               148             278         977
ARIZONA.......................                    61                      190                90             246         613
                                                 ---                      ---             -----           -----   ---------
TOTAL.........................                   425                      739             3,314           6,146      10,624
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Represent homes subject to a purchase agreement which have not yet closed
    (sales backlog). Revenue is not recognized until the time of closing. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations."
 
(2) Represents lots owned by the Company that are available for home
    construction which have not been sold. The Company typically constructs and
    sells one home on a lot.
 
(3) Represents undeveloped land that the Company either owns or controls through
    Acquisition Agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will
    actually develop the number of lots set forth in this chart. In addition, as
    noted herein there can be no assurance that the Company will purchase the
    land controlled through Acquisition Agreements.
 
(4) Represents homes that have been closed by the Company and the Parent since
    the Parent's inception.
 
LAND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Land development consists principally of two activities: (i) obtaining
necessary governmental approvals, including zoning, density and plat approvals;
and (ii) preparing the land for construction of homes, including grading,
installing streets, curbs, sewers, utilities and land clearing. The Company
engages engineers to prepare plat drawings and architects to prepare home plans
and, along with employees of the Company, to pursue the necessary governmental
approvals. Once the required preliminary approvals are
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
obtained, the Company retains subcontractors to perform the land improvements.
The Company may begin land development prior to obtaining final plat approval.
Additionally, the Company may obtain final plat approval for only a portion of a
given project and develop the project in phases. Once these initial activities
are complete, the site is ready for home construction.
 
    Once the Company acquires control of undeveloped land, it commences the
process of obtaining zoning and other government approvals necessary for the
proposed development. This process is generally completed in one to three years.
During this phase, the Company estimates the cost of developing the entire
parcel to determine whether finished lots can be profitably sold and updates its
market studies to determine both the level of competition from other land
developers and builders and projected lot absorption rates. Further, the Company
determines the availability of utilities, surveys, tests soil conditions on the
site and performs the required environmental reviews. Upon receipt of final
governmental approvals, the Company will usually complete its purchase of the
land and begin site development. If at any time during the zoning and approval
process, however, it appears that development costs will be too great for the
market, or that the approval process is not progressing satisfactorily, the
Company will cease the zoning and approval process and sell or abandon its
interest in the land. The Company may, nevertheless, incur pre-development costs
ranging from approximately $50,000 to $250,000 per parcel during the approval
process prior to determining whether it can, or will develop the land. The
Company has generally been successful in obtaining the necessary zoning and
governmental approvals.
 
    During the site development stage, the land is developed into finished lots.
This process generally involves, among other things, grading the land and
installing sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, curbs, gutters and streets.
The Company believes that creating a successful subdivision distinguishable from
that of its competitors requires creating a distinctive neighborhood environment
which fosters a sense of community. The Company focuses on a number of factors
in an effort to create this feeling: a street and lot configuration that it
believes arrives at the best balance of installation and construction costs and
the esthetics of the subdivision; the location, design, landscaping and creation
of the entrance; and the creation of common amenities, such as children's play
areas, tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball courts, gazebos and community
open spaces, such as hiking trails.
 
HOME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
 
    The Company builds its homes from a variety of standard plans designed by
national and local architectural firms. These standard plans allow for moderate
customizing by the customer and are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure
desirability, practicality and competitive edge. Additional input on new home
designs is provided by focus groups consisting of individuals who have purchased
homes in the last six months in approximately the same price range as that of
the new designs. In addition, the Company utilizes a number of marketing
consultants in cities across the United States having similar climate and
housing construction techniques. The Company periodically consults with these
marketing consultants to determine the type of houses being sold in other
markets. The Company also sends employees to study new home ideas in other
market areas usually two or three times a year.
 
    The Company acts as its own general contractor at each project but, except
for employing field supervisors, does not employ construction or trade
personnel. Subcontractors are selected through a competitive bidding process
which the Company believes limits its financial exposure. The Company seeks to
control construction costs by requiring a construction supervisor, employed by
the Company, to approve all payments and change orders.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
    The purchase price for a standard house ranges from approximately $110,000
to $400,000 per home with the average selling price of a home being
approximately $179,000 with square footage ranging from 900 to 3800 square feet
of finished space. Included within the purchase price of each home is a one/two
year construction warranty and a ten year structural warranty which the Company
purchases from Home Warranty Corporation, an entity unaffiliated with the
Company. Purchasers can select from various base floor plan and elevation
combinations, as well as customize their homes with a selection of changes,
features and upgrades. Some typical features of the Company's floor plans,
depending on the development, are:
 
    -    vaulted or higher-than-average ceilings and large decorative windows to
      admit natural light;
 
    -    two story entries which offer a sight line through the house;
         incorporation of columns, arches, bridges, niches and wall cutouts,
         formal and informal stairways and other design features;
 
    -    basements, most with windows or outside entries;
 
    -    two and three car garages.
 
    In addition, purchasers can choose, at additional cost, optional amenities
such as different front elevations for the house, bay windows, decks, cabinets,
upgraded carpets and floor coverings, fireplaces, lighting fixtures, appliances
and hardware. To insure proper communication between the customer and the
construction supervisors, as well as to minimize costs associated with
revisions, the Company conducts two "walk throughs": the first before the
drywall is installed so as to easily allow any modifications necessary and the
second immediately prior to closing.
 
CUSTOMER SERVICE
 
    The Company places tremendous emphasis on providing a high level of customer
service. The Company attempts to maintain personal contact with its customers
from their first meeting with the sales representative, through the construction
process and after the closing. This relationship begins when the customer first
visits one of the Company's model homes and selects a house plan. The Company
emphasizes customer service by making it a topic at meetings with the
construction, sales, and marketing personnel, as well as by making it an
important part of the annual sales training program in which all the sales
representatives participate. The Company's sales representatives service the
customers' needs until the customers' final plans have been approved for
construction. Once approval for construction has been obtained, a construction
coordinator is assigned to the customer. The construction coordinators are
responsible for addressing any of the customers' concerns, changes, service and
warranty work and are available to talk with customers at any time during the
Company's normal business hours.
 
    The Company has also developed a system to educate its customers on the
process of building a home. This system is designed to establish the sequence
and timing of events during the process of building and servicing a customer's
home. The Company monitors these procedures on a weekly basis, and customers are
automatically sent progress letters at various points during the process.
 
COST CONTROL
 
    The Company seeks to control costs at each phase of the development. To
control construction costs, the Company seeks to achieve the most efficient
design for each home product. After completing the schematic plan of a home, the
Company's construction department and the purchasing department review the plan
to ensure the home is designed to minimize both labor and material costs. The
sales department also reviews the plan to ensure that amenities designed into
the home will create value for the home buyer. The plan is then sent to an
outside structural engineer who reviews the structural integrity of the plan and
makes recommendations where necessary. Additionally, the plan is sent to a truss
manufacturer, electrical consultant and a cabinet maker for additional input and
recommendations. The Company then reviews these recommendations and, if
appropriate, incorporates them into the final plan. Along with the design
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
department, the construction and purchasing departments also review the final
plan and officially approve it for use by the Company. The purchasing and
construction departments may seek input from suppliers and subcontractors on
ways to improve on the design of the home. Once the plan is completed, the
purchasing and construction departments seek bids from local subcontractors and
suppliers, although the Company has arranged and is continually attempting to
increase direct purchase relationships with national vendors in order to provide
certain items at a lower price.
 
    Once the home plans are completed, they are sent to the estimating
department, which, using a computerized estimating system, determines the exact
quantities and cost of materials needed to build the home. This estimated cost
is then verified with individual cost quotes or bids from each subcontractor or
supplier. A detailed budget for the home is then input into a computerized
purchase order system which enables the Company to monitor all of its costs and
variances from the original budget. Variances from the original budget for the
home are generally recorded and input into the system as they occur. This allows
the Company to view on a daily basis any variance on homes under construction.
Management of the Company normally meets weekly to review variances to determine
the cause and to establish procedures to eliminate them in the future.
 
    The Company also uses its management information system to monitor and
trigger payments to its suppliers and subcontractors. Unless there is an
approved variance purchase order or approved change order that has been entered
into the system, only originally budgeted amounts are paid to the suppliers and
subcontractors. By using this system over a period of time, the Company believes
it can determine the most cost efficient way for it to produce its homes. The
Company also monitors its gross margin on each home at four different points in
order to determine how the actual margin compares to the budget: (i) when the
purchase agreement is signed by the Company; (ii) after the budget is placed in
the computerized purchase order system; (iii) when the sale closes; and (iv)
approximately forty-five days after the sale closes and all outstanding invoices
have been reviewed and entered into the purchase order system.
 
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
 
    The Company believes that most of the risk in the homebuilding industry is
related to excessive inventory, including undeveloped land, finished lots and
completed but unsold homes. The Company attempts to reduce the amount of capital
committed to land by continuously monitoring its undeveloped and finished lot
inventory. The Company seeks to purchase land through Acquisition Agreements,
which the Company believes reduce the amount of capital invested at any one time
and permit the Company to terminate or postpone the ultimate purchase of land
that it does not need. The Company attempts to limit its exposure to an excess
inventory of completed houses by: (i) generally not starting construction of a
home until execution of a purchase agreement, receipt of satisfactory earnest
money, receipt by the home buyer of a preliminary mortgage commitment and
removal of all contingencies; and (ii) controlling the number of finished homes
held as speculation homes on a project-by-project basis and monitoring weekly
the sales progress of each subdivision.
 
    As of June 30, 1997, the Company had 430 homes built or under construction
to be sold or held as inventory and located in seventeen different subdivisions
and in various stages of the construction process. A total of 425 of these homes
were under contract to be sold. The Company rarely holds houses in inventory
after completing construction, with the exception of model homes which are
typically sold to Model Homes and then leased back. Homes in inventory not
subject to a purchase contract are generally marketed to transferee home buyers
or buyers who can not wait for the construction cycle to be completed.
Transferee buyers have traditionally represented a small portion of the
Company's sales. A transferee buyer typically requires delivery of a new house
within 30 to 60 days. The number of homes held in inventory will vary seasonally
and with changes in the local and national economy.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
 
    The homebuilding industry is highly competitive and fragmented. Homebuilders
compete for desirable properties, financing, raw materials and skilled labor.
The Company competes for residential sales with other homebuilders, resales of
existing homes, available rental housing, and, to a lesser extent, resales of
condominiums. The Company's competitors include a large number of national and
regional homebuilding companies (Chicago and Phoenix markets) and small local
homebuilding companies (in all of the Company's markets), some of which may have
greater financial resources, easier access to working capital or lower capital
costs than the Company.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of June 30, 1997, the Company employed 130 full-time employees,
including, executive and office personnel as well as, construction
superintendents. The Company's employees are not covered by a collective
bargaining agreement and the Company believes its relations with its employees
are good.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
 
    The Company's business is subject to regulation by a variety of state and
federal laws and regulations relating to, among other things, advertising,
collection of state sales and use taxes and product safety. The Company's
development activities are also affected by local zoning ordinances, building
codes and other municipal laws as well as federal, state and municipal
environmental and conservation laws. While the Company believes it is presently
in material compliance with these regulations, in the event that it should be
determined that the Company is not in compliance with all such laws and
regulations, the Company could become subject to cease and desist orders,
injunctive proceedings, civil fines and other penalties.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company currently is not subject to any environmental litigation or
administrative proceedings. The Company is not currently involved in any legal
proceedings other than those arising in the ordinary course of business.
 
    The Company believes that its potential liability for environmental concerns
can arise in one of two contexts: (i) liability could arise with respect to
substances that are in, under or on land which the Company intends to acquire;
or (ii) liability could arise in connection with how the Company intends to
develop the land. With respect to a substance in, under or on land for which the
Company could face environmental liability, the Company performs a Phase I
environmental audit prior to acquiring the land. If the audit uncovers any
environmental hazards on the land, the Company would not exercise the option
unless the hazard could be corrected at a reasonable cost. With respect to
liabilities in connection with a planned development, the Company obtains the
federal and state permits necessary for building and development before it
exercises the options. If a planned development is not permissible under
environmental laws, the Company will not exercise the option.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
    The current executive officers, directors and managers of United are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                                              AGE                          TITLE
- ------------------------------------------------------------      ---      ----------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Virgil W. Owings............................................          62   Chairman of the Board
Edward F. Havlik............................................          53   President and Director
Laurie H. Bulson............................................          29   Vice President and Director
Timothy S. Owings...........................................          36   Vice President and Director
William J. Crock, Jr........................................          49   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
                                                                           Officer, Secretary/Treasurer
David L. Feltman............................................          37   Vice President/General Counsel
</TABLE>
 
    VIRGIL OWINGS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Mr. Owings has served as
the Chief Executive Officer of the Parent since 1982 and as United's Chairman of
the Board since its inception in 1994. Prior thereto, Mr. Owings was Chief
Financial Officer of Urban Investment Company. He holds a B.S. degree from the
University of Missouri and an MBA from the University of Chicago and is a C.P.A.
Mr. Owings is the father of Timothy Owings.
 
    EDWARD F. HAVLIK, PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR. Mr. Havlik has served as the
Chairman of the Board of the Parent since 1982 and as United's President since
its inception in 1994. Mr. Havlik has more than twenty-three years of experience
building and developing homes with an emphasis on marketing, forward planning
and negotiations. Mr. Havlik holds a B.A. in marketing from Northern Michigan
University and an honorary Doctor of Letters from Jordan College. Mr. Havlik is
scheduled to become President of the Illinois Homebuilders Association in 1998.
Mr. Havlik is the father of Laurie Bulson.
 
    LAURIE H. BULSON, VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR. Ms. Bulson has been employed
by the Company or its Parent since 1988. In addition to her current
responsibilities, she has also served as Director of Sales and Marketing for
United Homes Michigan, Inc. and Vice President of Marketing of United Homes of
Illinois, Inc. Ms. Bulson has a B.S. degree in Business and Marketing from
Indiana University. Ms. Bulson is the daughter of Mr. Havlik.
 
    TIM S. OWINGS, VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT UNITED HOMES, INC., AN
ARIZONA CORPORATION. Mr. Owings has been employed by the Company or its Parent
since 1984. Prior thereto, he was Director of Research for Home Data
Corporation, Chicago. Mr. Owings is President of United Homes, Inc., an Arizona
corporation and has a degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Western
Illinois University and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Arizona. Mr. Owings
is the son of Virgil Owings.
 
    WILLIAM J. CROCK, JR., EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. Mr.
Crock has served as Chief Financial Officer of United and its Parent since 1990.
Prior thereto, he was Chief Lending Officer of Skokie Federal Savings and Loan
from 1986 to 1990, Vice President of Finance for Joseph Freed & Associates from
1983 to 1986 and an audit manager for Touche Ross & Company from 1969 to 1983.
Mr. Crock has a B.S. from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois and is a C.P.A.
 
    DAVID L. FELTMAN, VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL COUNSEL. Mr. Feltman joined United
in 1996. From 1988 to 1989 Mr. Feltman was associated with, and from 1990 to
1995 a partner with, Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. practicing in the Real Estate
Department. In 1981 he received a B.S. in Accounting, and in 1984 he received a
J.D. degree, both from the University of Illinois. Mr. Feltman is also a C.P.A.
 
    In addition, the following are the chief officers of the Subsidiaries:
 
    BRUCE C. BROWN, PRESIDENT, UNITED HOMES OF MICHIGAN, INC. Mr. Brown has been
with United Homes of Michigan, Inc. since 1986. Prior to that he was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Square Real Estate, Inc. in Grand Rapids. Mr.
Brown has served as City Manager, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Director
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
of Planning/Economic Development, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Brown holds B.S.
and M.B.A. degrees from Michigan State University and is a licensed real estate
broker in the State of Michigan.
 
    NEVILLE ALPERSTEIN, PRESIDENT OF UNITED HOMES OF ILLINOIS, INC. Mr.
Alperstein joined United Homes of Illinois, Inc. in 1996. Prior to that, he
spent over fifteen years with Pulte Home Corporation. Mr. Alperstein holds a
B.S. in Construction Engineering as well as an M.B.A. from the University of
Michigan.
 
    The officers of the Company are elected annually and serve at the discretion
of the Board of Directors. None of the Company's officers is employed pursuant
to a written employment contract.
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
    The following table sets forth information with respect to those persons
who: (i) served as the chief executive officer of United during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1997; and (ii) were the most highly compensated executive
officers of United at September 30, 1997, whose total annual salary and bonus
exceeded $100,000 for the year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              LONG-TERM
                                                                                                            COMPENSATION
                                                                                                           ---------------
                                                                                                               AWARDS
                                                                                                           ---------------
                                                               ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------        (G)
                                                                                                (F)          SECURITIES
                                                                            (E)             RESTRICTED       UNDERLYING
            (A)                  (B)        (C)          (D)           OTHER ANNUAL            STOCK          OPTIONS/
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION     YEAR     SALARY($)    BONUS($)        COMPENSATION($)         AWARDS           SARS(#)
- ----------------------------  ---------  ---------  -------------  ---------------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>                    <C>              <C>
Virgil W. Owings ...........       1997    325,000    -- -- --              --               -- -- --         -- -- --
 Chairman                          1996    325,000                          --
                                   1995    325,000                          --
 
Edward F. Havlik ...........       1997    368,750    -- -- --              --               -- -- --         -- -- --
 President                         1996    325,000                          --
                                   1995    325,000                          --
 
Neville Alperstein .........       1997   146,616        --                 --                  --               --
 President of United Homes         1996     --           --                 --                  --               --
 of Illinois, Inc.                 1995     --           --                 --                  --               --
 
William J. Crock, Jr. ......       1997    125,000    -- -- --              --               -- -- --         -- -- --
 Executive Vice President          1996    125,000                          --
                                   1995    117,000                          --
 
David L. Feltman ...........       1997   125,000        --                 --                  --               --
 Vice President General            1996     --           --                 --                  --               --
 Counsel                           1995     --           --                 --                  --               --
 
Bruce C. Brown .............       1997    120,000       --                 --                  --               --
 President United Homes of         1996    120,000       --                 --                  --               --
 Michigan, Inc.                    1995    120,000       --                 --                  --               --
 
Timothy S. Owings ..........       1997    100,000    -- -- --              --               -- -- --         -- -- --
 Vice President                    1996    100,000                          --
                                   1995    100,000                          --
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                            PAYOUTS
                              ------------------------------------
 
                                    (H)                (I)
            (A)                    LTIP             ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION     PAYOUTS($)     COMPENSATION($)(1)
- ----------------------------  ---------------  -------------------
<S>                           <C>              <C>
Virgil W. Owings ...........     -- -- --              --
 Chairman                                            11,450
                                                     15,609
Edward F. Havlik ...........     -- -- --              --
 President                                           11,450
                                                     15,609
Neville Alperstein .........        --                 --
 President of United Homes          --                 --
 of Illinois, Inc.                  --                 --
William J. Crock, Jr. ......     -- -- --              --
 Executive Vice President                             9,535
                                                     10,432
David L. Feltman ...........        --                 --
 Vice President General             --                 --
 Counsel                            --                 --
Bruce C. Brown .............        --                 --
 President United Homes of          --                9,125
 Michigan, Inc.                     --               12,106
Timothy S. Owings ..........     -- -- --              --
 Vice President                                       7,643
                                                      5,300
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Reflects the value of shares in the Parent issued to the individual under
    Parent's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"). The ESOP was terminated
    effective March 30, 1997 and no awards have been made as of the date of this
    Prospectus for the year ended September 30, 1997. Awards under the ESOP were
    based on the individual's length of service with the Company and his or her
    compensation level.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    United has recently established a bonus plan which enables all employees of
United to receive up to twenty-five percent (25%) of their annual base salary
plus an additional one quarter of one percent (.25%) for each year that the
individual has been employed by United if the Company achieves its budget for
that particular year. In particular, at the beginning of each fiscal year, the
Company's managers develop budgets for their respective operations. These
budgets are then approved by the Company's board of directors. If the Company is
successful in meeting or exceeding the budget, then the various employees are
eligible for bonuses. The determination of bonus payments is made in the
December following the end of the previous fiscal year following receipt and
review by the board of the Company's audited financial statements for the prior
year.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
                    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
                             OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
    United is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Parent, which owns 100% of the
issued and outstanding common stock of United. Control of United is directed by
the shareholders of the Parent. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding the ownership of the Parent's common stock as of November
6, 1997 by each person who is known to beneficially own more than 5% of the
Parent's common stock, by each of the Directors and executive officers of
United, and by all Directors and executive officers of United as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PERCENT OF
NAMES AND ADDRESS                                                              NUMBER OF SHARES          CLASS
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                                                        BENEFICIALLY OWNED      OUTSTANDING
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                    <C>
 
Edward F. Havlik (2) ......................................................           37,455                  48%
2100 Gold Road
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL60008
 
Virgil Owings (3) .........................................................           38,516                  49%
3260 North Hayden
Suite 102
Scottsdale, AZ85251
 
Timothy S. Owings (4) .....................................................              652                   *
3260 North Hayden
Suite 102
Scottsdale, AZ85251
 
Laurie Bulson (5) .........................................................              499                   *
2100 Golf Road
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL60008
 
Bruce C. Brown (7) ........................................................              940                1.19%
4525 Broadmoor
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
 
William J. Crock, Jr. (6) .................................................              730                   *
2100 Golf Road
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL60008
 
David L. Feltman ..........................................................           __                  __
2100 Golf Road
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL60008
 
Officers and Directors of United ..........................................           77,852               98.81%
  as a Group (Six Persons)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   Less than 1%
 
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
    Securities and Exchange Commission, and generally includes voting power
    and/or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock
    which a person has the right to acquire within 60 days of November 6, 1997,
    are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person possessing
    such right but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of
    any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that each
    person named or included in the table has sole voting and investment power
    with respect to the shares of common stock set forth opposite his or her
    name.
 
(2) Mr. Havlik owns his interest in United through his interest in the Parent.
    Mr. Havlik owns 17,500 shares and Mr. Havlik's wife Nancy owns 17,500
    shares.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
(3) Mr. Owings owns his interest in United through his interest in the Parent.
    Includes 17,500 shares of common stock held in a trust of which Ruth Goodwin
    (Mr. Owings daughter), Timothy Owings and Todd Owings serve as trustee and
    of which Mr. Owings has disclaimed beneficial ownership; 17,500 shares of
    common stock held by the Barbara M. Owings Irrevocable Trust (the "Owings
    Family Trust"); and 3,516 shares of common stock held by the Plan.
 
(4) Mr. Timothy Owings owns his interests in United through his interest in the
    Parent. Mr. Owings does not directly own any shares of the Parent's common
    stock. He indirectly owns 652 shares held for Mr. Owings' benefit by the
    Plan and has a 33% interest in the Owings Family Trust which for these
    purposes are fully attributable to Mr. Virgil Owings.
 
(5) Ms. Bulson owns her interest in United through her interest in the Parent.
    Ms. Bulson does not directly own any shares of the Parent's common stock.
    She indirectly owns 499 shares held for Ms. Bulson's benefit by the Plan.
 
(6) Mr. Crock owns his interest in United through his interest in the Parent.
    Mr. Crock does not directly own any shares of the Parent's common stock. He
    indirectly owns 730 shares held for Mr. Crock's benefit by the Plan.
 
(7) Mr. Brown owns his interest in United through his interest in the Parent.
    Mr. Brown does not directly own any shares of the Parent's common stock. He
    indirectly owns 940 shares held for Mr. Brown's benefit by the Plan.
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company and Nancy I. Havlik ("N. Havlik"), wife of United's president,
are each limited partners with 24.5% interests in United Development Bristolwood
Limited Partnership ("Bristolwood"). The general partner of Bristolwood, which
has a 1% interest, is owned 50% by Edward Havlik, the president of the Company,
and 50% by a third party not affiliated with the Company. Bristolwood sold to
United 48 lots for $22,000 per lot and 142 lots for $28,000 per lot, of which
$784,000 remains unpaid. The purchase price under the agreement was based on the
parties agreement on fair market value for the lots. Neither party relied on
third party appraisals.
 
    The Owings Family Trust and the Nancy I. Havlik Trust ("Havlik Trust"), each
an affiliate of a director of the Company, each pledged a $300,000 letter of
credit as security for a loan obtained by the Company in September of 1996.
United in turn executed a $300,000 promissory note in favor of each of the
Owings Trust and the Havlik Trust, which notes bear interest at the rate of 1%
per month. No principal becomes due unless the lender draws on the letters of
credit. There have been no draws to date.
 
    During fiscal year 1995, the Company sold four (4) model homes for an
aggregate price of $650,000 to an affiliate of Messrs. Havlik and Owings. The
sale and subsequent purchase was based on the fair market value of the homes as
determined by comparable home costs. The Company repurchased the model homes for
an aggregate price of $600,000 in fiscal year 1996.
 
   
    The Company sells certain of its model homes to Model Homes, L.L.C., an
Illinois limited liability company which has as its members two corporations
controlled by the Havlik and Owings families. On March 30, 1997, Model Homes,
L.L.C., purchased twenty-two model homes valued at $4,661,500 from the Company.
The sale resulted in a deferred gain to the Company of approximately $766,000.
The purchase price in this and similar transactions was the "appraised value" of
the model homes. The "appraised value" is determined based on selling prices for
comparable homes in the development. In this and other similar transactions, the
purchase price was paid by (a) assumption of debt secured by the model home in
the amount of approximately 75% of its appraisal value, (b) cash (approximately
15% of appraised value), and (c) a demand promissory note (approximately 10% of
the appraised value) which bears interest at 10% per annum. All model homes sold
to Model Homes, L.L.C., including the twenty-two homes sold in this transaction,
are then leased back to the Company pursuant to a month to month triple net
lease including payments of base rent equal to satisfaction of the assumed debt
service and a return of 15% on the cash paid at acquisition. The Company
believes that these transactions are completed on terms substantially similar,
or more favorable to the Company, than would be available through independent
model home purchasers.
    
 
   
    On September 30, 1997, the Company sold undeveloped property located in Lake
County, Illinois, to United Round Lake Land Development, L.L.C. ("Round Lake
LLC") for approximately $7,217,000, including the assumption of approximately
$4,840,000 of indebtedness owed to a third party by the Company and assumed by
the Round Lake LLC. The remaining portion of the purchase price is evidenced by
a demand note from the Round Lake LLC to the Company in the aggregate principal
amount of
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
approximately $2.3 million. Round Lake LLC's sole members are the Havlik Trust,
which owns a 50% interest in Round Lake LLC, and the Owings Trust, which owns
the remaining 50% interest. The demand note bears interest at a rate equal to
10% per annum. The Company also entered into a development and marketing
agreement with Round Lake LLC to develop and market the property. Under this
agreement, the Company is reimbursed for its costs incurred in connection with
developing and marketing the property and receives a commission equal to 3% on
the sale of any lot on the parcel to an unaffiliated third party.
    
 
   
    On September 22, 1997, the Company assigned its rights to acquire a property
commonly known as the "Mirage Property" located in Joliet, Illinois to the
Mirage L.L.C., the members of which are the Havlik Trust, with a 50% interest,
and the Owings Trust, which owns the remaining 50% interest for approximately
$1,032,000. The full amount of the purchase price was evidenced by a demand note
from Mirage L.L.C. to the Company. The demand note bears interest at a rate
equal to 10% per annum. The Company has also entered into a development and
marketing agreement with Mirage L.L.C. to develop and market the property. Under
this agreement, the Company is reimbursed for its costs incurred in connection
with developing and marketing the property and receives a commission equal to 3%
on the sale of any lot to an unaffiliated third party on the parcel. As of the
date of this Prospectus, the outstanding balance on the demand note is
approximately $750,000.
    
 
    On May 1, 1994, the Parent executed a Real Estate Purchase Agreement with
Greenbrooke Associates, Ltd. ("Greenbrooke"), a Michigan corporation. Edward
Havlik and Virgil Owings each own 16 2/3% of Greenbrooke. The Purchase Agreement
was for the sale of 142 unimproved single family lot sites from Greenbrooke for
$12,000 per lot plus interest at the rate of 8% per annum (subsequently
increased to $13,000 per lot plus interest by amendment to the Purchase
Agreement). The Parent assigned the Purchase Agreement to United Homes of
Michigan, Inc. in May of 1994. As of June 30, 1997 United Homes of Michigan,
Inc. was obligated to pay Greenbrooke $369,000 (inclusive of interest) for lots
to be improved with single family residences and $143,000 (inclusive of
interest) for lots to be improved with condominiums. The sale price and
subsequent increase were determined based upon the parties agreement of the fair
market value of the lots, without reliance on independent appraisals.
 
    On February 1, 1996 United Homes of Michigan, Inc., executed a $100,000
promissory note in favor of Landrover Properties, L.L.C., a Michigan limited
liability company, 60% of which is owned by the Havlik Trust. The note bears
interest at 25% per annum and is paid with closing proceeds from the sale of
units at the Woodside Green subdivision in Michigan. As of June 30, 1997 the
balance of the note was $94,500.
 
    N. Havlik owns a 15.16% interest in approximately 86 acres of land in
Kalamazoo, Michigan which was sold in fiscal year 1995 to United Homes of
Michigan, Inc. The sale contract requires payment of $422,600 (inclusive of
interest) on March 2, 1997, which amount was paid and an additional $422,600
(inclusive of interest accruing at 8% per annum) to be made to N. Havlik on
March 2, 1998 and March 2, 1999. The sales price was based upon the parties
agreement of the fair market value of the property, without reliance on
independent appraisals.
 
   
    DR Development, Inc. a corporation owned by the Havlik Trust and the Owings
Trust loaned the Company $200,000 in September of 1993, ("Loan 1") and $182,000
on August 5, 1994 ("Loan 2"). Loan 1 and Loan 2 are each evidenced by a
promissory note ("Note 1" and "Note 2" respectively). Note 1 bears interest at
10% per annum. Note 2 provides that $364,000 inclusive of interest is due on
maturity, which is December 31, 1997. As of June 30, 1997 approximately $29,300
is owed in aggregate on Note 1 and Note 2.
    
 
    Odyssey Limited Partnership, an entity owned 25% by each of N. Havlik, and
the children of Edward and N. Havlik, in the aggregate and Barbara Owings, wife
of Virgil Owings and the children of Virgil and Barbara Owings, in the
aggregate, is indebted to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of
$558,133 for prior management of certain property known as Odyssey Club. This
indebtedness is unsecured and is to be repaid from the sale of units, if any, at
the Odyssey Club.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    Greenbrooke Associates Ltd., in which Edward Havlik and Virgil Owings each
own a 16 2/3% interest, loaned the Company $250,000 in February, 1997. The
obligation is evidenced by a demand note which bears interest at the annual rate
of prime plus 1% (9.75% as of September 30, 1997).
 
    From time to time, the Company has advanced monies to Parent to pay
obligations of Parent. Such advances have resulted in a payable to the Company,
evidenced by a promissory note, which as of June 30, 1997 was $3,526,086. This
promissory note bears interest at the prime rate (8.75% as of September 30,
1997).
 
    Messrs. Havlik and Owings have each guaranteed certain indebtedness of the
Company and its subsidiaries in the past. As of June 30, 1997 these guarantees
are for approximately $15,000,000 of debt, in the aggregate.
 
    The Indenture will restrict United and each Subsidiary from engaging,
conducting or entering into any transaction or series of transactions with or
for the benefit of any Affiliate or Subsidiary of United or any holder of 5% or
more of any class of capital stock of United, except in good faith and on terms
that are, in the aggregate, no less favorable to United or such Subsidiary, as
the case may be, than those that could have been obtained in a comparable
transaction on an arms-length basis from a person not an Affiliate of United or
such Subsidiary. See "Description of Securities--Limitation on Transactions with
Affiliates; Affiliate Loans."
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
    GENERAL
 
    The Debentures will be issued under an Indenture (the "Indenture"), dated as
of November   , 1997 between United and the Trustee. A copy of the form of the
Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part. The following statements are summaries of certain
provisions of the Indenture and are subject to and qualified in their entirety
by reference to all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the
definitions therein of certain terms herein.
 
    The Debentures offered by United under the Indenture will be limited to
$7,000,000 aggregate principal amount (assuming exercise of the over-allotment
option). The Debentures will mature March 15, 2005, unless redeemed earlier.
Interest on the Debentures will accrue at an annual rate of 11%. Interest is
payable quarterly on the 15th day of each calendar quarter (each a "Interest
Payment Date") beginning on March 15, 1998 to the person in whose name the
Debenture is registered, at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
which is the 15th day of the calendar month next preceding each Interest Payment
Date.
 
    Principal, premium, if any, and interest will be payable, and the Debentures
will be exchangeable and transfers thereof will be registered, at the office or
agency to be maintained by United in St. Paul or Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Initially, United's office will be the office of the Trustee in Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
 
    The Debentures will be issued only in registered form, without a coupon, in
denominations of $1,000 each and any integral multiple of $1,000. The Debentures
are transferable and transfers will be registered without charge thereof, but
United may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Holders may transfer the
Debentures by surrendering them for transfer at the office of the Trustee.
 
    COLLATERAL AND RANKING
 
   
    The Debentures will be unsecured obligations of United. In the event of the
dissolution, winding up, liquidation or bankruptcy of United, the holders of the
Debentures will not be entitled to receive any payment until the holders of
secured indebtedness receive payment or distributions in respect of the assets
collateralizing their debt. Upon the occurrence of any payment default on
secured indebtedness, proceeds from the assets collateralizing the secured
indebtedness which is in default may not be used to satisfy United's obligations
on the Debentures. As of June 30, 1997, the Company had approximately $84.0
million of outstanding liabilities, including approximately $70.3 million of
secured indebtedness and approximately $13.0 million of indebtedness incurred by
the Subsidiaries which indebtedness is effectively senior to the Debentures. See
"Risk Factors--Lack of Collateral." The Indenture does not limit the amount of
secured indebtedness that United or its Subsidiaries may incur.
    
 
    REDEMPTION
 
    MANDATORY REDEMPTION.  The Debentures will be subject to mandatory
redemption. On September 15, 1999 and on each March 15 and September 15
thereafter through September 15, 2004, United will pay to the Trustee cash
sufficient to redeem, on each redemption date, up to $83,333 for each $1,000,000
worth of Debentures sold by United. On or before March 15, 2005, United will pay
to the Trustee cash sufficient to redeem all remaining outstanding Debentures.
The Debentures will be redeemed in whole, but not in part, and will be selected
by the Trustee by lot or in any manner deemed proper by the Trustee.
 
    OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.  The Debentures will be subject to redemption at the
option of United, in whole or in part, from time to time, commencing on December
15, 1997, upon not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' notice mailed to
the holders thereof, at the Redemption Prices established for the Debentures,
together in each case, with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption
(subject to the
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
right of a holder on the Regular Record Date for an interest payment to receive
such interest). The Redemption Prices for the debentures (expressed as a
percentage of the principal amount) shall be as follows for Debentures redeemed
in the 12-month periods beginning December 15 of each of the following years:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                                PERCENTAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
1997..............................................................................        105%
1998..............................................................................        104%
1999..............................................................................        103%
2000..............................................................................        102%
2001..............................................................................        101%
2002 and thereafter...............................................................        100%
</TABLE>
 
    United may elect to redeem less than all of the Debentures. If United elects
to redeem less than all of the Debentures, the Trustee will select which
Debentures to redeem by lot or any similar method which is deemed fair and
appropriate.
 
    DEFINITIONS
 
    "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any person for any period,
the aggregate of the net income of such person and its Subsidiaries for such
period, on a Consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP, provided
that extraordinary gains and losses (determined in accordance with GAAP) shall
be excluded.
 
    "Adjusted Total Liabilities" means Total Liabilities less non-interest
bearing trade payables, non-interest bearing accrued construction costs and
deposits from home buyers.
 
    "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means, with respect to any person at any
date of determination, the Consolidated stockholders' equity represented by the
shares of such person's capitalized stock (other than Disqualified Stock)
outstanding at such date, as determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP less any portion of such stockholders' equity attributable to
intangible assets as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means with respect to any person
at any date of determination, such person's Consolidated Tangible Net Worth less
any loans to affiliates (other than subsidiaries).
 
    "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any person at any date, without
duplication, all items of indebtedness which, in accordance with GAAP, would be
included in determining total liabilities as shown on the liabilities side of a
balance sheet of such person at such date, and in addition includes: (i)
Guaranties by such person; (ii) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such
person; and (iii) all indebtedness secured by any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge
or encumbrances upon property owned by such person, whether or not the
indebtedness so secured has been assumed by such person. For the purpose of
computing the "Indebtedness" of any person, the following will be excluded: (i)
any particular Indebtedness to the extent that, upon or prior to the maturity
thereof, there will have been deposited with the proper depository in trust the
necessary funds, securities, or evidences of such Indebtedness, if permitted by
the instrument creating such Indebtedness, for the payment, redemption, or
satisfaction of such Indebtedness, and thereafter such funds and evidences of
Indebtedness so deposited shall not be included in any computation of the assets
of such person; and (ii) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of such person,
which is not guaranteed by such person.
 
    "Restricted Payment" means: (i) the declaration of payment for any dividend
or any other distribution on the capital stock of United or any Subsidiary of
United or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders (in their
capacities as such) of the capital stock of United or any Subsidiary of United
(other than
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
(x) dividends or distributions payable solely in capital stock or in options,
warrants or other rights to purchase capital stock, and (y) in the case of any
Subsidiary of United, dividends or distributions payable to United or to a
Subsidiary of United); or (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any capital stock of United or any Subsidiary. If a
Restricted Payment is made in other than cash, the value of any such payment
shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose determination
shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Company Resolution to be filed with the
Trustee. For purposes of this definition, "Restricted Payment" shall not
include: (a) payments made in the form of United's common stock; or (b)
purchases of common stock of a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of United that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary.
 
    MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
 
    With the consent of the holders of not less than two-thirds in aggregate
principal amount of the Debentures then outstanding, the Trustee and United may
execute a supplemental Indenture to add provisions to, or change in any manner
or eliminate any provisions of, the Indenture or modify in any manner the rights
of the holders of the Debentures, provided that, without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding Debenture so affected, no such supplemental Indenture
and no such amendment will: (i) change the maturity date of the principal or
interest rate payable on any Debenture, or reduce the principal amount thereof
or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption
thereof; (ii) reduce the percentage of the holders of the Debentures whose
consent is required for the authorization of any such supplemental Indenture; or
(iii) modify any provisions of Section 513, 902 or 1012 of the Indenture, except
to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of
the Indenture cannot be waived or modified without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding Debenture.
 
    RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
    LIMITATION ON ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS.  The Indenture will restrict United
and each Subsidiary from incurring additional Indebtedness, except for: (i)
Indebtedness under the Debentures and the Indenture; (ii) Indebtedness
outstanding on the original issue date of the Debentures and disclosed to the
Trustee; (iii) Indebtedness that immediately after giving pro forma effect to
the incurrence thereof, does not cause the ratio of Adjusted Total Liabilities
to Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to exceed 7:1; and (iv) with certain
limitations, any deferrals, renewals, extensions, or modifications to
Indebtedness incurred under clause (ii) or (iii) above.
 
    LIMITATION ON RESTRICTED PAYMENTS.  The Indenture will restrict United and
each Subsidiary from making any Restricted Payments, provided however, the
Company may make S-Corp tax dividends, if at the time of such action no Event of
Default exists or results therefrom after giving effect to such dividend and
provided further, the Company may make Restricted Payments: (i) if at the time
of such action no Event of Default exits or would result therefrom; (ii) if at
the time, upon giving effect to such Restricted Payment, United could incur at
least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture limiting
additional Indebtedness; and (iii) if, immediately after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment, the aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made
from the date of the Indenture, through and including the date of such
Restricted Payment (the "Base Period") does not exceed the sum of 50% of
Consolidated Net Income (or in the event Consolidated Net Income is a deficit,
minus 100% of such deficit) during the Base Period and 100% of the aggregate net
proceeds received by United from the issue or sale during the Base Period of
capital stock of United.
 
    LIMITATION ON TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES; AFFILIATE LOANS.  The Indenture
will restrict United and each Subsidiary from engaging, conducting or entering
into any transaction or series of transactions with or for the benefit of any
Affiliate or Subsidiary of United or any holder of 5% or more of any class of
Capital Stock of United (each an "Affiliate Transaction"), except in good faith
and on terms that are, in the aggregate, no less favorable to United or such
Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could have
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
been obtained in a comparable transaction on an arms-length basis from a person
not an Affiliate of United or such Subsidiary. Any loans to the Company or any
Subsidiary from any Affiliate, incurred after the Issue Date, whether by
deferrals, renewals, extensions, replacements, refinancings, refundings,
amendments, modifications, supplements, or the like, shall be unsecured and
pari-passu to the Debentures; provided however that: (i) if an Event of Default
occurs and notice is provided to the Company pursuant to Section 502 of the
Indenture; (ii) the Company fails to make any payment of principal or interest
in a timely manner, without giving effect to any cure periods or notice
requirements; or (iii) the Tangible Net Worth of the Company shall fall below
the minimum Tangible Net Worth required under the Indenture; the Company shall
not make any payment of principal, interest or any other payment in any form on
such loans, nor shall any Affiliate making any such loans have the right to
receive any such payment, until the Debentures have been paid in full or the
default has been cured. In addition, upon the occurrence of any bankruptcy,
reorganization or similar proceeding, the Company shall not make any payment of
principal, interest or any other payment in any form on such loans, nor shall
any Affiliate making any such loans have the right to receive any such payment,
until the Debentures have paid in full. The Company covenants and agrees that it
will notify every Affiliate who makes a loan to the Company, after the Issue
Date, of the Company's agreement under Section 1009, and the Company shall
obtain an agreement from every Affiliate making a loan to the Company, after the
Issue Date, to the effect that such Affiliate agrees, upon the occurrence of a
bankruptcy, reorganization or similar event, that the Affiliate shall be
prohibited from receiving any payments with respect to such loan whether
principal or interest, until the Debentures have been indefensibly paid in full
in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee and counsel to the Trustee.
 
    LIMITATION ON DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING A
SUBSIDIARY.  The Indenture will restrict United and each Subsidiary from,
directly or indirectly, creating or otherwise causing or suffering to exist or
become effective or entering into any agreement with any person that would
restrict the ability of any Subsidiary of United to: (i) pay dividends, in cash
or otherwise, or make any other distributions on its capital stock or any other
interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits owned by United or a
Subsidiary of United; (ii) make any loans or advances to, or pay any
Indebtedness owed to, United or any Subsidiary of United; or (iii) transfer any
of its properties or assets to United or to any Subsidiary of United, except, in
each case, for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or contemplated
by or by reason of: (a) the Debentures or the Indenture; (b) any restrictions
existing under agreements in effect on the date the Debentures are issued; and
(c) any restrictions existing under any agreement that refinances or replaces an
agreement containing a restriction permitted by clause (a) or (b) above,
provided that the terms and conditions of such restrictions are not materially
less favorable in the aggregate to the Debenture holders than those under or
pursuant to the agreement being replaced or the agreement evidencing the
Indebtedness being refinanced or replaced.
 
    NET WORTH.  The Indenture will require United to keep and maintain, at all
times during the term of the Debentures Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth, determined as of the last day of each quarter, at an amount not less than
six million dollars ($6,000,000) plus 50% of positive Consolidated Net Income
earned after September 30, 1997. Compliance with this covenant shall be measured
on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, and the
Indenture requires United to provide Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Worth as
of each quarter within 45 days of each calendar quarter except December 31 for
which United shall have 90 days to provide the calculation. In the event of any
non-compliance with this covenant, the Indenture will require United deliver to
the Trustee a certificate from United's independent public accountants as to
subsequent compliance to cure any such default.
 
    LIMITATIONS ON COMPENSATION.  The Indenture will restrict United from: (i)
paying salary compensation (excluding bonuses or other performance based or
incentive compensation) to Edward F. Havlik in excess of $500,000 in any
calendar year; (ii) paying salary compensation (excluding bonuses or other
performance based or incentive compensation) to Virgil W. Owings in excess of
$325,000 in any calendar year; (iii) paying or permitting any Subsidiary to pay
compensation to any other employee in excess of amounts paid to similar
employees by other reputable persons engaged in the same or similar business and
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
similarly situated. The Indenture will also restrict United and any Subsidiary
from paying bonuses or other performance based or incentive compensation to
Edward F. Havlik in excess of $125,000 in any calendar year or to Virgil W.
Owings in excess of $81,250 in any calendar year.
 
    LIMITATIONS ON INVESTMENTS.  The Indenture will restrict United and each
Subsidiary from acquiring for value, making, having or holding any Investments,
except: (i) investments existing on the date of this Agreement; (ii) property to
be used in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (iii)
current assets arising from the sale of goods and services in the ordinary
course of business; (iv) investments in readily marketable direct obligations
issued or guaranteed by the United States or any agency thereof and supported by
the full faith and credit of the United State; (v) certificates of deposit or
bankers' acceptances issued by any commercial bank organized under the laws of
the United States or any State thereof which has combined capital and surplus of
at least $100,000,000; (vi) commercial paper given the highest rating by a
nationally recognized rating service and maturing not more than one year from
the date of acquisition thereof.
 
    ADDITIONAL LIENS; NEGATIVE PLEDGES.  The Indenture will restrict United and
each Subsidiary from creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any
lien, or entering into, or making any commitment to enter into, any arrangement
for the acquisition of any property through conditional sale, lease-purchase or
other title retention agreements, with respect to any property now owned or
hereafter acquired by United or a Subsidiary, except: (i) liens existing on the
date the Debentures are originally issued and disclosed in United's audited
financial statements; (ii) deposits or pledges which secure payment of workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social security
obligations, in the ordinary course of business of United or a Subsidiary; (iii)
liens for taxes, fees, assessments and governmental charges not delinquent or to
the extent that payment therefor shall not at the time be required to be made in
accordance with the provisions of the Indenture; (iv) liens of carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen, and other like liens arising in the
ordinary course of business, for sums not due or to the extent that payment
therefor shall not at the time be required to be made in accordance with the
provision of the Indenture; (v) liens incurred or deposits or pledges made or
given in connection with, or to secure payment of, indemnity, performance or
other similar bonds; (vi) encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions,
easements and rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property and
landlord's liens under leases on the premises rented, which do not materially
detract from the value of such property or impair the use thereof in the
business of United or a Subsidiary; (vii) the interest of any lessor under any
capitalized lease entered into after the date the Debentures are issued or
purchase money liens on property acquired after such date; provided, that: (a)
the Indebtedness secured thereby is otherwise permitted by the Indenture; and
(b) such liens are limited to the property acquired and do not secure
Indebtedness other than the related capitalized lease obligations or the
purchase price of such property.
 
    Further, the Indenture will restrict United and each Subsidiary from,
entering into any agreement, bond, note or other instrument with or for the
benefit of any person other than the Debenture Holders which would: (i) prohibit
United or such Subsidiary from granting, or otherwise limit the ability of
United or such Subsidiary to grant, to the Debenture Holders any lien on any
assets or properties of United or such Subsidiary; or (ii) require United or
such Subsidiary to grant a lien to any other person if United or such Subsidiary
grants any lien to the Debenture Holders.
 
    CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, TRANSFER OR LEASE.  Under the Indenture, United may
not consolidate with, or merge with or into, or transfer all or substantially
all of its assets in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to
another person unless: (i) the successor entity is an entity organized and
existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the
District of Columbia and shall expressly assume the payment of principal and
interest on all the Debentures and performance of every covenant of the
Indenture on the part of the Company; (ii) immediately after giving effect to
such transaction: (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(b) the net worth of the successor corporation is not less than the Adjusted
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth equal to or greater than the amount required of
the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
Company; (c) the Company has an Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Worth equal
to or greater than the Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Worth immediately
before giving effect to the Transaction; and (d) the successor corporation is
able to incur at least one dollar of additional Indebtedness; and (iii) in the
case of a consolidation or merger between United and UDMC, all Indebtedness of
UMDC from any Affiliate or incurred by UDMC for the benefit of an Affiliate
shall be unsecured and PARI PASSU to the Debentures, provided however: (i) if an
Event of Default occurs and notice is provided to the Company; or (ii) the
Company fails to make any payment of principal or interest; or (iii) if the
Company fails to maintain the required minimum Adjusted Consolidated Tangible
Net Worth, the Company shall not make any payment of principal or interest until
the Event of Default has been cured or payment of principal or interest has been
made. The Company will obtain an agreement from every Affiliate or other person
loaning money to UDMC for the benefit of Affiliate that upon the occurrence of a
bankruptcy, reorganization or similar event, such Affiliate or person shall be
prohibited from receiving any payment with respect to any Indebtedness until the
Debentures have been indefensibly paid in full. See "--Restrictive
Covenants--Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" above.
 
    EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
    The following acts constitute Events of Default under the Indenture: (i)
default in the payment of any interest upon any Debenture when it becomes due
and payable and continuance of such default for a period of 15 days; (ii)
default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Debenture
at its maturity; (iii) the breach of covenants of United in the Indenture
including covenants relating to limitations on Restricted Payments, compensation
and Net Worth; (iv) with certain limited exceptions, a default under any bond,
debenture, note or other evidence of Indebtedness of United or any Subsidiary
evidencing any indebtedness in excess of $100,000 of United or any Subsidiary
now or hereafter outstanding shall happen and continue and the holders of such
indebtedness shall have the right to accelerate the maturity of such
indebtedness; (v) a decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction shall
have been entered, either: (a) adjudging United or any Subsidiary a bankrupt or
insolvent; (b) approving a petition seeking reorganization of United or any
Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Act or any other similar applicable federal or
state law; (c) appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
sequestrator or other similar official of United or any Subsidiary or of any
substantial part of its property, or (d) ordering the winding up or liquidation
of its affairs, and the continuance of any such order unstayed and in effect for
a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; (vi) the commencement by United or any
Subsidiary of a voluntary case under federal bankruptcy law or any other
applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law, or the
consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against
it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking
reorganization or relief under federal bankruptcy law or any other applicable
federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to
the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or
similar official of United or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of it
property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or
the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as
they become due, or the taking of corporate action by United or any Subsidiary
in furtherance of any such action; or (vii) the rendering of a final judgment or
judgments (not subject to appeal) for the payment of money against United or any
Subsidiary not fully insured against in an aggregate amount in excess of
$250,000 by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction, which judgment or
judgments remain unsatisfied for a period of 30 days after the right to appeal
all such judgments has expired or otherwise terminated.
 
    In each and every such case, so long as an Event of Default has not have
been remedied and the principal of all the Debentures shall not have already
become due and payable, then either the Trustee or the holders of not less than
twenty-five percent (25%), in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures then
outstanding, by notice in writing to United (and to the Trustee if given by the
Subordinated Note Holders) may declare the principal of all the Debentures then
outstanding to be due and payable immediately.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
    THE TRUSTEE
 
    Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the
Trustee is required to apply only the degree of care and skill in fulfilling its
obligations as a prudent person would exercise or use in the circumstances in
the conduct of such person's own affairs. The Trustee is not liable for any
error of judgment made in good faith and will not be liable with respect to any
action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith in accordance with the
direction of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures at the time outstanding, relating to the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or of
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under the Indenture.
 
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
    Under presently existing provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, applicable
judicial decisions and administrative rulings, all of which are subject to
change, which changes may be applied on a retroactive basis, the federal income
tax consequences described below may arise in connection with this Offering. The
discussion is limited to holders for whom the Debentures are "capital assets"
(generally, properly held for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code. The foregoing does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be
relevant to a holder (a "Holder") of a Debenture in light of a Holder's
particular circumstances or to Holders subject to special rules, such as certain
former citizens or long-term residents of the United States, financial
institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currencies
or United States holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Due
to the complexity of the Code, the following statements are merely statements of
general tax principles and likely tax consequences to the extent presently
determinable, and such statements may not be authoritative in individual cases
or where special rules or elections may apply. Investors should consult their
own tax advisors concerning the Offering. Investors should also consult with
their own tax advisors as to the tax treatment arising from the application of
foreign, state, and local tax laws and regulations.
 
DEBENTURES
 
GENERAL
 
    As a general rule, interest paid or accrued on the Debentures, as well as
market discount and original issue discount ("OID"), if any, will be treated as
ordinary income to the Holders. A Holder using the accrual method of accounting
for federal income tax purposes is required to include interest paid or accrued
thereon in ordinary income as such interest accrues, while a Holder using the
cash receipts and disbursements method of accounting for federal income tax
purposes must include such interest in ordinary income when payments are
received (or made available for receipt) by such Holder, except to the extent
there is OID. Generally, principal payments on the Debentures will be treated as
return of capital to the extent of a Holder's basis therein, subject to the
application of the OID rules.
 
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
 
    The Debentures will be deemed to be issued with OID within the meaning of
Section 1273(a)(1) of the Code if the "stated redemption price at maturity"
exceeds the "issue price" of the Debentures. Under the OID Regulations, if the
difference between the stated redemption price at maturity and its issue price
is less than a DE MINIMIS amount (I.E., 1/4 of 1 percent of the principal amount
multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity from the issue date), the
Debenture will not be considered as having been issued with OID. For this
purpose, the issue price of the Debenture is the first price to the public at
which a substantial amount of the Debentures is sold for money which is expected
to be the Price to Public and the stated redemption price at maturity of the
Debenture is its principal amount. United States Holders will generally include
the DE MINIMIS OID in income, as capital gain, as principal payments are made on
the Debentures or the Debentures are sold. As an alternative, a United States
Holder may also make an
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
election to include in gross income all interest that accrues on a Debenture
(including DE MINIMIS OID) in accordance with a constant yield method based on
the compounding of interest. On the other hand, if the OID on the Debentures is
more than DE MINIMIS, a United States Holder would be required to include the
OID in income for United States federal income tax purposes as it accrues, in
accordance with a constant yield method based on a compounding of interest and
in advance of the receipt of the cash payments attributable to such income.
 
    Because the Company believes that the average "issue price" of the
Debentures with the shortest maturity is not less than $15 per Debenture, the
test described above will be satisfied and the Company will take the position
that there is no original issue discount with respect to all of the Debentures.
However, if the amount of OID is greater than $17.50 per Debenture, each Holder
will be required to include on his tax return as ordinary income, in addition to
the amount of interest received in the amount of cash, a portion of OID on the
Debentures so as to provide a constant yield to maturity. Although under certain
circumstances the Debentures are subject to optional redemption by the Company
for an amount in excess of their principal amount, the Company believes that
based on the OID Regulations, this excess need not be considered when
determining the Debentures' stated redemption price at maturity. In addition,
although certain Debentures selected by lot will be subject to mandatory
redemption, the Company believes that the OID Regulations allow it to disregard
such redemption feature in determining the number of years until maturity, and
hence the de minimis exception should be applicable. Please note that while the
Company intends to take the positions discussed above, the OID Regulations have
not been subject to extensive judicial or administrative interpretation, and
therefore there can be no assurance that these positions will be respected.
 
    If the Debentures are determined to be issued with OID, a Holder must
generally include the OID in ordinary gross income for federal income tax
purposes as it accrues in advance of the receipt of any cash attributable to
such income. The amount of OID, if any, required to be included in a
Debentureholder's ordinary gross income for federal income tax purposes in any
taxable year will accrue on a daily basis under a constant-yield method that
takes into account the compounding of interest. One effect of this method is
that a relatively smaller portion of the OID is included in income in the
earlier years and a relatively larger portion in later years, although in each
event, the amount of income will exceed the cash received.
 
MARKET DISCOUNT
 
    The Debentures, whether or not issued with OID, will be subject to the
"market discount rules" of Section 1276 of the Code if the principal amount of
the Debenture exceeds the Holder's tax basis (I.E., its purchase price). In
general, these rules provide that if the Holder purchases a Debenture from any
person other than the Company at a discount from the sum of its original issue
price plus any accrued OID, and thereafter recognizes gain upon a sale,
exchange, redemption or maturity of the Debenture, the lesser of such gain or
the accrued market discount will be taxed as ordinary interest income.
Generally, the accrued market discount will be the total market discount on a
Debenture multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
the Holder held the Debenture and the denominator of which is the number of days
from the date the Holder acquired the Debenture until its maturity date. The
Holder may elect, however, to determine accrued market discount under a
constant-yield method.
 
    Limitations imposed by the Code which are intended to match deductions with
the taxation of income may defer deductions for interest on indebtedness
incurred or continued, or short-sale expenses incurred, to purchase or carry a
Debenture with accrued market discount. A Holder of a Debenture may elect to
include market discount in gross income as it accrues and, if he makes such an
election, is exempt from this rule. The adjusted basis of a Debenture subject to
such election will be increased to reflect market discount included in gross
income, thereby reducing any gain or increasing any loss on a sale or taxable
disposition.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
PREMIUM
 
    A Holder who purchases the Debenture following its original issuance will be
entitled to a reduction in the amount of OID required to be included in the
Holder's income if the Holder purchases such note with "Acquisition Premium." An
acquisition premium will be deemed to arise if the Debenture is purchased for a
price less than or equal to the stated redemption price at maturity but greater
than the adjusted issue price of the Debenture. In such event, the acquisition
premium is equal to the amount by which the purchase price of the Debenture
exceeds the adjusted issue price thereof, which is equal to the original issue
price increased by the amount of OID previously includable in the gross income
of any prior Holder thereof. The amount of the reduction to which a subsequent
Holder of the Debenture may be entitled in any given year is equal to a
fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the acquisition premium and
the denominator of which is the excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the
Debenture, other than payments of qualified stated interest over the adjusted
issue price of the Debenture. Subsequent Holders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the amount of any acquisition premium and reduction with
respect to their Debentures.
 
    In general, if there is no OID, and a Holder purchased at an amount in
excess of the amount payable upon maturity, such excess will be treated as
"amortizable bond premium." In such case, a Holder may elect, under Section 171
of the Code, to deduct the amortizable bond premium as it accrues under a
constant-yield method that is similar to the method used for the accrual of
original issue discount. The Holder's tax basis in the Debenture then decreases
by the amount of the amortizable bond premium deducted. An election under
Section 171 of the Code is available only if a Debenture is held as a capital
asset. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding special
rules that apply for determining the amount of, and method for amortizing, bond
premium with respect to the Debentures that may be redeemed prior to maturity.
 
SALE, REDEMPTION AND/OR MATURITY OF DEBENTURES
 
    The Holder of a Debenture will recognize gain or loss on the sale,
redemption or maturity of all or part of a Debenture equal to the difference
between the amount realized from the sale and the seller's adjusted basis in the
Debenture or the ratable portion thereof. Such adjusted basis generally will
equal the cost of the Debenture to the Holder, increased by an OID included in
the Holder's ordinary gross income with respect to the Debenture and reduced by
any principal payments on the Debenture previously received by the Holder and
any amortizable bond premium deducted by the Holder. Except as discussed with
respect to market discount or to the extent cash received is attributable to
accrued interest, any gain or loss recognized upon a sale, exchange, retirement
or other disposition of a Debenture will be capital gain, if the Debenture is
held as a capital asset.
 
    If, however, it is determined that on the date of issue of the Debentures
the Company intends to redeem all or any portion of the Debentures prior to
their stated maturity, within the meaning of Section 1271(a)(2)(A) of the Code,
any gain realized upon a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other
disposition of the Debentures would be considered ordinary income, to the extent
it does not exceed the unrecognized portion of the OID, if any, with respect to
the Debentures. It is uncertain how this rule will be applied to the Debentures
since the provisions regarding manditory or optional redemption may, be
considered evidence of an intention at the time the Debentures were issued to
call them before the stated maturity thereof. However, so long as the "de
minimis exception" described above applies there will not be OID and hence,
these consequences will not occur.
 
WITHHOLDING TAXES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
 
    Interest payments, original issue discount and cash proceeds of a sale,
exchange or redemption of the Debentures will be reported to the extent required
by the Code to the holders thereof and the Internal Revenue Service. Such
amounts will ordinarily not be subject to withholding of United States federal
income tax. However, a backup withholding tax at a rate of 31% may be required
by reason of the events
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
specified by Section 3406 of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder,
which include failure of a holder to supply the Company or its agent with such
holder's taxpayer identification number. Such withholding, such as a foreign
corporation, if such person fails to document properly its status as an exempt
recipient. Foreign persons should consult with their own tax advisors as to the
United States withholding tax, if any, applicable to their particular
circumstances.
 
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to any
state or local income, franchise, personal property or other tax consequences
arising out of their ownership of Debentures, including the potential
application of the OID provision, as discussed above.
 
    THE DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH ABOVE IS
INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON
AN INVESTOR'S PARTICULAR TAX SITUATION. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP
AND DISPOSITION OF DEBENTURES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE,
LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL
OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. (the "Underwriter") has entered into an
Underwriting Agreement with the Company pursuant to which the Underwriter,
subject to certain terms and conditions, will purchase and underwrite the sale
of the Debentures to the public on a "best efforts basis." The Underwriting
Agreement provides that the Underwriter will act as the Company's exclusive
underwriter for a period of six months from the date of this Prospectus.
 
    The Underwriting Agreement further provides that the Company will offer for
sale a minimum of 3,050 Debentures, approximately $3,000,000, (the "Minimum
Amount") and a maximum of 6,091 Debentures, approximately $6,000,000, (the
"Maximum Amount") of the Debentures to the Underwriter for sale by the
Underwriter to the public. The Underwriter is not obligated to purchase any of
the Debentures, but if the Underwriter does purchase any Debentures, it must
purchase at least the Minimum Amount. If the Underwriter does purchase the
Minimum Amount, it is not obligated to purchase any additional Debentures. In
the event that the Minimum Amount is not sold, the Underwriting Agreement shall
terminate within 60 days from the date of the this Prospectus.
 
   
    The Underwriter will offer, on a best-efforts basis, the Debentures to the
public at the Price to Public set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus,
plus accrued interest, and to selected dealers at such price less a concession
of $50.00 per Debenture. Interest on the Debentures will accrue from their date
of original issuance (the date the Minimum Amount is purchased) or with respect
to any Debentures sold after March 15, 1998, from March 15, 1998. The
Underwriter does not intend to confirm sales to any account over which it has
discretionary authority.
    
 
   
    The Company has granted the Underwriter an option, exercisable at any time
prior to the Termination Date, to increase the Maximum Amount by up to 1,015
Debentures, approximately $1,000,000 (the "Optional Maximum"). The option may be
exercised for fewer than all of the Debentures subject to the option. If the
option is exercised, the additional Debentures will be offered by the
Underwriter on the same terms as those on which the Debentures are being
offered.
    
 
   
    The Company has agreed to sell the Debentures to the Underwriter, including
the Optional Maximum, at the Price to Public less a 7% underwriting discount and
commission, plus accrued interest. The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriter
a management fee equal to 2% of the total Price to Public, a non-accountable
expense allowance equal to 1% of the total Price to Public, and to reimburse the
Underwriter for accountable expenses (up to $120,000 or up to $140,000 if the
Optional Maximum is sold).
    
 
    In the Underwriting Agreement, the Company and the Underwriter have agreed
to indemnify each other against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, or to contribute to payments which the Underwriter may be required to make
in respect thereof. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons
controlling the Company pursuant to such indemnification provisions, the Company
has been advised that the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is
therefore unenforceable.
 
    The Company will use its best efforts to qualify or register the Debentures
for sale in "non-issuer" transactions, or obtain exemptions from the application
of the securities laws of those states designated by the Underwriter, to permit
marketmaking transactions and secondary trading of the Debentures in the
designated states. The Company will use its best efforts to comply with the
applicable state securities laws and to continue such qualification,
registration or exemption for so long as the Debentures remain outstanding.
 
   
    Until the distribution of the Debentures is completed, the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the Underwriter to
bid for and purchase the Debentures. As an exception to these rules, the
Underwriter is permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the
price of the Debentures. Such transactions consist of stating a bid price for
the Debentures for the purpose of maintaining the price of the Debentures.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
   
    In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of such purchases.
    
 
   
    Neither the Company nor the Underwriter make any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above might have on the price of the Debentures. In addition, neither
the Company nor the Underwriter make any representations that the Underwriter
will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will
not be discontinued without notice.
    
 
    The obligations of the Underwriter to act as underwriter in connection with
the purchase and sale of the Debentures contemplated by this Prospectus and to
purchase the Debentures against payment therefor, are subject to certain typical
conditions precedent within the control of the Company contained in Underwriting
Agreement, as of the date of this Prospectus and as of each closing, including:
(i) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained
in the Underwriting Agreement; (ii) the performance by the Company and its
obligations thereunder, (iii) the delivery by the Company of certain
certificates; (iv) the delivery to the Underwriter of an opinion of counsel to
the Company and related bring-down certificates; and (v) the delivery to the
Underwriter of a letter of the independent accountants for the Company, and
related bring-down certificates.
 
    The foregoing is a summary of the material provisions of the Underwriting
Agreement. Copies of such documents have been filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
    Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance and sale of the
Debentures will be passed upon for the Company by Shefsky & Froelich Ltd.,
Chicago, Illinois. Certain matters of Minnesota law will be passed upon for the
Company by Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Fredrikson &
Byron, P.A. is acting as counsel for the Underwriter in connection with certain
legal matters relating to the securities offered hereby.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements of United Homes, Inc. as of September
30, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended September
30, 1996 and the financial statements of United Development Bristolwood Limited
Partnership as of September 30, 1995 and for the year then ended, appearing in
the Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Debentures offered
hereby. For purposes hereof, the term "Registration Statement" means the
original Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the schedules and exhibits thereto, to which reference hereby is
made, as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. The material
terms of certain material agreements to which the Company is party are
summarized in this Prospectus, but these summaries do not purport to be complete
nor qualified in their entirety by reference to the relevant agreements which
are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part. Any interested party may inspect the Registration Statement and its
exhibits, without charge, at the Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the public reference facilities maintained
by the Commission at its regional offices located at The Citicorp Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and at Seven
World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. The Commission also
maintains a site on the World Wide Web at http:\\www.sec.gov that contains
reports, proxy and other information statements and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically with the Commission.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
UNITED HOMES, INC.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Auditors.............................................................................     F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1995..............................................     F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994...................     F-4
Consoldidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the years ended
  September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994.......................................................................     F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30,
  1996, 1995, and 1994.....................................................................................     F-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................................     F-7
 
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1997...................................................    F-14
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996...............    F-15
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the nine months ended June 30, 1997..........    F-16
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996............    F-17
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements...............................................    F-18
 
UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Auditors.............................................................................    F-20
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and 1995...............................................    F-21
Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited), 1995, and 1994 (unaudited)........    F-22
Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the years ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited), 1995, and
  1994 (unaudited).........................................................................................    F-23
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited), 1995, and 1994 (unaudited)....    F-24
Notes to the Financial Statements..........................................................................    F-25
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1997..........................................................................    F-28
Statements of Income for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996......................................    F-29
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital for the nine months ended June 30, 1997..........................    F-30
Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996..................................    F-31
Notes to Interim Financial Statements......................................................................    F-32
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
 
United Development Management Company
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United
Homes, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of United Development Management Company,
as of September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
income, changes in stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended September 30, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of United Homes,
Inc. at September 30, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
 
December 12, 1996,
 
except for Note 6(1), as to which the date is
March 25, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                     1996           1995
                                                                 -------------  -------------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
                                           ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents......................................  $     824,162  $   1,103,216
Closing proceeds in transit....................................        322,281        506,424
Due from managed properties (net of allowance of $100,000 in
  1996 and 1995)...............................................        516,508        386,953
Contract fees receivable.......................................         80,182        184,905
Housing inventories............................................     54,588,044     28,796,061
Land held for future development...............................      8,258,741
Investment in real estate partnership..........................        485,274        507,041
Due from Parent:
  Construction advances........................................      1,564,176      1,552,493
  Advances in excess of income taxes payable...................      1,931,121
Due from affiliates............................................        263,306         11,157
Note receivable................................................                       340,000
Deposits.......................................................        400,710         76,005
Other..........................................................        696,374        900,258
                                                                 -------------  -------------
Total assets...................................................  $  69,930,879  $  34,364,513
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 -------------  -------------
 
                            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
Construction draws in process..................................  $   1,059,437  $   1,735,073
Accounts payable...............................................      5,629,497      1,692,752
Accrued costs on closed sales..................................      2,796,202        798,721
Accrued liabilities............................................        316,989        669,100
Deposits from home buyers......................................        758,401        621,696
Development loans and other notes payable......................     48,138,856     17,391,862
                                                                 -------------  -------------
Total liabilities..............................................     58,699,382     22,909,204
Investors' equity in majority-owned land development and
  housing partnerships.........................................      2,164,111      3,036,550
 
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
    1,000 shares issued and outstanding........................            100            100
Additional paid-in capital.....................................          3,900          3,900
Retained earnings..............................................      9,063,386      8,414,759
                                                                 -------------  -------------
Total stockholder's equity.....................................      9,067,386      8,418,759
                                                                 -------------  -------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity.....................  $  69,930,879  $  34,364,513
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                      -------------------------------------------
                                                                          1996           1995           1994
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUES
Housing and land sales (378 units, 267 units, and 174 units in 1996,
  1995, and 1994, respectively).....................................  $  64,749,166  $  43,448,117  $  32,230,783
Share of net income from minority-owned land development and housing
  partnership.......................................................        156,233        376,904        215,887
Management fees.....................................................        212,021        524,470        438,935
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                         65,117,420     44,349,491     32,885,605
 
COST OF SALES
Direct construction costs, including amortization of capitalized
  interest and real estate taxes of $2,031,442, $868,213, and
  $605,607 in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively....................     53,787,863     36,345,524     26,306,536
Amortization of capitalized project costs...........................      6,706,639      3,722,184      2,919,807
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Gross profit........................................................      4,622,918      4,281,783      3,659,262
 
Other costs and expenses
Administrative......................................................      2,818,552      2,700,221      2,459,352
Interest, net of interest income of $38,971, $10,184, and $23,653 in
  1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively................................         19,811         69,814         31,059
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                          2,838,363      2,770,035      2,490,411
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Income before investors' share of income in majority-owned land
  development and housing partnerships..............................      1,784,555      1,511,748      1,168,851
Investors' share of income in majority-owned land development and
  housing partnerships..............................................        734,597         70,250
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Income before income taxes..........................................      1,049,958      1,441,498      1,168,851
Income taxes........................................................        401,331        576,559        467,541
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
Net income..........................................................  $     648,627  $     864,939  $     701,310
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                 YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, 1995, AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            ADDITIONAL
                                                                                 COMMON       PAID-IN      RETAINED
                                                                                  STOCK       CAPITAL      EARNINGS
                                                                               -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at October 1, 1993...................................................   $     100    $   3,900   $  7,493,571
Net distributions to Parent..................................................                                (645,061)
Net income...................................................................                                 701,310
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
Balance at September 30, 1994................................................         100        3,900      7,549,820
Net income...................................................................                                 864,939
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
Balance at September 30, 1995................................................         100        3,900      8,414,759
Net income...................................................................                                 648,627
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
Balance at September 30, 1996................................................   $     100    $   3,900   $  9,063,386
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                   ----------------------------------------------
                                                                        1996            1995            1994
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>             <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.......................................................  $      648,627  $      864,939  $      701,310
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating
  activities:
    Share of net income from real estate partnership.............        (156,233)       (376,904)       (215,887)
    Investors' share of equity in majority-owned land development
      and housing partnerships...................................         734,597          70,250
    Bad debt expense.............................................                         100,000
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in closing proceeds in transit.........         184,143        (320,232)       (186,192)
      Decrease in contract fees receivable.......................         104,723         257,180           8,390
      Increase in housing inventories............................     (25,791,983)     (7,993,243)     (8,636,394)
      (Increase) decrease in land held for future development....      (7,918,741)        265,852       2,251,989
      (Increase) decrease in due from Parent.....................      (1,942,804)     (2,393,390)        467,541
      Increase in due from affiliates............................        (252,149)       (158,499)       (497,719)
      (Increase) decrease in deposits............................        (324,705)        (76,005)         28,183
      (Increase) decrease in other assets........................         203,884        (153,852)       (367,717)
      Decrease in construction draws in process..................        (675,636)     (1,118,825)       (312,557)
      Increase in accounts payable...............................       3,936,745       1,189,859         242,091
      Increase (decrease) in accrued costs
        on closed sales..........................................       1,997,481          33,463        (964,374)
      Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities.................        (352,111)     (3,775,518)      4,018,816
      Increase (decrease) in deposits from home buyers...........         136,705        (119,028)        173,913
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
Net cash used in operating activities............................     (29,467,457)    (13,703,953)     (3,288,607)
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(Increase) decrease in due from managed properties...............        (129,555)      2,313,047        (800,000)
Distributions from real estate partnership investment............         178,000         140,500         390,250
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities..............          48,445       2,453,547        (409,750)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from development loans and other
  notes payable..................................................      99,565,025      56,411,522      21,544,883
Repayments of development loans and other
  notes payable..................................................     (68,818,031)    (47,532,783)    (20,227,480)
Contributions from investors in majority-owned land development
  and housing partnerships.......................................         150,000       3,056,300         400,000
Distributions to investors in majority-owned land development and
  housing partnerships...........................................      (1,757,036)       (490,000)
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities........................      29,139,958      11,445,039       1,717,403
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................        (279,054)        194,633      (1,980,954)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...................       1,103,216         908,583       2,889,537
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.........................  $      824,162  $    1,103,216  $      908,583
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    In 1994, United Development Management Company (the Parent), transferred
ownership of its wholly owned subsidiaries, United Homes of Illinois, Inc.,
United Homes of Arizona, Inc., and United Homes of Michigan, Inc. to a newly
formed, wholly owned subsidiary, United Homes, Inc. (UHI). UHI and its
subsidiaries own controlling general partner and limited partner interests in
the following partnerships which are included in the consolidated financial
statements: Williams Glen Limited Partnership, The Hidden Springs Real Estate
Limited Partnership, United/RBG XII L.P., and the United Lindsay East Valley
Limited Partnership (collectively, the Majority-Owned Partnerships). The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UHI, its
wholly owned subsidiaries, and Majority-Owned Partnerships. In addition, UHI has
a noncontroling 24.875% ownership interest in United Development Bristolwood
Limited Partnership (UDB), which is presented as an investment in real estate
partnership and is accounted for using the equity method.
 
    UHI, its wholly owned subsidiaries, Majority-Owned Partnerships, and UDB
(collectively, the Company) are engaged in the ownership, development,
construction, and sale of residential real estate, with operations in Illinois,
Arizona, and Michigan. UHI also provides development and construction management
services to an unconsolidated affiliated partnership and to third parties.
Aggregate unit closings and revenues associated with the Company's direct sales
were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     SEPTEMBER 30         CLOSINGS      REVENUES
- -----------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>
1996...................         378   $  64,749,166
1995...................         267      43,448,117
1994...................         174      32,230,783
</TABLE>
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenues from housing and land sales are recognized in the period in which
title passes and cash is received.
 
HOUSING INVENTORIES AND LAND HELD FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
 
    Housing inventories and land held for future development are stated at cost,
which is not in excess of net realizable value. Housing inventories include all
direct costs of land under development, construction, plus financing and other
carrying costs incurred during the period of development. Capitalized project
costs, including construction administration, legal fees, and various office
costs that relate to land development housing construction, are capitalized and
allocated to the parcels to which these costs relate.
 
CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less, when purchased.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company and its Parent file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Income tax expense is reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements as if the Company filed its income tax returns separately from its
Parent.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform with the 1996 presentation. Such reclassifications
had no effect on the Company's previously reported financial position or results
of operations.
 
3. HOUSING INVENTORIES
 
    Housing inventories consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996           1995
                                                           -------------  -------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>
    Land under development, including site development
      costs..............................................  $  27,231,981  $  14,963,625
    Direct construction costs............................     14,228,576      6,404,016
    Capitalized project costs............................     10,918,232      7,163,020
    Land held for sale...................................      2,209,255        265,400
                                                           -------------  -------------
                                                           $  54,588,044  $  28,796,061
                                                           -------------  -------------
                                                           -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    In the normal course of business, title to homes passes upon completion of
construction and, consequently, the Company's housing inventories do not
generally include homes held for sale.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
4. INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE PARTNERSHIP
 
    The following is a summary of the Company's investment in real estate
partnership at September 30, 1996 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 INVESTEE CONDENSED FINANCIAL
                                                                                                          INFORMATION
                                                TYPE OF                 INVESTMENT              -------------------------------
                                              PARTNERSHIP    PERCENT     CARRYING    SHARE OF                            NET
NAME                                           INTEREST     OWNERSHIP     AMOUNT      INCOME     ASSETS    LIABILITIES  INCOME
- --------------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
 
Balance at September 30, 1996:
  United Development Bristolwood Limited
  Partnership(1)............................  Limited...       24.875%   $ 485,274   $ 156,233  $3,414,208 $1,974,404 $ 463,623
 
Balance at September 30, 1995:
  United Development Bristolwood Limited
  Partnership(1)............................  Limited...       24.875%   $ 507,041   $ 376,904  $4,747,525 $3,160,277 $1,515,190
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
Note (1): During 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company acquired $2,184,700,
          $1,444,000 and $396,000, respectively, of improved lots from UDB.
 
Note (2): During 1994, the Company's share of income relating to its 24.875%
    investment in UDB was $215,887.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5. NOTE RECEIVABLE
 
    During 1995, the Company sold a parcel of land for its carrying value of
$1,000,000 and received cash and a $340,000 note receivable, collateralized by
the parcel. The note bore interest at 8% with principal and interest due March
1, 1996. In 1996, the Company exercised an option to reacquire the parcel for a
purchase price of $1,456,281. The note receivable and unpaid interest was
applied toward the purchase price.
 
6. DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
    Development loans and other notes payable consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996           1995
                                                                 -------------  -------------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>
GE Capital revolving credit agreement(1).......................  $  16,519,114  $  10,656,345
Land development and construction(2)...........................     31,560,190      6,679,627
Installment and other(3).......................................         59,552         55,890
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 $  48,138,856  $  17,391,862
                                                                 -------------  -------------
                                                                 -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) On May 30, 1995, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with
    GE Capital Corporation (GECC) which matures May 31, 1998. At September 30,
    1996, the maximum principal outstanding under the credit agreement is
    $25,000,000, with a lending base subject to the number of housing units
    under construction. The credit agreement bears interest at the GECC
    composite commercial rate, as defined, plus 3.75% (9.23% at September 30,
    1996), which is added monthly to the unpaid balance. Outstanding principal
    and interest are repaid from proceeds of home sales. The credit agreement
    includes various operating and financial covenants with which the Company
    must be in compliance as a condition for continuation of construction draw
    funding.
 
(2) The Company has development loans with various financial institutions for
    the purpose of financing land acquisition, development, and construction
    improvements that mature from 1997 to 2026. The loans bear interest at fixed
    rates ranging primarily from 8% to 10.5%, as well as variable rates ranging
    from prime plus 1% to prime plus 2%, and include various restrictions
    concerning use and timing of borrowings.
 
   Interest is added to the outstanding principal monthly, and unpaid principal
    and interest are repaid from proceeds of home sales. These loans include
    $1,376,002 and $550,409 at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, due to
    affiliates of the principal stockholders of the Parent. The loans to
    affiliates mature in 2000 and bear interest at fixed rates ranging primarily
    from 8% to 10% per annum.
 
(3) The Company has various installment and other loans maturing from 1997 to
    2000, and bearing interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.9% to 10%. The
    notes are repayable in monthly installments including principal and
    interest.
 
    In addition, the Company, its Parent, and a principal stockholder of the
Parent have guaranteed the repayment of amounts due under certain loan
agreements on behalf of United Development Bristolwood Limited Partnership in
the amount of $1,000,000 at September 30, 1996 that matures on July 16, 1997.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6. DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
    The aggregate amounts of all debt maturities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,                                                           AMOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                              <C>
1997...........................................................................  $  10,447,013
1998...........................................................................     22,397,527
1999...........................................................................     11,027,545
2000...........................................................................      1,541,015
2001...........................................................................         67,992
Thereafter.....................................................................      2,657,764
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                 $  48,138,856
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                 -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Substantially all of the Company's housing inventories and land held for
sale are pledged as collateral to secure repayment of indebtedness.
 
    During the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Company
incurred and paid interest on development loans and other notes payable of
$3,960,336, $1,904,939, and $771,379, respectively, of which $3,901,554,
$1,824,941, and $716,667 was capitalized, respectively.
 
7. INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company's income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           CURRENT     DEFERRED      TOTAL
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Year ended September 30, 1996:
U.S. Federal...........................................  $   323,082  $    33,181  $  356,263
State..................................................       40,870        4,198      45,068
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         $   363,952  $    37,379  $  401,331
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
Year ended September 30, 1995:
U.S. Federal...........................................  $  (212,146) $   677,820  $  465,674
State..................................................      (50,515)     161,400     110,885
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         $  (262,661) $   839,220  $  576,559
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
Year ended September 30, 1994:
U.S. Federal...........................................  $   666,695  $  (289,066) $  377,629
State..................................................      158,738      (68,826)     89,912
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         $   825,433  $  (357,892) $  467,541
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S.
federal income tax rate of 35 percent as a result of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996        1995        1994
                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense..........................  $  367,485  $  504,524  $  409,098
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax
    benefit..............................................      29,294      72,075      58,443
  Other, net.............................................       4,552         (40)
                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
Total....................................................  $  401,331  $  576,559  $  467,541
                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company's deferred tax liabilities of $836,305 and $798,926 at September
30, 1996 and 1995, respectively, arose primarily from differences in the
carrying value of housing inventories for financial statement and income tax
purposes related to the capitalization of certain operating expenses.
 
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    Substantially all of the receivables from managed properties and due from
affiliates at September 30, 1996 and 1995, relate to costs incurred for
development of housing projects and temporary advances to entities in which
either the Parent or the two principal stockholders of the Parent are the
general partners. The amounts due from managed properties and from affiliates
are non-interest-bearing and are payable from proceeds from sales of certain
housing units.
 
    During 1995, the Company sold four model homes for an aggregate sales price
of $650,000 to an affiliate of the principal stockholders of the Parent. In
1996, the Company repurchased the four model homes from the affiliate for an
aggregate purchase price of $600,000.
 
    In 1995, the Company purchased 25 lots from a limited partnership in which
the principal stockholders of the Parent have a 33% limited partnership interest
for $550,000. During 1996, the Company purchased an additional 58 lots from the
affiliate for $799,000. The Company is obligated to purchase an additional 89
lots at a price of $13,000 per lot through 1999 (see Note 10).
 
9. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" (SFAS No. 107) requires disclosures of the fair
value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate.
Value is defined by SFAS No. 107 as the amount at which the instrument could be
exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a
forced or liquidation sale.
 
    The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating
its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents reported in the balance
sheet approximates its fair value.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
9. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
    DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
    The carrying amount of the Company's development loans and other notes
payable approximates fair value based on the current borrowing rate for similar
types of borrowing arrangements.
 
10. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OTHER MATTERS
 
    Letters of credit and bonds approximating $10.1 million at September 30,
1996, have been issued on behalf of the Company to guarantee the completion of
certain improvements associated with various properties under agreements with
municipalities in which the Company is constructing homes. At September 30,
1996, the Company has pledged cash of approximately $265,000 as collateral for
these letters of credit.
 
    The Company has committed to acquire various parcels of improved and
unimproved land through 1999 as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,                                                            AMOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
1997............................................................................  $  2,939,575
1998............................................................................     1,711,000
1999............................................................................     1,087,000
2000............................................................................       407,625
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  $  6,145,200
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    As collateral for mortgage loans of affiliates of the Parent, the Parent
pledged a certain parcel of the Company's land held for future development with
a carrying value approximating $1,191,000. The two principal stockholders of the
Parent have agreed to indemnify the Company in the event that the Company may
incur any loss. This indemnity is supported by the Parent's two principal
stockholders' pledge of certain personally owned assets to the Parent.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
                                          ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents......................................................  $1,145,234
Housing inventories............................................................  80,420,503
Land held for future development...............................................   6,791,185
Investment in real estate partnership..........................................     485,274
Due from Parent................................................................   3,190,110
Note receivable--affiliate.....................................................   1,200,982
Other..........................................................................   1,849,692
                                                                                 ----------
Total assets...................................................................  $95,082,980
                                                                                 ----------
                                                                                 ----------
 
                           LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......................................  $11,844,062
Deposits from home buyers......................................................   1,419,319
Deferred gain..................................................................     766,526
Development loans and other notes payable......................................  70,293,116
                                                                                 ----------
Total liabilities..............................................................  84,323,023
Investors' equity in majority-owned land development and housing
  partnerships.................................................................   1,467,210
Stockholder's equity...........................................................   9,292,747
                                                                                 ----------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity.....................................  $95,082,980
                                                                                 ----------
                                                                                 ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                     ----------------------------
                                                                                         1997           1996
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>
REVENUES
Housing and land sales (280 units in 1997 and 205 units in 1996)...................  $  46,910,479  $  34,566,505
Housing sales--affiliate (22 units in 1997, net of deferred gain of $766,526)......      3,894,974
Other..............................................................................         36,084        424,667
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                        50,841,537     34,991,172
COST OF SALES
Direct construction costs, including amortization of capitalized interest and real
  estate taxes of $2,077,453 in 1997 and $1,113,364 in 1996........................     41,753,434     28,063,353
Amortization of capitalized project costs..........................................      6,378,109      3,235,999
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
Gross profit.......................................................................      2,709,994      3,691,820
 
Other costs and expenses...........................................................      1,901,279      2,286,324
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
Income before investors' share of income in majority-owned land development and
  housing partnerships.............................................................        808,715      1,405,496
Investors' share of income in majority-owned land development and housing
  partnerships.....................................................................        464,946        374,691
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
Income before income taxes.........................................................        343,769      1,030,805
Income taxes.......................................................................        118,408        401,181
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
Net income.........................................................................  $     225,361  $     629,624
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
                                                                                     -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
                        NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            ADDITIONAL
                                                                                 COMMON       PAID-IN      RETAINED
                                                                                  STOCK       CAPITAL      EARNINGS
                                                                               -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at October 1, 1996...................................................   $     100    $   3,900   $  9,063,386
Net income...................................................................                                 225,361
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
Balance at June 30, 1997.....................................................   $     100    $   3,900   $  9,288,747
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
                                                                                    -----   -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                                    ------------------------------
                                                                                         1997            1996
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>             <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income........................................................................  $      225,361  $      629,624
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
  Share of net income from real estate partnership................................                        (294,000)
  Investors' share of equity in majority-owned land development and housing
    partnership...................................................................         464,946         374,691
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Increase in housing inventories...............................................     (25,832,459)    (24,405,187)
    (Increase) decrease in land held for future development.......................       1,467,556        (680,357)
    (Increase) decrease in due from Parent........................................         305,187      (2,157,221)
    Increase in notes receivable..................................................      (1,200,982)
    Decrease in other assets......................................................         207,988         578,175
    Increase in deposits from home buyers.........................................         660,918         577,916
    Increase in deferred gain.....................................................         766,526
    Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities..........................       2,305,243         631,011
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Net cash used in operating activities.............................................     (20,629,716)    (24,745,348)
 
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Increase in due from managed properties...........................................         (41,625)       (113,222)
Distributions from real estate partnership investment.............................                         178,000
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities...............................         (41,625)         64,778
 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from development loans and other notes payable...........................      93,474,338      74,673,769
Repayments of development loans and other notes payable...........................     (71,320,078)    (50,059,771)
Distribution to investors in majority-owned land development and housing
  partnerships....................................................................      (1,161,847)       (334,859)
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities.........................................      20,992,413      24,279,139
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..................................         321,072        (401,431)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..................................         824,162       1,103,216
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........................................  $    1,145,234  $      701,785
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not
include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of
financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These interim statements should be
read in conjunction with the Company's audited financial statements included
elsewhere herein as certain footnote disclosures which substantially duplicate
those contained in such audited financial statements have been omitted from
these condensed interim financial statements. In the opinion of management, the
interim financial statements contain all adjustments (which are normal and
recurring) necessary for a fair statement of financial results for the interim
periods.
 
2. HOUSING INVENTORIES
 
    Housing inventories consisted of the following at June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Land under development, including site development costs.......  $39,380,899
Direct construction costs......................................  19,704,552
Capitalized project costs......................................  18,613,886
Land held for sale.............................................   2,721,166
                                                                 ----------
                                                                 $80,420,503
                                                                 ----------
                                                                 ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Effective October 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS No. 121), "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of."
 
   
    Under SFAS No. 121, housing inventories are stated at cost, unless a
subdivision is determined to be impaired, in which case the impaired inventories
are written down to fair value. Writedowns of impaired inventories to fair value
are recorded as adjustments to the cost basis of the respective inventory. Land
held for sale is stated at the lower of carrying amount or fair market value
less cost to sell. The adoption of SFAS No. 121 had no effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
    
 
3. INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE PARTNERSHIP
 
    The following is a summary of the Company's investment in real estate
partnership at June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     INVESTEE CONDENSED FINANCIAL
                                                                                              INFORMATION
                                   TYPE OF                 INVESTMENT              ---------------------------------
                                 PARTNERSHIP    PERCENT     CARRYING    SHARE OF                              NET
NAME                              INTEREST     OWNERSHIP     AMOUNT      INCOME     ASSETS    LIABILITIES   INCOME
- -------------------------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Balance at June 30, 1997:
  United Development
    Bristolwood Limited
    Partnership(1).............     Limited      24.875%    $ 485,274   $      --  $2,022,244  $ 509,560   $      --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
Note (1): During the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company
          acquired $1,092,000 and $532,000, respectively, of improved lots from
          UDB.
 
Note (2): During the nine months ended June 30, 1996, the Company's share of
          income relating to its 24.875% investment in UDB was $294,000.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
    NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
4. NOTE RECEIVABLE
 
   
    During 1997, the Company sold 22 model homes for $4,661,500 to an affiliate
controlled by the shareholders of the Parent. The Company received cash in the
amount of $600,000 and a demand promissory note (which is full recourse to the
affiliate) in the amount of $565,375 bearing interest at 10% per annum. In
addition, the affiliate assumed the debt requirements on the existing loans
secured by the models in the amount of $3,496,125 (fully relieving the Company
of such obligation). Concurrent with the sale, the Company entered into a lease
agreement with the affiliate to lease the model homes on a month-to-month basis.
The gain on the sale of $766,526 has been deferred and will be recognized in
income as the models are sold to third parties by the affiliate.
    
 
5. DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
    In January 1997, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with
Heller Financial Services which matures May 1999 and replaced the Company's
previous credit facility with GE Capital Corporation. At June 30, 1997, the
maximum principal outstanding under the credit agreement is $25,000,000 subject
to the maximum number of housing units under construction. The credit agreement
bears interest at the Commercial Paper Rate, as defined, plus 3.75% (9.4% at
June 30, 1997), which is added monthly to the unpaid balance. Outstanding
principal and interest on the construction base are repaid from proceeds of home
sales. The credit agreement provides various operating and financial covenants
with which the Company must be in compliance as a condition for continuation of
construction draw funding. The outstanding principal balance at June 30, 1997 is
$16,992,959.
 
    In March 1997, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement with
Residential Funding Corporation which matures March 2000. At June 30, 1997, the
maximum principal outstanding under the credit agreement is $50,000,000, with a
land acquisition and development loan amount not to exceed $25,000,000 and a
construction loan not to exceed $40,000,000 subject to a minimum loan amount of
$10,000,000 on the land acquisition and development facility. Amounts borrowed
under the credit agreement bear interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% (9.75% at
June 30, 1997) which is added monthly to the unpaid balance. Outstanding
principal and interest on the land acquisition and development loan are repaid
based on agreed upon release prices. Outstanding principal and interest on the
construction base are repaid from proceeds of home sales. The credit agreement
provides various operating and financial covenants with which the Company must
be in compliance as a condition for continuation of construction draw funding.
The outstanding principal balance at June 30, 1997 is $21,083,160.
 
   
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    
 
   
    In September, 1997, the Company sold undeveloped property for $7,217,000 to
an affiliate controlled by the shareholders of the Parent. The Company received
a demand note (which is full recourse to the affiliate) in the amount of
$2,377,000 bearing interest at 10% per annum. The affiliate assumed the debt
requirements on the existing loan secured by the property in the amount of
$4,480,000 (fully relieving the Company of such obligation). The gain on the
sale of approximately $400,000 has been deferred and will be recognized in
income on the sale of lots on the parcel to third parties.
    
 
   
    In September, 1997, the Company assigned its rights to acquire property in
which it had incurred predevelopment costs of approximately $750,000 to an
affiliate controlled by the shareholders of the Parent for $1,032,000 evidenced
by a 10% demand note. The gain has been deferred and will be recognized as
income on the sale of lots to third parties.
    
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
United Development Management Company
 
    We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of United Development
Bristolwood Limited Partnership (the Partnership) as of September 30, 1995 and
the related consolidated statement of income, changes in partners' capital, and
cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of United Development
Bristolwood Limited Partnership at September 30, 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
October 15, 1997
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                                          1995
                                                                                            1996      ------------
                                                                                        ------------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
                                                      ASSETS
Cash..................................................................................  $    274,083  $    715,083
Closing proceeds in transit...........................................................       140,000       212,000
Land under development................................................................     2,632,718     3,491,442
Due from affiliates...................................................................       362,165       325,000
Other.................................................................................         5,242         4,000
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Total assets........................................................................  $  3,414,208  $  4,747,525
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
 
                                        LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Accounts payable......................................................................  $    --       $    383,265
Due to partner........................................................................       --            336,538
Due to affiliates.....................................................................       --             18,750
Development loans and other notes payable.............................................     1,974,404     2,421,724
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Total liabilities...................................................................     1,974,404     3,160,277
Partners' capital.....................................................................     1,439,804     1,587,248
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Total liabilities and partners' capital.............................................  $  3,414,208  $  4,747,525
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                          ----------------------------------------
                                                                                            1995
                                                                              1996      ------------      1994
                                                                          ------------                ------------
                                                                          (UNAUDITED)                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
REVENUES
Improved land sales.....................................................  $     65,000  $  5,036,400  $  4,805,535
Improved land sales to affiliates.......................................     2,184,700     1,769,000       396,000
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                             2,249,700     6,805,400     5,201,535
 
Cost of sales...........................................................     1,766,109     5,231,716     4,233,144
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Gross profit............................................................       483,591     1,573,684       968,391
 
Administrative and other expense........................................        19,968        58,494       100,704
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Net income..............................................................  $    463,623  $  1,515,190  $    867,687
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
 
Net income allocated to General Partner.................................  $      2,318  $      7,576  $      4,338
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
 
Net income allocated to Limited Partners................................  $    461,305  $  1,507,614  $    863,349
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                   STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
 
     YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED), 1995, AND 1994 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            GENERAL      LIMITED
                                                                            PARTNER     PARTNERS         TOTAL
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>            <C>
Balance at October 1, 1993...............................................  $   8,906  $   1,772,307  $   1,781,213
Distributions............................................................     (7,718)    (1,535,982)    (1,543,700)
Net income...............................................................      4,338        863,349        867,687
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
Balance at September 30, 1994............................................      5,526      1,099,674      1,105,200
Distributions............................................................     (5,166)    (1,027,976)    (1,033,142)
Net income...............................................................      7,576      1,507,614      1,515,190
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
Balance at September 30, 1995............................................      7,936      1,579,312      1,587,248
Distributions............................................................     (3,055)      (608,012)      (611,067)
Net income...............................................................      2,318        461,305        463,623
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
Balance at September 30, 1996............................................  $   7,199  $   1,432,605  $   1,439,804
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
                                                                           ---------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                       -------------------------------------------
                                                                                          1995           1994
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                           1996                       (UNAUDITED)
                                                                       -------------
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income...........................................................  $     463,623  $   1,515,190  $     867,687
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
  activities:
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    (Increase) decrease in closing proceeds in transit...............         72,000       (189,175)       (22,825)
    Decrease in land under development...............................        858,724      2,240,948      1,186,120
    Increase in due from affiliates..................................        (37,165)      (325,000)
    (Increase) decrease in other assets..............................         (1,242)        (4,000)       130,000
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable..........................       (383,265)       376,357        (37,592)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities............................        972,675      3,614,320      2,123,390
 
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from development loans and other notes payable..............        456,342      2,318,113      3,278,283
Repayments of development loans and other notes payable..............       (903,662)    (4,826,044)    (3,685,084)
Increase (decrease) in due to partner................................       (336,538)       336,538
Increase (decrease) in due to affiliates.............................        (18,750)        18,750
Distributions to partners............................................       (611,067)    (1,033,142)    (1,543,700)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
Net cash used in financing activities................................     (1,413,675)    (3,185,785)    (1,950,501)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
Increase (decrease) in cash..........................................       (441,000)       428,535        172,889
Cash at beginning of year............................................        715,083        286,548        113,659
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
Cash at end of year..................................................  $     274,083  $     715,083  $     286,548
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    In 1993, United Development Bristolwood Limited Partnership, an Illinois
limited partnership (the Partnership) was formed to acquire, own, develop, and
sell approximately 196 improved single-family lots and 190 improved townhome
lots in Tinley Park, Illinois. Bristolwood Development Corporation contributed
$1,000 to the Partnership for a 0.5% general partner interest in the
Partnership. Four limited partners each contributed $399,750 for 24.875% limited
partner interests in the Partnership.
 
    The Partnership agreement provides that profits and losses will be allocated
to the partners generally in proportion to their capital contributions to the
Partnership. Available cash flow is distributable to the partners in accordance
with their capital contributions to the Partnership.
 
    The financial statements as of September 30, 1996 and the year then ended
and for the year ended September 30, 1994 and the related footnote disclosures
are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect
all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. All such adjustments are of a
normal and recurring nature.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
   
    Revenues from improved lot sales to third parties are recognized in the
period in which title passes and cash is received. Revenues from improved lot
sales to partners are recognized when the partner consummates the sale of the
completed home on such lots to third parties.
    
 
LAND UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
    Land under development is stated at cost, which is not in excess of net
realizable value. Land under development includes all direct costs of the land
and site improvements constructed, plus financing and other carrying costs
incurred during the period of development. Capitalized project costs, including
interest and construction administration costs that relate to land development,
are capitalized and are allocated to lots to which they relate.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    The Partnership pays no income taxes, and the income or loss from the
Partnership is includable on the respective income tax returns of the partners.
The bases of the assets and liabilities is the same for income tax and financial
reporting purposes.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3. LAND UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
    Land under development consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996          1995
                                                          ------------  ------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Direct land costs, including site development
  costs.................................................  $  1,680,440  $  2,606,375
Capitalized project costs...............................       952,278       885,067
                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                          $  2,632,718  $  3,491,442
                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
4. DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
    Development loans and other notes payable consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996          1995
                                                          ------------  ------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Site improvement loan (1)...............................  $  1,000,000  $    970,542
Land acquisition loans (2)..............................       974,404     1,451,182
                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                          $  1,974,404  $  2,421,724
                                                          ------------  ------------
                                                          ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    (1) In 1993, the Partnership entered into a loan agreement to borrow up to
       $3,000,000 for the development of the improved lots. The loan was to
       mature on July 15, 1995. The loan bears interest at the prime rate plus
       2% (10.25% and 10.75% at September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively),
       which is added monthly to the loan balance. Outstanding principal and
       interest are repaid from proceeds of improved lot sales. In 1995, the
       maturity date on the loan was extended to July 15, 1998.
 
    (2) In connection with the purchase of the unimproved lots in 1993, the
       Partnership issued two promissory notes to the seller (collectively, the
       Notes) totaling $3,970,532 which are to mature on March 19, 1998. The
       Notes bear interest at an effective interest rate of the prime rate plus
       2%. Outstanding principal and interest are repaid from the proceeds of
       improved lot sales ($21,778 per single-family lot at the closing of each
       sale after the 61st lot sold and $9,100 per townhome lot at the closing
       of each sale after the 48th lot sold).
 
    Substantially all of the Partnership's land under development is pledged as
collateral to secure repayment of indebtedness.
 
    During the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Partnership
incurred and paid interest on development loans and other notes payable of
$245,902, $508,372, and $400,043, respectively, all of which was capitalized by
the Partnership.
 
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    During the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Partnership
sold townhome lots to a limited partner of the Partnership totaling $2,184,700,
$1,444,000, and $396,000, respectively. During the year ended September 30,
1995, the limited partner advanced $336,538 to the Partnership which is included
in due to partner at September 30, 1995. The amount was subsequently repaid in
1996 through the sale of townhome lots to the limited partner.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
    During 1995, Partnership sold 5 single-family lots to an affiliate of
another limited partner of the Partnership for $325,000. The receivable from the
sale of $325,000 is non-interest bearing and unsecured and is included in due
from affiliates at September 30, 1996 and 1995.
 
    Certain construction activity of the Partnership is performed by an
affiliate of the general partner. At September 30, 1995, accounts payable
includes $382,135 due to the affiliate for such activities.
 
6. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" (SFAS No. 107) requires disclosures of the fair
value of certain financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate.
Value is defined by SFAS No. 107 as the amount at which the instrument could be
exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a
forced or liquidation sale.
 
    The following methods and assumptions were used by the Partnership in
estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
    CASH
 
        The carrying amount of cash reported in the balance sheet approximates
    its fair value.
 
    DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
        The carrying amount of the Partnership's variable rate development loans
    and other notes payable approximates fair value based on the current
    borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
7. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OTHER MATTERS
 
    Letters of credit approximating $459,180 at September 30, 1996 and 1995,
have been issued on behalf of the Partnership to guarantee the completion of
certain improvements associated with development of the property with the
municipality in which the Partnership is developing lots.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
Cash............................................................................  $  293,675
Closing proceeds in transit.....................................................     112,000
Land under development..........................................................     935,661
Due from affiliates.............................................................     669,323
Other...........................................................................      11,585
                                                                                  ----------
  Total assets..................................................................  $2,022,244
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  ----------
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Development loans and other notes payable.......................................  $  509,560
                                                                                  ----------
  Total liabilities.............................................................     509,560
 
Partners' capital...............................................................   1,512,684
                                                                                  ----------
 
  Total liabilities and partners' capital.......................................  $2,022,244
                                                                                  ----------
                                                                                  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
                                                                                      ----------------------------
                                                                                          1997           1996
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
REVENUES
Improved land sales.................................................................  $   1,268,300  $     476,000
Improved land sales to affiliates...................................................      1,092,000        532,000
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                          2,360,300      1,008,000
Cost of sales.......................................................................      2,349,787        670,513
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Gross profit........................................................................         10,513        337,487
Administrative and other expense....................................................         10,513         17,696
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net income..........................................................................  $           -  $     319,791
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net income allocated to General Partner.............................................  $           -  $       1,599
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
Net income allocated to Limited Partners............................................  $           -  $     318,192
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
                                                                                      -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                            SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                   STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                        NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                GENERAL      LIMITED
                                                                                PARTNER      PARTNERS       TOTAL
                                                                              -----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>           <C>
Balance at October 1, 1996..................................................   $   7,199   $  1,432,605  $  1,439,804
Contributions...............................................................                     72,880        72,880
                                                                              -----------  ------------  ------------
Balance at June 30, 1997....................................................   $   7,199   $  1,505,485  $  1,512,684
                                                                              -----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                              -----------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                            SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                                                                                    30
                                                                                          -----------------------
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..............................................................................  $         -  $  319,791
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Decrease in closing proceeds in transit.............................................       28,000     212,000
    Decrease in land under development..................................................    1,697,057     130,350
    (Increase) decrease in due from affiliates..........................................     (307,158)    299,535
    Increase in other assets............................................................       (6,343)       (162)
    Decrease in accounts payable........................................................                 (377,962)
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                                   1,411,556     583,552
 
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (repayments of) proceeds from development loans and other notes payable.............   (1,464,844)    310,742
Decrease in due to Partner..............................................................                 (336,538)
Decrease in due to affiliates...........................................................                  (18,750)
Contributions from partners.............................................................       72,880
Distributions to partners...............................................................                 (566,099)
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
Net cash used in financing activities...................................................   (1,391,964)   (610,645)
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
Increase (decrease) in cash.............................................................       19,592     (27,093)
Cash at beginning of period                                                                   274,083     715,083
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
Cash at end of period...................................................................  $   293,675  $  687,990
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
                                                                                          -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
               UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
 
                     NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying interim financial statements do not include all information
and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results
of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the
Partnership's audited financial statements included elsewhere herein as certain
footnote disclosures which substantially duplicate those contained in such
audited financial statements have been omitted from these interim financial
statements. In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements
contain all adjustments (which are normal and recurring) necessary for a fair
statement of financial results for the interim periods.
 
2.  LAND UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
    Land under development consisted of the following at June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Direct land costs, including site development costs....................  $ 775,837
<S>                                                                        <C>
  Capitalized project costs..............................................    159,824
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           $ 935,661
                                                                           ---------
                                                                           ---------
</TABLE>
 
Effective October 1, 1996, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS No. 121), "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of."
 
Under SFAS No. 121, land under development is stated at cost, unless lots are
determined to be impaired, in which case the lots are written down to fair
value. Writedowns of impaired lots to fair value are recorded as adjustments to
the cost basis of the respective lots. The adoption of SFAS No. 121 had no
effect on the Partnership's financial position or results of operations.
 
3.  DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
 
    During the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, the Partnership
incurred and paid interest on development loans and other notes payable of
$96,630 and $101,382, respectively, all of which was capitalized by the
Partnership.
 
4.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    During the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, the Partnership sold
townhome lots to a limited partner of the Partnership totaling $1,092,000 and
$532,000, respectively.
 
    During 1995, the Partnership sold 5 single-family lots to an affiliate of
another limited partner of the Partnership for $325,000. The receivable from
these sales of $325,000 is non-interest bearing and unsecured and is included in
due from affiliates at June 30, 1997.
 
    Certain construction activity of the Partnership is performed by an
affiliate of the general partner. At June 30, 1997, construction activities were
substantially complete and no amounts were owed to the affiliate.
 
5.  COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND OTHER MATTERS
 
    Letters of credit approximating $459,180 at June 30, 1997 have been issued
on behalf of the Partnership to guarantee the completion of certain improvements
associated with development of the property with the municipality in which the
Partnership is developing lots.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                                  PHOTOGRAPHS
 
                 [PHOTO1]               [PHOTO2]
 
A "Verde" plan home in the Company's    A two-story single-family home built
Altezza development located in          by the Company.
Phoenix, Arizona.
 
                 [PHOTO3]               [PHOTO4]
 
A townhouse built by the Company.       A two-story single-family home built
                                        by the Company.
 
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, OR ANY OF THE
UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SHARES BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE PERSON
MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS
DATE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Risk Factors..............................................................    8
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   14
Capitalization............................................................   15
Selected Consolidated Financial Data......................................   16
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations..............................................................   18
Business..................................................................   23
Management................................................................   32
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............   35
Certain Transactions......................................................   36
Description of Securities.................................................   39
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations.................................   45
Underwriting..............................................................   49
Legal Matters.............................................................   50
Experts...................................................................   50
Additional Information....................................................   51
Financial Statements......................................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
    UNTIL           , 1997 (  DAYS AFTER THE DATE HEREOF), ALL DEALERS EFFECTING
TRANSACTIONS IN THE DEBENTURES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS
DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO
THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                 [UNITED LOGO]
 
                               UNITED HOMES, INC.
                            11% MANDATORY REDEMPTION
                                   DEBENTURES
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
                       MILLER & SCHROEDER FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                               _________ __, 1997
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
SEC registration fee..............................................  $   2,170
NASD filing fee...................................................      1,216
Accounting fees and expenses......................................     20,000*
Legal fees and expenses...........................................     90,000*
Blue Sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees)...............     10,000*
Printing and engraving expenses...................................     50,000*
Miscellaneous expenses............................................     14,614*
                                                                    ---------
    Total.........................................................  $ 188,000*
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
*   estimated
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
    Section 8.75 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act of 1983, as amended
(the "Act"), authorizes indemnification of directors, officers, employees and
agents of United; allows the advancement of costs of defending against
litigation; and permits companies incorporated in Illinois to purchase insurance
on behalf of directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities
whether or not in the circumstances such companies would have the power to
indemnify against such liabilities under the provisions of the statute. United's
Articles of Incorporation provides for indemnification of United's officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted by Section 8.75 of the Act.
 
    Section 2.10 of the Act authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the
personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their
shareholders for monetary damages for breach of directors' fiduciary duty of
care. The duty of care requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation,
directors must exercise an informed business judgment based on all material
information reasonably available to them. Absent the limitations authorized by
the Illinois statute, directors could be accountable to corporations and their
shareholders for monetary damages for conduct that does not satisfy their duty
of care. Although the statute does not change directors' duty of care, it
enables corporations to limit available relief to equitable remedies such as
injunction or rescission. United's Articles of Incorporation limits the
liability of United's directors, officers or shareholders to the fullest extent
permitted by the Illinois statute. The inclusion of this provision in the
Articles of Incorporation may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of
derivative litigation against directors and may discourage or deter shareholders
or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty
of care, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have
benefitted United and its shareholders.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
    In connection with the formation of United, on September 21, 1994, United
Development Management Company purchased 1,000 shares of the Company's common
stock for an aggregate price of $1,000 and a contribution of all of the
outstanding stock of the Subsidiaries (as defined in the Prospectus). No sales
commission or other consideration was paid in connection with such sale, which
was effective without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), in reliance upon the exemption from registration under Section 4(2)
of the Act.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION
- ------            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>      <S>
  1.1           -- Form of Underwriting Agreement
  1.2           -- Engagement Letter between Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. and United
                    Homes, Inc. dated June 30, 1997(2)
  1.3           -- Form of Selected Dealer Agreement(3)
  3.1           -- Articles of Incorporation of United Homes, Inc.(1)
  3.2           -- Bylaws of United Homes, Inc.(1)
  4.1           -- Specimen Debenture (filed as part of Exhibit 4.2)(2)
  4.2           -- Form of Indenture(2)
  5.1           -- Opinion of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. regarding the legality of the
                    Debentures being registered
  5.2           -- Opinion of Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC regarding enforceability of the
                    Debentures
 10.1           -- Revolving Credit Agreement between Genel Company, Inc. and United Homes,
                    Inc. dated May 30, 1995(1)
 10.2           -- Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and United Homes,
                    Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of Michigan, Inc. and
                    United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated March 14, 1997(1)
 10.3           -- Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and United Homes,
                    Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of Michigan, Inc. and
                    United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated May 28, 1996(1)
 10.4           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    October 3, 1996(1)
 10.5           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    August 21, 1996(1)
 10.6           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    February 3, 1997(1)
 10.7           -- Loan Agreement between United-Darien Limited Partnership, United
                    Development Management Company, United Homes, Inc., United Homes of
                    Illinois, Inc., Edward Havlik and Virgil Owings and First Bank National
                    Association dated March 5, 1996(1)
 10.8           -- Lease and Sales Listing Agreement by and between Model Homes, L.L.C and
                    United Homes, Inc. dated March 30, 1997(2)
 10.9           -- Development and Marketing Agreement by and between Mirage, L.L.C. and
                    United Homes, Inc. dated September 22, 1997
 10.10          -- Development and Marketing Agreement by and between United Round Lake Land
                    Development, L.L.C. and United Homes, Inc. dated September 30, 1997
 10.11          -- Real Estate Purchase Agreement by and between Greenbrooke Associates, Ltd.
                    and United Development Management Company dated May 1, 1994
 10.12          -- Real Estate Sale Contract by and between United Round Lake Land
                    Development, L.L.C. and United Homes, Inc. dated September 22, 1997
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION
- ------            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>      <S>
 10.13          -- Assignment of Contract by and between Mirage, L.L.C. and United Homes,
                    Inc. dated September 22, 1997
 12.1           -- Statements regarding computation of ratios
 21.1           -- List of Subsidiaries of United Homes, Inc.(2)
 23.1           -- Consent of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. (filed as part of Exhibit 5.1)
 23.2           -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 23.3           -- Consent of Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC (filed as part of Exhibit 5.2)
 24.1           -- Power of Attorney(1)
 27.1           -- Financial Data Schedule(1)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Filed previously on August 19, 1997.
 
(2) Filed previously on October 21, 1997.
 
   
(3) Filed previously on November 6, 1997.
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    (b) Financial Statements
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>    <S>
       UNITED HOMES, INC.
       ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
       Report of Independent Auditors;
       Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and 1995;
       Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 1996,
         1995 and 1994;
       Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the years
         ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994;
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30,
         1996, 1995 and 1994; and
       Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
         September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
       INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
 
       Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1997;
       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended June
         30, 1997 and 1996;
       Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the nine
         months ended June 30, 1997;
       Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended
         June 30, 1997 and 1996;
       Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.
 
       UNITED DEVELOPMENT BRISTOLWOOD LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
       ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
       Report of Independent Auditors;
       Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 (unaudited) and 1995;
       Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 1996 (unaudited),
         1995, and 1994 (unaudited);
       Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the years ended September
         30, 1996 (unaudited), 1995, and 1994 (unaudited);
       Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 1996
         (unaudited), 1995, and 1994 (unaudited); and
       Notes to the Financial Statements;
       INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
       Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1997;
       Statements of Income for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996;
       Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital for the nine months ended June
         30, 1997;
       Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996;
       Notes to Interim Financial Statements;
</TABLE>
    
 
    All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Commission are not required under the applicable
instructions, are inapplicable, or the information is included in the combined
financial statements or notes thereto included in the Prospectus and therefore
have been omitted.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The Registrant undertakes:
 
        A. To file, during any period in which offers of sales are being made, a
    post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
        (i) to file any prospectuses required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
            Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
 
        (ii) to reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after the
             effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
             post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
             aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
             forth in the Registration Statement.
 
       (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
             distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
             or any material change to such information in the Registration
             Statement.
 
        B.  That for the purpose of determining any liability under the Act,
    each such post-effective amendment may be deemed to be a new registration
    statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of
    such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
    offering thereof.
 
        C.  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
    any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
    termination of the offering.
 
        D. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may
    be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
    Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
    Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
    Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
    expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
    claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
    by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
    controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
    action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
    controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
    Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
    settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
    jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
    public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
    adjudication of such issue.
 
        E.  For purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
    information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
    Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
    prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or
    497(h) under the Act shall be deemed to be a part of this Registration
    Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        F.  For purposes of determining liability under the Act, each
    post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
    to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the
City of Rolling Meadows, State of Illinois, on November 13, 1997.
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                UNITED HOMES, INC.
 
                                By:              /s/ EDWARD HAVLIK
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                   Edward Havlik
                                                  Title: PRESIDENT
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
   
          SIGNATURE                       TITLE                    DATE
- ------------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------
              *
- ------------------------------  Chairman of the Board and    November 13, 1997
        Virgil Owings             Director
 
              *                 President and Director
- ------------------------------    (Principal Executive       November 13, 1997
        Edward Havlik             Officer)
 
                                Executive Vice President,
                                  Chief Financial Officer,
  /S/ WILLIAM J. CROCK, JR.       Secretary and Treasurer
- ------------------------------    (Principal Financial       November 13, 1997
    William J. Crock, Jr.         Officer and Principal
                                  Accounting Officer)
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Vice President and           November 13, 1997
        Timothy Owings            Director
 
              *
- ------------------------------  Vice President and           November 13, 1997
        Laurie Bulson             Director
 
    
 
   
    William J. Crock, Jr., the undersigned attorney-in-fact, by signing his name
below, does hereby sign this Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on
behalf of the above-indicated Officers and Directors of United Homes, Inc.
(constituting all the Directors) pursuant to powers of attorney executed by such
persons and heretofore filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                           <C>
                    /s/ WILLIAM J. CROCK, JR.
           -------------------------------------------
                      William J. Crock, Jr.
*By:                   AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION
- ------            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>      <S>
  1.1           -- Form of Underwriting Agreement
  1.2           -- Engagement Letter between Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. and United
                    Homes, Inc. dated June 30, 1997(2)
  1.3           -- Form of Selected Dealer Agreement(3)
  3.1           -- Articles of Incorporation of United Homes, Inc.(1)
  3.2           -- Bylaws of United Homes, Inc.(1)
  4.1           -- Specimen Debenture (filed as part of Exhibit 4.2)(2)
  4.2           -- Form of Indenture(2)
  5.1           -- Opinion of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. regarding the legality of the
                    Debentures being registered
  5.2           -- Opinion of Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC regarding enforceability of the
                    Debentures
 10.1           -- Revolving Credit Agreement between Genel Company, Inc. and United Homes,
                    Inc. dated May 30, 1995(1)
 10.2           -- Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and United Homes,
                    Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of Michigan, Inc. and
                    United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated March 14, 1997(1)
 10.3           -- Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and United Homes,
                    Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of Michigan, Inc. and
                    United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated May 28, 1996(1)
 10.4           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    October 3, 1996(1)
 10.5           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    August 21, 1996(1)
 10.6           -- Supplement to Loan Agreement between Residential Funding Corporation and
                    United Homes, Inc., United Homes of Illinois, Inc., United Homes of
                    Michigan, Inc. and United Homes, Inc., an Arizona corporation dated
                    February 3, 1997(1)
 10.7           -- Loan Agreement between United-Darien Limited Partnership, United
                    Development Management Company, United Homes, Inc., United Homes of
                    Illinois, Inc., Edward Havlik and Virgil Owings and First Bank National
                    Association dated March 5, 1996(1)
 10.8           -- Lease and Sales Listing Agreement by and between Model Homes, L.L.C and
                    United Homes, Inc. dated March 30, 1997(2)
 10.9           -- Development and Marketing Agreement by and between Mirage, L.L.C. and
                    United Homes, Inc. dated September 22, 1997
 10.10          -- Development and Marketing Agreement by and between United Round Lake Land
                    Development, L.L.C. and United Homes, Inc. dated September 30, 1997
 10.11          -- Real Estate Purchase Agreement by and between Greenbrooke Associates, Ltd.
                    and United Development Management Company dated May 1, 1994
 10.12          -- Real Estate Sale Contract by and between United Round Lake Land
                    Development, L.L.C. and United Homes, Inc. dated September 22, 1997
 10.13          -- Assignment of Contract by and between Mirage, L.L.C. and United Homes,
                    Inc. dated September 22, 1997
 12.1           -- Statements regarding computation of ratios
 21.1           -- List of Subsidiaries of United Homes, Inc.(2)
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER            DESCRIPTION
- ------            --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>      <C>      <S>
 23.1           -- Consent of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. (filed as part of Exhibit 5.1)
 23.2           -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 23.3           -- Consent of Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC (filed as part of Exhibit 5.2)
 24.1           -- Power of Attorney(1)
 27.1           -- Financial Data Schedule(1)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Filed previously on August 19, 1997.
 
(2) Filed previously on October 21, 1997.
 
   
(3) Filed previously on November 6, 1997.
    

<PAGE>

                          MANDATORY REDEMPTION DEBENTURES

                               MINIMUM: 3,050 Debentures
                               MAXIMUM: 6,091 Debentures

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

November ___, 1997

Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc.
Pillsbury Center
220 South Sixth Street, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0789


Ladies and Gentlemen:

       1.    INTRODUCTION.  United Homes, Inc., an Illinois corporation (the 
"Company") proposes to issue and sell to the public a minimum of 3,050 (the 
"Minimum") and up to 6,091 (the "Maximum") of its  $1,000 denomination
Mandatory Redemption Debentures, as described in the Registration Statement 
referred to below.  Such Minimum and Maximum number of its Mandatory 
Debentures are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the "Original 
Debentures."  The Company also proposes to issue and sell to the public up to 
an additional 1,015 of such Mandatory Redemption Debentures.  Such 
additional number of its Mandatory Redemption Debentures are referred to in 
this Agreement as the "Option Debentures."  The Original Debentures and 
Option Debentures are referred to in this Agreement as the "Debentures."

       The Debentures are to be issued under an indenture, dated as of 
November ___, 1997, (the "Indenture") between the Company and National City 
Bank of Minneapolis as trustee (the "Trustee").  The Company hereby confirms 
its agreement with Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc., as underwriter 
(referred to as "you" or as the "Underwriter"), to offer the Debentures on a 
"best efforts" basis, upon the terms and conditions herein.  The Debentures 
are more fully described in the Registration Statement and Prospectus 
hereinafter described.

       2.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company hereby
represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Underwriter that:

       (a)   The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange
       Commission (the "Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1
       (Commission File No. 333-33965) with respect to the Debentures including
       one or more forms of Preliminary Prospectus in conformity with the
       requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
       regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively referred to as the
       "Act") in the form heretofore delivered to you; one or more amendments to
       such Registration Statement have been prepared and filed and the Company
       may prepare and file additional amendments.  If the Company has elected
       not to rely on Rule 430A, the Company has prepared and will promptly file
       an amendment to the Registration Statement and an amended prospectus
       (provided the Underwriter has consented to such filing).  If the Company
       has elected to rely on Rule 430A, it will prepare and timely file a
       prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) that discloses the information
       previously omitted from the prospectus in reliance upon Rule 430A.
       Copies of such Registration Statement and each pre-effective amendment
       thereto, and each related preliminary

                                        1

<PAGE>

       prospectus have been delivered by the Company to the Underwriter.  Such
       Registration Statement, as amended, or supplemented, including all
       prospectuses included as a part thereof, financial schedules, exhibits,
       the information (if any) deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to Rules
       430A and 434 under the Act and any Registration Statement filed pursuant
       to Rule 462 under the Act, is herein referred to as the "Registration
       Statement."  The term "Prospectus" as used herein shall mean the final
       prospectus, as amended or supplemented, included as part of the
       Registration Statement filed with the Commission when it becomes
       effective; provided, however, that if a prospectus is filed by the
       Company pursuant to Rule 434 under the Act, the term "Prospectus" as used
       herein shall mean the prospectus so filed pursuant to Rules 424(b) and
       430A and the term sheet so filed pursuant to Rule 434.  The term
       "Preliminary Prospectus" as used herein means any prospectus, amended or
       supplemented; used prior to the Effective Date (as defined herein) and
       included as part of the Registration Statement, including any prospectus
       filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b).

       (b)   The Commission has not issued any order preventing or suspending
       the use of any Preliminary Prospectus nor have any proceedings been
       instituted for that purpose nor are any such proceedings threatened.
       Each Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing or use, complied with
       the requirements of the Act.

       (c)   As of the Effective Date or as of the filing date (or delivery to
       the Underwriters) of any subsequent amendment or supplement, as the case
       may be, and at all times subsequent thereto up to and including the Final
       Closing Date (as hereinafter defined): (i) the Registration Statement and
       Prospectus contain and will contain all statements which are required to
       be stated therein by the Act and will comply in all respects with the
       Act; and (ii) neither the Registration Statement nor the
       Prospectus includes or will, at any time up to and including the Final
       Closing Date, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
       state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
       make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
       which they were made, not misleading, provided however, that none of the
       representations and warranties contained in this subsection 1(c) shall
       apply to statements in, or omissions from, the Registration Statement,
       Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus, or any amendment thereof, or
       supplement thereto, which are based upon and conform to written
       information furnished to the Company by the Underwriter, as identified in
       Section 13 herein, specifically for use in the preparation of the
       Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any
       amendments or supplements thereto.

       (d)   On or promptly after the Effective Date, the Company will prepare
       and file a final Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) that discloses the
       information previously omitted in reliance upon Rule 430A.  The
       Prospectus, as amended or supplemented from time to time, shall comply in
       all material respects with the requirements of the Act and with the Trust
       Indenture Act.

       (e)   No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
       Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose has been
       initiated or threatened by the Commission.

       (f)   The consolidated financial statements of the Company, including the
       related notes, included in the Registration Statement and in the
       Prospectus fairly present, on the basis stated

                                        2

<PAGE>

       therein, the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash
       flows and changes in shareholders' equity of the Company and its
       consolidated Subsidiaries at the dates and for the periods to which they
       relate.  Such financial statements and related notes have been prepared
       in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
       applied, except as otherwise stated therein, throughout the periods
       involved and comply in all respects with the requirements of the Act.
       The selected financial information set forth in the Prospectus is fairly
       presented and prepared on a basis consistent with such audited
       consolidated financial statements and the books of the Company included
       in the Registration Statement.  The supporting schedules included in the
       Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be
       stated therein.  No other financial statements or schedules are required
       to be included in the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

       (g)   Ernst & Young, LLP, who have examined the financial statements and
       who have expressed their opinions with respect to the audited
       consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the
       Registration Statement and filed with the Commission as part of the
       Registration Statement and the Prospectus, are independent public
       accountants as required by the Act.

       (h)   The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, United Homes of
       Illinois, Inc., an Illinois corporation, United Homes, Inc., an Arizona
       corporation, and United Homes of Michigan, Inc., a Michigan corporation
       (individually a "Subsidiary" and collectively the "Subsidiaries") are,
       and at each Closing Date will be, duly organized and validly existing and
       in good standing under the laws of their respective states of
       incorporation, with full power and authority (corporate and other) to
       own, lease and operate their properties and conduct their business as
       currently carried on and contemplated and described in the Registration
       Statement and Prospectus.  No proceeding has been instituted in any such
       jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit
       or curtail such qualification.  The Company and Subsidiaries are
       conducting their respective businesses so as to comply in all respects
       with applicable federal, state and local statute, ordinances, rules and
       regulations except for such matters which either individually or in
       the aggregate do not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
       condition (financial, loss of key personnel or otherwise), business, 
       properties, assets, results of operations (present or prospective) or 
       net worth.  The Company and Subsidiaries hold all licenses, franchises, 
       grants, authorizations, approvals, easements, consents, orders, 
       certificates and permits from state, federal and other regulatory 
       authorities necessary for the conduct of their business as
       described in the Registration Statement except for such licenses,
       franchises, grants, approvals, easements, consents, orders, certificates
       and permits that the Company or any Subsidiary may fail to possess that
       individually or in the aggregate do not have a material adverse effect on
       the Company's or any Subsidiary's business or financial condition, or
       has obtained waivers from any such applicable requirements from the
       appropriate state, federal or other regulatory authority.  No proceeding
       has been instituted (or to the Company's knowledge threatened) in any
       such jurisdiction, revoking, limiting or curtailing, or seeking to
       revoke, limit or curtail, such power and authority or qualification.

       (i)   The Company and its Subsidiaries, are, and will be on each Closing
       Date, duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good
       standing in each jurisdiction in which the character and location of its
       assets or its business (existing or as contemplated by the

                                        3

<PAGE>

       Prospectus) requires such qualification, other than in jurisdictions in
       which the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect
       on the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.  No proceeding has 
       been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing
       or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such qualification.

       (j)   Copies of the Company's and Subsidiaries' Articles of Incorporation
       and bylaws, as amended to date, have been provided to Underwriter's
       counsel, and since July 1, 1997 neither has been subsequently amended or
       restated as of the date of this Agreement.  There has not been and at
       each Closing Date shall not have been any change in the Company's 
       Articles of Incorporation or bylaws from those filed as exhibits to 
       the Registration Statement.  Neither the Company nor any
       Subsidiary is in violation of its Articles of Incorporation, bylaws or
       other governing instruments; or in default (nor with the giving of notice
       or the passage of time or both would be in default) under the A&D Lines,
       the Heller Line or Residential Line I (as such lines are defined in the
       Prospectus, collectively herein, the "Lines" and individually, a "Line").
       Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default (nor with the 
       giving of notice or the passage of time or both would be in default)
       in the performance of any obligation, agreement or condition contained 
       in any contract or any bond, debenture, note, indentured loan agreement
       or other evidence of indebtedness or any loan agreement, contract or 
       joint venture agreement of the Company and Subsidiaries or other 
       instrument, other than the Lines, to which they are subject or by 
       which any of their property or assets are subject, except for defaults
       that individually or in the aggregate do not have a material adverse 
       effect on the Company's or any Subsidiary's business or financial 
       condition. 

       (k)   Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given
       in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and, except in each case as
       described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement and
       Prospectus, prior to the Final Closing Date: (i) the Company and its
       Subsidiaries have not incurred, and will not have incurred, any
       liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any
       transactions, not in the ordinary course of business; (ii) the Company
       and its Subsidiaries have not and will not have paid or declared any
       dividends or other distributions on its capital stock; (iii) there has
       not been and will not have been any material change in the capital stock
       or outstanding short term or long term debt, including any capitalized
       lease obligation, of the Company and its Subsidiaries (except for change
       resulting from draws on the Lines in the ordinary course of business 
       and as set forth in the Prospectus), or any issuance of options, 
       warrants, convertible securities, or other rights to purchase the 
       capital stock of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any material 
       adverse change or a development involving a change in or affecting the 
       condition (financial or otherwise), business, key personnel, properties,
       assets, results of operations (present or prospective), or net worth of 
       the Company and its Subsidiaries; (iv) the Company and its Subsidiaries
       have not sustained any material loss or damage to their properties or 
       material interference with their businesses, whether or not insured; and
       (v) there has not been and will not have been any event which constitutes
       an "Event of Default" under the provisions of the Indenture without 
       regard to any notice requirements with respect thereto contained in the
       Indenture.

       (l)   Except as accurately described in the Prospectus, there is no
       action, suit or proceeding to which the Company and its Subsidiaries are
       a party, or of which any property of the Company and its Subsidiaries are
       subject pending before or brought by any court or governmental agency or
       body or any arbitrator (domestic or foreign) which might adversely affect
       the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
       repayment of the Debentures; nor to the knowledge of the Company or 
       any Subsidiary is any such action, suit or proceeding threatened which, 
       if adversely determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
       material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), 
       business, properties, assets, results of operations (present or 
       prospective) of the Company or any Subsidiary.

                                        4

<PAGE>

       (m)   There are no contracts or other documents of the Company and its
       Subsidiaries are required to be described or referred to in the
       Registration Statement or Prospectus or required by the Act to be filed
       as exhibits to the Registration Statement which have not been described
       or referred to therein or filed or incorporated by reference as required.
       All contracts described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or
       filed as exhibits thereto are in full force and effect as of the date of
       the Prospectus and through the Final Closing Date.  All descriptions of
       such contracts and documents in the Prospectus, required to be described,
       are correct in all material respects.  The Company and its Subsidiaries
       are not in breach of or default under any of such contracts nor is the
       Company and its Subsidiaries in default with respect to any provision of
       any lease, loan agreement, franchise, license, permit or other
       contractual obligation to which it is a party or by which it may be bound
       or to which any of the property or assets of the Company and its
       Subsidiaries are subject, except for defaults that individually or in 
       the aggregate do not have a material adverse effect on the Company's or
       any Subsidiary's business or financial condition.  There does not exist
       any fact which constitutes an event of default as defined in such 
       documents or which, with giving of notice or lapse of time or both, 
       would constitute such an event of default.

       (n)   The Company has full power and authority to execute and deliver
       this Agreement, the Indenture and the Debentures and to perform its
       obligations hereunder and thereunder.  This Agreement has been duly and
       validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes
       a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Company enforceable in
       accordance with its terms, except as enforceability thereof may be
       limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws or
       equitable principals affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
       generally and except as rights to indemnify hereunder may be limited by
       applicable securities laws, including the Act.  No consent, approval,
       authorization, order, registration, filing, qualification, license, or
       permit of or with any court or any public, governmental or regulatory
       agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or its properties or
       assets, is required (i) for the execution, delivery and performance of
       this Agreement, (ii) for the execution, delivery and performance by the
       Company under the Indenture and the Debentures; or (iii) the consummation
       of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the
       issuance, sale and delivery of the Debentures except the registration
       under the Act of the Debentures, the qualification of the Indenture under
       the Trust Indenture Act (if necessary), and such consents, approvals, 
       authorizations, orders, registrations, filings, qualifications, licenses,
       and permits as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws 
       or pursuant to the rules of the National Association of Securities 
       Dealers, Inc. in connection with the offer and sale of the Debentures 
       by the Underwriter.

       (o)   The Company has the power and authority to execute and deliver the
       Indenture and to carry out the terms thereof, and has the power to
       authorize, issue and sell the Debentures on the terms and conditions set
       forth in this Agreement and the Indenture.  The Indenture has been duly
       and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, is in 
       substantially the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration 
       Statement, complies with the Trust Indenture Act and constitutes a 
       valid and legally binding obligation of the Company enforceable against 
       the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability 
       thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other 
       similar laws or equitable principals affecting the enforcement of 
       creditors' rights generally and except as rights to indemnify hereunder
       may be limited by applicable securities laws, including the Act.  The 
       Indenture conforms to the descriptions

                                        5

<PAGE>


       thereof contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.  The
       Indenture is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act
       of 1939, as amended.

       (p)   The Debentures have been duly and validly authorized and, when
       authenticated by the Trustee and issued, delivered and sold in accordance
       with this Agreement and the Indenture, will have been duly and validly
       executed, authenticated, issued and delivered and will constitute valid
       and legally binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits
       provided by the Indenture and enforceable against the Company in
       accordance with their terms.  The Debentures will be issued free and
       clear of all liens, encumbrances, claims, security interests,
       restrictions on transfer and other defects of title.  The Debentures
       conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration
       Statement and the Prospectus.  The Certificates for the Debentures are in
       due and proper form as provided for in the Indenture.

       (q)   The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
       Indenture and the Debentures, and the consummation of the transactions
       contemplated herein and therein, will not conflict with, or constitute a
       breach of, or default under or with the giving of notice or the passage
       of time or both would so constitute a breach or default, or result in the
       creation or imposition or acceleration of any lien, charge or encumbrance
       upon any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to:
       (i) any bond, debenture, note, contract, lease, license, indenture,
       mortgage, deed of trust, voting trust agreement, loan agreement, joint
       venture, or other agreement, evidence of indebtedness or instrument to
       which the Company and Subsidiary are a party, or by which they may be
       bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company and
       Subsidiaries are subject; (ii) the Company's and any Subsidiaries'
       Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, or other governing documents, as
       amended; or (iii) any law, order, rule, regulation, writ, injunction or
       decree of any government, governmental agency, court, or arbitrator
       having jurisdiction over the Company's and its Subsidiaries' properties.
       No event has occurred and condition exists which upon the passage of time
       or the giving of notice, would constitute such an event of default under
       any such instrument or agreement.  No consent, approval, authorization or
       other order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, other
       governmental body or any self-regulatory agency having jurisdiction over
       the Company or any Subsidiary and their property or assets is required
       for the execution and delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
       Indenture or the Debentures or the consummation of the transactions and
       performance contemplated herein or therein or in the Prospectus, except
       such as will be or have been obtained under the Act and except as may be
       required under applicable blue sky laws or the rules and regulations of
       the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

       (r)   All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
       Company and Subsidiaries are duly authorized and validly issued, full
       paid and nonassessable; have been issued in compliance with all federal
       and state securities laws; were not issued in violation of, or subject to
       any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or purchase
       securities; and the holders thereof are not subject to personal liability
       by reason of being such holders.  All the issued and outstanding capital
       stock of the Company is owned, free and clear of any security interests,
       lien or restriction by United Development Management Company. Neither 
       the Company nor Subsidiaries have any outstanding options or warrants 
       for the issuance of capital stock. Except as provided on Schedule 2(r)
       attached hereto, the


                                        6

<PAGE>

       Company owns, free and clear of any security interest, lien or 
       restriction, all the issued and outstanding capital stock of the 
       Subsidiaries.  The authorized and issued indebtedness of the
       Company and Subsidiaries is correctly set forth in the Prospectus, as of
       the dates indicated.  Except as described in the Prospectus, there are no
       outstanding loans or advances or guarantees of Indebtedness by the
       Company and Subsidiaries to or for the benefit of any of the officers,
       directors or affiliates of the Company required to be described in the
       Prospectus pursuant to the Act.

       (s)   The capitalization of the Company as set forth in the Prospectus 
       was as so described on the date as of which it is set forth therein; and
       will be as so described on each Closing Date (except as it may change as
       a result of draws on the Lines in the ordinary course of business and 
       as set forth in the Prospectus).  There are no other classes of stock, 
       authorized or outstanding, except as described therein.

       (t)   The statistical information in the Prospectus which is derived from
       the Company's financial or other records has been accurately derived
       therefrom and, as set forth, is not in conflict with other information
       known to the Company.

       (u)   All descriptions in the Registration Statement or Prospectus of
       statutes, regulations, legal or governmental proceedings, the Indenture,
       the Debentures, or other contracts or other documents are accurate in all
       material respects and fairly present the information shown.

       (v)   The Company is not in violation of any law, order, rule,
       regulation, writ, injunction, or decree of any governmental authority or
       court, domestic or foreign, or arbitrator which violation would have a
       material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise),
       business, properties, results of operations (present or
       prospective), assets or net worth of the Company.  

       (w)   The Company holds all, and is operating in compliance with all,
       franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, registrations, approvals,
       permits, easements, consents, certificates and orders of any government
       or self-regulatory body (domestic and foreign) required for the conduct
       of its business or as described in the Prospectus (collectively the
       "Licenses"), except for failures to obtain and non-compliances that 
       individually or in the aggregate do not have a material adverse effect
       on the Company's or any Subsidiary's business or financial condition,
       and all the Licenses are valid and in full force and effect and will be
       valid and in full force and effect through the Final Closing Date.

       (x)   The Company and Subsidiaries have good and marketable title (in fee
       simple as to real property) to all real and personal properties and
       assets described in the Prospectus and the financial statements as owned
       by them, free and clear of all security interests, liens, charges,
       encumbrances, restrictions or defects except those arising in the
       ordinary course of business in the development of lots and construction
       of homes as reflected in the financial statements included in the
       Prospectus or under the Lines and which do not have a material adverse
       effect on the Company's and Subsidiaries' use of such property or the
       conduct of their business.


                                        7

<PAGE>

       (y)   Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, the Company holds valid and
       enforceable leases for the properties (real and personal) described in
       the Prospectus as leased by it; the Company is not in default (or with
       the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would be in default)
       in respect to any of such leases, and no claim of any sort has been
       asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company and Subsidiaries
       as lessee under any such lease or questioning its right to continued use
       and possession of any of the leased properties under any such lease.

       (z)   To the best of the Company's knowledge, the Company and
       Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights to use all patents, patent
       applications, patent rights, licenses, inventions, technology,
       proprietary rights, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks,
       trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations,
       copyrights, and other proprietary rights or information used in or
       necessary for the conduct of its present or intended business to the
       extent material to the Company's and Subsidiaries' business.  Except as
       stated in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, to the best of the
       Company's knowledge, the Company and Subsidiaries are not in violation
       of, nor has the Company received any notice of any claim of infringement
       or violation of the rights of other with regard to any patents, patent
       applications, patent rights, licenses, inventions, technology,
       proprietary rights, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks,
       trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations,
       copyrights, and other proprietary rights or information.

       (aa)  All United States federal income tax returns required by law to be
       filed by or on behalf of the Company and the Subsidiaries have been filed
       and all taxes shown by such returns or otherwise assessed which are due
       and payable as of or prior to the date hereof have been paid, except
       taxes which are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate
       reserves have been provided in order to comply with GAAP.  All other tax
       returns that are required to have been filed by or on behalf of the 
       Company and the Subsidiaries pursuant to applicable foreign, state, local
       or other law have been filed, and the Company and the Subsidiaries have 
       paid all taxes due as of or prior to the date hereof pursuant to such 
       returns or pursuant to any assessment received by them, except for such
       taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which 
       adequate reserves have been provided.  The charges, accruals and 
       reserves on the books of the Company and the Subsidiaries,
       consolidated, in respect of any income and corporation tax liability (or
       for any payments to be made in respect of any tax sharing agreements or
       arrangements) for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet
       any assessments or reassessments for additional income tax for any years
       not finally determined.

       (bb)  The Company has not distributed and will not distribute any
       prospectus or any other offering material in connection with the offering
       and sale of the Debentures other than the Preliminary Prospectus or the
       Prospectus or other materials permitted by the Act to be distributed by
       the Company and consented to by the Underwriter.

       (cc)  Other than the subsidiaries of the Company listed in Exhibit 21 to
       the Registration Statement, the Company owns no capital stock or other
       equity or ownership or proprietary interest in any corporation,
       partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or other
       entity and is not affiliated (as that term is defined under the Act) with
       any other company or

                                        8

<PAGE>

       business entity except as explicitly stated in the Prospectus.  The
       Company is not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any
       corporation, association or other entity.

       (dd)  The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls
       sufficient to provide that:

             (i)    transactions are executed in accordance with management's
             general or specific authorization;

             (ii)   transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation
             of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
             accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets;

             (iii)  access to assets is permitted only in accordance with
             management's general or specific authorization; and

             (iv)   the recorded accountability for assets is compared with
             existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is
             taken with respect to any differences.

       (ee)  The Company and Subsidiaries maintain insurance of the types and in
       amounts which are adequate for their businesses.

       (ff)  No organized labor dispute with the employees of the Company or 
       any Subsidiary exists, or are imminent.  To the best of Company's or 
       any Subsidiary's knowledge, no officer of the Company or any Subsidiary
       presently intends to leave the Company or any Subsidiary.

       (gg)  The Company is not an "investment company" within the meaning of
       such term as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
       and will conduct its business in such a manner as to not become an
       investment company as so defined.

       (hh)  Neither the Company nor any employee or agent of the Company has
       made any payment of funds of the Company or received or retained funds in
       violation of any law, rule or regulation on behalf of the Company or 
       any Subsidiary.


       (ii)  The Company has not engaged any "finder" with respect to the
       transactions contemplated by this Agreement and there is no outstanding
       claim for services in the nature of a "finder's fee" with respect to such
       financing; and the Company agrees to indemnify and hold

                                        9

<PAGE>

       the Underwriters harmless from and against any claims, losses, judgments
       or expenses resulting from any finder's fees payable in connection
       herewith.

       (jj)  There are no outstanding loans or advances or guarantees of
       indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers
       or directors of the Company or any of the members of the families of any
       of them except as are described in the Prospectus.

       (kk)  The Company, after giving effect to the execution, delivery and
       performance of this Agreement, the Indenture, and the Debentures and the
       consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not
       be:

             (i)    insolvent;

             (ii)   left with unreasonably small capital with which to engage in
             its business; or

             (iii)  incurring debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they
             mature.

       (ll)  Neither the filing of the Registration Statement nor the offering
       or sale of the Debentures by the Company as contemplated by this
       Agreement gives rise to any rights, of or relating to the co-sale or
       registration of any securities of the Company,  nor do any security
       holders of the Company have any right to demand that the Company register
       their securities, in either case other than those which have been waived
       or satisfied.

       (mm)  The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or
       indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in or which has
       constituted or which constitute the stabilization or manipulation of the
       price of any outstanding securities of the Company (including the
       Debentures) to facilitate the sale or resale of the Debentures.

       (nn)  On each Closing Date all transfer or other taxes, if any (other
       than income taxes), which are required to be paid in connection with the
       sale or transfer of the Debentures will have been fully paid or provided
       for by the Company and all laws imposing such taxes will have been fully
       complied with.

       (oo)  Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered
       to the Underwriter or to counsel for the Underwriter shall be deemed a
       representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriter as to
       matters covered thereby.

       (pp)  Each acceptance by the Company of an offer for the purchase of
       Debentures and each issuance of Debentures shall be deemed an affirmation
       of the Company that the representations and warranties contained herein
       are true and correct at the time of such acceptance or of such issuance,
       in each case as though expressly made at that time.

                                       10

<PAGE>

     3.   PURCHASE AND SALE:

     (a)   On the basis of representations, warranties and agreements herein 
     contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the  
     Company agrees to issue and sell to the Underwriter at least the Minimum 
     number (approximately $3,000,000) and up to the Maximum number 
     (approximately, $6,000,000) of the Original Debentures at the Price to 
     Public set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, less an 
     underwriting discount and commission equal to 7%, plus accrued interest. 
     Interest will accrue from the date of original issuance (the Closing 
     Date of the Minimum) or with respect to any Debentures purchased after 
     March 15, 1998, from March 15, 1998. The Underwriter will solicit 
     indications of interest from the public for the Original Debentures and 
     will purchase from the Company the approximate amount of Original 
     Debentures for which the Underwriter has accepted indications of 
     interest. The Underwriter is not obligated to purchase any of the 
     Original Debentures, but if the Underwriter does purchase any of the 
     Original Debentures it must purchase at least the Minimum. Even if the 
     Underwriter purchases the Minimum, it is not obligated to purchase any 
     additional Debentures. In the event the Underwriter, for whatever 
     reason, fails to purchase the Minimum within 60 days of the date hereof, 
     this Agreement will automatically terminate. The Company can only sell 
     Debentures to the Underwriter during the term of this Agreement.

     (b)   On the basis of the representations and warranties herein 
     contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the 
     Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriter to purchase the 
     Option Debentures at the same purchase price as the Original Debentures. 
     The Option granted hereunder may be exercised at any time after the 
     Effective Date (as defined in Section 6(a) hereof) and prior to the 
     Termination Date upon notice (confirmed in writing) by the Underwriter 
     to the Company setting forth the aggregate amount of Option Debentures 
     as to which the Underwriter is exercising the option and the date on 
     which such Option Debentures are to be delivered. The option granted 
     hereby may be cancelled by the Underwriter as to the Option Debentures 
     for which the option is unexercised at any time prior to the Termination 
     Date upon notice to the Company.

     (c)   The Underwriter will offer and solicit indications of interest for 
     the Debentures, as soon as the Underwriter deems practicable after the 
     Registration Statement becomes effective, subject to the terms and 
     conditions of this Agreement and in accordance with the Prospectus. The 
     Underwriter will offer and sell directly to the public the Debentures 
     the Underwriter has purchased from the Company, if any, as soon as the 
     Underwriter deems practicable, subject to the terms and conditions of 
     this Agreement and in accordance with the Prospectus, at the Price to 
     Public set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, plus accrued 
     interest from the original issuance date of the Debentures (the Closing 
     Date of the Minimum) or, with respect to Debentures sold after March 15, 
     1998, from March 15, 1998. The Underwriter may appoint dealers 
     ("Selected Dealers") which are members in good standing of the 
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") to offer 
     and sell the Debentures and, subject to compliance with applicable rules 
     and regulations of the NASD, may reallow concessions to such Selected 
     Dealers from the public offering price of the Debentures in such amount 
     as the Underwriter may deem appropriate. The Underwriter will furnish 
     the Company with such information about the distribution arrangements as 
     may be necessary for inclusion in the Registration Statement. It is 
     understood that the public offering price and concessions  may vary 
     after the initial public offering. The Underwriter shall offer and sell 
     the Debentures only in jurisdictions in which the offering of Debentures 
     has been duly registered or qualified, or is exempt from registration or 
     qualification, and shall take reasonable measures to effect compliance 
     with applicable state and local securities laws.

     (d)   You shall be required to take and pay for only such Debentures as 
     you commit to purchase by written confirmation, subject in each case to 
     applicable closing conditions as herein set forth.

                                       11

<PAGE>


     4.    DELIVERY AND PAYMENT. On the basis of the representations, 
warranties and agreements, but subject to the terms and conditions set forth 
in this Agreement, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of, the 
Debentures sold as contemplated hereunder shall be made as follows:

     (a)   You shall promptly confirm to the Company the dollar amount of the 
     Debentures which you intend to purchase. The first closing shall be 
     held on the third full business day after the date of your confirmation 
     for purchase of the Minimum. Thereafter, monthly closings will be held 
     on such date on or after the second to last business day of each month 
     as agreed upon by the Underwriter and the Company, commencing the month 
     in which the first closing occurs and through month after month of the 
     Termination Date. Provided the Minimum has been sold, closings may be 
     held more often upon receipt by the Company of a confirmation from the 
     Underwriter of its intent to purchase the Debentures. The date of each 
     closing is referred to herein as a "Closing Date" and the last closing 
     hereunder is referred to herein as the "Final Closing Date".  Unless 
     otherwise agreed by the Underwriter and the Company, each closing will 
     take place at the offices of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., at 10:00 a.m., 
     on the date of such closing.

     (b)   The certificates for the Debentures to be delivered at each 
     Closing Date will be in definitive form, in such denominations and 
     registered in such names as the Underwriter may request and will be made 
     available for inspection and packaging at the Underwriter's offices or 
     at such other place as designated by you at 10:00 a.m., Minneapolis 
     time, on the second full business day prior to each Closing Date.

     (c)   Upon closing of the sale by the Company of any Debentures, you 
     shall receive in addition to the 7% underwriting discount and commission 
     provided in Section 3(a): (i) a management fee equal to two percent 
     (2%) of the aggregate dollar amount sold; (ii) a non-accountable expense 
     allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the aggregate dollar amount sold; 
     and (iii) reimbursement for your accountable expenses referred to in 
     paragraph 5(q) (not to exceed two percent (2%) of the aggregate dollar 
     amount of Debentures sold).

     (d)   On each Closing Date, you shall remit to the Company against 
     delivery to you or your designated agent, the purchase price for the 
     Debentures you have purchased from the Company. Such purchase price may 
     be remitted to the Company net of the commissions referred to in 
     paragraph 3(a) and management fees and the accountable expenses and 
     non-accountable expense allowance referred to in paragraph 4(c). 
     Appropriate instructions for the registration of the Debentures and 
     authentication and delivery thereof pursuant to the Indenture, which 
     instructions shall include the names, addresses and social security or 
     tax identification numbers of the registered holders and the principal 
     amounts of the Debentures. The Company shall have instructed the Trustee 
     to accept instructions for the registration of the Debentures directly 
     from you, and copies of such instructions shall be given to the Company 
     at the same time they are furnished to the Trustee.

                                       12

<PAGE>

       5.    COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  The Company covenants and agrees with
the Underwriter that:

       (a)   The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration
       Statement to become effective (if it has not already been declared
       effective) as promptly as possible and will not at any time, whether
       before or after the Effective Date, file any amendment to the
       Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus of which you shall
       not previously have been advised and furnished with a copy a reasonable
       time prior to the proposed filing or to which you or your counsel shall
       object or which is not in compliance with the Act.  If at any time prior
       to the Termination Date, any event shall occur which in the professional
       judgment of counsel to the Company or of counsel to the Underwriter would
       cause the Registration

                                       13

<PAGE>

       Statement or the Prospectus to include an untrue statement of  a material
       fact or omit to state a material fact required to make the statements 
       made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not 
       misleading or otherwise requires an amendment to the Registration 
       Statement or supplement to the Prospectus, the Company will prepare and 
       file with the Commission any amendments to the Registration Statement or
       supplements to the Prospectus which may be necessary and will cause the 
       same to become effective as soon as practicable, subject to the 
       provisions of the prior sentence.  The Company will make all filings of 
       the Prospectus required under the Act.

       (b)   As soon as the Company is advised or obtains knowledge thereof, the
       Company will advise you of any requests made by the Commission (or any
       state securities or Blue Sky authority) for  amending  the Registration
       Statement, (or any state securities or Blue Sky authority) of any stop
       order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of
       any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus
       or the Prospectus or of the institution of any proceedings for that
       purpose and will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such
       order and, if any such order is issued, will use its best efforts to
       obtain the lifting thereof as promptly as possible.  The Company will
       also promptly comply with any requests for additional information.

       (c)   The Company will furnish to you copies of the Registration
       Statement, including exhibits, all amendments thereto (including pre-
       effective and post-effective), each Preliminary Prospectus, the
       Prospectus and any supplements thereto, in each case as soon as available
       and in such reasonable quantities as you may, from time to time, request.

       (d)   The Company consents to the use, in accordance with the provisions
       of the Securities Act and of the securities or Blue Sky laws of the
       jurisdictions in which the Debentures are offered by the Underwriter or
       by Selected Dealers, prior to the Effective Date, of each Preliminary
       Prospectus furnished by the Company

       (e)   The Company will continue to use its best efforts to register or
       qualify the Debentures for sale by the Underwriter and any Selected
       Dealers under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as
       you may request and will file such consents to service of process or
       other documents as may be necessary in order to effect such registration
       or qualification; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company
       be obligated to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is
       not now so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to the
       service of process in suits, other than those arising out of the offering
       or sale of the Debentures or subject itself to taxation, in any
       jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.  In each jurisdiction where
       any of the Debentures shall have been registered or qualified as provided
       above, the Company will continue such registrations or qualifications in
       effect for so long as may be required for purposes of the distribution of
       the Debentures and shall file such statements and reports as are or may
       be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such
       qualification in effect for so long as there are Debentures outstanding.
       The Company will notify the Underwriter immediately of, and confirm in
       writing, the suspension of qualification of the Debentures or threat of
       such action in any jurisdiction.  The Company will use its best efforts
       to qualify or register the Debentures for sale in nonissuer transactions
       under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) securities laws of
       such states designated by the Underwriter (and thereby permit market and
       making transactions and secondary trading of the Debentures in such
       states); and will comply with such securities laws and will continue such
       qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect for so long as the
       Debentures remain outstanding.

                                       14

<PAGE>

       (f)   If at any time during the period that the delivery of a Prospectus
       relating to the Debentures is required under the Act, any event occurs as
       a result of which the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, would
       include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
       material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of
       the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is
       necessary at any time to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply
       with the Act, the Company promptly will notify you thereof and will
       prepare and file with the Commission at its own expense an amendment or
       supplement which will correct such statement or omission or effect such
       compliance, subject to the requirements of advice and objection contained
       in the first sentence of paragraph a.

       (g)   As soon as practicable (but in no event later than 90 days after
       the Effective Date) the Company will make generally available to its
       security holders, including Debenture holders, and furnish to
       you, an earnings statement of the Company covering the period of 12
       months beginning not later than the first day of the next fiscal quarter
       following the Effective Date of the Registration Statement which will
       satisfy the requirements of Section 11(a) or Rule 158 of the Act and
       which need not be certified by independent public accountants.

       (h)   During a period of five years from the Effective Date, the Company
       will, as soon as practicable, deliver to the Underwriter, without need 
       of request:

             (i)    Copies of each report (financial or other) or proxy
             solicitation material mailed to security holders of the Company;

             (ii)   After the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters, a
             copy of the statement of income of the Company for such quarter and
             a copy of the balance sheet of the Company as of the end of such
             quarter all in reasonable detail and certified by its principal
             financial or accounting officer or, in the alternative, a report on
             Form 10-Q or 10-QSB, as filed with the Commission;

             (iii)  After the end of each fiscal year, a balance sheet of the
             Company as of the end of such fiscal year, together with statements
             of income, changes in cash flows and stockholders' equity for such
             fiscal year, in reasonable detail and accompanied by a copy of the
             certificate or report thereon of the independent certified public
             accountants or, in the alternative, a report on Form 10-K or
             Form 10-KSB for such fiscal year; and

             (iv)   Copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to
             or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange or
             Nasdaq.

       (i)   The Company will file with the Commission in a timely manner all
       reports on Form SR required by Rule 463 and will furnish to you copies of
       any such reports as soon as practicable after the filing period.

                                       15

<PAGE>

       (j)   During the period that the Company is required to furnish reports
       pursuant to paragraph h above, the Company will notify you promptly of
       the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or
       any of its officers.

       (k)   The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the
       Debentures in the manner set forth under the caption "Use of Proceeds" in
       the Prospectus.

       (l)   The Company shall cooperate with the Underwriter and its counsel in
       connection with their investigation of the Company and related matters
       and shall furnish to the Underwriter or its counsel all such information
       and documents as may be requested.

       (m)   The Company agrees that from the date of its execution of this
       Agreement to the Final Closing Date, it will issue press releases, make
       public statements and respond to inquiries of the press and securities
       analysts only (i) in accordance with its obligations under the Securities
       Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, after conferring with its counsel or
       (ii) after conferring with its counsel and with the consent of the
       Underwriter.

       (n)   The Company will not claim the benefit of any usury laws against
       any holders of the Debentures.

       (o)   The Company will provide the Underwriter with copies of
       certificates and supporting documentation furnished to the Trustee
       pursuant to the Indenture or otherwise.

       (p)   Continue to appoint its current auditors or any replacement firm of
       auditors acceptable to you to audit its financial statements, provided 
       that you shall not unreasonably withhold your consent to a replacement.

       
       (q)   The Company will pay, in addition to the Underwriter commission 
       and discount referred to in paragraph 3(a) and management fee, 
       accountable expenses and non-accountable expense allowance (as described
       in paragraph 4(c) hereof), upon the closing of the sale of any of the
       Debentures, unless otherwise limited by this Agreement, all other 
       expenses related to the subject matter of this Agreement including: (i)
       all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Debentures; 
       (ii) the first $20,000 of the expenses charged by Merrill Corporation, 
       as financial printer, for services rendered in connection with the 
       offering described in the Prospectus and one-half of the expenses 
       charged for printing Preliminary Prospectuses; (iii) all expenses 
       incident to the preparation, filing, delivery and qualification of the 
       Indenture and any amendments, supplements or submissions related thereto;
       (iv) all Commission, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. 
       ("NASD") and state securities or Blue Sky filing fees and all fees and 
       expenses of legal counsel for the Underwriter incurred in registering 
       the Debentures for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such 
       states as the Underwriter may designate; and (v) the cost of all 
       certificates representing the Debentures; (vi) the fees and expenses of 
       the Trustee and paying agent under the Indenture; (vii) the cost of 
       preparing two leather bound volumes of all documents (Closing Books) 
       related to the offering to be delivered to the Underwriter; (viii) the 
       fees and expenses of the Company's independent accounts, including the 
       cost of "cold comfort" review; and (ix) the fees and expenses of legal 
       counsel for the Company.

                                       16

<PAGE>

       Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated,
       the Company shall reimburse the Underwriter for all its costs, fees and
       expenses incurred in connection with the performance of the Underwriter's
       obligations hereunder, including, without limiting the generality of the
       foregoing, (i) all fees and expenses of legal counsel for the Underwriter
       incurred in preparing the Registration Statement, Indenture and this 
       Agreement and in connection with review of the Underwriter's compensation
       by the NASD; (ii) all costs and expenses incurred by the Underwriter in 
       connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the 
       Registration Statement, each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus
       (including all exhibits and financial statements) and all amendments and
       supplements thereto; (iii) all advertising, marketing and sales expenses
       incurred in connection with the sale of the Debentures; and (iv) any and
       all expenses of the Underwriter in connection with this Agreement and the
       sale of the Debentures, provided that the Company shall not be 
       obligated to reimburse the Underwriter for accountable expenses in excess
       of $120,000 ($140,000 in the event all the Debentures are sold).

       Notwithstanding the obligations of the Company to reimburse the
       Underwriter for its expenses pursuant to the first paragraph of this
       subsection 5(q), in the event that the Underwriter fails to perform
       its obligations under this Agreement, through no fault of the Company or
       any third party not affiliated with the Underwriter, the Company shall
       only be obligated to reimburse the Underwriter for its expenses up to 
       $75,000.  The Underwriter acknowledges that it has received $25,000 from
       the Company as an advance against the Company's expense reimbursement 
       obligations.

       (r)   The Company and Subsidiaries will maintain through the Final 
       Closing Date insurance of the types and in amounts which are adequate 
       for their businesses.

       6.    CONDITIONS OF THE UNDERWRITER'S OBLIGATIONS.  The obligations of
the Underwriter and the closing and sale of the Debentures as contemplated
herein shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of
the Company herein as of the date hereof, the Effective Date, and each Closing
Date, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company's officers made pursuant
to the provisions hereof, or otherwise, to the performance by the Company of its
covenants and agreements hereunder, and to the following additional conditions.

       (a)   The Registration Statement shall have become effective not later
       than 4:30 p.m. Minneapolis, Minnesota time on the date of this Agreement
       or such later time and date as shall have been consented to by you
       (referred to herein as the "Effective Date") and all filings required by
       Rule 424 and/or Rule 430A under the Act shall have been timely made; no
       stop orders suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
       shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have
       been instituted or threatened or shall be contemplated by the Commission
       or by any blue sky or state securities authority; and all requests of the
       Commission or blue sky or state securities authorities for additional
       information (to be included in the Registration Statement or Prospectus
       or a supplement thereto or otherwise) shall have been complied with to
       your satisfaction.

       (b)   You shall not have advised the Company that the Registration
       Statement or the Prospectus or any amendment or any supplement thereto
       contains an untrue statement of material fact or omits to state a
       material fact which is required to be stated therein or is necessary to
       make the statements therein not misleading.

                                       17

<PAGE>

       (c)   You and your counsel shall have been furnished with such documents
       and information as you or they may have requested.

       (d)   You shall have received the opinion of Shefsky & Froelich, Ltd.,
       legal counsel for the Company, dated as of each Closing Date, in the form
       attached hereto as Exhibit A.

       (e)   At the time of execution of this Agreement and also at each Closing
       Date, you shall have received from Ernst & Young, LLP, a letter or
       letters, dated the date of delivery thereof, stating that they are
       independent public accountants with respect to the Company within the
       meaning of the Act and that:

             (i)    In their opinion, the financial statements included in the
             Registration Statement and Prospectus and reported on therein by
             them comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
             accounting requirements of the Act;

             (ii)   On the basis of a limited review (but not an examination in
             accordance with generally accepted auditing standards) consisting
             of a reading of the unaudited financial statements included in the
             Registration Statement and Prospectus (if any) and the latest
             available interim financial statements of the Company subsequent
             thereto; a reading of the minutes of the board of directors and
             shareholders of the Company subsequent thereto; and inquiries of
             officials of the Company responsible for financial and accounting
             matters and such other inquiries and procedures as may be specified
             in such letter and agreed upon by you, nothing has come to their
             attention that causes them to believe that:

                    a)    The unaudited financial statements included in the
                    Registration Statement and Prospectus, if any,  do not
                    comply as to form in all material respects with the
                    applicable accounting requirements of the Act or that such
                    financial statements are not fairly presented in conformity
                    with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
                    basis consistent with that of the audited financial
                    statements included in the Registration Statement and
                    Prospectus;

                    b)    As of a specified date not more than five days prior
                    to the date of this Agreement or each Closing Date, as
                    applicable, there have been any changes in the capital
                    stock, increases in long term or short term debt, decreases
                    in total accounts receivable, or total inventories of the
                    Company or any increase in liabilities or decreases in net
                    current assets or stockholders' equity of the Company, in
                    each case, as compared with amounts shown in the most recent
                    balance sheet included in the Prospectus except, in each
                    case, for changes, decreases or increases, as appropriate,
                    which the Prospectus discloses have occurred or may occur or
                    which are described in such letter; and

                    c)    For the period from the date of the most recent
                    balance sheet included therein to such specified date, there
                    was any decrease, as compared with the corresponding period
                    of the previous year, in net revenues or any decrease in
                    income from operations or net income or in primary or fully-
                    diluted per share

                                       18

<PAGE>

                    amounts of net income except, in each case, for such
                    decreases which the Prospectus discloses have occurred or
                    may occur or which are described in such letter.

             (iii)  In addition to the examination referred to in their report
             included in the Prospectus and the limited procedures, inspection
             of minute books, inquiries and other procedures referred to in
             clause (ii) above, they have carried out certain specified
             procedures requested by you, not constituting an audit in
             accordance with generally accepted auditing standards with respect
             to certain amounts, percentages and other financial information
             which are derived from the accounting records and other financial
             and statistical data of the Company which appear in the Prospectus
             and which are specified by you and have compared certain of such
             amounts, percentages and financial information with the accounting
             records and other appropriate data of the Company and have found
             them to be in agreement.

                    In the event that the letters to be delivered pursuant to
             this subparagraph (e) shall set forth any changes, increases or
             decreases, it shall be a further condition to the Underwriter's
             obligation that you, in your sole discretion, shall have
             determined, after discussion with officers of the Company
             responsible for financial and accounting matters and with Ernst &
             Young, LLP, that such changes, increases or decreases as set forth
             in such letters do not reflect a material adverse change in the
             capital stock, short-term or long-term debt, net assets, net
             current assets, total accounts receivable, total inventories or
             stockholders' equity of the Company as compared with the amount
             shown in the most recent balance sheet of the Company included in
             the Prospectus or material adverse change in revenues or the total
             or per share amounts of net income (loss).

       (f)   On each Closing Date, you shall have received a certificate, dated
       such date, of the President and the Chief Financial Officer of the
       Company to the effect that:

             (i)    The representations and warranties of the Company in this
             Agreement are true and correct as if made on and as of such date
             and the Company has performed all obligations and satisfied all
             conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to
             such date;

             (ii)   The Commission has not issued any order suspending the
             effectiveness of the Registration Statement and no proceedings for
             that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened
             under the Act;

             (iii)  The Registration Statement and the Prospectus and, if any,
             each amendment and each supplement thereto contain all statements
             and information required to be included therein and neither the
             Registration Statement nor the Prospectus nor any amendment nor any
             supplement thereto includes any untrue statement of a material fact
             or misstates any material fact required to be stated therein or
             necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and since
             the Effective Date, there has occurred no event required to be set
             forth in an  amendment to the Registration Statement or supplement
             to the Prospectus which has not been so set forth.

                                       19

<PAGE>

             (iv)   Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information
             is given in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and prior to
             the date of such certificate, and except as set forth or
             contemplated in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus:
             (A) the Company has not incurred, except in the ordinary course of
             business, any lease obligations or any direct or contingent
             liabilities or commitments, (B) the Company has not entered into
             any transaction other than in the ordinary course of business,
             (C) the Company has not paid or declared any dividends or other
             distributions on its capital stock, (D) there has not been any
             change in the capital stock or any material adverse change,
             increase or decrease in the short-term or long-term debt, total
             accounts receivable, total inventories, net assets, net current
             assets or stockholders' equity of the Company or any material
             adverse change in or affecting the condition (financial or
             otherwise), business, key personnel, properties, assets, results of
             operations (present or prospective), or net worth of the Company
             and (E) no legal or governmental proceeding affecting the Company
             or the transactions contemplated hereby has been instituted or, 
             to the Company's knowledge, threatened;

             (v)    Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information
             is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the
             conduct of the business and operations of the Company has not,
             except as otherwise stated therein, been materially interfered with
             by strike, fire, flood, hurricane, accident, or other calamity
             (whether or not insured) or by any court, arbitrator or
             governmental action, order or decree and, except as otherwise
             expressly stated therein, the properties of the Company have not
             sustained any material loss or damage (whether or not insured) as a
             result of any such occurrence; and

             (vi)   Attachment A to the certificate is a complete and 
             accurate description of all transactions between the Company and 
             its Subsidiaries and their affiliates, and Attachment B to the
             certificate is a complete and accurate description of all 
             outstanding indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of
             the date of this Agreement.


             (vii) No Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture, has 
             occurred nor with the giving of notice or passage of time or both
             will occur.

       (g)   The Company shall have filed a Form 8(a) with the Commission and
       shall be registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
       amended.

       (h)   The Debentures shall have been qualified for sale under the Blue
       Sky laws of such states and in such amounts as shall have been specified
       by the Underwriter.

       (i)   Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, there
       shall not have occurred:

             (i)    Any change or development involving a prospective change in
             or affecting particularly the business or properties of the Company
             which in the judgment of the Managing Underwriters materially
             impairs the investment quality of the Debentures;

                                       20

<PAGE>


             (ii)  Any banking moratorium;

             (iii)   Any outbreak or escalation of major hostilities in which 
             the United States is involved, any declaration of war by Congress
             or any other substantial national or international calamity or
             emergency if, in the judgment of the Underwriter, the effect of any
             such outbreak, escalation, declaration, calamity or emergency makes
             it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with completion of the
             sale of and payment for the Debentures;

             (iv)  Any material adverse change in existing financial, political
             or economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere which
             change, in your opinion, has materially and adversely affected the
             market for the Debentures or other securities of the Company or the
             prospects for the Company, its business or its properties; or

             (v)   Any substantial loss to the Company by strike, fire, flood,
             accident or other calamity of such a character as to interfere
             materially with the conduct of the business and operations of the
             Company regardless of whether such loss shall have been insured.

                    All such opinions, certificates, letters and documents shall
             be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are
             satisfactory in form and substance to you and to your counsel.  If
             any of the conditions specified in this section shall not have been
             fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, this Agreement
             and all obligations of the Underwriter hereunder may be canceled
             at, or at any time prior to, the applicable Closing Date by you.
             Any such cancellation shall be without liability of the
             Underwriter to the Company and shall be in writing or by telegraph
             or telephone and confirmed in writing.  The Managing Underwriters
             may waive in writing the nonperformance by the Company of any one
             or more of the foregoing conditions or extend the time for
             performance of such conditions.  Each such waiver shall be
             applicable only to the item to which it relates and the closing to
             which it relates and no waiver or series of waivers shall be deemed
             to have waived any condition at any time other than the condition
             at the time explicitly waived.

       (j)   You shall have received a lender's certificate, in form 
       satisfactory to Underwriter's counsel, from each lender of a Line.

       7.    INDEMNIFICATION.

       The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriter, each
officer and director of the Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls
such Underwriter within the meaning of the Act, against any loss, claim, damage
or liability, joint or several, to which the Underwriter, such officer or
director of the Underwriter, or such controlling person may become subject under
the Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim, damage or liability (or
action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in the Registration
Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement

                                       21

<PAGE>

thereto, or arises out of or is based upon the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse each Underwriter, each
officer and director of each Underwriter, and each such controlling person for
any legal or other expenses incurred by such Underwriter, such officer or
director of such Underwriter, or such controlling person in connection with
investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
The Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for any legal or other reasonable
expenses incurred by the Underwriters in connection with investigating or
defending against or appearing as a third party witness in connection with any
such loss, claim, damage, liability or action notwithstanding the possibility
that the payments for such expenses might later be held to be improper in which
case the person receiving them shall promptly refund them.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing covenant of indemnity, the Company shall not be liable in any such
case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of
or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus,
the Prospectus or such amendment or such supplement in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the Company by you specifically
for use therein, or in any application or other statement executed by you filed
in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Debentures under, or exempt the
Debentures or the sale thereof from qualification under, the securities or blue
sky laws of such jurisdiction (collectively, the Underwriter Information).  
This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Company
may otherwise have.

       (a)   The Underwriters will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each
       of its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration
       Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the
       meaning of the Act, against any loss, claim, damage or liability to which
       the Company or any such director, officer, or controlling person may
       become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, claim,
       damage or liability (or action in respect thereof) arises out of or is
       based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any
       material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary
       Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or
       arises out of or is based upon the omission or the alleged omission to
       state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
       to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the
       extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged
       untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance
       upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information, and will 
       reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the 
       Company or any such director, officer, or controlling person in 
       connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
       liability or action. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any
       liability which the Underwriters may otherwise have.


       (b)   Promptly after receipt by any party under this Section 7 of notice
       of the commencement of any action, such party will, if a claim for
       indemnity in respect thereof is to be made against another party (the
       "Indemnifying Party") under this Section 7, notify the Indemnifying Party
       in writing of the commencement thereof and shall make available all
       pleadings and all other documents served related thereto, upon request.
       The omission so to notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve it
       from any liability under this Section 7 as to the particular item for
       which indemnification is then being sought, unless such omission so to 
       notify prejudices the indemnifying party's ability to defend such action.
       In case any such action is brought against any party, and such party
       notifies the Indemnifying Party of the commencement thereof,
       the Indemnifying Party will be entitled to participate therein with the
       notifying party and any other Indemnifying

                                       22

<PAGE>

       Party similarly notified, and, to the extent that it may wish, jointly
       with any other Indemnifying Party similarly notified, to assume the
       defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the notifying party;
       provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the
       indemnified party and the Indemnifying Party and the indemnified party
       shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defense(s)
       available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from
       or additional to those available to the Indemnifying Party, the
       indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate
       counsel to assume the indemnified party's (or parties') defense and to
       otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such
       indemnified party or parties.  Upon receipt of notice from the
       Indemnifying Party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume
       the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of
       counsel, the Indemnifying Party will not be liable to such indemnified
       party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently
       incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof
       unless: (i) the indemnified party shall have employed such counsel in
       accordance with the provisions of the next preceding sentence (it being
       understood, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for
       the expenses of more than one separate counsel representing all the
       indemnified parties under this Section 7 who are parties to such action);
       (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory
       to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a
       reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action; or (iii) the
       Indemnifying Party has authorized the employment of counsel for the
       indemnified party at the expense of the Indemnifying Party.

       (c)   An Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for settlement of any
       such action effected without its written consent but if settled with the
       written consent of the Indemnifying Party, or if there be a final
       judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the Indemnifying Party
       agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each indemnified party from and
       against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.

       (d)   The indemnity agreements contained in this Section 7 and the
       representations, warranties, agreements, covenants, indemnities and the
       statements of the Company and its officers set forth in or made pursuant
       to this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect,
       regardless of: (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of the
       Underwriters or any director or officer or person controlling the
       Underwriters or by or on behalf of the Company or any director or officer
       or person who controls the Company; (ii) acceptance of any Debentures and
       payment therefor hereunder; and (iii) any termination of this Agreement.
       A successor of an Underwriter or of the Company or any person controlling
       an Underwriter or the Company, or any officer or director of the Company,
       as the case may be, shall be entitled to the benefits of the indemnity
       and reimbursement agreements contained in this Section 7.

       8.    CONTRIBUTION.

       (a)   If the indemnification provided for in Section 7 is unavailable to
       or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsections
       (a) or (b) thereof, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the
       amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the
       losses, claims, damages, or liabilities referred to in subsections (a) or
       (b) of Section 7 above, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to
       reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and
       the Underwriter on the other hand from the offering of the Debentures, or
       (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by
       applicable law, then in such

                                       23

<PAGE>

       proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
       referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the
       Company on the one hand and the Underwriter on the other hand in
       connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses,
       claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable
       considerations.  The relative fault shall be determined by reference to,
       among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
       material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material
       fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriter
       and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and
       opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission.  The
       Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
       equitable if contributions pursuant to this subsection (a) were to be
       determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation
       which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to
       in the first sentence of this subsection (a).  The amount paid by an
       indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or
       liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (a)
       shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably
       incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or
       defending against any action or claim which is the subject of this
       subsection (a).  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation 
       (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to
       contribution from any person who is not guilty of such fraudulent 
       misrepresentation.

       (b)   The obligations of the Company under this Section 8 shall be in
       addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall
       extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer or director
       of an Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter
       within the meaning of the Act; and each Underwriter's obligations under
       this Section 8 shall be in addition to any liability that the Underwriter
       may otherwise have and shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to
       each director of the Company, to each officer of the Company who has
       signed the Registration Statement and to each person, if any, who
       controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.

       (c)   The obligations of the Company pursuant to this Section 8 shall
       survive any termination of this Agreement.

       9.    REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE.  The respective
indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties, covenants or other
statements of the Company as set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement and
the indemnity and contribution agreements of the Compay and the Underwriter
contined in Sections 7 and 8, respectively, shall survive and remain in full
force and effect regardless of any (i) investigation made by or on behalf of any
party or any of its directors, officers, or controlling persons; (ii) delivery
of and payment for the Debentures; (iii) the Final Closing Date; and (iv) any
successor of the Company and the Underwriter or any controlling person, officer
or director thereof, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the benefits
thereof.

                                       24

<PAGE>

       10.   EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION.

       (a)   This Agreement shall become effective at 10:00 a.m. Minneapolis
       time, on the day which you shall commence selling the Original Debentures
       to the public, or at such earlier time as the Underwriter shall release
       the Debentures for sale to the public.  You shall notify the Company
       immediately after you have taken any action which causes this Agreement
       to become effective.  Until this Agreement is effective, it may be
       withdrawn by the Company or by you by giving notice as hereinafter
       provided, except that the provisions of 5(q) and Sections 6 and 7 shall
       at all times be effective.  For purposes of this Agreement, the
       commencement of the sale of the Debentures shall mean the time of the
       release by the Underwriter for publication of the first newspaper
       advertisement which is subsequently published related to the Debentures,
       or the time of the first mailing of copies of the Prospectus related to
       the Debentures which are subsequently delivered, whichever shall first 
       occur. This Agreement shall, nevertheless become effective at such time
       earlier than the time specified above, after the Effective Date; as the
       Underwriter may determine by notice to the Company.

       (b)   Unless the Minimum has been purchased by the Underwriter, this 
       Agreement shall automatically terminate 60 days from the date hereof. 
       Otherwise, this Agreement shall automatically terminate at the expiration
       of six months from the date hereof unless earlier terminated by the 
       Underwriter by notice to the Company in the event that the Company shall
       have failed or been unable to comply with any of the terms, conditions,
       or provisions of this Agreement on the part of the Company to be 
       performed, complied with or fulfilled (including but not limited to 
       those specified in Sections 2, 4, 5 and 6 hereof) within the respective
       times provided for on each Closing Date, unless compliance therewith or
       performance or satisfaction thereof shall have been expressly waived by 
       the Underwriter in writing (the "Termination Date"), except that Sections
       5, 7, 8 and 9 shall at all times be effective and bind all the Parties.
       In addition, this Agreement may be terminated on or at any time prior to
       the first Closing Date by agreement of the parties or by the Underwriter,
       by written or telegraphic notice to the Company, if there shall have 
       occurred:

             (i)    Any change or development involving a prospective change in
             or affecting particularly the business or properties of the Company
             which in the judgment of the Underwriter materially impairs the
             investment quality of the Debentures;

             (ii)  Any banking moratorium;

             (iii)   Any outbreak or escalation of major hostilities in which 
             the United States is involved, any declaration of war by Congress
             or any other substantial national or international calamity or
             emergency if, in the judgment of the Underwriter, the effect of any
             such outbreak, escalation, declaration, calamity or emergency makes
             it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with completion of the
             sale of and payment for the Debentures;

                                       25

<PAGE>

             (iv)   Any material adverse change in existing financial, political
             or economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere which
             change, in your opinion, has materially and adversely affected the
             market for the Debentures or other securities of the Company or the
             prospects for the Company, its business or its properties; or

             (v)   Any substantial loss to the Company by strike, fire, flood,
             accident or other calamity of such a character as to interfere
             materially with the conduct of the business and operations of the
             Company regardless of whether such loss shall have been insured.

       (c)   Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10 shall be
       without liability of any party to any other party other than as provided
       in Sections 5(a), 7 and 8 hereof.

       11.   NOTICES.  All communications hereunder will be in writing and, if
sent to the Underwriter, will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed
to the Underwriter at Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc., 220 South Sixth
Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: Theodore G. Glasrud,
Corporate Capital Group, with a copy to Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., 1100
International Centre, 900 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention
Daniel Yarano; or, if sent to the Company, will be mailed, delivered or
telegraphed and confirmed to it at United Homes, Inc., 2100 Golf Road, Suite
110, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-4220, Attention David L. Feltman, with a copy 
to Shefsky & Froelich Ltd., 444 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL  60611, 
attention Michael Choate or to such other address of which a party hereto 
shall notify the other party hereto pursuant to this paragraph.

       12.   SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Underwriter, the Company, and their successors and legal
representatives, and nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed
to give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or
in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained, this Agreement
and all conditions and provisions hereof being intended to be and being for the
sole and exclusive benefit of such persons and for the benefit of no other
person, except that the representations and warranties of the Company contained
in this Agreement shall also be for the benefit of any person or persons who
control the Underwriters within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act.  No
purchaser of Units will be deemed a successor because of such purchase.

       13.   INFORMATION FURNISHED BY THE UNDERWRITER.  The statements set forth
in the last paragraph on the cover page, the stabilization ledgered on the
inside front cover and the statements under the caption "Underwriting" in any
Preliminary Prospectus and in the Prospectus constitute the only written
information furnished by, or on behalf of, the Underwriter specifically for use
with reference to the Underwriter referred to in Section 2(c) and Sections 7
and 8 hereof.

       14.   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Minnesota without regard
to its choice of laws provisions.

       15.   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts and all such counterparts taken together shall constitute the
single Agreement of the parties.

       16.   AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended upon written agreement
between the Managing Underwriter and the Company.

                                       26

<PAGE>

       17.   MISCELLANEOUS.  Your rights and obligations hereunder shall not be
assignable without the written consent of the Company.

       18.   TIME.  The Company and the Underwriter agree that time shall be of
the essence with respect to this Agreement and the performance and completion of
the terms, conditions and provisions set forth and contemplated herein.

       19.   HEADINGS.  The headings and captions used in this Agreement are for
convenience only and shall not affect the meaning of the provison thereof.


                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  UNITED HOMES, INC.




                                                  By:
                                                       -------------------------
                                                   Its:
                                                       -------------------------
The foregoing is agreed to and accepted
this _____ day of ___________, 1997.


- ------------------------------------------
Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc.


<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
 
                                [S&F LETTERHEAD]
 
                                                                    023099-00001
 
                                November 12, 1997
 
United Homes, Inc.
2100 Golf Road
Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
 
  Re: UNITED HOMES, INC. OFFERING OF 11% MANDATORY REDEMPTION DEBENTURES
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
    We have acted as special securities counsel to United Homes, Inc., an
Illinois Corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and
filing of the registration statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-33965 (the
"Registration Statement"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") and the
prospectus contained therein with respect to the public offering of up to
$7,000,000 of the Company's 11% Mandatory Redemption Debentures due March 15,
2005, (the "Debentures"). Of the Debentures being offered, 1,106 Debentures are
being registered pursuant to an option to the underwriter Miller & Schroeder 
Financial, Inc. (the "Underwriter"). In connection with the registration of 
the Debentures, you have requested our opinion with respect to the matters set 
forth below.
 
    In connection with delivering this opinion to you, as special securities
counsel to the Company we have examined originals or copies, certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of: (i) the Underwriting Agreement,
substantially in the form of the agreement as filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement on November 6, 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), by
and between the Company and Miller & Schroeder Financial, Inc. (the
"Underwriter"); (ii) certificates of public officials and other officers or
representatives of the Company; (iii) the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
of the Company and each subsidiary; (iv) the Identure substantially in the form
of the agreement as filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on
November 6, 1997 (the "Indenture"); and (v) such other documents, certificates,
records or provisions of law as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of
rendering these opinions. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise expressly
defined herein shall have the same meanings as set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement.
 
    In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed that: (i) 
except with respect to documents executed by officers of the Company that all 
signatures, appearing in all documents, are valid and genuine; (ii) the 
documents shown to us are complete and no modifications to any thereof exist; 
(iii) the documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies of 
original documents conform to the original documents; (iv) the originals of 
certified or photostatic copies are authentic; and (v) the representations 
and warranties as to factual matters made by the Company and its officers and 
other representatives and contained in Section 2 of the Underwriting 
Agreement and in the various officer's certificates delivered either to the 
Underwriter or to us on the Closing Date are true and complete.

<PAGE>

obligations thereunder are its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable
against such party in accordance with their respective terms.
 
    We are admitted to the practice of law only in the State of Illinois and,
accordingly, we do not purport to be experts on the laws of any other
jurisdiction nor do we express an opinion as to the laws of jurisdictions other
than the laws of the State of Illinois and the federal law of the United States
of America, all as currently in effect. In limitation of the foregoing, we
express no opinion as to: (i) federal and state environmental and land use laws
and regulations; and (ii) except as otherwise stated herein, the compliance or
noncompliance with state securities laws, rules and regulations or with the
antifraud provisions of state and federal laws, rules and regulations concerning
the issuance of securities.
 
    This opinion is subject to: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, 
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now 
or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of 
creditors; (ii) the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of 
whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity) and the 
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought; 
and (iii) the unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or court 
decisions of agreements providing for the indemnification of or contribution 
to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or 
contribution is contrary to public policy.
 
    On the basis of, and in reliance upon, the foregoing, and subject to the 
qualifications contained herein, we are of the opinion that the Debentures 
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and when 
executed, authenticated and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against 
payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, will 
constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against 
the Company in accordance with their terms.

     In rendering the foregoing opinion as to matters governed by the 
internal law of the State of Minnesota, we have relied on the opinion dated 
November 12, 1997 of Mackall, Crounse & Moore, PLC a copy of which is filed 
as exhibit 5.2 to the Registration Statement.
 
    We hereby consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm contained under the 
heading "Legal Matters."
 
    This opinion is rendered to you in connection with the Registration 
Statement. This opinion may not be relied upon without our prior express 
written consent, but we hereby consent to its use in connection with the 
Registration Statement.
 
                                          Respectfully submitted,
                                          /s/ SHEFSKY & FROELICH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          SHEFSKY & FROELICH LTD.
 
S&F/gm

<PAGE>
                                                           Exhibit 5.2


                              [LETTERHEAD]



                               November 12, 1997


United Homes, Inc.
2100 Golf Road, Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

    RE:  UNITED HOMES, INC/OFFERING OF 11% MANDATORY REDEMPTION DEBENTURES

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special counsel to United Homes, Inc., an Illinois 
corporation (the "Company"). You have requested our opinion with respect to 
the matter set forth below.

    In connection with delivery this opinion to you, as special counsel to 
the Company, we have examined (i) a form of the Company's 11% Mandatory 
Redemption Debentures due March 15, 2005 (the "Debentures"); (ii) a form of 
Indenture pursuant to which the Debentures will be issued between the Company 
and National City Bank of Minneapolis (the "Indenture"); (iii) the Articles 
of Incorporation of the Company; and (iv) the Bylaws of the Company.

    In rendering the opinion expressed below, we have assumed, with your 
permission, that: (i) that all signatures, appearing in all documents, are 
valid and genuine; (ii) the documents shown to us are complete and no 
modifications to any thereof exist; (iii) the documents submitted to us as 
certified or photostatic copies of original documents conform to the original 
documents; (iv) the originals of certified or photostatic are authentic; and 
(v) representations and warranties as to factual matters made by the Company, 
and its officers and other representatives and contained in Section 2 of the 
underwriting agreement by and between the Company and Miller & Schroeder 
Financial, Inc. (the "Underwriter") and filed as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement on November 6, 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement") and 
the various officer's certificates delivered to the Underwriter or to Shefsky 
& Froelich, Ltd., counsel to the Company, in connection with the offering of 
11% Mandatory Redemption Debentures (the "Offering") on the closing date of 
the Offering are true and complete.


<PAGE>
                                [LOGO]

November 12, 1997
Page 2


    We are admitted to the practice of law only in the State of Minnesota 
and, accordingly, we do not purport to be experts on the laws of any other 
jurisdiction nor do we express any opinion as to the laws of jurisdictions 
other than the laws of the State of Minnesota and the federal law of the 
United States of America, all as currently in effect. In limitation of the 
foregoing, we express no opinion as to: (i) the federal environmental and 
land use regulations; (ii) the compliance or noncompliance with state 
securities laws, rules and regulations or with the anti-fraud provisions of 
the state and local federal laws, rules and regulations concerning issuance of 
securities; or (iii) the enforceability of any provisions of the Debenture or 
the Indenture relating to governing law, choice of law, or the jurisdiction 
or venue of any legal actions or remedies.

    Based upon the foregoing and the following qualifications, we are of the 
opinion that the Debentures are in a form that, when executed and 
authenticated in accordance with the Indenture, and delivered against payment 
pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, will be valid and binding obligations 
of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms.

    This opinion is subject to: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, 
fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now 
or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of 
creditors; (ii) the effect of general principals of equity (regardless of 
whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity) and the 
discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought; 
and (iii) the unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or in 
court decisions of agreements providing for the indemnification of or 
contribution to a party with respect to a liability where such 
indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy.

    In rendering the foregoing opinion as to matters governed by the internal 
laws of the State of Illinois, we have relied upon the opinion dated November 
12, 1997 of Shefsky & Froelich Ltd. a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 5.1 
to the Registration Statement.

    We hereby consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement and to the reference of our firm contained under the 
heading "Legal Matters."

    This opinion is rendered to you in connection with the Registration 
Statement. This opinion may not be relied upon without our prior express 
written consent, but we hereby consent to its use in connection with the 
Registration Statement.

                                         Very Truly Yours,


                                         MACKALL, CROUNSE & MOORE, PLC

                                         /s/ MACKALL, CROUNSE & MOORE, PLC




<PAGE>

                         DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AGREEMENT

THIS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 
22nd day of September 1997 by and between Mirage, L.L.C., an Illinois limited 
liability company ("Owner"), and UNITED HOMES, INC., an Illinois corporation 
("Developer").

                                      WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, Owner is the owner of the real property located in Joliet, Illinois, 
legally described on EXHIBIT A attached hereto (the "Property"), on which 
Owner intends to develop into lots suitable for residential development (the 
"Project"). 

WHEREAS, Owner desires to engage the services of Developer as an independent 
contractor to plan, develop, market, construct and sell the Project, and 
Developer desires to accept such engagement, all in accordance with and 
subject to the terms, conditions and provisions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises, and for other 
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are 
hereby acknowledged, Owner and Developer hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.    ENGAGEMENT OF DEVELOPER

Owner hereby engages Developer to act as the developer of the Project to 
perform the services described below, and Developer hereby accepts such 
engagement.

SECTION 2.    SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY DEVELOPER

Developer will plan, develop, market, construct and sell the lots comprising 
the Project and perform all necessary services and duties in connection 
therewith, or cause such services or duties to be rendered and performed by 
others.  The Developer shall cause the Project to be developed, marketed, 
constructed and sold (i) substantially in accordance with the plans and 
specifications for the Project approved by Owner (the "Plans and 
Specifications") and (ii) in substantial compliance with the terms of the 
development budget ("Full Cost Development Budget") attached hereto as 
EXHIBIT B except that the expenditures may not vary from the Full Cost 
Development Budget by more than five percent (5%) for any one line item of 
the Full Cost Development Budget and the aggregate of all variations from the 
Cost Development Budget shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the total amount 
of the Full Cost Development Budget ("Permitted Variances"); PROVIDED, 
however that all Permitted Variances are approved by Owner prior the 
expenditures.  It is expressly agreed that Developer shall have no right or 
authority to take any action which is not in substantial compliance with the 
Plans and Specifications set forth in (i) above or to make any 

                                          1
<PAGE>

expenditure or take any action which will result in the expenditure of 
amounts in excess of those set forth in the Full Cost Development Budget, 
subject to the Permitted Variances, described in (ii) above.

2.1 PROJECT PRO FORMA. Attached hereto as EXHIBIT and made a part hereof is 
Developer's ProForma of the Project (the "Project Pro Forma") which has been 
approved by Owner and which sets forth among other things Developer's 
detailed projections of: all projected costs and expenses of the Project 
including but not limited to the  acquisition, development, sales and 
marketing, and construction and other cash expenditures. The attached is an 
estimate only and Developer makes no representation as to the accuracy of the 
same.

2.2 APPROVALS.  Developer shall take all actions as may be necessary to 
obtain the proper zoning for the Project from the City of Joliet and 
approvals from all other units of local government having jurisdiction over 
the Project in order to enable Developer to obtain building permits on behalf 
of Owner, subject only to the payment of applicable building permit fees.

2.3 GENERAL CONTRACTOR.  Developer shall act as general contractor or, 
subject to the consent of Owner, may negotiate and enter into a contract with 
an affiliate or independent third party to act as general contractor (the 
"General Contractor") for construction, materials, labor, and other services 
to be performed in connection with the Project.  The General Contractor 
(whether the Developer or any other party) shall enter into a general 
contractor agreement with the Owner, which agreement shall be substantially 
in accordance with the Al A substantially in accordance with the AIA General 
Contractor Agreement Form A-101 and General Conditions Form A-201-CM, copies 
of which are attached hereto as EXHIBIT D (the "General Contractors 
Agreement").  To the extent Developer is acting as Owner's general contractor 
and to the extent there is a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and 
the terms of the General Contractors Agreement, then the terms of this 
Agreement shall prevail.

2.4 OTHER CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS.  Developer shall select and, on behalf 
of and in the name of Owner, negotiate and enter into contracts with all 
other consultants, architects, contractors, attorneys and/or suppliers 
necessary for any other improvements, supplies, labor and other services to 
be performed in connection with the Project.  All contracts entered into 
pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be in accordance with the Full Cost 
Development Budget; PROVIDED, however, that any contract for an amount in 
excess of $25,000 must be submitted to Owner for the approval in writing.

2.5 ADMINISTRATION.  Developer shall provide the administration and 
coordination of all work at the Project.  Specifically, during the 
development and construction period, Developer shall perform the following:

                                          2

<PAGE>

    (i)    cause construction and progress meetings to be held regularly (not 
less than once a month) to discuss such matters with Owner such as 
procedures, progress, problems and scheduling, financing;

    (ii)   supervise subcontractor activity Project including engaging, at 
the Project's expense, a Project construction supervisor who shall be at the 
Project daily; daily at the Project's supervisor who

    (iii)  maintain cost accounting records on authorized work performed 
under unit costs, additional work performed on the basis of actual costs of 
labor and materials, or other work requiring accounting records;

    (iv)   select and retain the professional services of surveyors, special 
consultants and testing laboratories if required, and coordinate their 
services and monitor and evaluate their reports;

    (v)    collaborate in the processing and approval of submissions required 
by any unit of local governmental agency;

    (vi)   submit draw requests and supporting documentation to the lender 
for the Project on a monthly basis for Owner's approval for the payment of 
work performed at the Project;

    (vii)  perform such additional supervisory functions as Owner reasonably 
deems necessary to accomplish the orderly and proper construction of the 
Project; and

    (viii) diligently attempt to obtain timely reductions in any letter of 
credit which must be provided by Owner as part of the Project financing to 
guaranty completion of improvement s to the Project.

2.6 FINANCING.  Developer shall assist Owner in obtaining the necessary 
financing for the Project in accordance with the Project Pro Forma with a 
lender or lenders and on terms reasonably acceptable to Owner, including 
without limitation, (a) assisting Owner in the negotiation of appropriate 
instruments and documents evidencing and securing such and (b) providing such 
guarantees as may be necessary to obtain such financing so that the financing 
is non-recourse to Owner.  Owner agrees to execute and deliver any and all 
other documents reasonably requested by Developer or required by the lenders 
with Developer in obtaining financing for the Project.  Developer will not 
accept any proposal for financing without first obtaining Owner's consent.  
All financing will be in the name of Owner.  Developer will use its 
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Project to comply with the 
terms, covenants and provisions contained in any loan document or other 
agreement encumbering or affecting the Project or any security agreement now 

                                          3

<PAGE>

or hereafter encumbering or affecting the personal property located at the 
Project.  Developer shall provide Owner promptly with copies of all notices 
which may be received by Developer from any lender which provided financing 
for the Project.

2.7 PERMITS.  Developer shall undertake all actions as may be necessary to 
comply with licenses, permits, laws, ordinances, order, rules, regulations 
and requirements of federal, state and municipal governments, courts, 
departments, commissions, boards and officers, or other bodies exercising 
similar functions, which may be applicable to the Project.  Owner agrees to 
execute and deliver any and all applications and other documents reasonably 
requested by Developer and otherwise to cooperate to the fullest extent with 
Developer in applying for, obtaining and maintaining such certificates, 
licenses and permits as are reasonably required.  Developer shall promptly 
deliver copies of all notices Developer receives to Owner from any local, 
state or federal agency alleging non-compliance with any certificate, license 
or permit which was issued for the Project.

2.8 EMPLOY AND SUPERVISE EMPLOYEES.  Developer shall employ, train, supervise 
and discharge such employees as are necessary for the development and 
management of the Project and the sale of the Residences in accordance with 
the Development Plan.  All employees will be employees of Developer.  The 
Project shall have an on-site construction superintendent whose salary and 
related costs shall be paid for directly with funds from the Project.

2.9 INSURANCE.  Obtain insurance in form and content and from companies 
reasonably acceptable to Owner for all risks regarding the Project as more 
fully set forth in EXHIBIT E attached hereto and made a part hereof.  
Investigate and make a full written report of all accidents or claims for 
damage relating to the ownership, operation and maintenance of the Project, 
including any damage or destruction to the Project and the estimated cost of 
repair, and cooperate with and make all reports required by any insurance 
company.  Developer will not vary or modify any portion of the insurance 
program previously approved by Owner and will review annually the insurance 
program and make such recommendations to Owner as Developer deems advisable 
or necessary.

2.10     TAXES, LOANS AND OTHER PAYMENTS.  Pay from Project funds, as made 
available when due, all taxes, assessments and other impositions applicable 
to the Project including all loan payments (including required escrows of 
taxes and/or insurance premiums, insuring Owner and Developer from, if any), 
all operating expenses and all authorized expenses relating to the 
development and maintenance of the Project.

2.11     BOOKS AND RECORDS.  Maintain complete and accurate books, records 
and accounts of all costs and expenses incurred and all income and receipts 
received in connection with the Project.  All such books and records of 
Developer which relate to the Project will be available for inspection and 
audit by Owner or any of its authorized representatives at all reasonable 
times during normal business hours.

                                          4
<PAGE>

2.12     OPERATING ACCOUNTS. Establish a commercial checking account (the 
"Operating Account") at such bank as Owner may select in the name of Owner. 
Developer is authorized to withdraw funds from the Operating Account on 
behalf of Owner for the purpose of making payment of operating expenses 
pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof, and disbursements authorized herein 
(including the fees payable to Developer pursuant to Section 5 hereof); 
provided that such expenditures may only be made in accordance with the Full 
Cost Development Budget. The Operating Account shall require the cosignature 
of one representative of Owner for any disbursement which is not reflected in 
the Full Cost Development Budget and is (i) in excess of $25,000 for payment 
of "soft costs," i.e. any fees and related costs to architects, accountants, 
attorneys, surveyors and similar costs; (ii) in excess of $100,000 for 
payment to an Affiliate of the Owner or Developer including the payment of 
the fees to Developer pursuant to Section 5 hereof. 

SECTION 3.    MARKETING PROGRAM.

3.1 MARKETING PROGRAM.  Owner and Developer agree that it is in their mutual 
interest to create a high level of demand for the lots through advertising 
and other means (the Marketing Program").  The Marketing Program should be 
designed by Developer for Owner's prior approval, to attract purchasers to 
the Project and shall present an image commensurate with the quality and 
pricing of lots to be sold in the Project.  Developer shall be responsible to 
make sure that the Marketing Program fully complies with all federal and 
state laws which are in effect during the term of the Project.

3.2 MARKETING PROGRAM CONTENT.  The Marketing Program shall include 
marketing, promotion and advertising services for the Project and Developer 
shall make such expenditures in support thereof as Developer shall deem 
appropriate, consistent with the Full Cost Development Budget attached as 
Exhibit B. All decisions regarding the content of the Marketing Program and 
any expenditures thereon shall be approved by Owner and such approval shall 
not be unreasonably withheld. Any part of the Marketing Program submitted to 
Owner wherein Owner does not respond within ten (10) days thereafter, shall 
be deemed to have been approved by Owner.

3.3 OTHER PROJECTS. Owner acknowledges that the Marketing Programs shall 
highlight the Joliet area and may indicate references to other development 
projects of Developer located outside the Project as necessary or desirably 
in Developer's judgement to benefit the Project. In such event, Developer 
shall prorate such costs between Developer's other projects and the Project 
as may be equitable.

SECTION 4.    COSTS AND EXPENSES

4.1 OPERATING EXPENSES.  Owner will be responsible for the payment of all 
costs of developing, marketing and selling the lots in accordance with the 
Full Cost Development Budget

                                          5
<PAGE>

attached hereto.  Developer is authorized to pay all such costs of the 
Project to the extent that funds are available and such expenditure is in 
accordance with the Full Cost Development Budget.  In the event, however, 
that sufficient funds are not budgeted to pay such costs, there is 
insufficient cash to pay budgeted items due to slow sales or closings or for 
any other reason whatsoever, Developer will promptly notify Owner.

4.2 REIMBURSEMENT.  Developer will be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket 
expenses paid to third parties in. connection with the rendition of the 
services contemplated herein, including travel, entertainment, printing, long 
distance telephone expenses and delivery costs for the Project to the extent 
such costs are provided for in the Full Cost Development Budget.

SECTION 5.    COMPENSATION

5.1 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD REIMBURSEMENT.  In order to reimburse 
Developer for general and administrative overhead expenses related to or 
arising out of development and construction of the Project, Owner will pay to 
Developer a General and Administrative Overhead Reimbursement ("GAO Fee").

5.2 PAYMENT OF GAO FEE.  The GAO Fee shall be in the amount of 3% of the 
Gross Sales Price (as defined below) of a lot.

SECTION 6.    REPORTING AND MONITORING

During the entire term of the Project, Developer shall provide Owner with the 
following reports:

    (i) A monthly sales and marketing report listing lots sold. 

    (ii) A monthly balance sheet, income statement, and operating cash flow   
statement for the L.L.C.

    (iii) A quarterly comparison of the original Full Cost Budget to the
combination of actual costs and the costs to complete the Project.

    (iv) A quarterly list of aged accounts payable.

    (v)  A year-end analysis of all of the reports required under this 
Section. At the request of Owners, all such reports shall be audited by an 
independent accounting firm at Owner's expense.

                                     6

<PAGE>

    (vi) Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of Owner, an income 
statement, balancesheet, and operating cash flow statement for the Owner.

    (vii) Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an income 
statement, balance sheet, and operating cash flow statement for the Developer.

    (vii) A copy of the tax return for the Partnership.

    (ix) Within 10 days from the annual expiry, a copy of the Project's 
insurance policy as detailed in Section 8. 1. 1.

    (x)  A written report detailing the status of bonds or letters of credit 
which may have been pledged for the Project.

SECTION 7.    DEFAULTS

7.1 DEVELOPER EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The following acts or events which have not 
been cured within thirty (30) days of notice thereof by Developer, shall 
constitute "Developer Events of Default":

    (i) Failure of Developer to report any material Full Cost Development Budget
variances as required by Section 2.6;

    (ii) The existence of any variance greater than the Permitted Variances
from the Full Cost Development Budget which have not been approved by Owner;

    (iii) The expenditure of funds by Developer other than in accordance
with the Full Cost Development Budget;

    (iv) Failure of Developer to submit any of the monthly, quarterly or 
annual reports as required by Section 6;

    (v)  Failure of Developer to obtain and maintain insurance in the amounts 
and for the coverage required by Section 8.1 or to provide Owner with copies 
of all policies of insurance;

    (vi) Failure by Developer to send Owner promptly with any notice alleging a
default or to notify Owner timely of an event of default under any agreement
affecting the Project including financing for the Project;

                                    7

<PAGE>

    (vii) The default by Developer or any of its affiliates, in the
performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Partnership
Agreement or the General Contractors Agreement, and such default continues
uncured for thirty (30) days, provided however, with respect to any non-monetary
default by the Developer under this Agreement, if the Developer begins to cure
such non-monetary default within such thirty (30) day period and, in good faith,
diligently prosecutes such cure to such non-monetary default to completion, such
non-monetary default shall not be considered a Developer Event of Default
hereunder; and

    (viii) If Developer files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or is 
adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent or files any petition or answer seeking 
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, 
dissolution or other relief under any present or any future Federal, state or 
other statute or law, or seeks or consents to the appointment of any trustee, 
receiver or similar officer of Developer or the Project.

7.2 OWNER EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The following acts or events which have not been
cured within thirty (30) days of notice thereof by Developer, shall constitute
"Owner Events of Default":

    (i)  Non-payment of any of Owner's obligations pursuant to this Agreement;
    or

    (ii) Failure to execute any documents when so required under the terms
of this Agreement.


SECTION 8.     TERM AND TERMINATION

8.1 TERM.  This Agreement will commence as of the date first above-written and
will continue thereafter until the completion the Project.  Upon the expiration
or earlier termination of this Agreement, Developer will deliver to Owner at
Owner's expense copies of all books, records and materials related to the
Project (provided, however, that Developer will be entitled to retain such
copies thereof as Developer deems appropriate) and Owner and Developer will
account to each other with respect to all matters outstanding and all sums owing
as of the effective date of termination.


SECTION 9.     INDEMNIFICATION

9.1 INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.

9.1.1    INSURANCE.  Developer will maintain at Owner's expense, public 
liability and builders all risks insurance for the Project with a broad form 
comprehensive general liability endorsement, 

                                      8

<PAGE>

which liability policy will also name Developer as an insured.  The public 
liability insurance may be procured under an umbrella policy, but the limits 
of liability thereunder will not be less than $2,000,000.  Developer will 
also maintain at Owner's expense casualty insurance on the Project.

9.1.2    OWNER'S INDEMNITY.  Owner, but not its constituent partners, agrees 
to indemnify and hold harmless Developer to the fullest extent permitted by 
law from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, actions, losses, 
and rights of action (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' 
fees, whether suit is instituted or not, and if instituted, whether incurred 
at any trial or appellate level or post judgment) threatened or assessed 
against, levied upon, or collected from Developer, arising out of, from or in 
any way related to, the development, construction, management or operation of 
the Project, except any such liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses 
to the extent relating to or arising out of Developer's negligence, gross 
negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

9.1.3    DEVELOPER'S INDEMNITY. Developer agrees to indemnify and hold 
harmless Owner from all liabilities, losses, interest, damages, costs or 
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, whether 
suit is instituted or not and if instituted, whether incurred at any. trial 
or appellate level), threatened or assessed against, levied upon collected 
from or incurred by Owner arising from the default by Developer of any of its 
obligations hereunder, negligence, gross negligence or willful or wanton 
misconduct of Developer or any of the agents or employees of Developer.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Developer will not be required to indemnify 
Owner with respect to any liability, loss, damage, cost or expense to the 
extent that the same are adequately covered by proceeds of insurance 
maintained on the Project and Owner receives payment of such proceeds.

9.1.4    NOTICES REQUIRED.  A party's duty to indemnify pursuant to the 
provisions of this Section 8 is conditioned upon the indemnified party giving 
the indemnifying party notice of such suit or proceeding and upon the 
indemnifying party being permitted to assume, in cooperation with the 
indemnified party, the defense of any such action, suit or proceeding.  Each 
party will bear its own expenses in connection with the defense of such 
action, suit or proceeding.

SECTION 10.      MISCELLANEOUS

10.1   OTHER PROJECTS.  Developer may acquire, develop, construct, operate 
and manage other real estate (or any one or more of the foregoing) on its own 
behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity during the term hereof. 
Notwithstanding the existence of this Agreement, Developer may engage in any 
activity it chooses, without having or incurring any obligation to offer any 
interest in such activities to Owner.  Neither this Agreement nor any 
activity undertaken pursuant hereto will prevent Developer from engaging in 
such activities or require Developer to permit Owner to participate in such 
activities, and, as a material part of the consideration for Developer's 
execution hereof, Owner hereby waives, relinquishes and reserves any such 
right or 

                                      9
<PAGE>

claim of participation.  Developer will not be required to spend all of its 
time in the performance of its duties hereunder, but rather will spend such 
time as it deems reasonably necessary to satisfy its obligations hereunder 
and to successfully complete the Project.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
Developer shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any project or 
endeavor which would materially and adversely affect the success or viability 
of the Project or render it unable to completely fulfill its obligations 
under this Agreement.

10.2     AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.  In the performance of its duties hereunder,
Developer may retain, employ or contract with or on behalf of Owner, any
affiliate, subsidiary or other related person or entity for the furnishing of
materials or services in connection with the Project; PROVIDED. HOWEVER, that
the terms of any such agreement shall be (i) approved in advance by Owner and
(ii) at least as favorable to Owner as would be obtained by Developer in a
comparable arm's length transaction with a person or entity other than
Developer's affiliate, subsidiary or other related person or entity.

10.3     INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.  Developer's performance of its duties 
hereunder will be as an independent contractor on behalf of the account of 
Owner.  Under no circumstances will Developer be deemed to be a partner or a 
joint venturer with Owner under the terms hereof, nor will Developer have any 
obligation or liability, in tort or contract, with respect to the Project, 
either by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise which may be directly 
attributed to the act of Developer.

10.4     ASSESSMENT.  Neither Owner nor Developer may assign this Agreement 
without the prior written consent of the other.

10.5     NOTICE.  All notices, requests, consents or other communications 
required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing (including 
facsimile transmission) and will be addressed to:

IF TO DEVELOPER:

United Homes, Inc.
2100 Golf Road, Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Attn:    William J. Crock, Jr.
Telephone:    (847) 427-2450
Facsimile:    (847) 427-2480



                                           10
<PAGE>


IF TO OWNER:      
    
Mirage, L.L.C.
2 1 00 Golf Road, Suite II 0
Rolling Meadows IL 60008
Attn:    David L. Feltman
Telephone:    (847) 427-2450
Facsimile:    (847) 427-2480


Each such notice will be deemed delivered (i) on the date delivered if by 
personal delivery, (ii) on the date of transmission prior to 5:00 PM if by 
written confirmed facsimile transmission, and (iii) on the date upon which 
the return receipt if signed or delivery is refused or the notice is 
designated by postal authorities as not deliverable, as the case may be, if 
mailed.  By giving to the other party at least 15 days written notice 
thereof, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns will 
have the right from time to time and at any time during the ten-n of this 
Agreement to change their respective addresses and each will have the right 
to specify as its address any other address:

10.6     GOVERNING LAW, SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION, VENUE.  This Agreement 
and the rights of the parties hereunder will be governed by, and interpreted 
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois and any applicable laws 
of the Untied States of America.  Any legal action or proceeding with respect 
to this Agreement shall be brought in Cook County, Illinois, in the courts of 
the State of Illinois or of the United States for the Eastern Division of the 
Northern District of Illinois, and by execution and delivery of this 
Agreement, the parties hereby irrevocably accept for themselves and in 
respect of their property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of 
the aforesaid courts.  The parties hereby irrevocably waive any objection 
which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or 
proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement brought in the 
aforesaid courts and hereby further irrevocably waive and agree not to plead 
or claim that any such action or proceeding has been brought in an 
inconvenient forum.

10.7  SUCCESSORS.  Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, this 
Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and 
their successors and permitted assigns.

10.8  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in several 
counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which will 
constitute one and the same instrument.

10.9  ATTORNEYS' FEES.  If any party commences an action against the other 
party to interpret or enforce any of the terms of this Agreement or as the 
result of a breach by the other party of any terms hereof, the losing (or 
defaulting) party will pay to the prevailing party all reasonable 

                                 11

<PAGE>

attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the 
prosecution or defense of such action, including those incurred in any 
appellate proceedings, and whether or not the action is prosecuted to a final 
judgment.

10.10    FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each party agrees to execute and deliver any and
all additional instruments and documents and do any and all acts and things as
may be necessary or expedient to more fully effectuate this Agreement and carry
on the business contemplated hereunder.

10.11   EQUITABLE REMEDIES. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of 
this Agreement by any party, the remedy at law in favor of the other party 
may be inadequate and such other party, in addition to any and all other 
rights which may be available, will accordingly have the right of specific 
performance in the event of any breach, or injunction in the event of any 
threatened breach of this Agreement by any party.

10.12    FORCE MALEURE.  Inability of either party to commence or complete 
its obligations hereunder by the dates herein required resulting from delays 
caused by strikes, picketing, acts of God, war, emergencies, shortages or 
unavailability of materials or other causes beyond either party's reasonable 
control which have been timely communicated to the other party, will extend 
the period for the performance of the obligations for the period equal to the 
period(s) of any such delay(s).

10.13    RELIANCE ON EXPERTS.  Whenever the Developer of Owner reasonably 
require or retain the use of an expert in order to discharge a duty 
hereunder, the Developer's or Owner's sole responsibility in connection with 
said duties shall be the reasonable reliance upon the advice of the experts 
and no party shall be liable on account of any duty or obligation imposed 
hereunder in the event of a reliance upon professional advice.

10.14    BAD FAITH.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, but without 
limiting the provisions of Section 6 hereof, each party hereto shall be 
liable only for bad faith breach of an express provision of this Agreement or 
for gross negligence, but in no event shall be liable for good faith mistakes 
or judgment.




                                         12

<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the 
day and year first above written.

OWNER:
Mirage, L.L.C.


By:____________________________________


DEVELOPER:
United Homes, Inc.


By:____________________________________





















                                            13

<PAGE>
                                           
                         DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AGREEMENT
                                                 
THIS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 
30th day of September 1997 by and between United Round Lake Land Development, 
L.L.C., an Illinois limited liability company ("Owner"), and UNITED HOMES, 
INC., an Illinois corporation ("Developer").

                                      WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, Owner is the owner of the real property located in Lake County, 
Illinois, legally described on EXHIBIT A attached hereto (the "Property"), on 
which Owner intends to develop into lots suitable for residential development 
(the "Project"). 

WHEREAS, Owner desires to engage the services of Developer as an independent 
contractor to plan, develop, market, construct and sell the Project, and 
Developer desires to accept such engagement, all in accordance with and 
subject to the terms, conditions and provisions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the above premises, and for other 
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are 
hereby acknowledged, Owner and Developer hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1.    ENGAGEMENT OF DEVELOPER 

Owner hereby engages Developer to act as the developer of the Project to 
perform the services described below, and Developer hereby accepts such 
engagement.

SECTION 2.    SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY DEVELOPER 

Developer will plan, develop, market, construct and sell the lots comprising 
the Project and perform all necessary services and duties in connection 
therewith, or cause such services or duties to be rendered and performed by 
others.  The Developer shall cause the Project to be developed, marketed, 
constructed and sold (i) substantially in accordance with the plans and 
specifications for the Project approved by Owner (the "Plans and 
Specifications") and (ii) in substantial compliance with the terms of the 
development budget ("Full Cost Development Budget") attached hereto as 
EXHIBIT B except that the expenditures may not vary from the Full Cost 
Development Budget by more than five percent (5%) for any one line item of 
the Full Cost Development Budget and the aggregate of all variations from the 
Cost Development Budget shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the total amount 
of the Full Cost Development Budget ("Permitted Variances"); PROVIDED, 
however that all Permitted Variances are approved by Owner prior the 
expenditures.  It is expressly agreed that Developer shall have no right or 
authority to take any action which is not in substantial compliance with the 
Plans and Specifications set forth in (i) above or to make any 

                                       1

<PAGE>

expenditure or take any action which will result in the expenditure of 
amounts in excess of those set forth in the Full Cost Development Budget, 
subject to the Permitted Variances, described in (ii) above.

                                           
2.1  PROJECT PRO FORMA. Attached hereto as EXHIBIT and made a part hereof is 
Developer's ProForma of the Project (the "Project Pro Forma") which has been 
approved by Owner and which sets forth among other things Developer's 
detailed projections of: all projected costs and expenses of the Project 
including but not limited to the acquisition, development, sales and 
marketing, and construction and other cash expenditures. The attached is an 
estimate only and Developer makes no representation as to the accuracy of the 
same.
                                                                              
        
2.2  APPROVALS.  Developer shall take all actions as may be necessary to 
obtain the proper zoning for the Project from Lake County and approvals from 
all other units of local government having jurisdiction over the Project in 
order to enable Developer to obtain building permits on behalf of Owner, 
subject only to the payment of applicable building permit fees.

2.3  GENERAL CONTRACTOR.  Developer shall act as general contractor or, 
subject to the consent of Owner, may negotiate and enter into a contract with 
an affiliate or independent third party to act as general contractor (the 
"General Contractor") for construction, materials, labor, and other services 
to be performed in connection with the Project.  The General Contractor 
(whether the Developer or any other party) shall enter into a general 
contractor agreement with the Owner, which agreement shall be substantially 
in accordance with the Al A substantially in accordance with the AIA General 
Contractor Agreement Form A-101 and General Conditions Form A-201-CM, copies 
of which are attached hereto as EXHIBIT D (the "General Contractors 
Agreement").  To the extent Developer is acting as Owner's general contractor 
and to the extent there is a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and 
the terms of the General Contractors Agreement, then the terms of this 
Agreement shall prevail.

2.4  OTHER CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS.  Developer shall select and, on 
behalf of and in the name of Owner, negotiate and enter into contracts with 
all other consultants, architects, contractors, attorneys and/or suppliers 
necessary for any other improvements, supplies, labor and other services to 
be performed in connection with the Project.  All contracts entered into 
pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be in accordance with the Full Cost 
Development Budget; PROVIDED, however, that any contract for an amount in 
excess of $25,000 must be submitted to Owner for the approval in writing.

2.5  ADMINISTRATION.  Developer shall provide the administration and 
coordination of all work at the Project.  Specifically, during the 
development and construction period, Developer shall perform the following:

                                             2

<PAGE>

    (i)     cause construction and progress meetings to be held regularly 
(not less than once a month) to discuss such matters with Owner such as 
procedures, progress, problems and scheduling, financing;

    (ii)    supervise subcontractor activity Project including engaging, at 
the Project's expense, a Project construction supervisor who shall be at the 
Project daily; daily at the Project's supervisor who

    (iii)   maintain cost accounting records on authorized work performed 
under unit costs, additional work performed on the basis of actual costs of 
labor and materials, or other work requiring accounting records;

    (iv)    select and retain the professional services of surveyors, special 
consultants and testing laboratories if required, and coordinate their 
services and monitor and evaluate their reports;

    (v)     collaborate in the processing and approval of submissions 
required by any unit of local governmental agency;

    (vi)    submit draw requests and supporting documentation to the lender 
for the Project on a monthly basis for Owner's approval for the payment of 
work performed at the Project;

    (vii)   perform such additional supervisory functions as Owner reasonably 
deems necessary to accomplish the orderly and proper construction of the 
Project; and

    (viii)  diligently attempt to obtain timely reductions in any letter of 
credit which must be provided by Owner as part of the Project financing to 
guaranty completion of improvements to the Project.

2.6 FINANCING.  Developer shall assist Owner in obtaining the necessary 
financing for the Project in accordance with the Project Pro Forma with a 
lender or lenders and on terms reasonably acceptable to Owner, including 
without limitation, (a) assisting Owner in the negotiation of appropriate 
instruments and documents evidencing and securing such and (b) providing such 
guarantees as may be necessary to obtain such financing so that the financing 
is non-recourse to Owner.  Owner agrees to execute and deliver any and all 
other documents reasonably requested by Developer or required by the lenders 
with Developer in obtaining financing for the Project.  Developer will not 
accept any proposal for financing without first obtaining Owner's consent.  
All financing will be in the name of Owner.  Developer will use its 
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Project to comply with the 
terms, covenants and provisions contained in any loan document or other 
agreement encumbering or affecting the Project or any security agreement now

                                             3

<PAGE>

or hereafter encumbering or affecting the personal property located at the 
Project. Developer shall provide Owner promptly with copies of all notices 
which may be received by Developer from any lender which provided financing 
for the Project.

2.7    PERMITS.  Developer shall undertake all actions as may be necessary to 
comply with licenses, permits, laws, ordinances, order, rules, regulations 
and requirements of federal, state and municipal governments, courts, 
departments, commissions, boards and officers, or other bodies exercising 
similar functions, which may be applicable to the Project.  Owner agrees to 
execute and deliver any and all applications and other documents reasonably 
requested by Developer and otherwise to cooperate to the fullest extent with 
Developer in applying for, obtaining and maintaining such certificates, 
licenses and permits as are reasonably required.  Developer shall promptly 
deliver copies of all notices Developer receives to Owner from any local, 
state or federal agency alleging non-compliance with any certificate, license 
or permit which was issued for the Project.

2.8    EMPLOY AND SUPERVISE EMPLOYEES.  Developer shall employ, train, 
supervise and discharge such employees as are necessary for the development 
and management of the Project and the sale of the Residences in accordance 
with the Development Plan.  All employees will be employees of Developer.  
The Project shall have an on-site construction superintendent whose salary 
and related costs shall be paid for directly with funds from the Project.

2.9    INSURANCE.  Obtain insurance in form and content and from companies 
reasonably acceptable to Owner for all risks regarding the Project as more 
fully set forth in EXHIBIT E attached hereto and made a part hereof.  
Investigate and make a full written report of all accidents or claims for 
damage relating to the ownership, operation and maintenance of the Project, 
including any damage or destruction to the Project and the estimated cost of 
repair, and cooperate with and make all reports required by any insurance 
company.  Developer will not vary or modify any portion of the insurance 
program previously approved by Owner and will review annually the insurance 
program and make such recommendations to Owner as Developer deems advisable 
or necessary.

2.10   TAXES, LOANS AND OTHER PAYMENTS.  Pay from Project funds, as made 
available when due, all taxes, assessments and other impositions applicable 
to the Project including all loan payments (including required escrows of 
taxes and/or insurance premiums, insuring Owner and Developer from, if any), 
all operating expenses and all authorized expenses relating to the 
development and maintenance of the Project.

2.11   BOOKS AND RECORDS.  Maintain complete and accurate books, records and 
accounts of all costs and expenses incurred and all income and receipts 
received in connection with the Project.  All such books and records of 
Developer which relate to the Project will be available for inspection and 
audit by Owner or any of its authorized representatives at all reasonable 
times during normal business hours.

                                            4

<PAGE>

2.12   OPERATING ACCOUNTS. Establish a commercial checking account (the 
"Operating Account") at such bank as Owner may select in the name of Owner. 
Developer is authorized to withdraw funds from the Operating Account on 
behalf of Owner for the purpose of making payment of operating expenses 
pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof, and disbursements authorized herein 
(including the fees payable to Developer pursuant to Section 5 hereof); 
provided that such expenditures may only be made in accordance with the Full 
Cost Development Budget. The Operating Account shall require the cosignature 
of one representative of Owner for any disbursement which is not reflected in 
the Full Cost Development Budget and is (i) in excess of $25,000 for payment 
of "soft costs," i.e. any fees and related costs to architects, accountants, 
attorneys, surveyors and similar costs; (ii) in excess of $100,000 for 
payment to an Affiliate of the Owner or Developer including the payment of 
the fees to Developer pursuant to Section 5 hereof. 

SECTION 3.  MARKETING PROGRAM.

3.1    MARKETING PROGRAM.  Owner and Developer agree that it is in their 
mutual interest to create a high level of demand for the lots through 
advertising and other means (the Marketing Program").  The Marketing Program 
should be designed by Developer for Owner's prior approval, to attract 
purchasers to the Project and shall present an image commensurate with the 
quality and pricing of lots to be sold in the Project.  Developer shall be 
responsible to make sure that the Marketing Program fully complies with all 
federal and state laws which are in effect during the term of the Project.

3.2    MARKETING PROGRAM CONTENT.  The Marketing Program shall include 
marketing, promotion and advertising services for the Project and Developer 
shall make such expenditures in support thereof as Developer shall deem 
appropriate, consistent with the Full Cost Development Budget attached as 
Exhibit B. All decisions regarding the content of the Marketing Program and 
any expenditures thereon shall be approved by Owner and such approval shall 
not be unreasonably withheld.  Any part of the Marketing Program submitted to 
Owner wherein Owner does not respond within ten (10) days thereafter, shall 
be deemed to have been approved by Owner.

3.3    OTHER PROJECTS. Owner acknowledges that the Marketing Programs shall 
highlight the Joliet area and may indicate references to other development 
projects of Developer located outside the Project as necessary or desirably 
in Developer's judgement to benefit the Project. In such event, Developer 
shall prorate such costs between Developer's other projects and the Project 
as may be equitable.

SECTION 4.  COSTS AND EXPENSES

4.1    OPERATING EXPENSES.  Owner will be responsible for the payment of all 
costs of developing, marketing and selling the lots in accordance with the 
Full Cost Development Budget 

                                         5

<PAGE>

attached hereto.  Developer is authorized to pay all such costs of the 
Project to the extent that funds are available and such expenditure is in 
accordance with the Full Cost Development Budget.  In the event, however, 
that sufficient funds are not budgeted to pay such costs, there is 
insufficient cash to pay budgeted items due to slow sales or closings or for 
any other reason whatsoever, Developer will promptly notify Owner.

4.2    REIMBURSEMENT.  Developer will be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket 
expenses paid to third parties in connection with the rendition of the 
services contemplated herein, including travel, entertainment, printing, long 
distance telephone expenses and delivery costs for the Project to the extent 
such costs are provided for in the Full Cost Development Budget.

SECTION 5.  COMPENSATION

5.1    GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD REIMBURSEMENT.  In order to 
reimburse Developer for general and administrative overhead expenses related 
to or arising out of development and construction of the Project, Owner will 
pay to Developer a General and Administrative Overhead Reimbursement ("GAO 
Fee").

5.2    PAYMENT OF GAO FEE.  The GAO Fee shall be in the amount of 3% of the 
Gross Sales Price (as defined below) of a lot.

SECTION 6.  REPORTING AND MONITORING

During the entire term of the Project, Developer shall provide Owner with the 
following reports:

       (i)    A monthly sales and marketing report listing lots sold. 

       (ii)   A monthly balance sheet, income statement, and operating cash 
flow statement for the L.L.C.

       (iii)  A quarterly comparison of the original Full Cost Budget to the 
combination of actual costs and the costs to complete the Project.

       (iv)   A quarterly list of aged accounts payable.

       (v)    A year-end analysis of all of the reports required under this 
Section. At the request of Owners, all such reports shall be audited by an 
independent accounting firm at Owner's expense.

                                            6

<PAGE>

       (vi)   Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of Owner, an 
income statement, balance sheet, and operating cash flow statement for the 
Owner.

       (vii)  Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an income 
statement, balance sheet, and operating cash flow statement for the Developer.

       (vii)  A copy of the tax return for the Partnership.

       (ix)   Within 10 days from the annual expiry, a copy of the Project's 
insurance policy as detailed in Section 8. 1. 1.

       (x)    A written report detailing the status of bonds or letters of 
credit which may have been pledged for the Project.

SECTION 7.    DEFAULTS

7.1    DEVELOPER EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The following acts or events which have 
not been cured within thirty (30) days of notice thereof by Developer, shall 
constitute "Developer Events of Default":

       (i)    Failure of Developer to report any material Full Cost 
Development Budget variances as required by Section 2.6;

      (ii)   The existence of any variance greater than the Permitted 
Variances from the Full Cost Development Budget which have not been approved 
by Owner;

     (iii)   The expenditure of funds by Developer other than in accordance 
with the Full Cost Development Budget;

      (iv)   Failure of Developer to submit any of the monthly, quarterly or 
annual reports as required by Section 6;

       (v)   Failure of Developer to obtain and maintain insurance in the 
amounts and for the coverage required by Section 8.1 or to provide Owner with 
copies of all policies of insurance;

      (vi)   Failure by Developer to send Owner promptly with any notice 
alleging a default or to notify Owner timely of an event of default under any 
agreement affecting the Project including financing for the Project;

                                         7

<PAGE>

       (vii)  The default by Developer or any of its affiliates, in the 
performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Partnership 
Agreement or the General Contractors Agreement, and such default continues 
uncured for thirty (30) days, provided however, with respect to any 
non-monetary default by the Developer under this Agreement, if the Developer 
begins to cure such non-monetary default within such thirty (30) day period 
and, in good faith, diligently prosecutes such cure to such non-monetary 
default to completion, such non-monetary default shall not be considered a 
Developer Event of Default hereunder; and

       (viii) If Developer files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or is 
adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent or files any petition or answer seeking 
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, 
dissolution or other relief under any present or any future Federal, state or 
other statute or law, or seeks or consents to the appointment of any trustee, 
receiver or similar officer of Developer or the Project.

7.2    OWNER EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The following acts or events which have not 
been cured within thirty (30) days of notice thereof by Developer, shall 
constitute "Owner Events of Default":

       (i)    Non-payment of any of Owner's obligations pursuant to this 
Agreement; or

       (ii)   Failure to execute any documents when so required under the 
terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 8.         TERM AND TERMINATION

8.1    TERM.  This Agreement will commence as of the date first above-written 
and will continue thereafter until the completion the Project.  Upon the 
expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Developer will deliver 
to Owner at Owner's expense copies of all books, records and materials 
related to the Project (provided, however, that Developer will be entitled to 
retain such copies thereof as Developer deems appropriate) and Owner and 
Developer will account to each other with respect to all matters outstanding 
and all sums owing as of the effective date of termination.

SECTION 9.         INDEMNIFICATION

9.1    INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.

9.1.1  INSURANCE.  Developer will maintain at Owner's expense, public 
liability and builders all risks insurance for the Project with a broad form 
comprehensive general liability endorsement, 

                                        8

<PAGE>

which liability policy will also name Developer as an insured.  The public 
liability insurance may be procured under an umbrella policy, but the limits 
of liability thereunder will not be less than $2,000,000.  Developer will 
also maintain at Owner's expense casualty insurance on the Project.

9.1.2  OWNER'S INDEMNITY.  Owner, but not its constituent partners, agrees to 
indemnify and hold harmless Developer to the fullest extent permitted by law 
from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, actions, losses, and 
rights of action (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, 
whether suit is instituted or not, and if instituted, whether incurred at any 
trial or appellate level or post judgment) threatened or assessed against, 
levied upon, or collected from Developer, arising out of, from or in any way 
related to, the development, construction, management or operation of the 
Project, except any such liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses to 
the extent relating to or arising out of Developer's negligence, gross 
negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

9.1.3  DEVELOPER'S INDEMNITY. Developer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless 
Owner from all liabilities, losses, interest, damages, costs or expenses 
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, whether suit is 
instituted or not and if instituted, whether incurred at any. trial or 
appellate level), threatened or assessed against, levied upon collected from 
or incurred by Owner arising from the default by Developer of any of its 
obligations hereunder, negligence, gross negligence or willful or wanton 
misconduct of Developer or any of the agents or employees of Developer.  
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Developer will not be required to indemnify 
Owner with respect to any liability, loss, damage, cost or expense to the 
extent that the same are adequately covered by proceeds of insurance 
maintained on the Project and Owner receives payment of such proceeds.

9.1.4  NOTICES REQUIRED.  A party's duty to indemnify pursuant to the 
provisions of this Section 8 is conditioned upon the indemnified party giving 
the indemnifying party notice of such suit or proceeding and upon the 
indemnifying party being permitted to assume, in cooperation with the 
indemnified party, the defense of any such action, suit or proceeding.  Each 
party will bear its own expenses in connection with the defense of such 
action, suit or proceeding.

SECTION 10.        MISCELLANEOUS

10.1   OTHER PROJECTS.  Developer may acquire, develop, construct, operate 
and manage other real estate (or any one or more of the foregoing) on its own 
behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity during the term hereof.  
Notwithstanding the existence of this Agreement, Developer may engage in any 
activity it chooses, without having or incurring any obligation to offer any 
interest in such activities to Owner. Neither this Agreement nor any activity 
undertaken pursuant hereto will prevent Developer from engaging in such 
activities or require Developer to permit Owner to participate in such 
activities, and, as a material part of the consideration for Developer's 
execution hereof, Owner hereby waives, relinquishes and reserves any such 
right or 

                                              9

<PAGE>

claim of participation.  Developer will not be required to spend all of its 
time in the performance of its duties hereunder, but rather will spend such 
time as it deems reasonably necessary to satisfy its obligations hereunder 
and to successfully complete the Project.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
Developer shall not participate, directly or indirectly, in any project or 
endeavor which would materially and adversely affect the success or viability 
of the Project or render it unable to completely fulfill its obligations 
under this Agreement.

10.2   AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS.  In the performance of its duties hereunder, 
Developer may retain, employ or contract with or on behalf of Owner, any 
affiliate, subsidiary or other related person or entity for the furnishing of 
materials or services in connection with the Project; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that 
the terms of any such agreement shall be (i) approved in advance by Owner and 
(ii) at least as favorable to Owner as would be obtained by Developer in a 
comparable arm's length transaction with a person or entity other than 
Developer's affiliate, subsidiary or other related person or entity.

10.3   INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR.  Developer's performance of its duties 
hereunder will be as an independent contractor on behalf of the account of 
Owner.  Under no circumstances will Developer be deemed to be a partner or a 
joint venturer with Owner under the terms hereof, nor will Developer have any 
obligation or liability, in tort or contract, with respect to the Project, 
either by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise which may be directly 
attributed to the act of Developer.

10.4   ASSESSMENT.  Neither Owner nor Developer may assign this Agreement 
without the prior written consent of the other.

10.5   NOTICE.  All notices, requests, consents or other communications 
required or permitted under this Agreement will be in writing (including 
facsimile transmission) and will be addressed to:

IF TO DEVELOPER:

United Homes, Inc.
2100 Golf Road, Suite 110
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Attn:  William J. Crock, Jr.
Telephone:    (847) 427-2450
Facsimile:    (847) 427-2480


                                    10

<PAGE>


IF TO OWNER: 
       
United Round Lake Land Development, L.L.C.
2100 Golf Road, Suite II 0
Rolling Meadows IL 60008
Attn:  David L. Feltman
Telephone:    (847) 427-2450
Facsimile:    (847) 427-2480


Each such notice will be deemed delivered (i) on the date delivered if by 
personal delivery, (ii) on the date of transmission prior to 5:00 PM if by 
written confirmed facsimile transmission, and (iii) on the date upon which 
the return receipt if signed or delivery is refused or the notice is 
designated by postal authorities as not deliverable, as the case may be, if 
mailed.  By giving to the other party at least 15 days written notice 
thereof, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns will 
have the right from time to time and at any time during the ten-n of this 
Agreement to change their respective addresses and each will have the right 
to specify as its address any other address:

10.6   GOVERNING LAW, SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION, VENUE.  This Agreement and 
the rights of the parties hereunder will be governed by, and interpreted in 
accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois and any applicable laws of 
the Untied States of America.  Any legal action or proceeding with respect to 
this Agreement shall be brought in Cook County, Illinois, in the courts of 
the State of Illinois or of the United States for the Eastern Division of the 
Northern District of Illinois, and by execution and delivery of this 
Agreement, the parties hereby irrevocably accept for themselves and in 
respect of their property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of 
the aforesaid courts.  The parties hereby irrevocably waive any objection 
which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or 
proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement brought in the 
aforesaid courts and hereby further irrevocably waive and agree not to plead 
or claim that any such action or proceeding has been brought in an 
inconvenient forum.

10.7   SUCCESSORS.  Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, this 
Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and 
their successors and permitted assigns.

10.8   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, 
each of which will be deemed an original but all of which will constitute one 
and the same instrument.

10.9   ATTORNEYS' FEES.  If any party commences an action against the other 
party to interpret or enforce any of the terms of this Agreement or as the 
result of a breach by the other party of any terms hereof, the losing (or 
defaulting) party will pay to the prevailing party all reasonable

                                      11

<PAGE>


attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the 
prosecution or defense of such action, including those incurred in any 
appellate proceedings, and whether or not the action is prosecuted to a final 
judgment.

10.10  FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each party agrees to execute and deliver any and 
all additional instruments and documents and do any and all acts and things 
as may be necessary or expedient to more fully effectuate this Agreement and 
carry on the business contemplated hereunder.

10.11  EQUITABLE REMEDIES. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of 
this Agreement by any party, the remedy at law in favor of the other party 
may be inadequate and such other party, in addition to any and all other 
rights which may be available, will accordingly have the right of specific 
performance in the event of any breach, or injunction in the event of any 
threatened breach of this Agreement by any party.

10.12  FORCE MAJEURE.  Inability of either party to commence or complete its 
obligations hereunder by the dates herein required resulting from delays 
caused by strikes, picketing, acts of God, war, emergencies, shortages or 
unavailability of materials or other causes beyond either party's reasonable 
control which have been timely communicated to the other party, will extend 
the period for the performance of the obligations for the period equal to the 
period(s) of any such delay(s).

10.13  RELIANCE ON EXPERTS.  Whenever the Developer of Owner reasonably 
require or retain the use of an expert in order to discharge a duty 
hereunder, the Developer's or Owner's sole responsibility in connection with 
said duties shall be the reasonable reliance upon the advice of the experts 
and no party shall be liable on account of any duty or obligation imposed 
hereunder in the event of a reliance upon professional advice.

10.14  BAD FAITH.  Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, but without 
limiting the provisions of Section 6 hereof, each party hereto shall be 
liable only for bad faith breach of an express provision of this Agreement or 
for gross negligence, but in no event shall be liable for good faith mistakes 
or judgment.

                                        12

<PAGE>


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the 
day and year first above written.

OWNER:
United Round Lake Land Development, L.L.C.


By:____________________________________


DEVELOPER:
United Homes, Inc.


By:____________________________________



                                            13


<PAGE>
                            REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT


THIS REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT is executed this 1st day of May 1994, by 
Greenbrooke Associates, Ltd. a Michigan corporation, of 29 Monroe N.W., Grand 
Rapids, Michigan 49503 ("Seller"), and United Development Management Company, 
an Illinois corporation, of 2100 Golf Road, Suite 110, Rolling Meadows, 
Illinois 60008 ("Buyer").

                                       RECITALS

    A.   Seller desires to sell and Buyer agrees to purchase, on the terms 
and conditions contained in this Agreement, sixty-four (64) condominium 
partially improved sites.  This real property being commonly known as the 
part of the Bayberry Farms I Plat, located in the City of Wyoming, Kent 
County, Michigan, and more particularly described on attached Exhibit A (the 
"Sites").

    B.   The parties enter into this Agreement with full knowledge of their 
rights and of their own free will and judgment and without any undue 
influence, duress or coercion of any nature whatsoever.

                                      AGREEMENT

    1.   Purchase Price:  In consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00), 
Seller agrees to sell to Buyer sixty-four (4) partially improved condominium 
sites for an aggregate price of $230,000 payable at the time of closing on 
the property.

    2.   The closing is subject to any building or use restrictions, 
easements or encumbrances of record, zoning ordinances and together with all 
rights and appurtenances recorded against the property.

    3.   The closing shall take place on or about April 1, 1995, or at the 
completion of the primary drive improvements, at the office of Greenbrooke 
Associates, Ltd.

    4.   PROPERTY TAXES.  All real estate taxes, special assessments, if any, 
and personal property taxes which are due and payable or a lien or both as of 
the date of the closing with respect to any of the Sites shall be paid by 
Seller WITHOUT PRORATION.

    5.   UTILITIES.  Seller shall be responsible for and shall pay all 
amounts due for utilities through the Closing Date and Buyer shall be 
responsible for and shall pay for all such charges after the Closing Date or 
such charges shall be prorated between Buyer and Seller as of the Closing 
Date.

<PAGE>

    6.   WARRANTY DEED; CITIZENSHIP.  The Sites shall be transferred to Buyer 
by warranty deed.

    7.   POSSESSION.  Seller shall tender possession of the Sites to Buyer at 
Closing.

    8.   CLOSING.  Information:  Seller shall deliver to Buyer within thirty 
days, copy of title, ALTA survey, environmental report and any and all 
ordinances relating to this property.

    9.   ACCESS.  From the date of this Agreement until the close of the 
purchase of any of the Sites by Buyer, Buyer and its employees, agents or 
contractors shall have the right to go upon the Sites for this purpose of 
making soil tests, engineering surveys or any other investigations or 
inspections necessary for the protection of Buyer or Buyer's financiers.

    10.  BROKERS.  Seller and Buyer represent to each other that neither of 
them, nor representatives of either of them, has incurred any liability for 
any broker's, finder's or similar fees in connection with this Agreement and 
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

    11.  TRANSFER TAXES AND RECORDING FEES.  Seller shall pay all closing, 
transfer, conveyance or stamp taxes and recording fees incurred in connection 
with this transaction.

    12.  NO ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES.  It is understood and agreed that the 
transactions covered by this Agreement relate only to a purchase of the 
Sites. Buyer has not and will not obtain any interest in Seller's obligations 
or liabilities and assumes and succeeds to no obligations or liabilities of 
Seller, and Seller will, upon demand, fully indemnify, defend and hold Buyer 
harmless from any and all claims or demands made or losses, costs, expenses, 
damages, settlement or compromise payments paid or incurred as a result of 
any action or claim brought or made against Buyer upon claim, demand or 
assertion disputing or contrary to the terms and provisions of this 
Agreement, or under any theory of liability assumption or successor 
liability, and Seller agrees to reimburse Buyer, upon demand, for any and all 
such losses, costs, expenses, disbursements, damages, settlement or 
compromise payments and reasonable attorneys' fees through appellate and 
enforcement or collection proceedings paid or incurred by Buyer as a result 
of consequence thereof.

    13.  TIME OF THE ESSENCE.  Time is of the essence to finalize this 
Agreement and, therefore, all dates and terms shall be strictly adhered to 
unless waived in writing by either party to this Agreement.

    14.  ENCUMBRANCES.  Seller shall not mortgage or otherwise encumber the 
Sites during the period of the option granted in this Agreement or any 
extension without the prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not 
be unreasonably withheld, except for Byron State Bank.

    15.  MISCELLANEOUS.

                                       2

<PAGE>

         a.   SEVERABILITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any 
provision of this Agreement shall not affect the enforceability or validity 
of remaining provisions and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects 
as if any invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

         b.   WAIVER.  No failure or delay on the part of any party in 
exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate 
as a wavier thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, 
power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further 
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The 
rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not 
exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

         c.   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement is being executed and delivered 
and is intended to be performed in the State of Michigan and shall be 
construed and enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties 
shall be governed by, the laws of the State of Michigan.

         d.   HEADINGS.  The headings to the various paragraphs contained in 
this Agreement have been inserted for convenient reference only and shall to 
no extent affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

         e.   COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more 
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which 
shall constitute one instrument.

         f.   SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to 
the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

         g.   ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party 
without prior written consent of all parties to this Agreement.

         h.   MERGER AND MODIFICATION.  This constitutes the entire agreement 
between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and 
any prior discussions, negotiations and agreements between the parties are 
merged in this Agreement.

         i.   AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended only in writing 
executed by all parties.

         j.   WORDS AND GENDER OR NUMBER.  Unless the context clearly 
indicates the contrary, the singular number, as used in this Agreement, shall 
include the plural, the plural the singular and the use of any gender shall 
be applicable to all genders.

         k.   ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS.  In the event litigation is 
commenced for breach or alleged breach of this Agreement, the prevailing 
party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs 
through all appellate and enforcement or collection proceedings.

                                       3

<PAGE>

    By signing this Purchase Agreement, the parties acknowledge that they 
have read this document, they know its contents and they are voluntarily 
signing it.

WITNESSES TO SELLER:              SELLER:

                                  GREENBROOKE ASSOCIATES, LTD.


                                  By:  Edward Havlik
- ------------------------             -------------------------------
                                  Its  President
- ------------------------             -------------------------------




WITNESSES TO BUYER:               BUYER:

                                  UNITED DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY


  /s/ Illegible                   By:  /s/ William J. Crock, Jr.
- ------------------------             -------------------------------
                                       William J. Crock
                                       Its Secretary

                                       4

<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT A

                                  LEGAL DESCRIPTION


Part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 33, T5N, R12W, City of Wyoming, Kent 
County, Michigan described as:  Commencing at the East 1/4 corner of Section 
33; thence N89-DEG.-34'54"W 1228.53 feet along the East and West 1/4 line of 
said Section to the place of beginning; thence S01-DEG.-12'13"E 535.26 feet; 
thence S35-DEG.-45'35"E 300.00 feet; thence S54-DEG.-14'25"W 168.00 feet; 
thence S35-DEG.-45'35"E 367.71 feet; thence S54-DEG.-14'25"W 145.89 feet; 
thence N43-DEG.-00'14"W 142.38 feet; thence N54-DEG.-03'47"W 61.00 feet; 
thence N35-DEG.-45'35"W 422.05 feet; thence N89-DEG.-34'54"W 207.76 feet; 
thence N60-DEG.-52'32"W 132.53 feet; thence N60-DEG.-04'16"W 60.44 feet; 
thence N60-DEG.-23'57"W 181.05 feet; thence N01-DEG.-12'13"W 603.96 feet 
along the East line of the West 622.00 feet of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 
33; thence S89-DEG.-34'54"E 795.32 feet along the East and West 1/4 line of 
Section 33 to the place of beginning.  Containing 16.5197 acres.



                                       5


<PAGE>
                              Chicago Title Insurance Company . Illinois Form A

[LOGO]                    REAL ESTATE SALE CONTRACT              Exhibit 10.12


1.           United Round Lake Land Development LLC                (Purchaser)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
agrees to purchase at a price of $2,377,000 Plus Existing Debt on the terms 
                                ------------------------------
set forth herein, the following described real estate in Cole Taylor Bank 
                                                        --------------------
County, Illinois:

                          See Exhibit

(IF LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS NOT INCLUDED AT TIME OF EXECUTION, --------------- is
AUTHORIZED TO INSERT THEREAFTER.)
commonly known as                Round Lake                              , and
                  -------------------------------------------------------
with approximate lot dimensions of per survey  x          ,
                                   ----------

2.                              United Homes, Inc.                    (Seller)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------
          (INSERT NAMES OF ALL OWNERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SPOUSES)

agrees to sell the real estate and the property, if any, described above at 
the price and terms set forth herein, and to convey or cause to be conveyed 
to Purchaser or nominee title thereto (in joint tenancy) by a recordable 
warranty deed, with release of homestead rights: (a) covenants, conditions and 
restrictions of record; (b) private, public and utility easements and roads 
and highways, if any; (c) special taxes or assessments for improvements not 
yet completed; (f) any unconfirmed special tax or assessment; (g) installments 
not due at the date hereof of any special tax or assesment for improvements 
heretofore completed; (h) mortgage or trust deed specified below, if any; (i) 
general taxes for the year 1996 and subsequent years including taxes which 
may accrue by reason of new or additional improvements during the year(s) 
______; and to

3. Purchaser has paid $10.00 (and will pay within _______ days the 
additional sum of $ ___________) as earnest money to be applied on the 
purchase price, and agrees to pay or satisfy the balance of the purchase 
price, plus or minus prorations, at the time of closing as follows:

(STRIKE SUBPARAGRAPH NOT APPLICABLE)

(a) The payment of           $ 2,377,000
                   ----------------------------------------------------------

(b) The acceptance of the title to the real estate by Purchaser subject to a 
    mortgage (trust deed) of record securing a principal indebtedness (which 
    the Purchaser [does] agree to assume) aggregating $4,840,000 bearing 
    interest at the rate of _____ % a year, and the payment of a sum which 
    represents the difference between the amount due on the indebtedness at 
    the time of closing and the balance of the purchase price.

    This contract is subject to the condition that Purchaser be able to 
procure within _________ days a firm commitment for a loan to be secured by a 
mortgage or trust deed on the real estate in the amount of $ ___________, or 
such lesser sum as Purchaser accepts, with interest not to exceed _______% a 
year to be amortized over __________ years, the commission and service 
charges for such loan not to exceed _________%. If, after making every 
reasonable effort, Purchaser is unable to procure such commitment within the 
time specified herein and so notified Seller thereof within that time, this 
contract shall become null and void and all earnest money shall be returned 
to Purchaser; provided that if Seller, at his option, within a like period 
of time following Purchaser's notice, procures for Purchaser such a 
commitment or notifies Purchaser that Seller will accept a purchase money 
mortgage upon the same terms, this contract shall remain in full force and 
effect. (STRIKE PARAGRAPH IF INAPPLICABLE.)

5. The time of closing shall be on September 30, 1997, or 20 days after 
notice that financing has been procured if above paragraph 4 is operative, or 
on the date, if any, to which such time is extended by reasons of paragraph 2 
of the Conditions and Stipulations hereafter becoming operative (whichever 
date is later), unless subsequently mutually agreed otherwise, at the office 
of Title Company or the mortgage lender, if any, provided title is shown to 
be good or is accepted by Purchaser.

6. Seller shall deliver possession to Purchaser on or before _____ days after 
the sale has been closed. Seller agrees to pay Purchaser the sum of 
$____________ for each day Seller remains in possession between the time of 
closing and the time possession is delivered.

7. Seller agrees to pay a broker's commission to            N/A
                                                 ____________________________
in the amount set forth in the broker's listing contract or as follows: 
_____________________________________________________________________________

8. The earnest money shall be held by _______________________________________
for the mutual benefit of the parties.

9. Seller agrees to deliver possession of the real estate in the same 
condition as it is at the date of this contract, ordinary wear and tear 
excepted.

10. A duplicate original of this contract, duly executed by the Seller and 
his spouse, if any, shall be delivered to the Purchaser within _____ days 
from the date below, otherwise, at the Purchaser's option, this contract 
shall become null and void and the earnest money shall be refunded to the 
Purchaser.

This contract is subject to the Conditions and Stipulations set forth on the 
back page hereof, which Conditions and Stipulations are made a part of this 
contract.

Dated   September 30, 1997
       --------------------------

Purchaser United Round Lake Land Development, LLC        (Address)
          ----------------------------------------               -------------

Purchaser      /s/ Illegible                             (Address)
          -- --------------------------------------                -----------

Seller   United Homes, Inc.                               (Address)
                                                                   ------------
                                                         
Seller        /s/ Illegible                               (Address)
         -------------------------------------------             -------------

*Form normally used for sale of residential property of four or fewer units.


<PAGE>

                            CONDITIONS AND STIPULATIONS


1.  Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser or Purchaser's 
agent, not less than 5 days prior to the time of closing, a title commitment 
for an owner's title insurance policy issued by the Chicago Title Insurance 
Company in the amount of the purchase price, covering title to the real 
estate on or after the date hereof, showing title in the intended grantor 
subject only to (a) the general exceptions contained in the policy unless the 
real estate is improved with a single family dwelling or an apartment 
building of four or fewer residential units, (b) the title exceptions set 
forth above, and (c) title exceptions pertaining to liens or encumbrances of 
a definite or ascertainable amount which may be removed by the payment of 
money at the time of closing and which the Seller may so remove at that time 
by using the funds to be paid upon the delivery of the deed (all of which are 
herein referred to as the permitted exceptions). The title commitment shall 
be conclusive evidence of good title as therein shown as to all matters 
insured by the policy, subject only to the exceptions therein stated. Seller 
also shall furnish Purchaser an affidavit of title in customary form 
covering the date of closing and showing title in Seller subject only to the 
permitted exceptions in foregoing items (b) and (c) unpermitted exceptions, 
if any, as to which the title insurer commits to extend insurance in the 
manner specified in paragraph 2 below.

2.  If the title commitment discloses unpermitted exceptions, Seller shall 
have 30 days from the date of delivery thereof to have the exceptions removed 
from the commitment or to have the title insurer commit to insure against 
loss or damage that may be occasioned by such exceptions, and, in such event, 
the time of closing shall be 35 days after delivery of the commitment or the 
time specified in paragraph 5 on the front page hereof, whichever is later. 
If Seller fails to have the exceptions removed, or in the alternative, to 
obtain the commitment for title insurance specified above as to such 
exceptions within the specified time, Purchaser may terminate this contract 
or may elect, upon notice to Seller within 10 days after the expiration of 
the 30-day period, to take title as it then is with the right to deduct from 
the purchase price liens or encumbrances of a definite or ascertainable 
amount. If Purchaser does not so elect, this contract shall become null and 
void without further actions of the parties.

3.  Rents, premiums under assignable insurance policies, water and other 
utility charges, fuels, prepaid service contracts, general taxes, accrued 
interest on mortgage indebtedness, if any, and other similar items shall be 
adjusted ratably as of the time of closing. The amount of the current general 
taxes not then ascertainable shall be adjusted on the basis of (a), (b), or 
(c) below (STRIKE SUBPARAGRAPHS NOT APPLICABLE):

    (a) __________% of the most recent ascertainable taxes;
    (b) The most recent ascertainable taxes and subsequent readjustment 
        thereof pursuant to the terms of reproration letter attached hereto 
        and incorporated herein by reference.
    (c) [Other] ______________________________________________________________
        ______________________________________________________________________
The amount of any general taxes which may accrue by reason of new or 
additional improvements shall be adjusted as follows: ________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
All prorations are final unless otherwise provided herein. Existing leases 
and assignable insurance policies, if any, shall then be assigned to 
Purchaser. Seller shall pay the amount of any stamp tax imposed by State law 
on the transfer of the title, and shall furnish a completed Real Estate 
Transfer Declaration signed by the Seller or the Seller's agent in the form 
required pursuant to the Real Estate Transfer Tax Act of the State of Illinois 
and shall furnish any declaration signed by the Seller or the Seller's agent 
or meet other requirements as established by any local ordinance with regard 
to a transfer or transaction tax; such tax required by local ordinance shall 
be paid by the party upon whom such ordinance places responsibility therefor. 
If such ordinance does not so place responsibility, the tax shall be paid by 
the (Purchaser)(Seller). (STRIKE ONE.)

4.  The provisions of the Uniform Vendor and Purchaser Risk Act of the State 
of Illinois shall be applicable to this contract.

5.  If this contract is terminated without Purchaser's fault, the earnest 
money shall be returned to the Purchaser, but if the termination is caused by 
the Purchaser's fault, then at the option of the Seller and upon notice to 
the Purchaser, the earnest money shall be forfeited to the Seller and applied 
first to the payment of Seller's expenses and then to payment of broker's 
commission; the balance, if any, to be retained by the Seller as liquidated 
damages.

6.  At the election of Seller or Purchaser upon notice to the other party not 
less than 5 days prior to the time of closing, this sale shall be closed 
through an escrow with Chicago Title and Trust Company, in accordance with 
the general provisions of the usual form of Deed and Money Escrow Agreement 
then in use by Chicago Title and Trust Company, with such special provisions 
inserted in the escrow agreement as may be required to conform with this 
contract. Upon the creation of such an escrow, anything herein to the 
contrary notwithstanding, payment of purchase price and delivery of deed 
shall be made through the escrow and this contract and the earnest money 
shall be deposited in the escrow. The cost of the escrow shall be divided 
equally between Seller and Purchaser. (STRIKE PARAGRAPHS IF INAPPLICABLE.)

7.  Time is of the essence of this contract.

8.  All notices herein required shall be in writing and shall be served on 
the parties at the addresses following their signatures. The mailing of a 
notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be 
sufficient service.

9.  Purchaser and Seller hereby agree to make all disclosures and do all 
things necessary to comply with the applicable provisions of the Real Estate 
Settlement Procedures Act of 1974. In the event that either party shall fail 
to make appropriate disclosure when asked, such failure shall be considered a 
breach on the part of said party.

10. Alternative 1:
    Seller represents that he is not a "foreign person" as defined in Section 
    1445 of the Internal Revenue Code and is therefore exempt from the 
    withholding requirements of said Section. Seller will furnish Purchaser 
    at closing the Exemption Certification set forth in said Section.

    Alternative 2:
    Purchaser represents that the transaction is exempt from the withholding 
    requirements of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code because 
    Purchaser intends to use the subject real estate as a qualifying 
    residence under said Section and the sales price does not exceed $300,000.

    Alternative 3:
    With respect to Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code, the parties 
    agree as follows: ________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________________________
    (STRIKE TWO OF THE THREE ALTERNATIVES.)




<PAGE>


                               ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT

     This Assignment of Contract is dated this 27th day of September, 1997 by 
United Homes, Inc. ("United") in favor or Mirage, L.L.C.

     WHEREAS, United has entered into a certain Real Estate Sales Agreement 
(the "Contract") with Caton Farm, Inc. for the purchase of certain vacant 
land in Joliet, Illinois, and

     WHEREAS, United desires to assign all of its right, title and interest in 
the Contract to Mirage, L.L.C. for the sum of $1,032,000 evidenced by a 
promissory note dated of even date herewith.

     NOW THEREFOR, in consideration of the above premises, the receipt and 
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as 
follows:

     1. United hereby assigns, transfers and sets over to Mirage, L.L.C. all 
of its right, title and interest in and to the Contract for the sum of 
$1,032,000 evidenced by a promissory note

     2. Mirage, L.L.C. hereby accepts the above assignment

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Assignment as of the 
date first above written.



                                               UNITED HOMES, INC.


                                               BY  /s/ David L. Feltman
                                                   ---------------------



                                               MIRAGE, L.L.C.


                                               BY /s/ Nancy Havlik
                                                  ----------------------


     

<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT 12.1

            STATEMENT REGARDING RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             NINE MONTHS
                                            ENDED JUNE 30,                         FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS:                                 1997         1996           1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                                          ----         ----           ----         ----         ----         ----         ----
<S>                                    <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Income Before Minority Interests
  and Income Taxes                     $  808,715   $1,405,496     $1,784,555   $1,511,748   $1,168,851   $2,615,278   $2,730,062

Adjustment for Share of Net Income
  from Minority-Owned Land
  Development and Housing Partnership         ---   $ (116,000)    $   21,767   $ (236,404)  $  174,363   $  (35,000)        ----

Amortization of Interest Expense       $1,903,277   $1,066,141     $1,886,662   $  815,947   $  491,612   $  210,479   $  482,611

Interest Expense                       $   21,924   $   25,171     $   58,782   $   79,998   $   54,712   $   90,247   $  238,692
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Earnings                     $2,733,916   $2,380,808     $3,751,766   $2,171,289   $1,889,538   $2,881,004   $3,451,365
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------


FIXED CHARGES:

Interest Expense                       $   21,924   $   25,171     $   58,782   $   79,998   $   54,712   $   90,247   $  238,692

Interest Capitalized                   $5,371,941   $2,215,935     $3,901,554   $1,824,941   $  716,667   $  305,285   $  420,357
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Fixed Charges                $5,393,865   $2,241,106     $3,960,336   $1,904,939   $  771,379   $  395,532   $  659,049
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges         (1)         1.06            (1)         1.14           2.45         7.28         5.24
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------
                                       -----------------------     --------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>


(1)  Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately 
$209,000 for the year ended September 30, 1996 and by approximately 
$2,660,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 1997.



<PAGE>


  MODIFIED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES ADJUSTED TO REDUCE FIXED CHARGES
BY THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST CHARGES FUNDED FROM DRAWS ON COMPANY'S LINES OF CREDIT
                     OR BY CAPITALIZING AND ADDING TO PRINCIPAL 
                         


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                          NINE MONTHS
                                          ENDED JUNE 30,                      FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,                   
                                      ------------------------    --------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS:                                1997          1996          1996         1995          1994        1993          1992   
- ---------                                ----          ----          ----         ----          ----        ----          ---- 
<S>                                   <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>  
Income Before Minority Interests
and Income Taxes                     $   808,715  $ 1,405,496   $ 1,784,555   $ 1,511,748  $  1,168,851   $2,615,278   $2,730,062

Adjustment for Share of Net
Income from Minority-Owned
Land Development and Housing
Partnership                                   --  $  (116,000)  $    21,767   $  (236,404) $    174,363  $  (35,000)          --

Amortization of Interest Expense     $ 1,903,277  $ 1,066,141   $ 1,886,662   $   815,947  $    491,612   $  210,479    $  482,611
 
Interest Expense                     $    21,924  $    25,171   $    58,782   $    79,998  $     54,712   $   90,247    $  238,692
                                     -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------    ----------
     Total Earnings                  $ 2,733,916  $ 2,380,808   $ 3,751,766   $ 2,171,289  $  1,889,538   $2,881,004    $3,451,365
                                     -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------    ----------
                                     -----------   ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ----------    ----------

FIXED CHARGES:

Interest Charges                     $ 5,393,865  $ 2,241,106   $ 3,960,336   $ 1,904,939   $   771,379   $  395,532   $   659,049

LESS:

Interest Funded from
Draws on Various
Lines of Credit                      $(4,774,242) $(2,201,655)  $(3,674,343)  $(1,824,941)  $(  716,667)  $( 305,285)  $  (420,357)
                                     -----------    ----------    ----------   -----------    ----------   ----------    ----------
      Total Adjusted Fixed
      Charges to be Funded
      from Earnings                  $   619,623  $    39,451   $   285,993   $    79,998   $    54,712   $   90,247   $   238,692 
                                     -----------    ----------    ----------   -----------    ----------   ----------    ----------
                                     -----------    ----------    ----------   -----------    ----------   ----------    ----------

Ratio of Earnings to Adjusted
Fixed Charges                               4.41        60.35         13.12         27.14         34.54        31.92         14.46
                                     -----------    ----------     ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------
                                     -----------    ----------     ----------   ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------

</TABLE>




<PAGE>


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected 
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our reports 
dated December 12, 1996, except for Note 6(1), as to which the date is 
March 25, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of 
United Homes, Inc. as of September 30, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the 
three years in the period ended September 30, 1996, and dated October 15, 
1997 with respect to the financial statements of United Development 
Bristolwood Limited Partnership as of September 30, 1995 and for the year 
then ended, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus 
of United Homes, Inc. for the registration of $7,106,000 of Debentures due 
March 15, 2005.




                                        Ernst & Young LLP



Chicago, Illinois
November 14, 1997



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