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Atlanta Real Estate Forum
Traton Homes: Crafting Communities & Building Legacies
2024/01/17
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Principals Chris and Clif Poston with Traton Homes join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s history, new construction opportunities and market conditions. The Poston Brothers sit down with show host Carol Morgan to discuss staying competitive in the homebuilding industry.
In 1971, Traton Homes was founded by Clif and Chris Poston’s father and uncle when the two were developing a community. After the initial hit of the oil embargo, the duo had to build their way out of a surplus of lots. Fifty-three years and 15,000 houses later, the family-owned building company is run by Clif and Chris alongside their father and uncle.
Clif Poston said, “It’s been a good ride for us…It’s a good family business environment.”
With such a rich company history, Clif remarked that balancing the traditions from 53 years of building with the demands of today can be a challenge. Sticking to their roots and taking a more conservative approach has resulted in over 50 years of success for the builder.
Traton Homes began a new chapter a few years ago by opening its first active adult community. Following the tremendous success of the first community and several others, the builder is preparing to celebrate the opening of a few new 55+ communities! The company has also expanded its building region to the Florida Panhandle.
Clif Poston said, “It’s kind of a different market down there. It’s been fun getting some [communities] done organically down there.”
The company works hard to stay on top of today’s hottest amenity and design trends to encourage prospective buyers to purchase in a Traton Homes community. Chris Poston also shared that the company entered the build-to-rent sector as a seller and a fee builder and met great success! Traton Homes will construct 1,300 homes across build-to-rent and for sale with the new company venture this year.
A detached Jewel Box community, Avenbrook recently celebrated its first closings at the end of 2023. Other exciting new additions to the Traton Homes portfolio include Courtyards at Traditions in Cumming, Bluffs at Bells Ferry in Marietta, Townes at South Main and the second phase of East Park Village in Kennesaw, Riverwalk Place in Gwinnett, Winsome Park in Woodstock, Westpark Place and Old Mill Preserve in Powder Springs and Wilkins Walk in Mableton.
In the Florida market, the brothers shared that they found a shortage of homes, and in their Florida division, they hope to fill the gap in the market. The builder is currently working on opportunities in Dade and Walton Counties, with announcements coming soon.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Traton Homes or visit www.TratonHomes.com.
A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Blue River Communities: A New Metro Atlanta Home Builder
2024/01/10
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CEO, President and Partner Greg Duriez with Blue River Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Atlanta’s competitive homebuilding market, industry hurdles and more. Duriez joins hosts Carol Morgan with Denim Marketing and Keisha Hulsey with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty on the All About Real Estate segment.
Duriez reflects on the various job opportunities and connections he has formed over three decades that led him to his current role. At the start of his career, he worked with NVR Ryan Homes in the Northeast as an assistant superintendent, site superintendent and, eventually, warranty expert. Duriez also had the opportunity to enter the sales division as a new home sales agent and eventually a sales manager. These consistent career progressions gave Duriez entry into land development and acquisition.
Duriez said, “I had some great mentors and coaches along the way at Ryan Homes, Pulte Homes, Century Communities and Davidson Homes!”
Blue River Communities is a new homebuilding company connected with Blue River Development. Focused on the Southeast, the home builder constructs homes for the for-sale, build-to-rent and investor markets. The opportunistic company aims to serve the market and its needs.
Duriez said, “I’ve always said throughout my career that we don’t create the market. We just serve the market. Blue River Communities is excited to do that!”
As a new home builder, Duriez expressed that they are excited to grow the team and provide opportunities for talented individuals looking to create a great culture at a fantastic company. Listen to the end of the episode for how to reach out to Duriez for job opportunities.
When strategizing about how to serve the needs of the for-sale and build-to-rent market, Duriez is honored to partner with Brad and Michael Cooper at Blue River Development, continuing a 15-year industry friendship and now a partnership.
Gearing up for an exciting first chapter in 2024, Blue River Communities is currently working on projects in Winder, Braselton, Athens, Watkinsville and McDonough, Georgia to meet the needs of these underserved markets. Look for official community announcements later this year. On the build-to-rent side, the new home builder is currently working with partners to deliver homes later this year in the Huntsville, Alabama, Dallas, Texas and Greer, South Carolina markets.
Duriez also shared that the home builder is exploring prospects for communities in the Florida panhandle.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more, or visit www.BlueRiverCommunities.com and www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com.
A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Build with Confidence with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
2024/01/03
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Risk Management Specialist Keisha Hulsey with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to promote the company’s 2-10 warranty package and more! Hulsey joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A Georgia native, Hulsey recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. A passionate advocate for the homebuilding industry, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. She will also serve on the Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council board this year!
For over 43 years, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been the nation’s leading provider of new home structural warranties, providing 1 in 5 new homes nationwide with its warranty offering. More than a new home insurance provider, the company’s services extend to its resale division, which provides systems and appliance coverage for pre-loved homes, including breakdowns associated with normal wear and tear.
Its primary warranty offering, the famous 2-10 structural warranty, covers one year on workmanship items, two years on distribution systems and 10 years of structural coverage.
Hulsey said, “We have a full suite of products, so we can customize our program to best fit our customers’ needs whether it’s a builder, remodeler or investor.”
One of the main questions Hulsey experiences daily is: Why do home builders need a warranty? The most prominent reason a builder needs a warranty is to help protect its profits on every home constructed. For example, the warranty covers clients against the statute of repose from state to state in case they are held liable for construction defects. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty provides a third-party, well-written warranty contract outlining the available coverages, exclusions, construction performance guidelines, timeframes and more.
Hulsey said, “I’m excited to say we just launched our brand-new warranty document on December 1!”
The updated document is a testament to the company’s commitment to staying in sync with the industry and providing its clients with a user-friendly contract.
Another fantastic benefit of the 2-10 structural warranty is that it transfers the financial liability away from the builder in case of any construction defect. Hulsey also shared that the company can promote quality to prospective homebuyers and enhance a builder’s overall reputation.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, or visit www.2-10.com.
A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
From Real Estate to Real Impact: Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
2023/12/27
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CEO Alan Ferguson with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how his team addresses housing affordability in metro Atlanta and spotlight upcoming initiatives. Ferguson joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Although Ferguson joined the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity team in July 2022, his previous experience includes 30 years working in various aspects of commercial real estate, real estate financing, commercial financing, equity, investments and much more. Throughout his career, his roles also leaned toward community development, neighborhood revitalization, and neighborhood investment.
Ferguson said, “It was destined for me to eventually end up at an organization like Atlanta Habitat for Humanity because throughout my career, I’ve always had this drive to work with people and try to uplift them and their current conditions.”
In his current role, Ferguson works with future homeowners up close and personal, partnering with them to achieve homeownership.
Founded in 1983, the Atlanta affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 40 years! Across the decades, the organization upheld a strong track record of constructing affordable housing for families across Atlanta, totaling 1,800 homes and serving 6,000 individuals through its various programs, highlighting homebuyer education, financial literacy and more.
Ferguson said, “We’ve really jumpstarted a lot of development in neighborhoods and communities that weren’t as popular years ago but now, have become increasingly popular here in the city of Atlanta.”
The organization’s success allowed it to expand to serve other locales, including South Fulton County. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity also has two ReStore facilities that enable the team to connect directly with the community and promote recycling and upcycling initiatives.
Across its legacy, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has a long list of milestones throughout its 40 years that placed the organization on the map. The most notable was the Blitz Build, which marked the construction of 100 homes to celebrate the 1996 Olympics. Other impressive highlights include the organization’s partnership with The Carter Family and Clark Howard!
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, or visit Habitat.org.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Peachtree Residential: Building Dreams Across Metro Atlanta
2023/12/20
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Sales Manager Dan Rogers with Peachtree Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s exciting portfolio of new construction projects and what’s on the horizon for 2024. Rogers joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Settled in Johns Creek, Rogers has a history of 17 years with Peachtree Residential. Known as the “Builder Who Listens,” Peachtree Residential is a locally owned and operated business and has been active in the metro area for 35 years, providing over 5,000 homes to the ever-changing market.
A salve for the constantly rising interest rates, the builder unveiled the Buyer Assurance Program. If a buyer chooses to refinance their Peachtree Residential home in the next five years, the Atlanta-based builder will pay up to $4,000 in closing costs if they refinance with a preferred lender. This, paired with a stellar lineup of inventory homes, creates a can’t-miss opportunity for buyers searching for their dream home.
At Arden on Lanier in Forsyth, buyers can unlock the door to a spacious, beautifully designed home just minutes from the shoreline of Lake Lanier. This brand-new community from Peachtree Residential is located on Pilgrim Mill Road, providing homeowners with a sense of being surrounded by the beautiful countryside without losing access to big city amenities. The community will feature 58 homes highlighting top-rated features such as primary suites on the main level, three-car garages as well as basement and slab plans. The community already has two homes under contract and four ready for quick move-in, with four inventory homes under construction!
Rogers said, “The model home is already opened and ready for viewing!”
Please note that Waterside at River Glen is sold out as of the airing of this episode.
In Forsyth, Montebello features one-level and two-story homes with basement and slab options priced from the $600,000s to the $700,000s. Homes showcase three bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, with select home plans placing the primary suite on the main level. The community also enjoys an exceptional amenities package, including a clubhouse, two lighted tennis courts, a pavilion, two lighted pickleball courts, a flex gathering area, grilling activity lawns, a mail center and sprawling green space.
Rogers said, “Montebello is a beautiful community with great amenities!”
West Village, the newest townhome community from Peachtree Residential, boasts six three-story home opportunities with four end-unit locations. Each home features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and fantastic design appointments throughout.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more, or visit www.PeachtreeResidential.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum...
Endless Adventures at LEGO© Discovery Center Atlanta
2023/12/18
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With the holidays still in full swing, the kids on winter break, and some free time from the office, why not burn some energy at the LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta, located in Phipps Plaza? Here's what's going on over the holidays. The 2023 Holiday Bricktacular is an event filled with joy, creativity, and holiday cheer for the entire family. Taking place now through December 24th, enjoy seasonal LEGO® build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center and much more including the opportunity to:
Build a LEGO snowflake in our Master Model Builder Academy and take it home as their holiday gift to you!
Meet and greet with life-size LEGO Gingerbread Man.
Purchase a holiday cookie in the café that you can decorate yourself.
Participate in the Letters to our Master Model Builder program – where you can write a letter to Master Model Builder Elizabeth Baker and see if she builds your idea!
Spot the elf, who is hiding somewhere in LEGO Discovery Center.
Explore MINILAND, which was just named Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta - Mini City, where exclusive holiday builds are featured throughout
This is LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta’s first holiday event since the attraction’s grand reopening in March 2023. Following a $5 million investment, the next-gen attraction and Certified Autism Center (CAC) boasts 35,000 square feet of indoor fun, rain or shine, and allows guests to experience family learning through play activities within ten zones, including building adventures, an interactive ride, 4-D theatre and more!
This episode of Around Atlanta was originally recorded on 12/29/2016. On this week’s Around Atlanta edition of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show, co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick are joined by Betsy Whitehead to discuss the adventures to be discovered year-round at Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta.
Betsy Whitehead is the new Sales and Marketing Coordinator with Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. She was born in Florida, but considers herself a Georgia native. With a degree in integrated studies combining business management and communications, her skill set includes the understanding of business fundamentals, as well as incorporating originality and imagination into everyday tasks.
According to Whitehead, Legoland Discovery Center is focused on creative learning. “It’s like jumping into the biggest box of Lego bricks ever,” said Whitehead. “We are literally the ultimate indoor playground.”
One of the best features of Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta is that the fun is meant for all ages. With fifteen attractions, two rides, a 4D cinema and the new exhibit, Pirate Adventure Island, there’s something for everyone. Even adults have their own special night! Every third Thursday of the month (the next one will be January 19) from 7 to 9 p.m., adults are encouraged to come to Legoland for a themed party, building competitions, trivia and more.
Pirate Adventure Island is a hands-on sensory attraction that includes a water table with three lanes to build boats then send them off for a race. Also featured within the exhibit is a popular three-story play area with a slide and bridge that crosses over to a pirate ship. Underneath the play area is a treasure chest where participants can go on an all-inclusive treasure hunt. A volcano table and seating areas are available for kids and parents who need a break from the battles. For a more realistic feel and look, the entire attraction is themed with graphics and pirate Lego pieces hanging from the walls.
LEGO© Discovery Center Atlanta is a year-round destination with endless indoor activities. However, around the holidays, the notorious building attraction is the perfect stop for kids who want to celebrate New Year’s without staying up all night. An annual activity (that sells out fast) is the Noon Year’s Eve Party. Enter Legoland at 10 a.m. for several activities, prizes, goodie bags and a huge balloon drop at the strike of no...
The Chatham Legacy: 75 Years of Homebuyer Partnerships
2023/12/13
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Gabe and Myles Chatham with The Chatham Company join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the family’s impressive 75-year legacy and the valuable knowledge that comes with it. The Chatham brothers sit down with host Carol Morgan on the Real Estate Legacy series.
The two oldest of three brothers, Gabe and Myles Chatham, continue to build on the Chatham legacy in its 75th year, working personally and professionally to bring the company into the next generation, which will be inherited by 11 grandchildren. Growing up in the business, a regular Saturday for the brothers consisted of visiting job sites with their father and experiencing first-hand the tumultuous changes occurring in the industry.
Myles said, “It’s in our blood. We’ve been around it our whole lives [and we love it.] We feel like we’ve gained experience in this business.”
The Chatham legacy is comprised of three separate entities. The first, a development company, focuses on building luxury communities in the north Atlanta area. A custom homebuilding business, ChathamBilt Homes was founded by their grandfather, Howard Chatham, and acted as the starting point for the family’s legacy. Finally, The Chatham Company is a brokerage business connected to the family brand that primarily assists with the purchase and sale of homes and partners with buyers to succeed in real estate.
A third-generation company, where The Chatham Company stands today was firmly built on the formative years the brothers spent visiting job sites with their father after Sunday church and learning the ins and outs of the business from a formative age. The brothers both commented that continuing the legacy of their father and grandfather and witnessing first-hand the impact their legacy has made makes a world of difference.
Gabe said, “Ultimately, we’ve learned over time…that if something is a short-term loss, it’s well worth it…for a long-term perspective of what we do.”
Over 75 years, the builder has constructed 6,000 homes and counting in 150 neighborhoods! Turning back the clock to 1948, the Chatham legacy began when Howard Chatham founded his homebuilding business. Then in the mid-1950s, he began what would become the largest real estate company in the Southeast, Northside Realty.
Myles said, “There’s no way to count the thousands of folks through the legacy we’ve been able to help on the real estate side as well as but we’re certainly proud of those statistics, stories and families.”
Another notable milestone, David Chatham was recently inducted into the Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) Hall of Fame. In the last few years, the builder was named Southern Living Custom Home Builder of the Year and was also invited to be on the board of directors for the company’s custom builder program. This merely scratches the surface of the company’s seven decades of accolades but is a testament to the ongoing commitment to beautiful, quality construction. Click here to listen to the Legends of Real Estate episode, starring David Chatham!
Whether a homebuyer has an architect and home plan ready to go or is starting from scratch, The Chatham Company is prepared to partner with you. The company’s flexibility allows it to assist homebuyers at all stages of construction. A people-oriented company at its core, the brothers emphasized the dedication to providing clients with a home that will best serve their family and life goals.
Myles said, “We love spending time with people through this process!”
The legacy’s extension to both the homebuilding and brokerage side of the business allows it to emphasize not only how the home will best serve a buyer in this generation but also how best to create value in an ever-changing market and leave something lasting to pass on to the next generation.
While it has become more difficult to secure land in the face of changing regulations from both a national and local perspective, hearing the stories passed down from their father...
Kittle Homes: 74 Years of Homebuilding Excellence
2023/12/06
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Zac Kittle with Kittle Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to celebrate the company’s two recent Gold OBIE wins and shine a light on the company’s rich history. Kittle sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss upcoming developments and share what’s in store for the new year.
Kittle Homes is a fourth-generation builder benefiting from over 74 years of Atlanta homebuilding experience. Kittle’s father played an active role in the company’s founding. As he transitions to retirement, Kittle and his brother take on more prominent roles within the company.
Kittle said, “We’ve been very excited about the projects we have done and the new ones that we have coming up!”
An exciting way to enter the new year, Kittle shared that the company continues to experience incredible growth. In its first year, the new homebuilding company constructed five homes, and in 2022, Kittle Homes built 65 homes. In 2024, the Kittle Homes team will celebrate 75 years in the homebuilding industry!
Kittle was constantly exposed to the homebuilding industry as a child, setting him up for a booming industry entrance following college. During his younger years, Kittle drove race cars and followed his dream of being a racecar driver to Charlotte. Unfortunately, those dreams did not pan out, and seven years ago, Kittle made his homebuilding industry debut by joining his father and brother during the company’s startup.
Kittle said, “We learned the building business from the ground up. We didn’t get thrown into it… We know how to do everything in the building business for the most part.”
This knowledge of the industry benefitted Kittle and his brother, allowing them to provide homebuyers with top-quality homes that will last a lifetime. Kittle attributed this lifetime’s worth of knowledge to the company’s two recent OBIE award wins.
With a large presence in Gwinnett County, Kittle Homes first entered the market with the Enclave at Lilburn, a beautiful 25-home community. The Kittle brothers played a significant role in the construction of that community and set the builder’s quality benchmark. The duo recently celebrated the completion of another 12-townhome community in Madison Trace, which received a Gold OBIE award at the 43rd Annual OBIE Awards ceremony.
The builder is about to commence construction on the third phase at The Preserve at Killian Hill, consisting of 22 cottage homes and a 14,000-square-foot commercial space in the Parkview School District.
Kittle Homes also has an exciting new development coming soon to Downtown Sugar Hill! Skyview on Broad will feature brand-new floor plans with exciting features, including a rooftop patio, kitchens featuring custom cabinetry and waterfall islands, a full bathroom and office on the basement level and more. Future homebuyers will be able to enjoy downtown life just a few steps from their front doors in this 25-home neighborhood! The community will tentatively officially kick off on February 1 with the opening of a decorated model home.
Tune in to the full episode above to learn more about Kittle Homes, or visit https://KittleHomes.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
Zonda Livabl, Zonda Virtual: Digital Changes in Real Estate
2023/11/27
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Kevin Weitzel, director of business development with Zonda, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the company’s new listing platform made exclusively for new construction homes. Weitzel sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss the changes for real estate in the digital asset world.
Zonda is well known for being the largest homebuilder and land data aggregator in the industry. In the past several years, Zonda has acquired various companies, including the Scottish satellite company Bird.i, a digital asset company called Alpha Vision (now Zonda Virtual) and Canada’s BuzzBuzzHome (now Zonda Livabl).
Diving into what’s new in the virtual world, Weitzel explains that artificial intelligence (AI) is a major change in the digital space – especially for real estate. AI provides a more accurate searching experience for consumers and homebuilders alike. Homebuilders can look at the aggregation of data generated by AI to not only know what viewers are clicking on but also to better understand what consumers are repeatedly searching for on their websites, how much time viewers are spending on a specific page and much more. Using this data, homebuilders can develop products that are targeted more toward what consumers are searching for and can retire older plans that aren’t getting much traction.
Weitzel said, “AI really does help homebuilders hone in on important consumer details.”
While AI tools can be beneficial to homebuilders and developers, Weitzel comments that he has witnessed businesses leaning too heavily on digital applications. Utilizing AI is a wonderful way to spark creativity but shouldn’t be used to directly create website copy, social media posts and digital branding.
Weitzel said, “I’m seeing the same verbiage used from builder to builder. That’s lazy! If you have a unique product, tell a unique story!”
Also changing in the virtual realm are visualizers. While visualizers are not new, we will probably see fewer homebuilders using this tool in the years to come. Consumers can now change cosmetic settings, such as wall color, flooring, fireplace material and baseboard shape, in real-time though virtual tours.
More and more homebuilders are slowly adopting the new advances in technology. Whether it be prop tech or AI, homebuilders are starting to adapt to the applications and tools provided by the digital asset world.
Tune into the full episode above to learn more about Zonda, or visit www.ZondaHome.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Blue Tangerine: Home Builder Marketing Tips on Planning for 2024
2023/11/22
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President Greg Bray with Blue Tangerine joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to provide tips on how home builders can effectively make marketing plans for the year ahead. Bray chats with host Carol Morgan on the importance of on-page SEO and which technology advancements to focus on.
Bray holds a computer science degree from Brigham Young University and has over 20 years of website development and programming experience. In 2006, Bray became the owner and president of Blue Tangerine, a full-service digital marketing and website development agency that helps businesses build better websites to increase traffic and grow sales.
Bray said, “At Blue Tangerine, we believe that every homebuilder deserves a sales-generating website…if you don’t have one, it’s not because websites don’t work – it’s because your website doesn’t work.”
The first bit of advice that Bray provides is to keep moving forward. While rising interest rates, inventory shortages and sellers hesitating to enter the market caused many challenges for home builders, Bray explains that it is okay to move on and use this time to improve marketing strategies, including SEO, social media presence and digital outreach.
Bray said, “Those who haven’t paused and have continued to move forward are going to be that much more ahead in the new year.”
The website expert explains that investing in advertising is only effective if the company website is optimized properly. A few more marketing tips that Blue Tangerine encourages homebuilders to utilize in the new year are:
Make sure the company website is robust and can support lead generation.
Ensure website SEO is fully optimized.
Invest in paid and organic advertising on all social media platforms and Google.
Create long-term quality content, including website copy and blogging, imagery and branding, photography and videography, computer-generated new construction renderings and more!
Bray said, “It makes no business sense to drive traffic by spending money on advertising to a website that will not convert that traffic.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Blue Tangerine, or visit www.BlueTangerine.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Kolter Homes Shares an Overview of its Newnan Communities
2023/11/15
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Andrew Hitch, community manager with Kolter Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about the home builder’s fast-growing Newnan communities. Hitch sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss the types of home styles and amenities offered at each active adult community and exciting new projects on the horizon.
With 15 years of experience in residential building and construction management, Hitch has been a part of the Kolter Homes team since 2014 and was promoted in 2019 to his current role as community manager.
Bringing more than three decades of collective expertise, knowledge and experience to the real estate industry, Kolter Homes constructs master-planned communities throughout Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, and is well-known in the Atlanta area for its Cresswind-branded active adult neighborhoods. Kolter Homes is currently selling in its Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes community in Hoschton and is excited to build off the success of this active adult community with its two Newnan communities, Oak Hill Reserve and Cresswind at Spring Haven.
Recently welcoming its first homeowners, Oak Hill Reserve is an intimate 55+ community featuring 43 home sites. The charming community offers active adult homebuyers a fresh collection of eight floorplans that are brand new to the market and redesigned from previous floorplans to allow additional personalization options. Nestled in Newnan, Oak Hill Reserve is conveniently located near local shopping and dining options and is in proximity to I-85 and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Other on-site amenities include an outdoor pavilion, a community garden and walking paths.
Hitch said, “What I love about working at Kolter Homes is everything is geared around the buyers.”
Also situated in Newnan, Cresswind at Spring Haven is an active adult, resort-style community offering stunning homes minutes away from the downtown district. The gorgeous neighborhood will offer impressive amenities such as a clubhouse, outdoor activities and more! Cresswind at Spring Haven will showcase a 4,000-square-foot design center for homebuyers to curate the home of their dreams that perfectly reflects their lifestyle, aesthetic and needs. To track construction progress and stay updated on exclusive community details, join the VIP list for Cresswind at Spring Haven here.
Hitch said, “Here at Kolter Homes, we realized that our buyers want to touch, feel and see the layouts of the homes. That’s why we like to showcase each of our layouts as a model home.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Kolter Homes, or visit www.KolterHomes.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTune...
Wick Marketing Reveals Results of Beyond Buyer Profiles Study
2023/11/08
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Barbara Wray, senior vice president of strategic growth with Wick Marketing, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Wick Marketing’s recent homebuyer research study. On the All About Real Estate segment, Wray chats with host Carol Morgan about the insightful results of targeting millennials and Gen Z new home buyers and how to utilize the results to build a successful sales and marketing strategy.
With the building industry constantly evolving, Wick Marketing recently conducted a “Beyond Buyer Profiles and Demographics” study to understand buyers’ thoughts better when purchasing a home. Wray and her team believe that utilizing fresh insights and data to build an accurate branding and marketing strategy can significantly improve how consumers engage with builders. The marketing firm commissioned its survey partner to create an attitudinal survey that provided information on how consumers feel about certain scenarios within the home-buying process.
Wray said, “A major part of our role as a strategic firm is to understand our clients’ customers.”
From late March to early April of 2023, the survey studied a group of individuals who recently bought a home between November of 2022 and March of this year – a period that witnessed 10 interest rate increases, rising home prices and shortages in inventory. Wick Marketing wanted to understand how to market to buyers who are still interested in purchasing amid such difficulties. The attitudinal survey provided results for three separate groups, including a group of satisfaction, a group of disappointment and a group of regret:
22% of survey participants felt confident and satisfied with their recent home purchase
38% of survey participants felt burdened and disappointed in their purchase
40% of survey participants felt stressed and regretful of their home purchase
Wray said, “This is an industry that tries hard to create an experience for their buyers…yet only 22% were confident and satisfied in their recent home buying process.”
Another segment of the survey focused on trust. Results show that homebuyers trust family and friends the most, followed by 51% of participants highly trusting real estate agents. However, 37% expressed high trust for master-plan community representatives and 21% greatly trust their homebuilder representatives.
Wray said, “It’s hard to sell a home to someone who doesn't trust you.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Wick Marketing, or visit www.WickMarketing.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Blue River Lifestyle Communities Chats Mayfair on Main
2023/11/01
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Casey Hill, CEO of Blue River Lifestyle Communities, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the homebuilding company. On the All About Real Estate segment, Hill sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss the types of communities and floorplans Blue River Lifestyle Communities offers and exciting information on its first community, Mayfair on Main in Alpharetta.
Working in the homebuilding industry his entire professional career, Hill spent over 35 years with two of the largest national homebuilding companies in the United States before transitioning to his role as CEO of Blue River Lifestyle Communities. Hill started his career in the industry as a staff-level accountant, later advancing through the organizations to hold various financial and operational roles and eventually working his way up to senior management positions, including division and regional president roles.
Hill said, “Development and homebuilding are two areas I’m very passionate about.”
Focusing on suburban infill opportunities, Blue River Lifestyle Communities is a division of Blue River Development created to take advantage of the niche, underserved markets in the metro Atlanta region. The homebuilding company prioritizes developing and building communities centered around revitalized suburban downtown areas such as Alpharetta, Roswell and Duluth. Witnessing homeowners migrating out of urbanized neighborhoods, including Buckhead and Midtown, Blue River Lifestyle Communities provides housing for individuals who want the suburban home without sacrificing the live, work and play lifestyle.
Hill said, “We believe that providing elegant, well-appointed homes in these suburban areas is an excellent opportunity for Blue River Lifestyle Communities.”
The first community by Blue River Lifestyle Communities, Mayfair on Main, is in the charming city of Alpharetta, featuring desirable walkability and amenity-rich living. With easy access to the downtown area and surrounding cities, Mayfair on Main is just a half-mile walk from exciting shopping, dining and recreation, nestled between two major thoroughfares – Roswell Street and South Main Street. The community will consist of 24 lots, 13 single-family homes and 11 townhomes that offer exceptional living. Both single-family home and townhome plans will provide residents with open-concept layouts highlighting connected kitchens, living and dining areas, spacious primary bedrooms with elegant ensuite bathrooms and flexible secondary bedrooms with own private bathrooms.
Hill said, “I think Mayfair on Main is an excellent example of the type of communities that Blue River Lifestyle Communities will bring to the market!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Blue River Lifestyle Communities, or visit www.BlueRiverLifestyle.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a gu...
Traton Homes: New Communities on the Horizon
2023/10/25
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Vice President of Sales and Marketing Amy Kessler with Traton Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about new and upcoming communities on the horizon. On the All About Real Estate segment, Kessler sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss newly decorated model homes and the homebuilding company’s involvement in Cobb Christmas.
Kessler boasts more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and has worked in the specialty market of local Atlanta home builders for most of her career. In 2019, Kessler was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing after starting her journey with Traton Homes as a real estate agent.
Traton Homes is a homegrown Atlanta builder with over 50 years of experience building within the metro Atlanta housing market. Known as one of the top home builders in the region, Traton Homes takes pride in building thoughtfully crafted homes throughout metro Atlanta, including Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth, Paulding and Cherokee counties, as well as in parts of Florida.
Kessler said, “We have really spread our wings in the last year.”
While 2023 is an interesting year for real estate, Traton Homes experienced a higher demand for new construction homes – despite rising interest rates and low resale inventory. Traton Homes provides a unique product line that fills the void of new homes in the market that perfectly align with prospective buyers, including townhomes for first-time buyers or individuals looking to downsize, single-family homes for growing families and active-adult homes for buyers seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Kessler said, “There is such a great thing about a new home, and I think homeowners like putting their unique stamp on it.”
Located in Mableton, Avenbrook by Traton Homes is a new single-family home community now selling in Cobb County. Starting in the mid $400,000s, this exciting community features homes highlighting four to five bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three bathrooms and two-car garages. Nearly sold out of phase one, the homebuilding company will be starting phase two development soon.
Kessler said, “Avenbrook has been a home run so far!”
Offering two to three-story townhomes, High Parc at Smyrna by Traton Homes is in a premier location just minutes from Battery Atlanta, Silver Comet Trail and Truist Park. Priced from the low $500,000s, this community provides homes showcasing approximately 2,000 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.
Kessler said, “The location of High Parc at Smyrna is a winner!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Traton Homes, or visit www.TratonHomes.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes,
Newport Breaks Ground on South Downtown Atlanta Restoration Project
2023/10/20
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Three years after our interview with Newport officials, it's a sad state of affairs for South Downtown. According to Atlanta Bisnow and other sources, lender BridgeInvest has scheduled a foreclosure auction on Nov. 7, 2023, for 18 parcels in Downtown Atlanta, including Newport's Hotel Row properties and 222 Mitchell St., which Newport had started turning into an office and retail mixed-use project.
BridgeInvest provided a $75M loan to the German developer for construction to revitalize key portions of the South Downtown project in January 2022.
At this point, we are unclear if anything will continue to move forward in South Downtown.
Tune in for our Atlanta Real Estate Forum Episode, "Newport Breaks Ground on South Downtown Atlanta Restoration Project," published September 30, 2020.
Senior Vice President of Newport, April Stammel, and Executive Vice President, Kevin Murphy, are in studio for today’s episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Joined by co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick, the group discusses Newport's South Downtown Atlanta restoration project on this All About Real Estate segment of Radio.
Newport is a real estate investment and development group founded in Hamburg, Germany. For over 25 years, Newport was operated in Europe, with the goal of eventually expanding into the United States market. In 2016, the company planted a United States headquarters in Atlanta. After searching the area for a perfect place to start his first project, the CEO of Newport settled on South Downtown Atlanta.
“Over the 10 city blocks that they walked, they saw rundown buildings and boarded up windows, but beautiful historical architecture, a really incredible street grid very familiar to a European and a ton of opportunity,” said Stammel.
Over the course of eighteen months, the Atlanta team began buying up as many privately owned buildings in the area to accumulate over 80% of the property in their selected grid. Currently, the team has switched its focus towards redeveloping and restoring the buildings and the area.
Most of the buildings are over 100 years old. The team is working to preserve the buildings while also creating unique and functional properties. In addition to buildings, Newport acquired several parking lots and empty spaces. Part of the restoration process includes turning these spots into walkable connections to other parts of Atlanta, including Five Points, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and other local hotspots.
Newport recently announced its plans to break ground on 222 Mitchell Street. This project is a 300,000-square-foot holding that was originally built as an office building and bank headquarters. The plan is to restore the area to its original intent, creating class-A office space in the Downtown area. 222 Mitchel Street also includes 70,000 square feet of retail and 20,000 square feet of rooftop spaces. The rooftop is to be used as a restaurant and special events location with a stunning view of the surrounding city.
**** UPDATE June 28, 2021 ***** Ohio-based Pins Mechanical will be the first tenant at Newport’s 222 Mitchell Street.
Pins Mechanical Co. Atlanta is expected to open in early to mid-2023 and will mark the ninth location for this fast-growing social destination. The 25,000-square-foot open-air location will feature many elements of its sister brand, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, as well as an expansive outdoor courtyard, rooftop patios, three full bars and Pin's signature duckpin bowling.
The seven-story building at 222 Mitchell has been empty for nearly 20 years and provides an ideal location for the Rise Brands team to pursue its mission of revitalizing iconic buildings and breathing new life into historic neighborhoods. The location was once home to the Citizens & Southern Bank and combines a 1909 brick building and two mid-century modern buildings to form the largest existing structure in Newport’s revitalization effort in South Downtown.
Jon Vaughan: Part of the Vaughan Lumber Legacy
2023/10/18
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Jon Vaughan, former president of Brand Vaughan Lumber, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his family’s legacy in the lumber industry. Kicking off the Legacies of Real Estate series, Vaughan chats with host Carol Morgan about working with his family, the difficulties the company faced during the Great Recession and his involvement in the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
Vaughan knew from a very young age that lumber was his passion. Per his father’s request, Vaughan worked at Georgia Pacific for several years before joining his family's business, Brand Vaughan Lumber, in December 2006 with his father and grandfather.
Vaughan said, “I have a picture of me with my grandfather when I was probably four years old holding a Fisher Price lumber load kit.”
Working during the Great Recession, Vaughan explains that the tumultuous market had a significant impact on the lumber industry. The sector experienced much turbulence during the recession, including over 100 lumber yard locations dwindling to 20 or less. Brand Vaughan Lumber went from having 110 employees to working with a 31-member team, and many independent businesses didn’t make it through the difficulties of the recession.
Vaughan said, “My grandfather always had this mindset of being prepared for the rainy days and man, did it rain during the recession!”
In addition to the Great Recession, Vaughan witnessed similar challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning to see builders not pay their suppliers and subdivisions starting to close before completion, Vaughan and his team quickly realized they needed to create a plan to keep their core values intact, stay focused on the essential tasks at hand and send the right messaging to their employees and consumers.
Vaughan dives into how technology has transformed the lumber industry’s work today and explains that he believes the impacts of technology are helpful and efficient. Brand Vaughan Lumber continues to make technologically progressive choices to ensure that the company attracts the best talent that will be sustainable long term.
Vaughan said, “Zoom has been a game changer on not just building strategy, but ensuring employees commute with their leaders consistently.”
The third-generation lumber legacy advises young professionals looking to join the lumber industry to be ambitious, patient and open-minded. Vaughan encourages individuals who are unsure where to begin to enroll in trade school, get involved in the industry and learn through experiences what area is the best fit for you.
Vaughan said, “If you have ambition and patience, the sky is the limit!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Brand Vaughan Lumber, or visit www.BVLumber.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum ...
TowneBank Mortgage: Hometown Mortgage Lender
2023/10/11
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Mike Rose, a senior loan officer with TowneBank Mortgage, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast for its 12th-anniversary episode to share an overview of the mortgage company. On the All About Real Estate segment, Rose sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss special promotional programs offered by TowneBank Mortgage and how to use the company’s mobile app.
Rose is a rare Atlanta native born and raised in the area, and he currently resides with his family in Dunwoody. Before transitioning into the mortgage industry, Rose had a long-time career in radio broadcasting – starting at the Georgia State University radio station and making his way up to WGST, working with well-known radio and TV personalities such as Clark Howard, Neal Boortz and Sean Hannity. In October 2003, Rose began his journey in the mortgage business and has never looked back!
Rose said, “I have seen lots of ups and downs in the mortgage business over the last 20 years.”
TowneBank is a regional bank with branches in Virginia and North Carolina. Founded in 1999, TowneBank began in a garage when a few bankers came together to start a community-based banking institution that focused heavily on customer service. TowneBank is now one of the largest banks in Virginia, expanding into North Carolina.
Rose said, “TowneBank is an amazing institution!”
Named the 16th overall mortgage lender in the United States, TowneBank Mortgage is the mortgage lending division of TowneBank. While TowneBank is only located in Virginia and North Carolina, TowneBank Mortgage expands throughout the Southeast with loan officers in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. Rose explains that everyone at TowneBank Mortgage, from the loan officers to the underwriters, works together as a team to provide the best experience for their clients.
Rose said, “What attracted me to TowneBank Mortgage was the passion every single employee had towards their job.”
Prioritizing benefiting the consumer, TowneBank Mortgage offers multiple incentives for working with the lending company, including special promotional programs. Currently, the company offers a buy now, refinance later program that allows clients to buy a property and refinance the home when rates decrease with a 1% credit towards closing costs or $3,000 – whichever is higher. TowneBank Mortgage also has an HFA 100% financing program and low-down payment opportunities.
Making communication between consumers and loan officers a breeze, TowneBank Mortgage has a mobile app that provides easy access to loan applications, document uploading and mortgage updates. The TowneBank Mortgage mobile app can also be downloaded and used by real estate agents involved in the home buying process to help continue clear and smooth communication.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about TowneBank Mortgage, or visit www.TowneBankMortgage.com.
A special thank you to TowneBank Mortgage for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. TowneBank Mortgage provides personal experiences that you expect from a hometown lender with the most advanced technology offering valuable solutions to the current high mortgage rate environment, including a buy now, refinance later program. Partner with TowneBank Mortgage today by visiting www.TowneBankMortgage.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of Mike Rose, NMLS# 448377, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of TowneBank Mortgage. The content of this interview is for educational and informational purposes only.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum c...
Keller Williams Atlanta North: A Top Real Estate Brokerage in the Southeast
2023/10/04
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Realtor with Keller Williams Atlanta North Mariam DePriest and Senior Loan Officer Mike Rose with TowneBank Mortgage join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the real estate agency and its Live Luxury Division. DePriest and Rose sit down to chat with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Before pursuing a career in real estate, DePriest studied broadcasting and worked as a news anchor, broadcaster and radio host before pivoting to advertising and marketing sales. DePriest dove headfirst into the real estate realm after 20 years in the sales industry to pursue a career she always held a passion for.
Coming from similar backgrounds and pathways, DePriest and Rose attended the same high school in Atlanta and pursued careers in the broadcasting industry before transitioning to real estate.
Located in East Cobb, Keller Williams Atlanta North is known as one of the first Keller Williams offices in the Southeast and a strong competitor in the area. Keller Williams Atlanta North is one of five offices under Broker and Operating Principal Jean Rawls and is a top producer in metro Atlanta with approximately 305 talented Realtors guided by Team Leader Jim Alexander.
DePriest said, “We are among one of the most highly productive Keller Williams offices in the Southeast!”
Mentioning the incredible works of Co-Owner of Keller Williams Kay Evans and the impact she has made on the real estate industry, DePriest goes on to explain that Keller Williams currently holds the top spots in luxury living, which is greatly due to Evans’ creation of the Live Luxury division of the Keller Williams brand. The Live Luxury division provides unbeatable resources for luxury sellers who work with properties worth $750,000 and above, including a large percentage of Atlanta homes.
DePriest said, “Kay Evans is one of the most incredible women I’ve ever known in my life and is one of the reasons Keller Williams is making such an exceptional stamp in luxury.”
As an Atlanta native, DePriest has a deeply rooted connection to the area’s marketplace. While DePriest’s consumer base is relatively large, she tends to work with individuals within her age bracket, ranging in their 50s or 60s, who are middle-luxury buyers within the northern arc of Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown and Decatur. Doing it all, DePriest sells everything from a $45,000 piece of land to a $3 million home and has built an outstanding client list based solely on referrals.
DePriest said, “By loving the families that are in our sandwiched generation of taking care of older parents and still helping launch younger college kids, I feel so lucky that I can do it all…I am so protective of all my clients! They can tell how hard I work and how much I care.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Keller Williams Atlanta North or visit www.AtlantaNorth.YourKWOffice.com.
A special thank you to TowneBank Mortgage for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. TowneBank Mortgage provides personal experiences that you expect from a hometown lender with the most advanced technology offering valuable solutions to the current high mortgage rate environment, including a buy now, refinance later program. Partner with TowneBank Mortgage today by visiting www.TowneBankMortgage.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of Mike Rose, NMLS# 448377, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of TowneBank Mortgage. The content of this interview is for educational and informational purposes only.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real ...
Parkland Communities: The Benefits of Build-To-Rent
2023/09/27
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Jim Jacobi, president of Parkland Communities, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the company, the benefits of renting and upcoming communities coming soon to metro Atlanta. Jacobi chats with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Boasting nearly two decades of experience in the home building industry, Jacobi went out on his own in 2005, formed his first home building company in 2007 and the past year has focused heavily on the build-to-rent market sector with his current company, Parkland Communities.
Parkland Communities, a development company, is the parent company of Parkland Residential, a build-to-rent (BTR) division, and Parkland Homes, a for-sale division.
Jacobi said, “We’ve been working really hard recently developing and getting land ready to bring lots of communities to the market!”
Coming soon to Warner Robins, Grove Landing by Parkland Residential is the very first single-family BTR community in the area. The community will feature 317 home lots and impressive amenities, including a communal cabana, resort-style pool, large playground, ample green space and much more! Offering two, three and four-bedroom home plans, prospective renters will enjoy beautiful homes with spacious layouts and welcoming front porches. Grove Landing is thoughtfully situated near Robins Air Force Base, which employs approximately 24,000 people and is known as the largest employer in the state of Georgia. The community is also in proximity to other fantastic employment opportunities, including the largest Frito-Lay manufacturing plant in the country.
Jacobi said, “We have done lots of market analytics for Warner Robins and found there is a strong job growth in the area.”
Clearing up the misconception of renting and the types of people who rent homes, Jacobi explains that most of the renters within his build-to-rent communities are renters by choice. For many, renting boasts more benefits than homeownership, including offering a maintenance-free lifestyle, flexibility and financial stability. When comparing the overall costs of renting versus owning a home, renting is the more monetarily beneficial option in today’s market.
Jacobi said, “It is proven with multiple studies that it is cheaper to rent than it is to own…in fact, it is on average approximately $850 less to rent than it is to own a home in the United States right now.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Parkland Communities, or visit www.ParklandCo.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Jim Chapman: A Legend of Architecture
2023/09/20
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Jim Chapman, principal of Chapman Design Studio, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. Chapman chats with host Carol Morgan about Chapman Design Studios, his years of experience in the industry and the relationships he’s formed while designing 300 golf clubhouses and related structures.
Becoming an architect was an early and easy decision for Chapman. While other kids were playing with blocks, Chapman and his older brother were building huts and cabins in the woods. Chapman naturally went on the earn an architecture degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology and start his career in the architectural world as an apprentice at an Atlanta firm, Stevens & Wilkinson.
Chapman said, “Stevens and Wilkinson set me up for a really great future!”
Now a legend himself, Chapman reminisces on the many legends he worked for over the years, including Mike Garrett, the developer of Executive Park, and Jim Cowart, the developer of Dunwoody and several other subdivisions near Johns Creek.
In 1969, Chapman and Sid Barrett formed the architecture firm Barrett and Associates. After getting hired to work on high-profile projects, Chapman realized he wanted to go out on his own to form Chapman Coyle Chapman – the precursor of Chapman Design Studio. Chapman Coyle Chapman is still in booming business today, working on quality projects or private schools and designing resorts and hospitality facilities across Europe and South America.
Chapman said, “I am so proud of Chapman Coyle Chapman!”
Chapman mentions that computers affected the architecture world tremendously and he is not a fan of the changes caused by technology within the field. In today’s world, most new construction buildings tend to look similar in design and structure thanks to technology. Chapman Design Studio is known for practicing traditional design efforts that provide a distinctive and unique aesthetic that calls on all ages of history to bring back details that technology cannot produce.
Chapman said, “The human scale is what seems to be missing so much in building and designing.”
Between Chapman Coyle Chapman and Chapman Design Studio, Chapman has experienced a recession or two as an architecture entrepreneur. While Chapman faced challenges such as laying off valuable employees, he states that architecture firms, fortunately, have a longer bounce-back period than other areas of the construction industry. Chapman and his partner at Barrett and Associates were able to keep 13 full-time employees afloat during the Great Recession, and most of those employees still work at the original firm today!
When asked what he is most proud of looking back on his career, Chapman says he is most grateful to still be in business! Chapman has worked on many impressive projects alongside incredible legends in the industry, such as his most recent collaboration with long-term industry friend John Wieland. Chapman also mentions his love for hospitality projects and how much he enjoys designing resorts, clubhouses and hotels, including his involvement in 30 Ritz-Carlton concepts.
Building a legacy, Chapman’s son, Jim Chapman Jr., is also in the construction field. Taking a slightly different path than his father, Chapman Jr. is a well-known build-to-rent developer in the metro Atlanta area under Jim Chapman Communities and Jim Chapman Construction Group.
Chapman said, “Jim is just amazing!”
Chapman’s advice for young professionals looking to start a career in architecture is to build knowledge of the field before you start your education. The legend states working in the field and understanding which areas of the industry you are most passionate about will greatly benefit you in the future.
Chapman said, “It is an amazing and wonderful field…it is the luck of the draw and talent to find quality clients that allow you to make it in architecture.”
Currently, Chapman and his team are focusing heavily on hospitality project...
Berkshire Hathaway New Homes Division: Representing Award-Winning Projects
2023/09/13
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Lori Lane, president of Berkshire Hathaway New Homes Division, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the types of projects the award-winning company represents and many new home communities where home shoppers have options for new homes. Lane chats with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
From condos and townhomes to master-planned communities and active-adult neighborhoods, Berkshire Hathaway New Homes Division represents a plethora of various projects from respectable builders. Growing a talented team of in-house experts over the years, the company has expanded rapidly since the challenging downturn of 2008 and has become the best in the business of representing new home development. Whether it is a $100,000 project or a $10 million development, Berkshire Hathaway New Homes Division can do it all!
Lane said, “Working with such amazing builder clients, it has become a real joy to go to work!”
Redefining suburban living, Trilith is a metro Atlanta community offering a beautiful blend of walkability and sustainability with a vibrant community dynamic. Trilith is the largest geothermal community in the nation with 51 of the development committed to green space, including 15 miles of nature trails, 19 landscaped parks and many more impressive amenities. In addition, Trilith is home to Trilith Studios, one of the largest working movie studios in North America. The community was built around the town of Trilith that offers residents a large array of shopping, dining and office space, as well as a Piedmont Wellness Center and an educational institute. Boasting European-inspired architecture, the homes offered at Trilith are rooted in diversity and interconnectedness.
Lane said, “Trilith is so unique and inspiring…if you haven’t visited Trilith, you need to!”
Recently named the Development of the Year by Atlanta Magazine, The Homestead at Milton is a gorgeous community that features unique, upscale homes. The community is situated on a 180-acre golf course where residents enjoy views of rolling hills and beautiful greenery. Starting at $4 million, these luxurious homes are classically inspired with architecture that perfectly reflects the Milton lifestyle.
Lane said, “The Homestead at Milton is the most graceful and idyllic community.”
With two decades of real estate experience, Lane started her career in 2003 working with the well-known Nancy Carl. Lane went on to be an on-site agent, leading to her working in sales management for new construction and running the New Homes Division at Berkshire Hathaway.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Berkshire Hathaway New Homes Division, or visit www.NewHomesDivisionGA.com.
Healthy House of Georgia: Building a Better Home
2023/09/06
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President Dennis McConnell with Healthy House of Georgia joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the energy-efficient custom homebuilding company. On the All About Real Estate segment, McConnell sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss the benefits of living in a conservation community and his latest project, Pendergrast Farm.
Created to help individuals outside the building industry, Healthy House of Georgia recognizes the efforts put into housing that encourage better living. The homebuilding company has worked with many programs, including the EnergyStar Program, Georgia Power’s Good Sense Program, the Energy Watt Count and more! The company was the first in the Southeast to develop the American Lung Association Health House, now known as the EnergyStar IQ Indoor Air Quality Program. Homes constructed by Healthy House of Georgia are designed to provide energy efficiency, high indoor air quality and sustainability.
McConnell said, “We simply build a better house.”
Featuring 8.7 acres designed around conservation, Pendergrast Farms is the newest project of Healthy House of Georgia. The conservation community (or agrihood) boasts a design that allowed the homebuilding company to successfully save more than 400 mature trees on the site. Situated in downtown Atlanta, Pendergrast Farms offers residents incredible resourceful amenities, including a one-and-a-half-acre organic farm.
McConnell said, “All these things tie together into better use of land, better use of resources and sustainability, both for the real estate and the people.”
When asked what inspired him to build a conservation community, McConnell stated, “Serendipity.” Pendergrast Farms is just one example of making better use of resources and using less land as a footprint for the community.
Pendergrast Farms is listed along with Serenbe in Wikipedia as one of two agrihoods in the area. We'd say they are keeping pretty good company!
Healthy House of Georgia takes pride in working around core principles such as climate-consciousness and multi-generational living. All the homes designed by the company are built with concrete for boosted eco-friendliness and durability, and every interior is thoughtfully crafted for multi-generational living with wide doorways and adaptable floorplans. Understanding the importance of multi-generational households, Healthy House homes are designed for comfortable living for all generations, from Gen Z to Boomers.
McConnell said, “Everyone, as they go through life, can live comfortably in our homes.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Healthy House of Georgia and Pendergrast Farms, or visit www.HealthyHouseOfGeorgia.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form.
Bob Chapin: Four Decades in Builder Finance
2023/08/30
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Bob Chapin, senior vice president of SouthState Bank, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. Chapin chats with host Carol Morgan about his years in the industry, what sparked his interest in banking and his involvement in the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Georgia.
Growing up in Doraville, Chapin has been a rare Georgia native who went to college at Georgia Southern University earning a degree in finance with an emphasis on real estate and banking. With a dad who worked as a company controller, Chapin grew up around spreadsheets and developed a real love for money and people. Chapin was treasurer of every school club and, in his senior year, was introduced to the owner of Peachtree Bank who offered him a summer/holiday position. From working in customer service and collection to the mail room and as a teller, Chapin built a strong foundation in banking at a young age.
Chapin said, “My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life. I fell in love with the character of George Bailey…I thought banking was the perfect fit!”
Right out of college, Chapin joined the training program at Peachtree Bank amid a recession with interest rates between 18 and 19%. While Chapin was involved in the training program, the Head of Real Estate for the bank asked for a volunteer to become the interim Construction Inspector and Chapin eagerly took on the job. Since then, Chapin has fallen in love with the real estate realm of banking and has never looked back!
Chapin said, “When you are out on a job site, you fall in love with the sights, smells and sounds.”
Experiencing four recessions, Chapin has developed a good eye and intuition when it comes to future economic changes. The banking president shared four quotes with the audience that he lives by:
“The housing market never goes to zero.”
“When the worst of my competition is doing well, it’s time to pull back.”
“The housing market is cyclical.”
“Don’t confuse a good market with genius.”
In the first few decades of Chapin’s career, the builders who typically worked with Chapin were all involved in builder’s programs. The banks would try to provide A&D loans to builders under programs while as well as uphold the goal of providing individual small builders with construction loans. With the cost of development being at equal value as the cost of lots in today’s market, builder’s programs are a thing of the past with many disappearing after the Great Recession.
Chapin said, “That was the lending process…there was very little end-user development in building.”
While many aspects of the real estate and banking world have changed over the years, Chapin explains that the one thing that has never shifted is the relationships and connections made within the industry.
Chapin said, “The relationship aspect has not changed and is one of the best parts of this business!”
From the beginning of his career, Chapin has been heavily involved in both the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and the Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG). As a life director at the GAHBA, Chapin believes showing support for the industry along with networking with fellow industry professionals is extremely important. Chapin encourages his industry partners and employees to get involved in all the associations and organizations, including GAHBA, HBAG, HomeAid Atlanta and more!
Chapin said, “We should support the association that supports the industry that puts food on the table.”
Chapin explains that the best part of his job is walking the raw pieces of dirt and envisioning the possibilities with his clients.
Chapin said, “After visiting lots and financing loans, you drive through the developments to see kids playing in yards and residents walking their dogs, and you know you’ve had a small part in providing the American dream."
With decades of success under his belt,
Georgia Ready Mix Concrete Association: Building Georgia Strong
2023/08/23
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Bill Benzur, executive director of Georgia Ready Mix Concrete Association (GRMCA), joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to touch on the relationship between concrete and residential housing. On the All About Real Estate segment, Benzur sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss the areas of Georgia that are growing the fastest.
Founded in 1968, the GRMCA is a non-profit organization with a membership comprised of ready-mix producers and companies that supply materials such as cement, stone, trucks and mixers. The organization and its members work together to tackle safety concerns, environmental issues and operational challenges to improve the industry. The association also plays a significant role in advocacy for the industry through involvement in the legislative process.
Benzur said, “Trade associations can accomplish so much more than the individual can do alone.”
With many wondering what the difference is between cement and concrete, Benzur explains the individual roles of the two materials. Cement is the glue that binds materials like sand and stone to form a remarkable building material called concrete. As the second most used substance in the world after water, concrete has been a vital material for thousands of years, with the use going back to approximately 1400 B.C. in Greece.
Benzur said, “Cement is to concrete as flour is to cake!”
Before the Great Recession, the residential market and the concrete industry relied heavily on one another. Over the past decade, commercial and Department of Transportation (DOT) development continues to grow tremendously in the ready-mix concrete realm. Even with the incredible increase in concrete consumption in commercial and DOT, residential remains an important market for the concrete industry.
Benzur said, “For the overall health of ready-mix producers, residential is still attached at the hip with the concrete industry…just not quite as intensely as before the Great Recession.”
A rare Atlanta native, Benzur went to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in engineering and worked in the paper industry for many years before becoming a general manager for a ready-mix concrete company in metro Atlanta. In early 2017, Benzur left the concrete industry and retired in the Lake Oconee area. Just five years into retirement, Benzur was selected in 2022 as the Executive Director of GRMCA.
Benzur said, “After a five-year hiatus, I am back in the concrete industry and boy, has it been exciting!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Georgia Ready Mix Concrete Association, or visit www.GAConcrete.org.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes,
Fischer Homes Communities Coming Soon to Metro Atlanta
2023/08/16
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Marketing Manager Carrie Rogiers with Fischer Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share what today’s buyers are looking for in a home. On the All About Real Estate segment, Rogiers sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss new Fischer Homes communities coming to metro Atlanta.
Recently celebrating her 10th anniversary with Fischer Homes, Rogiers started her career with the homebuilder in 2013 – the same year the builder unveiled its Atlanta division.
Known as the 30th largest builder overall and the 10th largest privately-owned builder in the United States, Fisher Homes was founded in Kentucky in 1980 with the philosophy to be the best total new home solution. Since then, the company expanded across the country, extending to Georgia where the Atlanta division has thriving communities and upcoming developments in various counties in the metro area.
Rogiers said, “We have so many exciting new things going on in the Atlanta market!”
Fischer Homes offers homebuyers a wide variety of home collections to choose from, including the Patio, Designer and Maple Street Collections. The Patio Collection offers lower-maintenance, single-family homes ideal for 55+ active adult buyers looking to downsize. Currently available at Sweetbay Farm in Lawrenceville, the Designer Collection showcases stunning homes geared toward move-up buyers. Designed with first-time home shoppers in mind, the Maple Street Collection features affordable ranch-style homes that are currently available in multiple Fischer Homes communities. All residences can be personalized at the Lifestyle Design Center.
Conveniently located in gorgeous Gwinnett County, Sweetbay Farm is the newest single-family community by Fischer Homes situated in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Priced in the mid $400,000s to $600,000s, homes in this exciting community boast desirable flexibility, spacious owner’s suites, lower-level recreation rooms and more!
Rogiers said, “Our floorplans are all designed with flexibility in mind.”
Following the success of the homebuilding company’s first active adult community, Popular Place, Laurel Farms is an upcoming 55+ community located in the charming town of Dallas, Georgia. Opening for sale very soon, Laurel Farms will offer ranch-style homes showcasing open-concept living and a future-planned amenity center with a spacious clubhouse. Join the Laurel Farms VIP List today to gain priority access!
Also coming soon to Dallas, Sage Woods is a single-family community featuring floorplans from the Maple Street Collection on spacious home lots. Each home will showcase flexible living, expansive owner’s suites and more! Join the VIP List to gain priority access to Sage Woods!
Rogiers said, “We’re excited to get Sage Woods kickstarted!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Fischer Homes, or visit www.FischerHomes.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
Epcon Communities Announces New Communities Coming Soon
2023/08/09
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Lora Gonzales, director of sales for Epcon Communities, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss upcoming metro Atlanta developments, exciting community amenities and popular trends in today’s housing market. Gonzales sits down with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
With experience in brokerage and new home development, Gonzales has over 20 years of experience working within the Atlanta real estate market. Gonzales and her team at Epcon Communities are pleased to enter the Atlanta market, with new communities coming soon to the north metro region. Though the company is new to the city, Epcon Communities has been around for quite some time. As a trusted homebuilder for over 45 years, Epcon Communities strives to build homes, neighborhoods and lifestyles that provide a remarkable experience for everyone involved.
Gonzales said, “It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of the new home process.”
In 1986, Ed Bacome and Phil Fankhauser, founders of Epcon Communities, recognized the industry overlooked an important segment in the housing market. With the assistance of research firms, the two founders discovered a significant demand for single-level living neighborhoods and the desire for personalization options in large, outdoor living spaces.
Building impressive communities and luxury homes, Epcon Communities offers over 1,500 designer options and configures each home to fit the buyer’s needs perfectly. Gonzales mentions the importance of providing each resident with an unbeatable lifestyle while living in an Epcon community. From the clubhouse to the streetscapes, each community and home are meticulously crafted, with every detail thoughtfully selected.
Gonzales said, “I don’t know if Atlanta is prepared for what we are about to show them. Our communities are truly something special!”
Varying from community to community, Epcon neighborhoods boast exciting amenities every homeowner will enjoy! General amenity offerings include a large clubhouse with gathering areas and chef-inspired kitchens, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style pool, spacious dog parks, communal fire pits, gated entrances and more.
Gonzales said, “There are a wide array of offerings based upon location and what we feel would best suit the community.”
When moving into an Epcon community, residents will have peace of mind with most homes offering a single-level, zero-step entry. Easily accessible from the home’s primary living quarters, private courtyards are showcased just off the side of each residence – making entertaining a breeze!
Gonzales said, “We are very proud of what we offer!”
Discover more about the new Epcon communities coming soon to the metro Atlanta area below:
Located in West Forsyth County, The Courtyards of Franklin Goldmine is a gated enclave of 27 homes ranging from 2,468 to over 4,000 square feet of living space. This boutique community offers residents a beautiful centrally located covered pavilion complete with a fireplace, spacious sitting area, pickleball courts, walking trails, dog park and communal garden.
The Courtyards at Bailey Farm will showcase 128 home lots ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 square feet of living space. Situated in the desirable community of Dacula in Gwinnett County, this amenity rich neighborhood will offer a designer appointed clubhouse, a cutting-edge fitness center, multiple indoor and outdoor gathering areas, a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, a communal fire pit, a dog park and a large lake with docks and walking trails.
Offering stunning ranch-style homes with the option of a bonus suite, The Courtyards at Redbud Lane will offer 78 homes ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 square feet of living space. The upcoming community will feature impressive amenities such as a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a fitness center, resort-style pool, pickleball courts, large dog park and a beautiful lake. Residents will also enjoy easy access to the new Holly...
SRP Lending Shares Advantages of Private Lending
2023/08/02
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Principal Geoffrey Deckelbaum with SRP Lending joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the private lending company. On the All About Real Estate segment, Deckelbaum sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss how services offered by SRP Lending benefit home builders and ways for investors to get involved.
Local to Atlanta for almost 30 years and counting, Deckelbaum has worked in the real estate industry his entire life and has several years of experience in banking. Deckelbaum transitioned to private lending after the challenging times of the Great Recession and has never looked back!
Deckelbaum and his business partner Mike Ray founded SRP Lending in 2020, intending to provide financial solutions to real estate investors, builders and developers to help turn their dreams into a reality. Three years later, SRP Lending is a thriving company with new investors, established builders and everyone in between as their typical borrowers.
As a local company, SRP Lending offers direct contact and immediate support from its small team to builders and real estate investors to help effectively grow companies. The SRP Lending business model allows its borrowers to communicate more with the company’s decision-makers and owners.
Deckelbaum said, “We’re nimble, reactive and responsive! We can custom tailor every transaction to the borrower’s needs.”
Unlike corporate financial institutions, SRP Lending delivers opportunities for clients to acquire land, lots and projects at a much quicker pace, closing in just a matter of days and giving borrowers an advantage for a competitive offer.
Both Deckelbaum and his business partner have several years of real estate experience that also extends the residential realm. The duo offers impressive industry knowledge in addition to the lending aspect of the company while also understanding the importance of target identification and properly moving through the stages of planning, zoning and permitting.
Deckelbaum said, “We are more than just a lender. We also serve as a consultant and partner to our clients to make sure they are on the right path!”
Within a day or two of receiving an inquiry, the SRP Lending team will walk a project in order to fully understand the client’s vision. After touring the site and gaining information on plans and budgeting, Deckelbaum and his team can provide a service plan for the inquired project almost instantaneously.
Deckelbaum said, “We do what we say we are going to do!’
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about SRP Lending, or visit www.SRPLending.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Waterford Homes: Decades in the Industry
2023/07/26
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David Clough, president of Waterford Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. Clough chats with host Carol Morgan about his decades in the homebuilding industry, working through the Great Recession and his involvement with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and the Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG).
An alumnus of Princeton University, Clough holds a degree in economics and politics. Clough started his career in construction, working summers for Ryan Homes while still in school and later took on a permanent position with the homebuilding company as an assistant superintendent. Finally settling down after several promotions and locational transfers, he landed in Atlanta in 1980 as a division manager. After serving on the team at Ryan Homes for many years, Clough went on to work with a few Atlanta builders, including fellow legend of real estate John Wieland.
Clough said, “I had a great experience with Ryan Homes and learned a lot about the homebuilding industry.”
Bringing Waterford Homes to life in 1991, Clough and his team started with just five lots in Dekalb County. Sporting a different style and aesthetic than popular homes today, the company’s first projects were traditional, two-story homes around 2,220 to 2,600 square feet featuring brick and stucco exteriors.
Clough said, “The early 1990s was a great time to get started…the Atlanta market was bouncing back, and we grew rapidly from there!”
With several opportunities to buy lots within quality communities, Waterford Homes quickly expanded into Gwinnett County. Construction in the 1990s within Atlanta consisted of an ample number of small builders and developers, local bankers and public companies – making competition strong but connected. Many local real estate businesses joined builder’s groups to form an inclusive community of builders and developers. Waterford Homes became involved in groups across metro Atlanta, including Dekalb, Gwinnett, Forsyth and Fulton counties.
Clough said, “From 1993 to 1994, we closed over 100 homes with an average sales price of $170,000. In 2022, our average sales price was $950,000!”
Waterford Homes continues to build multiple types of residential projects across metro Atlanta! The homebuilding company is currently closing out a community in Acworth and has several projects underway, including homes on Lake Oconee and an upcoming townhome community in the heart of Milton. Clough and his team also specialize in custom homes, primarily Brookhaven and Sandy Springs.
Serving as the president for both the HBAG and the GAHBA, Clough is a significant advocate for the Home Builders Associations. Providing a safe space to build valuable relationships, the HBA allows homebuilders, trade workers, suppliers, bankers and other real estate professionals to mingle and connect. In addition, HBA members have access to incredible educational opportunities as well as several volunteer initiatives to give back to the community.
Clough said, “The Greater Atlanta HBA and the HBA of Georgia are incredibly important to our industry!”
As Clough thinks back on his time building in the Great Recession, he explains that his team survived the challenging time with appreciated help from his banker. With the housing industry constantly evolving, today’s market involves many more large builders and developers compared to pre-recession.
Clough said, “I like to say we survived the Great Recession with lots of sweat, blood and cash.”
Clough advises young professionals looking to start a career in the industry is to find a successful builder to work under and learn as much as you can!
Clough said, “Put in your proverbial 10,000 hours and work hard!”
With decades of service within the construction industry, Clough is most grateful for his team and everyone who’s had a hand in the success of Waterford Homes. He is also incredibly proud of the legacy he is building wi...
Georgia MLS: Will Interest Rates Drop in 4Q23?
2023/07/19
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What are mortgage interest rates going to do in the last quarter of the year? Chief Marketing Officer John Ryan with Georgia MLS joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the current trends within the Georgia housing market. Ryan sits down with host Carol Morgan to share his predictions for the remainder of the year on the All About Real Estate segment.
Intending to provide an orderly and efficient space for real estate buyers and sellers, Georgia MLS is the largest real estate marketplace in Georgia. With over 52,000 agents and members, the marketplace company boasts 40,500 brokerages scattered around north Georgia, the metro Atlanta area and along the Georgia coast, as well as across a few southeastern states. Georgia MLS works closely with brokers, agents and appraisers to provide a marketplace that benefits the buying and selling process alike. In 2022, the company experienced 124,000 transactions adding up to approximately $48 billion.
Ryan said, “Georgia MLS is a magical marketplace that brings real estate together to make a homeownership happen!”
In the first half of 2023, the real estate market was hit by increasing interest rates and a lack of housing inventory. As a result, the current market is experiencing a consistent rise in median home prices. Experiencing firsthand the effects of interest rates and inventory changes, Georgia MLS has noticed a flattening rate of active listings on its marketplace.
Ryan said, “Going from a 3% interest rate in 2022 to a close to 7% interest rate in 2023 has put sellers on the fence.”
Slowly increasing, the current housing market is sitting on approximately two months of inventory. Looking strictly at the single-family residential selections on Georgia MLS, the marketplace only showcases 9,800 property listings in the 12-county core around metro Atlanta. Even though inventory is still below balanced market levels, Ryan predicts that the Atlanta market is still significantly active and will remain active in the year to come.
Ryan said, “As we know a balanced market is six months of inventory, and while we have seen a rise, there hasn’t been enough change to move the needle in terms of available properties.”
With affordability being a crucial factor in the home buying process, many consumers are searching for properties away from the city for more budget-friendly opportunities. Ryan mentions the rise in movement within northeastern parts of the state, such as Barrell County, as well as increased activity in southern parts of Georgia, including the Jackson and Macon areas. Looking at the 12-county core region of metro Atlanta, Fulton County is the most predominant area for real estate sales – followed by Dekalb, Gwinnett and Cobb Counties.
Tune into the full episode above to learn more about Georgia MLS or visit www.GeorgiaMLS.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
terra alma: Turning Spaces into Places
2023/07/12
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Edie Weintraub, founder of terra alma, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share an overview of the woman-owned advisory firm. On the All About Real Estate segment, Weintraub chats with host Carol Morgan about the top trends in commercial real estate.
Encouraged and inspired by her father, who worked in land and development, Weintraub has worked within the real estate industry for over 15 years. Weintraub began her career in the residential side of the industry, where she scouted several investors, later shifting to commercial real estate.
After working for many boutique and global real estate firms, Weintraub realized that she admired the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses. Weintraub’s passion for helping local restaurants, retailers and bakeries thrive led to the start of terra alma, a boutique real estate advisory firm. With an all-female, four-member team, terra alma serves local and small businesses as if they are large, national clients.
Weintraub said, “I was inspired by The Little Mermaid! I want to be where the people are – laughing, dancing, gathering and having a good time.”
terra alma focuses primarily on downtown, walkable communities that exude connectivity and friendship. With metro Atlanta boasting many small rail stop communities that are beginning to grow and flourish, the terra alma team enjoys playing a part in bringing those historic spaces back to life.
Weintraub said, “In an instance such as downtown Norcross, those restaurants have been there for over 20 years…they are not big national brands, but they are tried and true.”
In addition to working with intimate communities across metro Atlanta, terra alma partners with food hall operators to build incredible spaces for residents and visitors to connect, including Chattahoochee Food Works, Chamblee Tap & Market, Halidom Eatery and Politian Row at Colony Square. Weintraub and her team provide advisory services such as location scouting, site tours, vendor selection and detailed plans to each food hall client.
Weintraub said, “It was very satisfying to work with small business owners to help launch their path!”
Food halls have become a popular destination for people seeking a place to gather and connect with others. Featuring an abundance of dining opportunities, food halls allow everyone in the family to satisfy their cravings while still coming together to enjoy one another.
Weintraub said, “I love working on food halls because it brings together multiple cultures while allowing families to gather in an environment that is warm and welcoming.”
Turn into the full interview above to learn more about terra alma, or visit www.terraalma.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio po...
Trust for Public Land: Transforming Atlanta to a River City
2023/07/05
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Despite the fact that Atlanta has a river flowing through the center of it, it isn't known as a river city. We are hoping that changes with the Chattahoochee River Project and Atlanta embraces the river the way that Chattanooga, Tennesse or Greenville, South Carolina have creating areas where the public can interact with the river. Chattahoochee Program Director Walt Ray, PLA, AICP with Trust for Public Land joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Chattahoochee River Project. On the All About Real Estate segment, Ray chats with host Carol Morgan about how the public can access the river and ways to get involved with the project.
Walt Ray, PLA, AICP is a professional landscape architect and part of the American Urban Planners Association. Growing up on a quaint farm on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania, Ray spent most of his time exploring along the river – starting his passion for the outdoors and riverside culture. Ray holds a degree in landscape architecture from Clemson University and has spent much of his career working in the public realm, including helping communities understand their needs, building census on the public’s wants and designing outdoor spaces. Joining the Trust for Public Land team in 2017, Ray is head of activating and conserving the Chattahoochee River and its valley from Helen to Columbus, Georgia.
Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit organization that aims to connect individuals to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Beginning in 1972, the organization has over 30 offices nationwide and has protected approximately two-million acres of public land across the country, including many beloved national and state parks. Raising close to 84 billion dollars in public funding, Trust for Public Land has connected over nine-million people to the outdoors through building and protecting lands, parks and trails.
Ray said, “We believe that access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need and that communities are stronger and healthier when everyone can get outdoors to engage with neighbors and nature!”
With the Chattahoochee River spending decades in the shadows of industrial sites, train stations, sewer lines, golf courses and much more, very few know the river, its location and how to access it safely. Early on in his stint at Trust for Public Land, Ray knew the Chattahoochee River was a significantly large project. In 2018, the Trust of Public Land began its journey of reviving the river with public engagement, and in 2020 Ray and his team proposed 125 miles of continuous trail featuring 25 new or improved river crossings, 42 trailheads, connected parks and greenspaces and many more exciting amenities.
You can explore the entire Chattahoochee River Project vision at www.ChattahoocheeRiverLands.com.
Individuals and businesses interested in getting involved with the Chattahoochee River Project can visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area or the river within parks in Carroll County, Duluth and Sandy Springs. In addition, Trust for Public Land is hosting volunteer days to help build the Chattahoochee RiverLands and guided tours in Smyrna for larger groups to see renderings and designs of upcoming developments. You can also donate toward the Chattahoochee River Project at www.ChattahoocheeRiverLands.com.
Ray said, “Seeing is believing! We welcome all volunteers, visitors and donors who are willing!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about the Trust of Public Land, or visit www.TPL.org.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions.
Dan O’Dwyer: From Playhouses to Subdivisions
2023/06/28
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Dan O’Dwyer, the founder of O’Dwyer Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. O’Dwyer chats with host Carol Morgan about his decades of experience in the home building industry, working through the Great Recession and his involvement in the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA).
Known as the kid in his childhood neighborhood that built the most excellent playhouses, O’Dwyer has always had a passion for construction. O’Dwyer was part of one of the country’s earliest building construction management programs at Michigan State University earning a degree in construction.
O’Dwyer said, “I remember carpenters working on my folk’s home when I was 12 years old and telling them, ‘I want to do what you do.’”
Meeting in the eighth grade and becoming college sweethearts, O’Dwyer’s wife Kathy serves as his right-hand and an essential part of the O’Dwyer Homes. Kathy is head of marketing and model homes at the home building company, taking on virtually any responsibility around the office.
O’Dwyer said, “It’s been marital bliss… Kathy’s been an integral part of the company since the beginning!”
After graduating in 1981, O’Dwyer was challenged by a recession at the start of his career. With a significant shortage in construction work in Michigan, O’Dwyer transferred to Cincinnati, then to Northern Virginia, and finally landed in Atlanta in 1987 – where he has resided ever since!
O’Dwyer describes home building and construction work in Atlanta during the late 1980s and early 1990s as a free-for-all. Working for UDC Homes from 1987 to 1991, O’Dwyer and the company team sold whatever they could build at the time.
O’Dwyer said, “Home building in Atlanta during the recession was like the wild west!”
Working in several areas in the construction industry, the legend is a jack of all trades! O’Dwyer has experience in remodeling, carpentry, framing, sales, building and production.
O’Dwyer witnessed many homes come to life during the late 1980s in Atlanta. The most popular plan during this time was the traditional, two-story home boasting brick, siding and stucco exteriors. The home builder worked around metro Atlanta, including subdivisions in Kennesaw, Stone Mountain and North Fulton.
O’Dwyer said, “We were selling 2,500 to 3,000 square foot homes for $200,000 to $300,000…that was a screaming deal!”
After working with many top builders and finding himself out of a job towards the end of the Great Recession, O’Dwyer started O’Dwyer Homes in 1992 with a little money and financing for three homes. Within the first year, the company completed 23 homes.
From the 1990s to the early 2000s, home builders were selling homes at an incredible pace! Working with Wade Johnson on several O’Dwyer Homes communities, O’Dwyer and his team rapidly sold subdivision after subdivision – selling over 200 houses annually.
O’Dwyer said, “Building in the 1990s and early 2000s was crazy but a lot of fun… I’ve made lots of good friendships and wonderful contacts over the years.”
O’Dwyer mentions his gratitude for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) and how much the organization has impacted his life and career. From educational benefits to networking to leadership opportunities, the GAHBA is a wonderful tool for homebuilding and real estate workers to grow personally and professionally. O’Dwyer serves as a life director on the HBA board and encourages his employees to attend meetings and events.
O’Dwyer said, “Our philosophy as a company is to always try to give back.”
The legend of real estate is also a two-term president of HomeAid Atlanta, the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Building shelters and resource centers for homeless women, children and veterans, HomeAid Atlanta is a great initiative to give back to the community.
O’Dwyer said, “HomeAid Atlanta is a great organization to be a part of.”
Greater Columbus HBA: Careers in Construction, Community Involvement
2023/06/21
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Executive Officer Robin Wallace with the Greater Columbus Home Builders Association (GCHBA) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Columbus housing market. On the All About Real Estate segment, Wallace sits down with host Carol Morgan to chat about their unique Careers in Construction program and how to get involved in the community.
Originally from Illinois, Wallace grew up in a small farming community where she lived a sheltered life that began her passion for workforce development. Wallace earned a degree in mass communications, started her career in radio and worked within the broadcasting industry for over 15 years. In 2003, Wallace became the marketing director of the Columbus Civic Center - where she managed and directed several events. Later, she became an executive officer at the Greater Columbus HBA in 2019 after being approached by a builder who encouraged her to apply!
Wallace said, “I feel the Greater Columbus HBA is exactly where I need to be…I love the amazing people and association I get to work with!”
The Greater Columbus HBA has developed Careers in Construction, a workforce development program designed for the younger generation interested in careers in the homebuilding industry. Although the GCHBA focuses on fifth graders, the Careers in Construction program is adaptable for kindergarten through 12th grade and can be used by any school district in the country. The development program provides an exploration day for students to discover jobs in engineering, architecture, interior design, electrical and other areas within the industry. Ensuring each student involved is interested and eager to learn about the homebuilding industry, teachers and academic advisors pair fifth graders interested in careers in construction with students from Columbus State University and a local high school program.
After the exploration day, students are assigned to write an essay on what they learned about careers in construction. The academic advisors partner with the elementary English teachers to help students write and edit their work. Once the students finish their essays, they are given another assignment to create an illustration representing their writings. After final edits, the Greater Columbus HBA created a hard copy book detailing the student’s projects.
Wallace said, “The more you expose the students to careers in construction, the more they will remember.”
For additional information on the Careers in Construction program and other happenings at the Greater Columbus HBA, follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @GreaterColumbusHBA.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about the Greater Columbus Home Builders Association or visit www.GreaterColumbusHBA.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real ...
St. Bourke: Atlanta Housing Market Updates, Predictions
2023/06/14
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Director of Research and Communications Katie Fidler with St. Bourke joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share a glimpse into the Atlanta housing market. Fidler sits down with host Carol Morgan to discuss lot shortages, development updates and her predictions for the remainder of the year on the All About Real Estate segment.
Living in the Atlanta area for most of her life, Fidler graduated from the University of Georgia and has over a decade of experience in the Atlanta real estate industry. Starting in office and leasing, Fidler shifted paths in 2015 to residential investment and has focused heavily on the development side of real estate ever since. Fidler is currently transitioning roles to move back under the umbrella of St. Bourke’s parent company Drapac Capital Partners and refocus on the investment side of the business.
Fidler said, “I’m a jack-of-all-trades in terms of Atlanta real estate. I love this market and living in Atlanta!”
When comparing the first quarter of this year to the first quarter of 2022, it is no surprise that almost every statistic is down. The one exception to the drastic decrease in the year-over-year (YOY) data is lot deliveries, which experienced a 3% increase in the first quarter compared to last year. Specifically looking at attached lot deliveries, which rose in popularity during the global pandemic, Fidler noticed an increase of 13% YOY. When comparing the first quarter of 2023 to the most recent ‘normal’ housing market year, 2019, many statistics provide a positive outlook on the current Atlanta housing market.
Fidler said, “You get a more accurate picture of where we are when you take a further step and use the comparisons from 2019 versus YOY.”
Looking at starts and sales on a YOY basis, starts are down by 40%, new home closings are down by a little over 20% and lot deliveries experienced a 2% decrease. Comparing the same statistics to 2019, starts are down by 20%, new home closings only experienced a 2% decrease and lot deliveries witnessed a whopping 2% increase. These YOY declines are symptoms of general market instability with increasing inflation, bank failures and high interest and mortgage rates. With 70% of homeowners possessing a mortgage rate below 4% and 90% of homeowners with a rate below 5%, it should come as no surprise that consumers are reluctant to buy in a market with rates set at 6% or above.
The Atlanta housing market is still dealing with a lack of inventory, prompting builders and developers to increase home prices. While there is still a demand for housing, the current market is undersupplying and causing home prices to bottom out.
Listen to the full interview above to learn more about St. Bourke, or visit www.StBourke.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Est...
The Bell Curve of Life: Enhancing Personal & Professional Lives
2023/06/07
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Farrell Middleton, president of The Bell Curve of Life, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his new company, The Bell Curve of Life program. Middleton sits down with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment to share what The Bell Curve of Life offers and who can benefit from the program.
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Middleton currently resides in Atlanta with his wife, Cathy, and is a proud father of two adult daughters, living in the area. Middleton graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned his degree in building construction. After graduating, Middleton entered the Atlanta home-building industry and had a long, successful 36-year career. In early 2022, Middleton decided to start his long-awaited second career as a teacher, coach and mentor.
Middleton said, “The Bell Curve of Life has been a goal of mine for most of my adult life, and I have been loosely working on the concept for many years!”
Switching careers at 57 years old, Middleton began The Bell Curve of Life to help individuals maintain a positive attitude, enhance their interpersonal communication skills, build relationships and improve problem-solving abilities. With timeless principles, The Bell Curve of Life can be utilized in one year, five or 20 years, with the fundamentals proving useful long after.
Middleton said, “There is a very strong focus for the participants on maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on the journey in order to arrive at their destination.”
Each topic within the program relates to certain circumstances that people find themselves in on a routine basis, both personally and professionally. The Bell Curve of Life delivers offerings in four different categories – one for personal focus and three for professional guidance. The main structure of the program is made for approximately 10 participants with 90-minute sessions to discuss and explore a single topic. Most importantly, participants do not have to worry about preparation or outside work for these sessions!
Middleton said, “Just come with a positive attitude, an open mind and we’ll have a great time!”
Middleton mentions that his favorite topic within the personal category is “Cathy and Farrell Had Nine Parents Between Them,” which dives into maintaining a healthy family and personal and professional relationships. Participants will learn practices and tools to help work on and foster the most important relationships and how to move on accordingly when a relationship turns sour.
Middleton said, “You have to relate to people positively. It’s just how the world works!”
The Bell Curve of Life founder also provides his favorite topics within the professional categories that focus on enhanced time management, problem-solving techniques, focusing on individual strengths and more! With three different professional divisions, there are topics for CEOs/owners/directors, middle managers and traditional staff.
Visit www.TheBellCurveOfLife.com to learn more about programs, topics and pricing. You can reach Middleton via phone at 678-618-2024 or email at Farrell @TheBellCurveOfLife.com.
Listen to the full interview above to learn about The Bell Curve of Life, or visit www.TheBellCurveOfLife.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche.
Carl Riden: Home Grown Relationship Builder
2023/05/31
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Carl Riden, the founder of Redmont Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. Riden sits down with host Carol Morgan to touch on his decades of experience, working in the Great Recession and his time in the home building industry.
Riden was born and raised on a small cotton farm near Bostwick, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in agricultural engineering, Riden served in Vietnam with the United States Army and later worked for the Georgia Power Company as a salesman, selling electricity to builders. Riden began his career in the real estate industry working with a local apartment developer, which led him to start his own business in 1977, Carl Riden Homes – which later became Harcrest Homes.
Starting his building career in the late 1970s, Riden sold his first home for $49,000. In the early days his first homes featured 1,600 square feet of living space and were brick or stucco structures. With split-level house plans rising in popularity during this period, home plans grew to showcase 3,000 to 3,6000 square feet of living space and all brick exteriors. While his building career was growing in success, Riden faced many challenges in the early 1980s, including competition and the Great Recession.
After decades of building beautiful homes, Riden sold Carl Riden Homes to his business partner, Mike Smith, who transitioned the company to Harcrest Homes. Riden later started his second homebuilding venture, Redmont Homes.
Riden said, “I was ready to retire, and Mike was the perfect choice!”
Joining the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) early on in his career, Riden is thankful for the many years of community and education provided by the organization. While Riden has accomplished much to be proud of, he is incredibly prideful of the relationships he built during his decades in the industry.
Riden said, “I am most proud of my relationships with subcontractors, homeowners, suppliers and realtors.”
Riden’s advice for newcomers in the industry is to start at the bottom, work hard and pour love and passion into your craft! The real estate legend mentions the importance of finding a trusted bank and supportive team that believes in the work you are trying to produce.
Riden said, “Be enthusiastic and work your way up!”
Enjoying retired life, Riden lives on Lake Lanier and loves spending time at his second home near his daughter and grandchildren. The retiree also visits his childhood home every Thursday to assist his sister with the upkeep of a cotton farm.
Riden said, “My sister and I love the farm!”
With many projects to choose from, Riden’s most memorable build was a subdivision featuring 110 lots, brought to his team in the 1990s by an industry friend. Building a great relationship, Riden worked on the project for nearly 15 years.
For additional information on Carl Riden or Redmont Homes, call or text 770-616-6240 to speak with Riden directly.
Listen to the full episode above to learn more about Carl Riden.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment,
Ranch Cottages for Rent: Rental Cottages That Feel Like Home
2023/05/24
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Melanie Burruss, leasing and marketing with Ranch Cottages for Rent, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss unique home plans and community amenities. On the All About Real Estate segment, Burruss chats with host Carol Morgan about Ranch Cottages for Rent’s new mascot, Dogwood.
With almost 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Burruss has worked for several local builders in the metro Atlanta area as an on-site agent and had the pleasure of working with Jim Chapman Communities for the past six years – with a focus on Ranch Cottages for Rent for three of those years.
Ranch Cottages for Rent comprises of multiple rental communities boasting beautiful homes that feature one- to two-car garages, accommodating floor plans and impeccable attention to detail. The luxury rentalsare one-level, attached single-family homes developed with millennials, seniors, Gen X and active adults in mind.
Each cottage community offers five different floor plans highlighting open-level living, an owner’s suite on the main floor, two to three bedrooms and an optional upstairs loft space. Residents in every community enjoy incredible amenities, such as an expansive clubhouse, cutting-edge fitness center and resort-inspired pool area. Other amenities offered at select communities include a dedicated dog park and a community garden.
Burruss said, “We are always looking for ways to add green spaces and outdoor areas!”
Located in Athens, Brunswick, Dawsonville, Hampton and Loganville, Ranch Cottages for Rent has six available communities. The build-to-rent developer also has two new communities coming soon to Cartersville and Savannah – The Cottages at Walker Ridge and The Cottages at New Hampstead.
With a variety of floor plans to choose from, the cottages range from a little over 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. The Ranch Cottages for Rent team focuses on every detail within each home by showcasing granite countertops, in-unit washer and dryer, tile backsplash and luxury vinyl flooring.
Burruss said, “Each cottage feels just like a home!”
Ranch Cottages for Rent’s new mascot, Dogwood, made a "bark-tastic" appearance on Atlanta Real Estate Forum with Melanie. Often called Woody, this friendly neighborhood Bulldog is ready to "lead the leash" in sharing his favorite spots and "pup-tivities" in and around each cottage community!
Residents and prospective renters can "paw-sibly" catch a glimpse of Dogwood at open communities this summer and in multiple "fur-riendly" social media locations. This "pup-ular" pooch is "pawsing" for selfies and ready to "ruff" up the regular program with his wag-tastic adventures. 🐾
Follow Woody's "tail-wagging" journey around Ranch Cottages for Rent communities - it'll be an absolute "howl"!
Burruss said, “We’re super excited to give everyone a dog’s eye view of the communities!”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Ranch Cottages for Rent, or visit www.RanchCottagesForRent.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry ...
From Murals to Modernity: Stephen Haines Explores Serenity in Hapeville
2023/05/17
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President Stephen Haines with Artisan Built Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss new and upcoming communities and give updates on popular neighborhoods, including Heritage Pointe at The Georgian, Stratford at NatureWalk and Serenity in Hapeville. Haines joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A familiar face in the homebuilding industry, Haines has been a part of the industry from a very young age and has had the opportunity to work for many big builders throughout his 25-year career. He joined the Artisan Built Communities team four years ago and now leads the organization and its growth efforts.
Founded in 2012, Artisan Built Communities specializes in constructing residences that buyers proudly call home. The builder takes special care to create stunning exteriors, focus on architecture and specialize in a home’s finer touches.
Haines said, “While we are a production builder, we like to build things that are a notch above and [Serenity] is no exception.”
Serenity at Hapeville is a community located just north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in a city made famous by General Motors and Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy. The independent town extends across two-square miles and is well-known for its vibrant arts scene! A unique feature of the community, the Hapeville entrance is marked by a beautiful mural painted by a locally famous muralist known for his work across the metro area.
Haines said, “The mural greets you as you come in and it sets the tone for what you’re going to experience once you come inside.”
A unique product that is very different from the builder’s work in Paulding County, Serenity at Hapeville showcases attached two-story townhomes with only 25 available opportunities. The City of Hapeville influenced the first set of units to take on the look of a warehouse that has been a part of the Hapeville landscape for many years. The building bears the city name on both sides, with an exterior that takes inspiration from old factories and warehouses.
The rest of the community’s four buildings, with 21 units, surround a private pocket park to give residents the freedom to leave their homes to take their favorite furry friend for a walk close to home. A fire pit installation, perfect for community gatherings through the seasons, centers the green space. Many units feature a private patio, with a few enjoying an upstairs balcony!
To complement the first set of units, the remaining four buildings embrace a retro-modern exterior detailed by brick siding, black windows and more.
To learn more about Artisan Built Communities, tune into the interview above or visit www.DiscoverArtisan.com.
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum conta...
Azure Printed Homes: How 3D Printing is Revolutionizing the Industry
2023/05/10
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Gene Eidelman, the co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss founding a 3D home printing company and how the process revolutionizes the home building industry. Eidelman chats with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Originally from Ukraine, Eidelman relocated to Atlanta in the mid-1980s and has lived in the eclectic city for over 20 years. With a background in real estate development and construction, Eidelman and his business partner founded Azure Printed Homes three years ago to build more affordable housing with a positive environmental impact at a faster pace.
After building homes using traditional measures, the Azure team shifted to 3D printing methods. In the past two years, Azure Printed Homes has worked hard to perfect its 3D printing practices by trying different computer methods, finding the best equipment to print units and much more! Eidelman and his team delivered their first printed home unit last year.
Eidelman said, “I love when customers’ eyes start to sparkle because they have a vision!”
With no luck finding a pre-existing 3D printing system, Eidelman and his business partner decided to develop their own 3D printing technology that features multiple equipment pieces, including a printer and extruder. The printed homes company aimed to use sustainable materials that met seismic requirements and could withstand hurricane winds as well as incorporated roofs strong enough to handle heavy snow loads.
After much research and deliberation, Azure Printed Homes settled on sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, fiberglass and carbon fiber. The recycled plastic used by the home building company is derived primarily from recycled water bottles. Working with three different manufacturers, Eidelman and his team provide the manufacturers with a composite formula that consists of at least 60% recycled plastic and a mixture of fiberglass and carbon fiber.
Azure Printed Homes began its 3D home printing journey with 10x12 backyard studio units and has gradually expanded its unit sizing. The company’s 10x18 AUD units feature 180 square feet of living space, including a bathroom with a shower and a small kitchen. With stackable products, customers can purchase up to eight units together to deliver one large home.
Eidelman said, “While our biggest demand is for our backyard studios and small units, our next category is 900 square-foot homes!”
3D home printing is revolutionizing the home building industry. The process replaces the need for trades, such as framing, roofing and waterproofing, when it comes to building a home and is a more cost-effective construction solution. Azure Printed Homes develops one basic unit a day compared to the months it takes to build a traditional 180-square-foot home. Completing the unit, including flooring, cabinetry and finishes, takes approximately one week for a small unit and two to three weeks for the larger units.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Azure Printed Homes, or visit www.AzurePrintedHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers,
Capital Growth StoreGuard: Self-Storage Rising in Popularity
2023/05/03
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Managing Partner Mike Vahle with Capital Growth StoreGuard joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his focus on community and the growth within the self-storage industry. On the All About Real Estate segment, Vahle joins host Carol Morgan to share an overview of what Capital Growth StoreGuard offers.
With a background in real estate development, Vahle has worked with small businesses and large companies such as Walmart and Publix Storage. In January of 2023, Vahle and his business partner, Eric Buchalter, launched Capital Growth StoreGuard – a real estate development and acquisition company focused on self-storage.
Capital Growth StoreGuard is an Atlanta-based company that provides solutions to customers seeking more space to store their valuable goods. After a few months in, Vahle and his team acquired a facility in Georgia where they continue to expand and add amenities to modernize the offering. The company is also working on several development projects in the metro Atlanta area and other large metro areas across the Southeast.
One of the many reasons StoreGuard is effective and successful is the Capital Growth Buchalter team. As a vertically integrated and well-established real estate development and acquisition team, Capital Growth Buchalter serves as the parent company for StoreGuard. The Capital Growth platform has over 70 years of experience and has delivered approximately 1,500 projects nationwide. With the Buchalter team providing in-house capabilities such as accounting, legal, project management and design, Capital Growth StoreGuard has the ability to take on any project, no matter the difficulty.
Vahle said, “The Buchalter team has been a good advantage for StoreGuard!”
Setting the new standard for the self-storage industry, Capital Growth StoreGuard provides customers with top-quality services and delivers desirable features, including additional hours of coverage, redundant security measures, climate-controlled units and modernized design elements.
Vahle said, “We try to not only keep up but to get ahead of the curve and offer next-level service.”
With self-storage facilities rising in popularity, Vahle explains that the typical demand driver for the storage industry is a disruptive life event such as divorce or sudden relocation. In addition to the typical drivers, the 2020 pandemic sparked an increase in the demand for self-storage, with individuals carving out space for home offices, remote schooling spaces and hobby areas. In today’s housing market, individuals are beginning to downsize – creating a new market for the self-storage industry.
Vahle said, “When you look from generation to generation, the percentage of usage of self-storages continues to tick up.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Capital Growth StoreGuard, or visit www.StoreGuard.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form.
Greater Atlanta HBA Partners with the Boys & Girls Club
2023/04/26
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Vice President of Safety and Training Tony Cann with HB Next joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the partnership between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. Cann chats with host Carol Morgan about the importance of work force development and what the HBA is doing to help solve the problem.
A member of the HB Next team for the past decade, Cann is also a proud member of the HBA for eight years and counting. As a safety environmental compliance company, HB Next works with builders to enhance worker protection through citations, OSHA inspections and environmental compliance.
The GAHBA is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to pilot a program for the National Association of Home Builders’ Workforce Development Initiative in conjunction with sponsors Ford Foundation and Ford Next Generation Learning. Atlanta is one of the 10 pilot cities nationwide with the mission to introduce the next generation to construction and skilled trades careers.
The pilot program hosts between 10 to 20 participants each day who can interact, learn and network with industry professionals and volunteers. With 10 meetings total, participants meet every other week in addition to other special activities.
Cann said, “It’s been amazing to see so much participation!”
The program meetings include presentations by skilled trade contractors, hands-on learning activities, blueprint readings and exciting demonstrations. Each visit focuses on a specific stage in the homebuilding process, from land acquisition to closing a home. The pilot program also provides field trips to live job sites to provide students with physical experiences that cannot be offered in a traditional classroom.
Cann said, “We are educating students about the entire homebuilding process, from start to finish.”
With students ranging from eighth grade to high school seniors, the program hosts a wide variety of young individuals interested in the homebuilding industry. The program’s goal is to educate and expose the next generation to construction and trade skills at a young age, with the hopes of encouraging them to seek a career in the field.
Cann said, “The earlier we can educate and expose the younger generation to the construction industry and everything it entails, the better off we will be.”
To get involved in the pilot program provided by the GAHBA and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, call 770-938-9900 or email info@ atlantahba.com.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, or visit www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Get Involved in the Homebuilding Industry with Myles Cardenas
2023/04/19
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Senior Land Development Manager Myles Cardenas with McKinley Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show to detail his day-to-day as a land development manager, upcoming developments and more! Cardenas joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and shares how young professionals can get involved within the industry.
Celebrating his fourth anniversary with the award-winning company in July, Cardenas has previous experience working for CalAtlantic Homes, starting as an intern during his senior year at Kennesaw State University (KSU).
Three to four months after celebrating his graduation, the company announced a significant merger with Lennar Homes, where he continued to partner with the company for two-and-a-half years before joining the McKinley Homes team. While at Lennar, Cardenas gained valuable land development experience for a prominent public builder and built two townhome communities in Druid Hills as a construction manager.
Cardenas said, “I had the opportunity to get more land development experience for the largest national builder at the time [as well as] construction and development experience that I’ve carried into my role here at McKinley.”
During his time at KSU, Cardenas had the opportunity to participate in a program that resulted from the merger with Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. The school featured a construction management program introduced to KSU students as an additional option following the merger. Cardenas wrapped up his time at the university with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
Founded in 2008, McKinley Homes has quickly become a well-known name throughout metro Atlanta in the new construction industry. The company began its journey as an investment company, and after constructing a few homes, the company’s team decided to bring land development in-house, resulting in the acquisition of Cardenas.
Cardenas said, “We do everything from single-family homes to townhomes and some commercial [projects], including apartments, stacked flats…mixed-use projects [and more].”
For young professionals entering the industry, Cardenas shared that he’s a huge proponent of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), where he found his start as a part of the National Association of Home Builders chapter at KSU. The organization is one of the biggest supporters at the college level, and Cardenas shared that he highly recommends finding ways to get involved with GAHBA.
Cardenas said, “It’s one of the biggest and best things that I feel I have been able to nourish that relationship from then to now. I can’t believe that relationship started when I was 19 years old…and nine years later it’s the strongest it’s ever been.”
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about McKinley Homes, or visit www.McKinleyHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form.
Richport Properties: Decades in Home Building Industry
2023/04/12
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Rick Porter, president of Richport Properties and director of the Master of Real Estate Development program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as part of the Legends of Real Estate series. Porter chats with host Carol Morgan to touch on his decades of homebuilding experience, working in the Great Recession and his role in education.
A third-generation worker in construction and development, Porter grew up in the industry and was encouraged by his Uncle and mentor to take the architecture path. Gaining a unique way of thinking about design in the real estate realm, Porter earned his degree in Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology. With encouragement and support from his family, the architect designed and built his first project fresh out of school – which happened to be a home for his fraternity brother. After working as a sole proprietor for several years, Porter and his wife joined forces in the early 1980s to bring Richport Properties to life.
Porter said, “I consider myself one of the lucky ones! I have no memory of not being around something under development of construction.”
Porter has experienced many changes within the home building industry over the years. As he began his career in the late 1970s, production home building and cohesiveness within communities were starting to emerge.
Spending the first seven years of his career diving deeper into design-build within residential construction, Porter was able to offer custom design and construction, which set him up for decades of success. While Porter loved working in design and architecture, he eventually wanted to move to the development side. In the mid-80s, he bought a 70-lot community that was the initial pivot into smaller builds, higher-density lots and comprehensive grading.
In the mid-90s, Richport Properties had the opportunity to work with small cities to promote new development ideas. However, as regulations changed, it became difficult to produce innovative ideas -leading to working with more suburban towns over the years. Porter and his team developed a project in Suwanee that introduced traditional neighborhood development and the first live-work-play development in Gwinnett County. Richport Properties’ first Suwanee project won a Development of Excellence Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Porter said, “I have always had a passion for new and innovative ideas!”
Prioritizing personal and professional relationships with constructors, vendors and municipalities, Porter created an atmosphere that harmoniously combined good business practices, excellent communication and innovative development ideas.
Porter said, “In many ways, home building is a relationship business.”
During the Great Recession, Porter learned that development and home building are cyclical industriess. Porter’s generational background and familial mentorship ultimately got him through the struggles of the 1980 Great Recession.
Porter’s three tips for getting through any downturn in the real estate industry are:
Communicate with lenders!
Sell properties that still contain some value.
Explore alternative opportunities for projects.
Porter said, “You’re going to make money and you’re going to lose money.”
Building his business and getting involved in the homebuilding community, Porter joined the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) early in his career and has been a member for nearly 25 years. For Porter, the GAHBA served as a space for learning and business development while he was growing Richport Properties. He went on to serve as a National Vice President for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Porter said, “Not only was I learning from other people within the industry, but other people were getting to know me as well.”
Porter advises young professionals wanting to work in the home building industry to build an outstanding resume,
Traton Homes: New and Upcoming Communities
2023/04/05
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Vice President of Sales & Marketing Amy Kessler with Traton Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss new and upcoming communities and exciting incentives. On the All About Real Estate segment, Kessler chats with host Carol Morgan to provide an overview of where Traton Homes is building in Florida.
With 20-plus years of experience within the real estate industry, Kessler has spent many years working with local Atlanta builders. Kessler became the vice president of sales and marketing for Traton Homes in 2019 after starting her career with the building company as a real estate agent.
Traton Homes is a homegrown Atlanta builder with 50 years of experience building within the Atlanta housing market. With incredible design opportunities and an impressive design center, Traton Homes is well-known for delivering high-quality homes perfectly personalized to the buyers' wants and needs.
Kessler said, “Our neighborhoods stand the test of time.”
Only three months into the year, the Traton Homes team is staying busy! Achieving every goal the company set for January, February and March, the builder has helped several homebuyers take the first steps toward starting a new chapter in life.
Located in Marietta, Gates at Hamilton Grove is the newest Traton Homes community. Showcasing 43 stunning townhomes, each home features the builder’s award-winning Brooks floor plan. Just off Cobb Parkway, the community sits near to I-75 and has access to great shopping, dining and recreation. With the community built in front of a previous Traton Homes community, Gates at Hamilton Grove residents have access to impressive amenities provided by the previous project.
Kessler said, “Gates at Hamilton Grove has a little bit of everything!”
Traton Homes has two upcoming communities in the works – set to be complete in early to mid-spring of this year! The first community, Avenbrook, will be featured in beautiful Mableton and offer approximately 79 spacious, single-family homes from the Jewel Box series. Residents will enjoy an incredible amenities package, including a pool and cabana. The South Cobb community will also have easy access to the East-West Connector and I-285, as well as The Battery and downtown Atlanta.
Kessler said, “Avenbrook is going to be a home run!”
Coming soon to Cumming, Courtyards at Traditions will be a 55+ active adult community. Featuring 42 homesites, the lock-and-leave community will offer single-family homes near a varied lineup of local shopping and dining. Each lot will showcase a ranch-style home with fantastic design options, such as a second-floor addition and limited basement opportunities.
Focusing on closing costs, Traton Homes is offering buy-down rates and presale incentives at several of its communities. To learn more about incentives offered at a community near you, visit the Traton Homes website today!
To check out Kessler’s last episode on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast, click here.
Tune into the full episode with the player above to learn more about Traton Homes, or visit www.TratonHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers,
Peggy Slappey Properties: The Joy Meter
2023/03/29
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Broker Peggy Slappey with Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss her decades of real estate and political experience serving the Northeast Georgia and metro Atlanta areas. On the 12th installment of the Legends of Real Estate series, Slappey joins host Carol Morgan to touch on checking in daily with your joy meter and putting a smile on your face in good times and bad.
Slappey moved to Atlanta in 1972 with her husband, Tommy, to bring his building company to an area where creative and contemporary housing was embraced. Growing up in the industry, Slappey studied interior design and later gained her real estate license to work with her husband – making her a third-generation Realtor.
Slappey said, "Whatever it takes. That has been my motto forever!"
After receiving her real estate license, Slappey began working with incredible brokers, such as local broker Buddy Weston and senior broker Johnny Isakson. Wanting to support her husband, Slappey began Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. to provide a sales center, staff and model homes alongside her husband's successful business. Though Slappey left the brokerages to start her own business, Weston and Isakson never stopped supporting her.
Surrounded by a supportive family and powerful, working women, Slappey helped pave the way for women in the 1980s within the Atlanta real estate industry. While there were many bumps in the road and industry struggles to overcome, the female broker remained focused and positive – keeping her on track for great success.
Slappey said, "Failure was not an option for me."
A lover of new construction, future designs and blossoming trends, Slappey encourages her builders to develop homes desirable to prospective buyers and enjoys forecasting trends and looking to the future for on-the-horizon design choices.
Slappey said, "There's nothing like seeing dirt moved and new homes going vertical!"
Slappey describes working during the Great Recession as devastating. The tumultuous period caused fellow real estate companies and builders to lose significant projects and supporters of the industry, including paralegals and trade workers, to lose their homes. Taking on the role of purveyor of hope and joy, Slappey committed to exclusively wearing bright colors during this difficult time and became well-known for wearing vibrant yellows and greens.
For Slappey, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) was a space dedicated to education, support and encouragement, providing incredible networking and peer involvement opportunities. Over the years, Slappey gained beneficial knowledge and lasting relationships from the GAHBA she carried with her every step of her career.
Slappey said, "There are no words to describe how impactful the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association has been for me."
Slappey's advice for women who are, or want to be, in the real estate industry is to be wise, seek counsel from others and get involved. Connect with local Realtor and home builder associations with members that will network, mentor and share experiences to support your journey. Remember to also surround yourself with great people who will encourage you every step of the way.
Slappey said, "Watch others who are successful and attach yourself to them!"
It takes extensive learning and dedication to understand the buying and home selling processes, making it essential to have a trusted advisor who helps prevent mistakes and understands every possible scenario. While there are several hurdles to jump through within the buying and selling process, there are industry professionals who specialize in specific trades and operations to make closing a home a breeze for both sides.
Between her many achievements and career accomplishments, Slappey is most proud of the reputation behind Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. The broker mentions her pride and respect for her husband,
Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association: Growing Housing Affordability Crisis
2023/03/22
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Government Affairs Director Garrett Wiley with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the growing housing affordability crisis. On the All About Real Estate segment, Wiley joins host Carol Morgan to discuss the increase in moratoriums nationwide, the revised Atlanta tree ordinance and more.
With an extensive background in politics, Wiley’s first job out of college entailed working for a Georgia state senator, which led to working on several political campaigns, including a United States senate campaign in Louisiana and a mayoral race in Jacksonville. Wiley later served in economic development and government affairs for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Jackson EMC. After working in business development for a commercial construction firm, Wiley transitioned back to government affairs for the GAHBA and has been there for two years.
Wiley said, “It’s been a blast! We have a great team and I love working with our members.”
As part of the government affairs team, Wiley helps to handle the seven GAHBA chapters and the many events those groups host, as well as tracking local legislation and over 70 municipalities within the greater Atlanta area. Serving nine counties, the government affairs team is tasked with building relationships with local city and county staff members, including code enforcement, planning and development, fire marshals and many more. While Garrett is a registered lobbyist, he is really here to act as a liaison between the GAHBA's many members and the politicians that make up the many local governments around the metro area.
Wiley said, “Our goal is relationships…to be the catalyst and liaison between our members and the government departments that we work with.”
The government affairs team’s top priority is the ongoing litigation between the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and the Henry County government. Two years ago, Henry County presented a nearly 500% increase in impact fees on builders for single-family homes. The GAHBA put together a task force of builders currently working in the county and hired Dr. Chris Nelson, the original architect of the impact fees law in Georgia, to help stop Henry County from passing the impact fee increase. While the attempt was unsuccessful at stopping the increase, it was not the 500% increase originally recommended, and Wiley and his team still work hard to reverse the impact fees. The association is working with attorney Simon Bloom and has filed within the Henry County government to challenge the processes of the impact fees.
Wiley and his team also track local government lot-size changes, design standards, code changes and moratoriums. There are several reasons to clarify why moratoriums are increasing within local governments, but the top explanation given by those local governments is infrastructure needs. With many builders starting projects in rural areas within populated counties, governments are placing moratoriums on builders because of increasing infrastructure demands. Many local governments are also changing development codes, especially to address build-to-rent housing, and while the changes are in process, governments are requiring all residential construction to stop.
Wiley said, “The unfortunate part of moratoriums is that they happen without a warning.”
To learn more about the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, listen to the full interview above, or visit www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a pe...
HomeAid Atlanta: Essentials Drive
2023/03/15
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Executive Director Mandy Crater with HomeAid Atlanta joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss volunteer and support opportunities, including the Essentials Drive. Crater joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Starting her career with HomeAid Atlanta in April 2015, Crater has been with the organization for eight years. HomeAid first appeared in the Atlanta market in 2001 and has made an incredible impact on the community with the mission to build lives for families and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness through construction, education and community outreach.
Working with existing non-profits that provide housing for the homeless, HomeAid Atlanta receives discounts and donations from the building industry when non-profit partners have construction needs. With the average age of individuals experiencing homelessness in metro Atlanta being around nine years, several mothers, children and babies are in difficult living situations.
Crater said, “It’s about $80 per baby for diapers (a month).”
For over 20 years, HomeAid Atlanta has hosted the Essentials Drive to help provide essentials for those in need. Throughout April, the organization collects diapers and wipes to distribute to non-profit partners serving mothers and babies experiencing or at risk of homelessness. UPS delivers the essentials to those in need the Friday before Mother’s Day. Unlike snap benefits and food stamps, wipes and diapers are not supported by any safety net.
On the HomeAid Atlanta website, prospective participants can find a map displaying each drop-off location. The organization offers additional opportunities for others to collect internally with co-workers and options for public-facing intuitions, such as banks, grocery stores and churches, to become public collection sites. The drive ends on May 10, and all donations will be sorted May 12 for distribution.
Crater said, “We are getting back to the way we used to do things before 2020…there is a lot more personal touch involved and more people hosting collection sites that didn’t in the past.”
For individuals who live out of state or cannot visit a collection site, other ways of contributing include financial donations and purchasing from organization registries. Registries can be found on Amazon and Target under the first name HomeAid and last name Atlanta. To donate financially, visit the HomeAid Atlanta website, search for the ‘Donate Now’ button and specify essentials. The organization can fill donation gaps with monetary donations after the last drop-off day.
Essentials Drive items requested:
Diapers (Infant, Pull-Ups, and Overnight)
Unscented Baby Wipes
Funds (used to purchase diapers and wipes)
All donations must be new, in original packaging.
Visit www.homeaidatlanta.org/essentials-drive to donate!
Find a list of over 30 Essentials Drive collection sites currently accepting donations of diapers and baby wipes. This information is updated regularly.
Access online baby registries at Amazon and Target to have donations shipped directly to HomeAid Atlanta.
Following the Essentials Drive, all donations will be distributed to participating HomeAid Atlanta service provider partners serving families with children at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.
To learn more about HomeAid Atlanta, tune in to the full interview above or visit www.HomeAidAtlanta.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific ne...
J.W. Collection: Branding Influence, Community Offerings
2023/03/08
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Maurice Lester, vice president of construction with J.W. Collection, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss working alongside John Wieland. Lester joins host Carol Morgan to chat about influencing buyer decisions through branding, current community offerings and his recent appointment as the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association President (GAHBA) on the All About Real Estate segment.
Working with his father in South Georgia on building and remodeling projects, Lester began his construction career at a young age. After graduating from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Construction Management, Lester worked in commercial construction at Turner Construction, where he contributed to projects such as the Grady Hospital expansion and the Georgia Institute of Paper Science. Lester has over 30 years of metro Atlanta homebuilding experience dedicated to John Wieland companies.
Lester said, “I have worked all over metro Atlanta…I have had a great time and have worked with a lot of great customers!”
J.W. Collection is John Wieland's boutique building company. The company concentrates on seven different neighborhoods, including well-known and upcoming projects. The J.W. Collection team is currently working on projects in Canton, Woodstock, Acworth and Dunwoody, as well as a neighborhood in Tucker off Lavista Road and a project on Collier Road in Atlanta.
With over 50 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, John Wieland has built over 30,000 homes in the metro Atlanta region. The company portfolio also includes beautifully constructed homes and neighborhoods in surrounding states, such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. Lester expresses deep gratitude towards Wieland and feels humbled to work for an award-winning national builder.
Lester said, “Since I have been with John Wieland, I’ve witnessed what he has done in metro Atlanta – not only building neighborhoods but changing communities and cities!”
From first-time buyers to reoccurring customers, the John Wieland brand presents a status that buyers desire. With every John Wieland company, including the J.W. Collection, every aspect, from customer service to home design, is a top priority. From the floorplans to the design features, Lester and his team strive to deliver stunning homes and communities with thoughtful details and design choices.
A destination community, South on Main in Woodstock, sits on 82 acres with 255 closed homes. Prospective buyers will be excited to hear that it is zoned for approximately 575 units, so there are more opportunities to buy! Residents have access to unbeatable amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, playground, communal firepit, gathering shed, multiple dog parks and much more! Starting in the $600,000s, the neighborhood showcases townhomes and single-family homes.
Lester said, “South on Main is the gem of Woodstock and Cherokee County!”
Tune into the full episode above to learn more about the J.W. Collection, or visit www.JWCollectionHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
Construction Ready: Program Benefits, Upcoming CareerExpo
2023/03/01
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President and CEO Scott Shelar with Construction Ready joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the program’s many benefits and the critical growing skills gap. Shelar joins host Carol Morgan to discuss the upcoming Construction Ready CareerExpo on the All About Real Estate segment.
Celebrating his 25th anniversary with Construction Ready this year, Shelar and his team want to ensure that people know the incredible opportunities provided within the construction industry and help participants gain the credentials and training needed to pursue successful careers.
Shelar said, “I love what I do. It’s what keeps me going!”
Available to people from all ages and backgrounds, Construction Ready provides youth, adult and four-week programs that allow individuals to kickstart their journey in the construction industry. Starting the conversation with individuals as young as elementary school level, the organization provides hands-on activities and training to anyone and everyone.
Shelar said, “We do a little bit of everything.”
With the United States facing a significant labor shortage and many industry members retiring, rising workers need to know essential trade skills. Trade jobs such as welders, heating and air techs, electricians and several others are in extremely high demand – resulting in companies raising their wages significantly.
Shelar said, “It is a great time to look into a career in the construction industry!”
From electricians and plumbers to fire protection professionals and highway construction workers, the construction industry has a vast selection of opportunities. Construction Ready and partnering companies teach individuals, within the programs, without any student loan debt through apprenticeships and formal on-the-job training.
Shelar said, “These opportunities allow you to climb the ladder and make as much money as you want to make!”
Next week, Construction Ready will host a CareerExpo designed for high school and middle school students to explore careers within the construction industry. Students can access operating equipment, on-site equipment simulators and several hands-on activities. Attendees will also be able to network with industry employees to ask questions and gain additional information about specific opportunities. The organization is expecting over 9,000 students from all over the state!
Shelar said, “The CareerExpo is an exciting event, and we are so happy to be bringing it back!”
Tune into the full episode above to learn about Construction Ready, or visit www.ConstructionReady.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
New Homes Solutions: How Home Builders Can Get Traction with Sales
2023/02/22
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Chief Customer Experience Officer Kimberly Mackey with New Homes Solutions joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss “traction” for builders. Mackey joins host Carol Morgan, Founder and President of Denim Marketing, to chat about the Traction Scorecard strategy, predicting sales paces and more on the All About Real Estate segment.
Before starting New Homes Solutions in 2007, Mackey worked with many large regional and national home builders within every aspect of the home building industry, including building homes! In addition to training individuals on the sales process, Mackey works with businesses behind the scenes to ensure that every system, policy and procedure align and support the sales process.
Mackey said, “I like to say that I’m the person people call when they want sales to be the engine that drives the train rather than running it off the track.”
Created to reduce firefighting within the home building industry, Traction is an Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) that requires business-owners to break down company operations into bite-sized chunks. With scorecards and measuring accountability, Traction allows business owners to manage their businesses efficiently.
Mackey said, “Data doesn’t lie!”
Focusing on a company’s employees, issues and vision, Traction brings everything together by providing essential data. While it is vital for salespeople to spend time on rapport to build and learn the critical path, the numbers within weekly tasks for salespeople can cause predictability in future conversion rates.
To achieve a sales pace of 50 homes per year, per salesperson, Mackey’s 10-5-2-1 success formula is as follows:
Every on-site salesperson should have around 10 prospects every week.
Each on-site salesperson needs five first appointments weekly.
Every week, each on-site salesperson should have two “be back” appointments.
Each on-site salesperson should have at least one sale a week.
Assuming 2 weeks vacation per year, that equals one sale, per salesperson, per week.
Companies consistently completing these key metrics week-in and week-out will be able to accomplish the even-flow sale, as well as the ability to predict sales. Focusing on building referrals and a Realtor database can boost momentum and make achieving the above metrics an easier task!
Mackey said, “An object in motion stays in motion until met with an equal or greater force. So, just stay in motion!”
Tune into the full episode above to learn more about New Homes Solutions, or visit www.NewHomesSolutions.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
The Big Event: What to Expect, Community Impact
2023/02/15
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Executive Officer Wendy Daniel with the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about The Big Event and what to expect. Daniel joins host Carol Morgan to discuss the event's incredible community impact on the Around Atlanta segment.
Local to the community, Daniel has been with the Lake Oconee Builders Association for 17 years and counting. She has lived on the lake for most of her life and currently resides in the charming community with her husband and their four children.
Daniel said, "We love it at Lake Oconee!"
Developed in 1989, the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association is a local, nonprofit trade organization dedicated to the betterment of the local construction industry, working to serve its members, consumers and the community through education and public service. As the voice of the construction industry within the community, the association is committed to delivering opportunities for its members to prove their ability to conduct business with integrity.
Hosted by the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association, The Big Event first took place in 2003 as a quaint homes and gardens show. Over the years, the celebration continued to grow – transforming the homes and gardens showcase into The Big Event. This free experience hosts a wide variety of builders, associates, local merchants, artists, nonprofit organizations, arts and crafts, a kids' zone, entertainment, food and beverages. Participants can purchase single or multiple 10x10 booths, allowing vendors to display products and services. Over the past 12 years, the event has averaged over 4,500 attendees each year.
On Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the fun at The Big Event located at 1000 Vista Drive, Greensboro, Ga.
Hosting over 140 vendors, booths showcase everything from builders and home improvement vendors to local merchants and arts and crafts! The boat show featured at The Big Event also has grown and will now feature recreational vehicles.
Daniel said, "There's something for everyone at this event!"
Every year, the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association places the spotlight on the local community for the event's entertainment. Each performer will have a booth for attendees to ask questions and learn more information. Back by popular demand, this year's performers will include Saltamacchio Karate and The Arts Barn. The showcase kicks off with the Lake Country Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol presenting the colors.
Daniel said, "The Saltamacchio Karate group is a huge addition to our event! We love having them every year."
Food and beverages will be available onsite, including Chick-Fil-A, Farmer's Funnel Cakes, Queen Churro, Five Finger Philly, Travelin’ Tom's Coffee of Lake Country, Just Loaf'n, Kona Ice and Island Chef Café. An added benefit, all proceeds from beer and wine purchases benefit the Wild Jaeger Veteran Adventures, a nonprofit organization that connects fellow veterans through outdoor activities to heal wounds that are seen and unseen.
Sign up to win one of three incredible door prizes at this year’s Big Event by scanning the QR code available onsite and registering through the URL. The can’t-miss door prizes include a Green Mountain Pellet Grill, AirPods Pro and a Wolf Gourmet Countertop Oven.
Daniel said, “We have an amazing lineup of door prizes!”
For additional information on The Big Event and the Lake Oconee Area Builders Association, call 706-999-1591 or visit www.TheBigEventGA.com. Follow along on social media for regular event updates and organization information.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn about Lake Oconee Builders Association, or visit www.LOBALive.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate...
Meritage Homes Puts Energy Efficiency First
2023/02/08
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Atlanta Division President Jonathan White with Meritage Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss reasons to buy new construction now. White joins host Carol Morgan to chat about can’t-miss incentives as well as current and upcoming communities on the All About Real Estate segment.
With close to 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, White has worked in land acquisition and development, roadway design and as division president for multiple companies. White has held the title of division president at Meritage Homes for five years and currently resides in Atlanta with his beautiful wife and their three children.
White said, “It’s been a long run, but the last 20 years have been awesome! I really enjoy home building.”
Founded in 1985, Meritage Homes began in Scottsdale, Arizona - where the company headquarters is still based. As the seventh largest public homebuilder in the United States, Meritage Homes oversees 21 divisions across ten states. In 38 years, the homebuilding company has delivered 155 thousand homes and built a reputation centered around its impressive energy efficiency. In 2022, Meritage Homes was awarded the Energy Star™ Partner of the Year for sustained excellence and superior building practice for the ninth consecutive year.
Since 2013, every Meritage Homes project has been energy certified and each home is approximately 40% more efficient than other new homes on the market. As one of the only builders to use spray foam insulation for the entire envelope of the house, homes have a protective barrier that helps with noise reduction, pest management, sealing in the interior’s climate and promoting healthy air quality. Other energy-efficient appointments within every Meritage home include high-performance air filters, low-flush toilets, Energy Star™ appliances, LED lighting and much more!
White said, “It is really impressive what we do in our homes – it’s not just the energy saving, it’s also the resale value that it gives you on the backend.”
Meritage Homes focuses on three main segments of the buyer profile – first-time buyers (millennials), first-time move-up buyers and move-down buyers. The homebuilding company offers various-sized townhomes and single-family homes in communities across the Greater Atlanta area.
SweetWater Green – Club Series by Meritage Homes is a master-planned type community with over 400 lots, four product lines and various price points. The Club Series offers a mixture of 21 and 24-foot townhomes, priced in the low $300,000s, boasting three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and one- to two-car garages across 1,600 to 1,800 square feet. Located in Lawrenceville, the community is just southeast of I-85 and Pleasant Hill Drive off Club Drive.
White said, “SweetWater is a very exciting community!”
Tune into the full episode above to learn more about Meritage Homes, or visit www.MeritageHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out...
Pam Sessions: A Pioneer for New Urbanism in Atlanta
2023/02/01
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Pam Sessions, president of Hedgewood Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss her professional experience in design, homebuilding and construction. Sessions joins host Carol Morgan as the 11th installment of the Legends of Real Estate series.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Sessions earned a degree in fine arts and moved on to pursue a career in art and photography. With her then-boyfriend (now husband) Don Donnelly being a home builder at Brighton Homes, Sessions became interested in the home building industry.
After having no luck trying to help some friends find a home in the area, Sessions decided to use the knowledge she gained from the sidelines to invest in rental property. Sessions built two rental houses and fell in love with the homebuilding process.
For three years, Sessions built on her own before joining forces with her husband in 1985 to create Hedgewood Homes – offering development and homebuilding services.
Sessions said, “My husband and I have always had an interest in houses!”
Still learning the ropes within the industry, Sessions knew she wanted to build strong customer relationships. In a time when buyers had little say in the building process, Sessions began to provide sit-down meetings with customers to learn what they were looking for in their new homes.
Sessions said, “I worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week for seven years perfecting and working to learn.”
Meeting with customers every weekend, Sessions had back-to-back meetings with several customers to design their dream homes. Sessions built her business to the point where she could not handle it alone. She and her husband decided to create a business together, developing neighborhoods. Donnelly’s former employer believed in the duo and funded their first development, Highland Park in Fulton County.
Becoming a design-driven company, Hedgewood Homes focused heavily on how neighborhoods work for families. Wanting to provide families with an environment promoting freedom and spontaneity, Sessions and Donnelly took inspiration from Florida’s Seaside community.
Sessions said, “When we took our two children to Seaside, the light bulb went off – it was remembering how we grew up. We had so much freedom that brought responsibility and enabled us to grow into adults.”
The couple assembled farms on either side of their property to begin land planning for a new development. Hedgewood Homes hired Andres Duany with DPZ CoDesign, who designed several Florida projects, such as Seaside and Rosemary Beach, to start the conceptual plan. Local planners came in the help finish the project that featured a village and YMCA in walkable proximity to the middle and high schools.
Starting in the late eighties, Hedgewood Homes has survived multiple recessions, including the Great Recession. Despite losing employees and half of its business, the development company remained afloat through returns, pay-outs and construction permanent loans. Since lending was not available, Sessions and her team used cash to build a limited amount of homes. When the market started to normalize, Hedgewood Homes was in better shape than most competitors because of the construction permanent loans assisting the continuation of the building process.
Sessions said, “At that time, we had a company of a hundred employees, 13 neighborhoods, we were building 350 to 400 homes a year and the valve just shut off. Overnight, we went from a hundred employees to three and it was really hard.”
Hedgewood Homes changed its business model after coming out of the Great Recession, causing the team to step back and focus on what matters most to the company – design, community and customers. The development company and its team members moved into the city to be closer to the customer and to allow the design aspect to thrive in an urbanized space.
Sessions said, “We intentionally changed after the recession.”
Denim Marketing Gets Ready for the 2023 NAHB Int’l Builders’ Show
2023/01/25
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Vice President of Client Services Courtney Stewart with Denim Marketing joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 2023 NAHB Int'l Builders’ Show. Stewart joins host Carol Morgan to chat on the All About Real Estate segment.
An Atlanta native, Stewart graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 with a degree in Public Relations. Celebrating her 10th anniversary with Denim Marketing this upcoming May, Stewart started her career at Denim Marketing managing Atlanta Real Estate Forum!
Stewart said, “I love this site and this podcast!”
Denim Marketing is a full-service marketing agency with focusing on content creation, such as creating blogs and social media content. The Denim Marketing team also provides public relations, e-mail marketing, website copywriting, marketing and social media campaigns, social media advertising and big-picture strategic marketing.
Stewart said, “Denim Marketing is a content powerhouse!”
The NAHB Int'l Builders’ Show is the perfect place for professionals to connect and develop relationships with other industry members. It is also a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow from experts within the industry. No matter which part of the home building industry you are in, there are many educational opportunities available at the show!
Stewart said, “Besides the event being in Las Vegas, I would say my favorite part is meeting new people from all over the country!”
Whether early for the pre-show event or just for the three-day show, it is important to plan time to enjoy educational activities and visit the show floor! To help organize all events, shows and activities, download the NAHB Int’l Builders’ Show 2023 app. The app features a map of the show floor, a list of exhibitors and more!
Presenting alongside Brandon Schmidt with YDOP, Stewart gives her first building knowledge session of the show, How to Avoid the 5 Mistakes Contractors Make with Their Online Reputation, on Wednesday, February 1, at 8:30 a.m. local time. While Schmidt will be focusing on the google side, Stewart will zero in on social media, together discussing how contractors can avoid making five common mistakes with their online reputations. The duo will cover handling negative reviews, the difference between reviews and testimonials, how to increase reviews and much more!
Stewart will also present alongside Alex Aitken with M&M Glass Company at the YP enrichment session, Is it Worth the Money? Spending Sales and Marketing Dollars Effectively. This quick chat will take place on Thursday, February 2, at 2 p.m. local time and will be located at the NAHB Headquarters in the grand lobby. The goal of this 30-minute talk is to give young professionals in attendance valuable items they can apply to their sales and marketing strategies to maximize the power of their budget.
Stewart said, “I love being a young professional in this industry and I love how our industry has embraced young professionals!”
Carol Morgan will be speaking at the building knowledge session, It’s Only Words: The Cost of Neglecting Company Content, taking place on Tuesday, January 31 at 4 p.m. local time. Focusing on content and getting back to the basics, Morgan and Rob Krohn with Epcon Communities will discuss the Google Helpful Content Update, why content matters and much more!
On Wednesday, February 1 at 11:30 a.m. local time, Morgan will be speaking at the House That She Built Punch List: 18 Ideas for Inspiring the Next Generation. Invited by Mollie Elkman, Morgan will give attendees an overview of the House That She Built Georgia chapter and the opportunities related to getting involved with the project.
For more information on the 2023 NAHB Int'l Builders’ Show, visit www.BuildersShow.com.
Listen to the full interview above to learn more about Denim Marketing, or visit www.DenimMarketing.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here.
Cresswind Georgia: Active-Adult Amenities Coming in 2023
2023/01/18
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Community Manager Jennifer Landers with Kolter Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes. Landers and host Carol Morgan chat about homebuyer tips and trends to expect in the new year on the All About Real Estate segment.
Starting her career in marketing, Landers has worked within the real estate and homebuilding industry for 24 years! With a focus on master-planned developments, Landers is currently leading the Kolter Homes largest metro Atlanta community, Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes. Located in the quaint city of Hoschton, Cresswind Georgia is a stunning 55+ active adult community within the larger master plan of Twin Lakes, just minutes from I-85 and Braselton. Featuring a first-class lifestyle and amenity package, the Cresswind Georgia will host 1,300 single-family homes upon completion.
Club Cresswind, the private, residents only amenity with a natatorium and outdoor pool is scheduled to open in the first quarter of the year. Featuring approximately 29,000 square feet of social and recreational space, the community club is the epicenter of the community with incredible indoor and outdoor amenities. Indoor amenities include a smart fit training center, arts and crafts room, lounge areas, multiple event spaces, expansive event kitchen, game room and natatorium. Residents can also enjoy the warmer months outside with several outdoor amenities, including an outdoor poot, 45 acres of beautiful lakes, walking trails, fishing areas with a kayak and canoe launch, a dog park and a community garden. And Cresswind Georgia has one of the largest pickleball complexes in the state.
Landers said, “The club is planned around the cornerstones of fitness, relationships, education and entertainment for residents.”
The active adult community offers multiple clubs, fitness classes, concerts, educational events and more! The community also provides an onsite and nationally recognized lifestyle director who manages all Kolter Homes communities.
With ample impressive offerings, it is no surprise that Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes is the number one active-selling community in Georgia. The 55+ neighborhood has four collections of homes featuring the comfort home design with a wide range of structural and elevation options and hundreds of finishing selections. Home shoppers can visit the onsite design gallery and preview what the community offers. Additional opportunities are available, including loft areas, basements, three-car garages, golf-cart garages and much more!
Landers said, “There are so many options to choose from here at Cresswind Georgia!”
Listen to the full interview above to learn more about Kolter Homes, or visit www.KolterHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Create Custom Slime at Sloomoo DIY Bar
2023/01/11
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Sara Schiller, co-founder of Sloomoo Institute, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about starting a sensory entertainment experience centered around slime. Schiller joins host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment to discuss Atlanta’s newest immersive hotspot and how they worked with terra alma to find the perfect location.
Schiller is known for her company MEET which reinvented meeting spaces and produced fun and creative places where companies could go to reimagine their products and strategies. With a background working with hotels in real estate marketing and brand strategy, Schiller holds an MBA in general business and considers herself a serial entrepreneur.
The Sloomoo Institute is a playground centered around slime! While slime may be the main character, it is not the only #satisfying attraction that the Sloomoo Institute offers. Stations for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) are set up throughout the space to encourage families to leave their phones behind and connect their bodies with their minds.
Schiller said, “Sloomoo is truly an experience!”
With eight different textures and 60 scents, the Sloomoo Institute has officially reimagined slime. Schiller and her team call the institute’s slime “artisanal” because it is handmade in Atlanta within the Sloomoo space.
Schiller said, “This space is for the child at heart.”
Atlanta was always high on partners Karen Robinovitz and Sara Schiller’s list of potential locations, which led them to Edie Weintraub with terra alma. Being an expert in experiences and commercial real estate, Weintraub partnered with the Sloomoo team find the perfect space and bring their immersive experience to life.
Schiller said, “Edie was great at identifying the key spaces that would fit our needs!”
At the Sloomoo Institute, guests can experience various exciting activities, including walking on 500 gallons of slime, slingshot slime with family and friends and standing under a slime waterfall! The most popular attraction is the DIY bar, which is included with every ticket. The DIY bar allows ticket holders the fun experience of creating a customized slime using different scents, textures and colors.
Stay in the know of all things slime by signing up for the Sloomoo newsletter. You can also follow Sloomoo on TikTok and Instagram at @SloomooInstitute for fun videos and additional information!
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Sloomoo Institute, or visit www.SloomooInstitute.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Georgia MLS: 2023 Predictions, Tips to Navigate the Market
2023/01/04
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Chief Marketing Officer John Ryan with Georgia MLS joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss 2023 predictions and 2022 takeaways. Ryan joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and offers agents tips to navigate the current market.
Ryan has been with Georgia MLS for almost 30 years and has witnessed many changes in how data is distributed. As Georgia’s largest real estate marketplace, Georgia MLS tries to connect its members with clients through the information that the company produces. From the north Georgia mountains to the Georgia coast, you can find Georgia MLS offices throughout the state as well as in the contiguous states across the southeast.
For the real estate housing market, 2020 and 2021 were record years. After seeing over $50 billion in sales in 2021, the Georgia MLS team knew that working through 2022, they would experience a lower number of units sold and less sales volume. Even though the 2022 market was highly active, the last quarter of the year showcased an accelerated decline compared to the past two years. With the state of the economy and interest rates, sellers and buyers were hesitant to get involved in the real estate market.
Ryan said, “I believe the combination of those market forces (the economy and interest rates) caused people to step back a bit.”
With the inventory days-on-market rising from around six to about 22 days, there is tremendous opportunity ahead within the new year for individuals looking to sell their property or move into a new space. With low inventory numbers, stable housing prices and are anticipated for the new year.
Ryan said, “I think it will still be a seller’s market in the sense of inventory, but I don’t think that the hyperactivity we saw in the last few years will be taking place as much.”
While the current inventory numbers are low overall, Georgia is up 84% in available single-family homes. While this gives first-time buyers ample opportunity, some may have to adjust to the features and pricing available because interest rates change the buying power. There is also an opportunity for negotiation on new build prices with new construction offering incredible incentives.
Ryan said, “Buyers can marry their house, but they can date their mortgage.”
While the market is still active, agents must adapt to the slight decline. Georgia MLS focuses on ensuring its members get back to the basics of the tools the real estate service company provides. In the new year, agents should concentrate on the spirit of influence and working with their contacts. With the tools that Georgia MLS provides, agents can overview the performance of listing ads and relay the information back to their clients to help with marketing strategies and plans.
Ryan said, “We’re just getting back to the fundamentals.”
Listen to the full interview above to learn more about Georgia MLS, or visit www.GeorgiaMLS.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta...
David Weekley Homes: Buyers Want a True Time Frame
2022/12/28
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Atlanta Division President Adam Cornett with David Weekley Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss what buyers are looking for in the present market. Cornett joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and chats about current communities in closeout and what's in store for the new year.
Cornett started his journey with David Weekley Homes in 2014 within the Dallas division and, in 2016, became the division president. In late 2020, Cornett transferred to the Atlanta division and has loved living in Georgia with his wife and three beautiful daughters.
As the nation's largest privately held builder, David Weekley Homes was established in 1976 and has grown drastically. From Portland to Texas to Florida, the building company grew exponentially across 19 markets and offers various products. As a prominent private home builder, the company puts its team members and customers first regarding daily operations.
One of the unique elements of David Weekley Homes is its ownership structure. The builder prioritizes equality, splitting ownership three ways between the founding families, the company's team members and the Dovetail Impact Foundation.
With many prospective buyers wanting a sense of predictability, having a proper time frame and accurate payment forecasting is vital in today's market. With supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, increased prices and other factors impacting costs, some homebuyers are waiting longer than expected, and paying significantly more than they planned.
Cornett said, "One of the biggest things that buyers are looking for is a true time frame."
After a great year of strong sales for the home building company, there are still some final opportunities to live in one of its beautiful neighborhoods. Priced in the high $600,000s, Hargrove in Decatur features a mixture of townhomes and high-density products with only one available home left. Starting in the low $500,000s, Woodbury in Smyrna has three Tomkins plan opportunities only one mile from The Battery. With two final Anglewood planopportunities available, Heritage at Towne Lake is a popular active adult community in Woodstock.
Cornett said, "The Anglewood is an award-winning plan of ours, winning an Obie award for Best Floorplan in an Age-Qualified Neighborhood!"
Listen to the full interview above to learn more about David Weekley Homes, or visit www.DavidWeekleyHomes.com.
Hassle Free Moving with Utility Connect
2022/12/21
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Russell Ausseresses, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder with Utility Connect joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the benefit of the company's services and how brokers, mortgage companies and others in the industry can become involved. Ausseresses joins host Carol Morgan in the All About Real Estate segment.
After much work in technology and graphic design, Ausseresses started Utility Connect in 2012 – diving headfirst into a much-needed service. The service-based company has grown exponentially in the past 10 years, expanding into three other countries.
Ausseresses said, "It's been a journey, but we think we've nailed the process and have seen nothing but great responses and growth!"
The goal behind the service-based company is to relieve the stress of moving into a new space by bringing the consumer together with available service providers, simplifying the procedure. Turing a four-to-six-hour process into a 15 to 20-minute discussion, the company presents every available option to the customer, including home insurance, city utilities, home security and more! As a business-to-business-to-consumer company, Utility Connect works directly with service providers and consumers to make the process smooth.
Ausseresses said, "The best part is it's completely free!"
Specializing in patterning and private labeling, the service-based company works with real estate and mortgage companies as well as builders and property managers. When setting up a partnership with Utility Connect, service providers obtain an agent/company-branded micro-site. The micro-site offers the provider a way to submit clients to the company, which performs a deeper integration through API and automated report systems. The process is very versatile and allows the service company to work with any company for any kind of scenario.
Ausseressess said, "It's a very easy and quick process to set up."
When customers hear that the process is entirely free they often believe it's too good to be true. Cable and internet companies, deregulated energy providers, home security businesses, insurance agencies and others pay Utility Connect to assist consumers at no fee to the consumer.
Ausseresses said, "Where there is a choice [in energy providers], we make money."
Want to work with Utility Connect? Call its office at 877-587-9566 or visit the company website at www.UtilityConnect.net to schedule a demo! After scheduling a demo, an account manager will reach out to walk through the process and help set up the organization. Make sure to mention the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to get an extra percentage, depending on the business pricing.
Listen to the full episode above to learn about Utility Connect, or visit www.UtilityConnect.net.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show,
Cherry Blossom Festival Returns to Atlanta
2022/12/17
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The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is the perfect place to enjoy the early bloomings of the upcoming spring season with family and friends. The 2023 festival returns to Blackburn Park in Brookhaven on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The annual Cherry Blossom 5K is Saturday, March 18.
Guests will enjoy hundreds of Cherry Blossoms as well as a number of other fun activities. This annual festival features two days of music, over 100 local and regional artists in the Artist Market, the Kidz Zone, Pet World, Classic Car Show, local eats and drinks and FUN for the whole family! Stay tuned for updates on musical performances.
Register for the Cherry Blossom 5K at Blackburn Park, benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Information and registration here: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67390/brookhaven-cherry-blossom-5k
Blackburn Park is an ideal setting for spring thanks to 240 Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees being planted in 2014. Since then, the town has gathered yearly to enjoy the beauty of the trees in bloom. Set on 49 acres of green space and conveniently located off I-285 at the Ashford Dunwoody Exit, Borden said that guests of the festival could park free at one of several locations, then ride the free shuttle to the park, where admission is free. The price tag alone is reason enough to attend.
If the weather cooperates, blooming trees will shade guests while strolling to the Children’s Village, newly expanded with rides, face painting, superheroes and more. Along the way, they can stop at one of the many booths where local artisans display their handiwork. Dogs can even participate in the fun at the Pet Parade or the agility course. Check out the classic car show and relax in the calm of a weekend afternoon.
To learn more about all the exciting activities at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, visit Brookhavenga.gov/festival.
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This episode of Atlanta Real Esate Forum Radio was recorded on March 16, 2017. Brian Borden, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Brookhaven, joins the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to discuss the return of an annual event at Blackburn Park with co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick.
Please download and subscribe to all of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcasts on iTunes. If you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it. The “Around Atlanta” segment is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact 770-383-3360.
Davidson Homes: Navigating New Construction Market, Upcoming Communities
2022/12/14
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Marketing Manager Brad Krewson with Davidson Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Radio podcast to discuss navigating today’s new construction market. Krewson joins host Carol Morgan for the All About Real Estate segment and discusses home shopping tips and what’s on the horizon for the new year.
With five years of experience in the homebuilding industry, Krewson began his journey with Davidson Homes in April of 2021 as the Marketing Manager.
In 2009, Adam Davidson turned his dream into a reality by starting Davidson Homes in Huntsville, Alabama. From building two homes its first year in business the new home-building company has grown exponentially and now extends across five states. Davidson Homes was selected as the Builder Magazine 2021 Biggest Mover award winner. Davidson Homes began developing in the metro Atlanta area in late 2020, which became a major growth market for the company.
With current interest rates, Krewson explains home buyers should guarantee that what they are spending money on is worth it. Priced from the low $400,000s to over $1,000,000, Davidson Homes offers thoughtfully designed products built with high-quality supplies to form unique and exciting home plans.
Krewson said, “I think what home buyers are looking for now is value.”
Cooper Place and Manor Estates are two beautiful Davidson Homes communities, both with only one lot remaining. Cooper Place is one of the most desirable golf course communities in the Cumming area and offers the beloved Danbury plan. Located in Marietta, Manor Estates is a tight-knit community that is gated and only features 11 lots throughout the entire neighborhood.
Located in Henry County, the Everleigh and Reverie at East Lake communities also have final opportunities. With only four lots remaining, Everleigh in Locus Grove is a one-acre, intimate community that offers homeowners privacy and room for outdoor recreation. With only two lots remaining, Reverie at East Lake is a beautiful community settled adjacent to Union Grove High School.
Krewson said, “Reverie at East Lake is beautiful!”
Riverwood in Dallas is a large community divided into two sections – the Cottages and Main Riverwood. Selling out earlier this year, Davidson Homes will be developing 20 to 25 additional cottages with a few available for move-in by the end of the year. Riverwood boasts impressive amenities including a resort-style pool, a large clubhouse, walking trails, basketball courts and more!
Krewson said, “We have sold 120 homes this year!”
Nestled in Cartersville, Mountainbrook is a stunning community with several homes currently available. Just minutes away from local dining, shopping and other exciting attractions, Mountainbrook features pickle-ball and basketball courts, a junior Olympic-sized pool, a community clubhouse and more!
The Village at Town Lakes is a gated community that feels cozy and inviting. A higher-end product, the homes within this community are courtyard-style plans showcasing glass sliding doors that lead to covered patios to expand the living space! These available residences also feature luxurious appointments throughout the space, as well as access to a lard pool and cabana, community clubhouse, fitness center and more!
Listen to the full episode above to learn more about Davidson Homes, or visit www.DavidsonHomesLLC.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.
The Pacific Group: Navigating, Developing the Metro Atlanta Market
2022/12/07
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Vice President Harold Cunliffe with The Pacific Group joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to dive into the real estate development business, founding The Pacific Group and more. Cunliffe joins host Carol Morgan on the tenth guest on the Legends of Real Estate series.
A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Cunliffe earned a degree in civil engineering and went on to work for several construction companies with real estate developer clients. Seeing the wealth of these developers (think Rolex and Mercedes), Cunliffe was inspired to go down the same path.
After accruing some savings, he purchased a small piece of property to begin amassing his wealth. During this experience, he became familiar with zoning, development regulations and many other things, and started to realize the real estate business is far from simple. Situated in British Columbia in the 80s, Cunliffe was front row to a commodity boom and a market flooded with cash.
Cunliffe said, “It was pretty easy for me to stumble into this particular real estate deal, pull it off and make a bunch of money.”
As he was doing this, he worked for a construction company where the boss acted as his mentor, aiding him along the way. During development, Cunliffe was able to get a sewer line attached to his property, allowing him to transfer from one unit per acre to two units per acre. Luckily at the time, lot values were increasing by the thousands. Lots Cunliffe intended on selling for $30,000 became worth $80,000 in value.
Seeing the incredible increase in value, Cunliffe’s boss congratulated and terminated him, forcing him to complete the real estate transaction and search for another job. At this time, the commodity market crashed, and jobs were scarce.
A friend and company partner, Mike Kilgallon, attended the University of British Columbia with Cunliffe and went into business with him. Eventually, the two also went broke together. Kilgallon was able to secure employment with a Canadian developer in the Los Angeles market and ran into some partners in Texas with access to savings and loan (S&L) money by chance. The meeting prompted the partners to ask Kilgallon to open an Atlanta office.
Cunliffe said, “At that time, Atlanta had created 100,000 jobs, and I knew that should equate to about 60,000 housing starts. But at that point, Atlanta was only doing 20,000, so there was a big lack of supply and a big demand.”
After looking around, Cunliffe secured a 200-acre piece of land in Roswell for $12,000 per acre. Cunliffe quickly secured citizenship and went to work before the S&L crisis. At this time, Kilgallon’s Texas partners had gone under while Cunliffe formed The Pacific Group.
A big fan of the analogy “you have to keep swimming,” Cunliffe believes it’s key to keep your nose above water as a real estate developer. Becoming involved, positioned and furthering your education is a crucial part of the business.
Cunliffe said, “There’s going to be a low tide. You’re going to get down there and be able to pick up all the treasure. All you have to do is pick it up and get to shore as fast as possible. Don’t go back in the water when it’s high tide again because you’ll lose all your treasure. That’s what happened to me three times.”
After operating in metropolitan Atlanta for a time, a partner in Texas with access to S&L money approached Cunliffe's team with a deal. The partner would front the funds if his team handled the deals, resulting in a 50/50 split. When the S&Ls ran out of money in 1992, the Resolution Trust Corporation searched for people to complete the projects to return as much money as possible to the FDIC.
The managers of the Resolution Trust Corporation recognized that Cunliffe and Kilgallon were not discredited borrowers and tasked them with finishing real estate projects. This resulted in the duo entering into a forbearance agreement that stated the two were to pay off the corporation with a certain amount of money o...
The Sheron Group: Luxury Homes, Home Security & Industry Leadership
2022/11/30
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CEO Charles Sheron with The Sheron Group joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share details about his entrance into the Atlanta market, the ups and downs of the real estate industry, as well as his diverse domestic and international experience. Sheron joins host Carol Morgan as the ninth guest on the Legends of Real Estate segment.
During his formative years, Sheron excelled at mechanical drawing. During a fated architectural school project, he won the prize, setting the stage for a successful career and lifetime surrounding architecture. Soon, Sheron attended The University of Georgia and took pre-architecture and landscape courses. Along the way, his professor pulled Sheron into his office and gave him life-changing advice.
Sheron said, “[He] said you know you’re just not going to make it here. You don’t have your whole heart in it… You’re always trying to sell something. You need to go over to the real estate school!”
Following this conversation, Sheron took the Georgia Real Estate Sales License course at 19 years old. For many years, he was the youngest real estate salesman in Georgia. This course of events steered Sheron towards a career in the real estate industry, but he was still unsure which aspect of the multi-faceted industry he would enter.
A family friend of Sheron’s recently sold their company in the public space, and he went to work them in their family office for a time, marking his official entrance into the real estate industry.
After graduating, Sheron found himself with a wealth of knowledge and not many individuals willing to listen to his advice. In the late 1960s, he decided to go into business independently. Sheron approached a Savings and Loans Association with a request for a loan to secure five construction lots. After following some much-needed advice from a loan professional, Sheron secured a single construction lot and entered the luxury home sphere.
Sheron said, “It’s amazing how many people took a listing on my houses…very well-known people. We grew up at a very interesting time.”
For a time, Sheron built homes in Sandy Springs. When prices began to escalate, he noticed a shift in interest in favor of Cobb County. Following this shift in the market, Sheron moved his company to Buckhead and began constructing large mansions, which acted as the focus of his business for many years.
Sheron said, “The building industry here locally was made up of mom-and-pop operators. We didn’t have the big companies that had landed in Atlanta yet… Those were the days when you knew everybody. I can’t say that today.”
Once upon a time, Sheron decided to construct the largest spec home in the country. When Sheron embarked on this adventure, he viewed it as a fantastic way to enter the market.
After clearing the plans with the bank, Sheron began constructing a home on a one-acre lot in a neighborhood off West Paces Ferry Road. Sheron shared that he purchased the one-acre lot in 1974 for $25,000, a figure unheard of in the current market. Today, the same lot would be valued at well over $1 million.
Priced from around $325,000, the home sprawled across 8,000 square feet and incorporated Greek revival elements. The residence has since experienced add-ons but originally contained nine bathrooms, a freestanding hand-built circular staircase, his and her bathrooms, European concepts and more!
Sheron said, “That was the largest spec house built in Atlanta to that date.”
The project garnered quite a bit of public attention, including the eye of newspaper outlets, television stations and more which quickly led to the sale of the home. After completing the 8,000-square-foot home, Sheron set his sights on larger horizons, which included even bigger constructions. Soon after, his company constructed a 12,000-square-foot home priced at $500,000, which would easily surpass $4 million in value in today’s market.
At this point, Sheron and his company were gaining attention across the coun...
Traton Homes: Expands Beyond Cobb County, Collects Toys for Cobb Christmas
2022/11/23
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Vice President of Sales and Marketing Amy Kessler with Traton Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss upcoming communities. Kessler joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and shares what is on the books for 2023 and how listeners can get involved with Cobb Christmas.
With over 20 years of experience within the real estate industry, Kessler has always worked in the specialty market of homegrown Atlanta builders. Beginning her journey with Traton Homes as a real estate agent, she has been the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for three years.
Recently winning Atlanta’s Best Builder by Cobb Life Magazine, Traton Homes has been around for 51 years as one of the top home builders in the region. With its headquarters in Marietta, the company mainly develops in Cobb Country and is beginning to expand across the metro Atlanta area.
Located in the Kennesaw, Haven at Stanley is one of Traton Homes newer communities featuring stylish townhomes. These gorgeous townhomes boast open floor plans that provide a single-family home feel. Additionally, two of the three-story floor plans offer the option of a main-level owner’s suite.
Kessler said, “Haven at Stanley is such a wonderful place.”
Just off Lower Union Hill Road in Canton, Courtyards at Hickory Flat is a new active adult community featuring spacious homes with 1,800 square feet of living space. Select homes available that offer a basement ideal for storage, enjoying hobbies or as a space for visiting grandchildren. The Traton Homes community features incredible amenities and is in walking distance of local dining and shopping.
Featuring the popular Brooke plan, East Park Village in Kennesaw also provides 1,800 square feet of living space. With a prime location, this community is less than two-miles from I-75 and is in proximity to Kennesaw State University and downtown Kennesaw.
Excited for what’s in store for Traton Homes in the new year, Kessler gives a sneak peek into some of the new communities coming soon!
Coming in the early months of 2023, South Cobb’s Avenbrook will feature larger, single-family homes. Priced in the $400,000s, these jewel box homes will include 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of living space!
Kessler said, “It’s hard to find single-family homes right now in the $400,000s. We are so excited about this community!”
Also opening in the Spring of 2023, Courtyards at Tradition is an upcoming Traton Homes active adult community. The South Forsyth neighborhood will include several popular floor plans boasting around 1,800 square feet and up of living space. With options of a second floor, multiple main-level bedrooms, an office space, multiple-car garages and more, these future homes highlight personalization options fit all the homeowner’s needs. Prized in the $500,000s to $600,000s, this 55+ community is ideal for prospective buyers looking to downsize while staying close to family.
With the holiday season approaching, Traton Homes has partnered with Cobb Christmas for the 17th year! Cobb Christmas is a wonderful organization that collects toys for disadvantaged kids in Cobb County each year. Traton Homes receives donations from suppliers and homeowners to fill baskets and baskets of toys for Cobb Christmas. Local residents are encouraged to drop off toy and money donations at the Traton Homes corporate office at 720 Kennesaw Avenue in Marietta or visit any Traton homes community donation drop box!
Listen to the full episode below to learn more about Traton Homes, or visit www.TratonHomes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not on...
Parkland Communities: Upcoming Projects, Build-to-Rent Refinancing
2022/11/16
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President Jim Jacobi with Parkland Communities and Parkland Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Radio podcast to discuss recent land development successes. Jacobi joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and shares updates about build-to-rent refinancing and upcoming projects.
Before starting his first land and development company in 2005, Jacobi gained experience in land planning and engineering by working with local companies. In 2007, his company, JEH Homes, transitioned into home building and never turned back. In 2015, JEH Homes became one of the top 10 largest home builders locally.
After taking some time off, Jacobi started Alliance Planning and Engineering, handling engineering projects across Georgia. He also owns Parkland Communities and its two branches, Parkland Homes and Parkland Residential. Parkland Homes operates the for-sale properties and communities, while Parkland Residential oversees the rental communities. Jacobi and his team have worked diligently over the past 18 months to two years developing and creating new products, including 15 new communities coming soon.
Jacobi said, “We’re excited about our future and look forward to 2023!”
Embracing the build-to-rent approach, Parkland Communities has nine build-to-rent developments currently in the works – totaling approximately 1,000 units. With a plan to break ground before the end of the year, Sugarloaf Landing is a Parkland Residential build-to-rent community coming soon to Sugarloaf Parkway. Other Parkland Residential future projects include Sugarloaf Crest off Sugarloaf Parkway and Rainwater Park in Gwinnett County.
Jacobi said, “Build-to-rent is here to stay!”
In addition to the build-to-rent projects, Parkland Homes has six for-sale communities under development. Located in Gwinnett County, Windance Lake is off Beaver Road and South Gwinnett surrounded by beautiful land and picturesque horse farms. Windance Lake will feature a four-acre fishing lake for residents to enjoy. Another for-sale community in the works, Bennett Farm is located off Loganville Highway and Hoke O’Kelly Road.
Jacobi said, “Bringing obtainable housing, whether for sale or build-to-rent, is the number one mission for the company.”
Parkland Residential recently refinanced its Sweetwater Springs community to a ten-year Fannie Mae loan. This community becomes a permanent fixture in company’s portfolio. Jacobi and the Parkland Communities team continue to serve communities to create many beautiful projects to accompany Sweetwater Springs and others moving forward.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Parkland Communities, or visit www.ParklandCo.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Blue River Development: Build-to-Rent Partnerships, Rising Interest Rates
2022/11/09
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Director of Investment Sales and Strategic Partner Bobby Stamps and Managing Principal Brad Cooper with Blue River Development join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the build-to-rent market and rising interest rates. Stamps and Cooper join host Carol Morgan in the All About Real Estate segment.
Cooper has been with Blue River Development for 22 years with his partner and brother, Michael Cooper. After working in the Atlanta music industry for several years, Stamps decided to transition into residential sales and joined Cooper at Blue River Development four years ago.
Cooper said, “I have been doing this for 22 years and plan on doing it for another 22 years!”
Blue River Development provides land origination, development and banking for national home builders, regional builders and single-family rental funds and operators in nine markets across five states.
Although the past few years saw agreeable interest rates and a booming market, the economy is changing fast, causing many home builders to halt or slow production. Blue River Development assesses supply and demand imbalances differently now compared to the 2008 recession.
With an influence on several aspects of the home-building industry, rising interest rates have a particular effect on the build-to-rent market. Directly clashing with the finished product price, individuals are starting to see the return on cost change from the typical 4 to 5% to more than 6% in most cases.
Many builders unable to take a big hit provoked a more creative deal structure approach. In order to adapt to today’s fiscal environment, builders are beginning to hop on the bandwagon of becoming fee builders.
Cooper said, “Builders have little to no financial risks in this scenario, and it has become an important revenue stream.”
Build-to-rent groups are more selective on products and pricing, offering fewer deals in tertiary markets. In the past, Blue River Development has sold deals and lots to American Homes for Rent and other build-to-rent groups that handle their own vertical construction. After sparking up a deal between Haven Realty Capital and Davidson Homes, Stamps prioritized immersing himself within the build-to-rent space. As land developers, the company is well-versed in deals, builders, products, lot sizes, zoning, surrounding schools and more, making Blue River Development perfect for pairing home builders with build-to-rent groups creating successful deals!
Stamps said, “We did all we could to network and stay ahead of the curve to gather the intel from all the main players in the build-to-rent game.”
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Blue River Development or visit www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Level Craft Construction Announces New Construction Division
2022/11/02
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Co-Founder and Partner Virginia Van Lear with Level Craft Construction joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the story behind the 100% female-owned business, the company’s exciting expansion into building new home communities, as well as what’s on the books for the new year. Van Lear joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
As one of Atlanta’s favorite female builders and remodelers, Van Lear worked independently in the home building industry for 23 years before starting Level Craft Construction with her partner, Debbie Hollonbeck.
Level Craft Construction is an in-town home-building company that develops custom homes and renovates large-scale projects. Prioritizing transparency and a positive environment with homeowners, Van Lear and her team are look forward to the expansion and growth of Level Craft Construction while offering beautiful products across Atlanta.
Van Lear said, “We love working with our clients! We love to make the process super seamless.”
Beginning in Decatur and Midtown within well-known neighborhoods like Morningside and Virginia Highlands, Level Craft Construction recently expanded to Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs. The female-led company is currently building out a 58-home neighborhood in Hapeville and 12 townhomes in Grant Park near Zoo Atlanta.
Van Lear said, “We were awarded Best Remodeler in Buckhead Magazine last month!”
This is notable because the builder just started building in Buckhead in 2022!
Priced from the low $400,000s, the Hapeville neighborhood features detached townhomes ideal for single-family living. Named Stillwood Homes, the community includes impressive amenities such as a pool and cabana. With each group of townhomes showcasing a different exterior elevation including Mediterranean, Southern and Tuscan the community’s landscaping and hardscaping will also be themed to give the neighborhood a wide range of stylistic feels. Each group of townhomes will have access to a seating area featuring a fire pit. A community garden with edible plants will be available for all homeowners to enjoy. This Level Craft Construction project is conveniently located just off the Hapeville exit with close proximity to the airport.
Just steps away from the BeltLine, Level Craft is working on 12 townhomes located at 816 Berne Street in Grant Park. Pricing isn’t finalized yet but will most likely be from the $700,000s to the $800,000s for these four-floor townhomes. These homes will feature modern design elements and panoramic doors on the top roof leading to an expansive deck that overlooks the beautiful city of Atlanta.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Level Craft Construction, or visit www.LevelCraftAtlanta.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Sales Uncomplicated: Successfully Executing the Sales Process
2022/10/26
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Sales Uncomplicated President David Hagan joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Uncomplicated Sales Training Method, the evolution of sales and the benefit of “The Customer Experience Equation.” Hagan joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Originally from Savannah, Hagan moved to Atlanta five years ago with his wife of almost 30 years, Rebecca, and their three daughters. Sharing a passion for homebuilding, all three of Hagan’s daughters work within the industry.
Earlier this year, Hagan took a bittersweet leave from his job of four years at Smith Douglas Communities to pursue his own company. After much prayer, consideration and planning, Hagan started Sales Uncomplicated – a full-service sales training, coaching and consulting company. Always seeing himself working exclusively with home builders, Hagan noticed a call to also work with mortgage lenders, real estate brokers and attorneys within the homebuilding space.
Hagan said, “I see uncomplicated as a verb. We come in and uncomplicate things.”
According to Hagan, there are four essential factors in helping simplify efforts for sales teams:
Companies must have a sales process that the team believes in and can execute properly.
Sales teams should have a prospecting process that works efficiently and promptly.
Teams should easily manage backlog using a follow-up process.
Companies should have a sales culture that sets their sales team apart from the competition.
Hagan said, “I have found that the most successful sales teams have a sales culture that is part of their company culture.”
With customers often showing up already knowing as much information about the model home as the salesperson, it can throw the sales process off course. An adaptive sales process that allows the salesperson to customize their presentation according to the customer, the Uncomplicated Method created by Hagan decreases the stress of following the traditional sales process. This unique method allows salespeople to start their sales process at any stage without having to abandon specific steps or their customers!
From working with mortgage lenders to real estate brokers to attorneys, Sales Uncomplicated is prepared to help anyone who depends on sales within the real estate industry. Hagan trains sales teams, as well as support teams, on how to be the best partner for a builder.
Hagan said, “Homebuilding is my first love and I’m excited to work with builder partners!”
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Sales Uncomplicated, or visit www.SalesUncomplicated.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Landis: Disrupting the Real Estate Industry
2022/10/19
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Head of Sales Mark Schlosser with Landis joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about the market’s impact on the company, its partnership with agents and brokers, as well as the questionable reputation of the traditional rent-to-own process. Schlosser joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A father of two beautiful babies, Schlosser loves to spend time with his children and always puts his family first. After working six years in cybersecurity for various industries and companies, Schlosser joined Landis as Head of Sales. He leads a team that operates markets with brokerages and agents to ensure partners are set up for success while working with Landis.
Landis is a homeownership company that transitions renters into homeowners. The company provides programs to clients, ranging from one to two years, that offer coaching and mortgage preparation after purchasing a home from Landis. The design of these programs prepares clients for the responsibility of homeownership.
Landis partners with agents who receive full MLS commission to help convert their clients into homeowners through its program. The homeownership company empowers its agents and partners with technology, such as a complete CRM and a Landis U system full of courses and curriculum to make agents and partners as autonomous as possible. Landis also has feet on the ground to incorporate human touch.
Schlosser said, “For our agents and partners, it’s not just about the commission aspect. It’s about so much more. It’s about creating a great experience.”
Preferring the phrase “homeownership company” over “rent-to-own,” Landis is a modern-day twist on the traditional concept. The main difference is the company process is truly aligned to foster homeownership. The company’s criteria, financial coaching and taking clients within its program seriously are just a few reasons why 80% of its clients transition to homeownership.
Schlosser said, “We have investors such as NAR, Sequoia, Will Smith and Jay-Z.”
With his cybersecurity background, Schlosser believes the technology aspect within the real estate industry has much room for improvement. While human touch will always be necessary for the industry, there are several ways to accelerate areas in enhancing standards, guidelines and technologies.
Schlosser said, “The one thing I absolutely know about the real estate industry is it can and should be disrupted.”
The uncertainty surrounding today’s market has lined Landis and its clients up for short- and long-term success. With thoughts of “I don’t know” floating within the market, the program available through Landis provides its clients with predictability. Landis also provides clients with all-cash offers, making offers more attractive to sellers.
Recently, Landis announced its Series B funding of $40 million from investors such as GV, NAR, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation fund Arrive, Sequoia and more! The company will use the additional funding to grow its team, improve its program and add new markets. Providing support and coaching to clients, $2 million of the fund will be exclusively for the advancement of the company’s program to help its clients become homeowners.
Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Landis or visit www.Landis.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
Richardson Housing Group Celebrates Gwinnett County Excellence
2022/10/12
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Ann and Allen Richardson with Richardson Housing Group join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show on the eighth Legends of Real Estate segment to talk about the company's large footprint across the metro Atlanta housing market. The couple chats with Carol Morgan in the studio about founding the homebuilding company in 1973 and Allen’s involvement with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
Feeling entrepreneurial, Allen partnered with his dad to start Richardson Homes almost 50 years ago. The builder is now known as the Richardson Housing Group.
The family ties of the company extended beyond Allen and his father to several uncles who had experience in construction, residential real estate and general contracting. Through his college years, Allen gained valuable experience directly from these familial role models that would set him up for great success in the following decades.
Allen said, “I just always had a fascination for the housing industry and that’s where I am today.”
Today, the Richardson Housing Group stands as a third-generation company.
In Allen’s words, the company had basic beginnings with a strong emphasis on building sturdy relationships within the industry, from subcontractors and trade partners to bankers, employees and more. This resulted in decades-long relationships with subcontractors and employees who remain loyal to the company.
In the beginning, the Richardson Housing Group typically constructed single-family homes that were a mix of split-level, two-story and ranch plans. Allen shared that they were still learning how to target the market during this period.
Allen said, “We learned early on that the young people were buying the split levels and middle-aged people were buying the ranch plans. So, we did learn a little about what we needed to do to target the market.”
In the 70s and 80s, it was common for a builder to make every decision surrounding interior and exterior design. The Richardson Housing Group was no exception. Later, the builder opened a design center and turned away from producing ready-made homes for prospective buyers.
Ann said, “Homes back then were more functional than they are now. If it didn’t have a function, it didn’t go in the house.”
The homes the company produced were smaller homes for atomic families. Amenities did not come onto the scene until it became apparent that families were shopping in communities with popular amenities.
Although Ann officially joined the company in 1982, she was there with Allen at the beginning assisting with administrative tasks and familiarizing herself with company operations.
Two short years after the founding of the Richardson Housing Group, the world economy underwent a significant crash that forced many builders to halt. Allen shared that while the company managed to get itself on its feet, no one predicted rising interest rates of around 9% and a lack of mortgage funds entering the state.
Allen said, “One thing that I do recall is that we had construction loans with that filed [for] bankruptcy…It made for some interesting times.”
Forced to find creative ways to navigate the volatile market, Richardson Housing Group developed relationships with banks in Florida and Maryland. This allowed the company to finish a few houses and bring them to the closing table while other builders struggled to complete the same task.
Taking advantage of the positive relationships built during the crash, Richardson Housing Group began venturing into investment and land development. The company established development on foreclosed land to prepare for the healing market.
Before technology took over the industry, there was zero communication from the office to the field. Adding machines and typewriters were in place long before the computer. The lack of technology presented a problem for industry workers and time-sensitive projects. Now, technology enhances the housing industry.
Terra Alma: Improving Environments, South End Norcross Project
2022/10/05
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Founder and Chief Community Builder Edie Weintraub with terra alma joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the process behind creating energized spaces, improving office environments and the company’s exciting South End Norcross project. Weintraub chats with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
With 20 years of experience, Weintraub specializes in the commercial real estate industry, working with restaurants, boutiques and entertainment spaces where people enjoy gathering and having a good time. Previously working for local and big commercial real estate firms, Weintraub decided to start her firm, terra alma a year and a half ago.
Inspired by multiple countries, terra alma means bringing together the best of land and experience. As a woman-owned boutique real estate advisory firm, terra alma delivers intentionality, engaging with local communities to ensure the fulfillment of what consumers and neighborhoods want to see.
Weintraub said, “We make sure to offer a holistic picture of what we provide.”
The all-female terra alma team loves working on adaptive reuse projects by taking something already established and converting it into something new, like Ponce City Market. With several metro Atlanta communities hitting a growth spurt because of the rail lines throughout the state, terra alma also enjoys working on the downtown resurgence of restaurants and shops.
Weintraub said, “We love working in urban environments where people are walking and congregating.”
A consultant on multiple single-use projects, terra alma knows how to position these properties to become multi-use projects. This creates assets that help the local community and serves to attract the next wave of tenants and employers moving into the building. The goal for terra alma is to create an office environment where workers can run all of their errands during the week. Offering services used during the ordinary course of life on the property, including doggy/kid daycare, on-site restaurants and drycleaning, allows people to regain their leisure time on the weekends.
Weintraub said, “I find more and more, we are going to start transitioning into a 15-minute city where all of your needs can be taken care of within a 15-minute transportation time.”
On the South End Norcross project, terra alma is partnering with three local owners who collectively have 80 years of experience within the real estate industry. The project is an opportunity to supply the community with essential missing elements. Regarding the marketing and leasing strategy, terra alma is finding and supporting the right partners that speak to the community.
The South End Norcross project and terra alma have partnered with Rose and Hemp, a boutique-style shop started by a husband-and-wife duo in Stone Mountain. Terra alma has also partnered with two women-owned businesses opening soon – Butter & Cream from Decatur and Refuge Coffee Co. from Clarkston. Norcross residents can also look forward to an entertainment stage and a brewery/distillery, micro food hall announcement coming soon.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about terra alma or visit www.terraalma.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing,
Empire Communities: 2022 Milestones, Atlanta BeltLine Developments
2022/09/28
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SVP of Sales and Marketing Caroline Simmel with Empire Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share 2022 milestones, new products and current Atlanta BeltLine developments. Simmel joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Recently an empty nester and a new owner of two adorable Golden Retriever puppies, Simmel has 20-plus years of experience within the industry and is currently in her 16th year with Empire Communities.
The company is a Toronto-based new home building company that takes pride in creating inspiring places to live. Expanding its United States footprint, Empire Communities has developments not only in southern Ontario but also in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Charlotte.
With significant success this year, Empire Communities opened and closed several of its communities. The company is using this in-between stage to ramp up a large pipeline of new communities as a chance to reset and pay attention to market dynamics.
Simmel said, “We’ve had a lot of success this year, as most home builders have. We rode a ride for almost two years post-pandemic.”
The method behind Empire Communities is to build purposeful and lifestyle-driven neighborhoods, given that its consumer audience is very lifestyle oriented. The builder anticipates many mixed-use communities from the pipeline to land in Atlanta and Chattanooga.
Located in West Midtown, the Empire Communities Homebase experience is a centrally located, state-of-the-art sales center created for homebuyers. Sales assistance, lending support, design expertise, customer care and closing are all located at this streamlined one-stop-shop. Homebase is located about a mile from Longreen, one of Empire's newest communities. Residing a block away from the Atlanta BeltLine, Longreen offers well-designed stacked condos and townhomes. The product price range extends from the low $300,000s to the $600,000s, with the option of one, two or three-bedroom homes, anywhere from 650 to 2,000 square feet.
Simmel said, "We're very BeltLine driven in terms of our land positions."
Located on six acres of land right on the Atlanta Beltline, Stein Steel offers stacked condos and townhomes in Reynoldstown. These homes will boast old-world industrial designs, including brick lots, large windows and loft-inspired designs. Stein Steel also features an on-site restaurant called Breaker Breaker, built by the Meritt Lancaster group, the developer of Krog Street.
On 34 acres settled in Chosewood Park, Zephyr delivers 359 townhomes and stacked condos priced from the high $200s for condos and $500s for townhomes. Different districts, including the Groove, the Grove and the Grow, each offer unique features like retail components and community gardens. This community conveniently sits across the street from the future Atlanta BeltLine Park.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Empire Communities or visit www.EmpireCommunities.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured...
HDMK Incorporates Technology in Home Inspections
2022/09/21
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Founder and CEO of HDMK Kiel Harton and Co-Owner of HDMK Atlanta Franchise Toussaint Hill join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s use of technology for home inspections, the importance of same-day reports and the training HDMK provides. Harton and Hill chat with host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
It all began in February of 2022 when Hill and his brother Thaddaeus opened the doors to the HDMK Atlanta franchise. Real estate industry members for multiple years, Hill and his brother decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and start a business together. Wanting to find a company that remained a key player in the real estate industry while also offering diversity, Hill and his brother felt that HDMK was the perfect fit.
Hill said, “We’ve been making a lot of connections, meeting agents and trying to serve our clients the best we can.”
A member of the home inspection industry for over 10 years, Harton founded HDMK in 2015 with hopes of making a positive change within the industry. He built a company that expanded upon innovation within an industry that remained stagnant for years while also forging an environment that team members are proud to be a part of. HDMK holds steadfast to standards of evolving technology, same-day reports and transparent branding, which are three reasons the Hill brothers were attracted to the franchise.
Harton said, “I didn’t like what I saw in the industry and thought I could build something big, change the industry and become a benchmark.”
In a digital world, home inspection businesses underutilizing technology are losing momentum. HDMK transformed the home industry by building customized in-house software technology that digitizes and streamlines the booking and reporting process to minimize human error within paperwork and onboarding. While technology is a pillar for HDMK, human interaction is still in play through requirements such as calling clients before and after inspections.
Harton said, “Even in a digital world, everybody still seeks human interaction.”
The perfect client for HDMK is anyone who owns or is buying a home, including a first-time buyer purchasing a house on the market through a Realtor, investors acquiring a home to renovate and resell, or landlords with rental properties.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about HDMK or visit www.HDMK.net.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to HDMK for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. At HDMK their motto is “if we can, we will”. Meaning they will go above and beyond to meet the needs of clients and referral partners. They achieve this through a focus on training, implementing innovative technology and setting a high level of professionalism for all inspectors. If you are looking for a home inspector, call HDMK at 888-401-4365.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
George McClure on the Importance of Finding a Niche
2022/09/14
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President George McClure with The McClure Company joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as the seventh Legends of Real Estate guest to discuss the company's founding. He looks at the building industry in the 70s and 80s and his involvement with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. McClure joins host Carol Morgan on the Legends of Real Estate series.
McClure is a native of Cherokee County with the humble origins of growing up on a chicken farm. In high school, he got a summer job working for his uncle’s framing crew as a carpenter and found that he enjoyed the work.
McClure said, “I loved it a lot. It’s physical, and when you face the end of the day, you have something to show for your work.”
After working in the building industry for a few years and following a sports injury, McClure had the tough decision of figuring out what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. After reading up about the career in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he decided to attend college to become an accountant. In his first role, his supervisors discovered he had experience in carpentry and handed him all the construction clients.
After developing his accounting skills and industry knowledge for a few years, McClure went into business for himself in 1974, achieving a goal he made during his high school years. In 1978, he bought out his business partner, taking full ownership of the company.
While running his own company, McClure, like many other builders, ran into the issue of lot shortages and decided to develop a subdivision to counter the growing problem.
McClure said, “As they say, the rest is history!”
At a time when many of Atlanta’s current builders were not in business, the 70s proved to be a crazy decade for many construction and homebuilding businesses. Interest rates sat at 17 and 18%, ordinary numbers for the time, and the Atlanta market was saturated with smaller builders. At this time, it was typical for builders to build only five to 10 houses each year.
During this time of growth, smaller banks also took the opportunity to finance builders and developers. This trend continued well into the mid-80s until the Great Recession. Now, big builders comprise the market with a noticeable absence of modest bankers to stand up for smaller businesses and a lack of capital.
McClure said, “I believe the way to succeed is to find a niche.”
While discovering his niche, McClure received advice from another industry member who produced upscale first-time buyer homes targeted at middle-class Americans. This is the market that McClure continued to target throughout his company's history.
In almost every home he produced, McClure consciously decided to conserve the environment by delivering basement floorplans, providing his buyers with expandable, lasting space.
McClure said, “I’m a big believer in the land tells you what to do. I don’t like [developments] that all look alike and feel alike.”
True to his beliefs, McClure shared that he was recently a part of a project in Louisiana that required moving trees rather than cutting them down. Each tree cost about $25,000 to 50,000 to transfer and greatly improved the property value.
In the late 80s, McClure and three other builders co-developed a subdivision due to their experience with low lot inventory. The team decided to combine their lot-buying capabilities into a trust to buy out a project facing trouble and bring on a fourth builder to run the business side of the venture.
McClure went on to produce larger and larger subdivisions, including Summerchase at Towne Lake, which contains 110 lots. To date, his company to date has constructed developments in Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth and Henry County, providing inventory to a large portion of the state.
McClure said, “I try to stay in that move-up first-time buyer or that middle income [bracket].”
During his start with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association,
St. Bourke: Land Development Post-Pandemic
2022/09/07
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Director – Research & Communications Katie Fidler with St. Bourke joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about land development post-COVID, popular community amenities and build-to-rent. Fidler joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A native Atlantan, Fidler has lived in the Peach State her entire life and has been actively participating in the Atlanta real estate market for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 and has held various positions throughout her career, from commercial and office leasing to investment and development.
An asset management and development company, St. Bourke is headquartered in Atlanta and serves as a one-stop shop for all asset management and development needs. The company’s services cover the full gamut, starting with the project’s funding, due diligence and acquisition to planning and development to the very end with ongoing place management.
Fidler said, “We really complete that full cycle. We are experts in value engineering, unlocking hidden value, problem-solving, troublesome sites [and much more!] We like to come in and reinvigorate them and breathe new life into them.”
Founded in 2005, St. Bourke is associated with an international investment firm that entered the United States market shortly after the Great Recession. The firm acquired a considerable property portfolio and ran across issues coordinating multiple teams in various markets to manage those assets. Those teams were brought in-house to form what would eventually become St. Bourke. Click here to learn more about the founding of St. Bourke!
The company has unique origins and views each project through an investment lens, forging a niche for St. Bourke in a market undergoing incredible change. How the company approaches development paired with it suite of services sets it apart from the competition in the eyes of its clients.
Fidler said, “We do have a lot of investor clients, homebuilders, banks, private property owners – we serve many different segments of the market but certainly investment firms and homebuilders are our top two.”
Following the slowdown of the pandemic, costs and the importance of keeping costs down is more prevalent than ever before. St. Bourke has always set about planning and value engineering every site. With increasing land prices and tighter builder margins, the company is searching for ways to thoughtfully and creatively bring prices down to deliver affordable homes.
Another change Fidler noted is the noticeable ramp-up of construction and residential development further from the urban core.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about St. Bourke or visit www.StBourke.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Atlanta BeltLine: Building Community through Entrepreneurship
2022/08/30
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Vice President of Economic Development Kelvin Collins with Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk economic development, job creation and more. Collins joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and touches on future affordable commercial space initiatives.
Kicking off the episode with a notable statement, Collins shared that “if it’s happening in Atlanta, it’s happening on the BeltLine.” Currently serving as the vice president of economic development for ABI, Collins has been a team member for the past 18 months. His previous experience includes government work across two administrations in New York and a 15 years-long commitment to community service. Collins shared that his career centers around implementing economic development to solve community-centric challenges.
Collins said, “The BeltLine is one of the most exciting projects that I’ve been [a part of]. I’m really excited to be here and share more of it with you.”
Years ago, the idea of repurposing the abandoned railroad and using it to connect a historically disconnected city seemed like a brilliant and obvious next step. The Atlanta BeltLine is a massive redevelopment and infrastructure project that leverages abandoned railroads to unite significant parts of the City of Atlanta. When completed, the green space will encompass 22 miles of transit and 33 miles of multi-use trails.
Collins said, “There are so many components to this project, whether or not you’re talking job creation [or] green space [or] affordable housing. The Atlanta BeltLine touches a significant part of what makes Atlanta special.”
Through the phases of its development, the metro Atlanta green space has transformed into a destination and popular amenity. According to Collins, it will be a global beacon for equitable, inclusive and sustainable city life when completed.
The developers' goal is to create an easy-to-access space no matter where visitors or residents are in the city. The Atlanta BeltLine will be easily accessible, whether one is traveling to work, walking to school or simply looking for a way to unwind outdoors, from the north side to the south side of the city.
The development sits cattycorner to several schools and development projects, naturally increasing its accessibility as well as usage. Several developers are integrating access to the Atlanta BeltLine into their project plans, allowing visionary developers to imagine the value of the Atlanta BeltLine from a spatial dimension standpoint. According to Collins, this is only one component of the transformative nature of the project.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. or visit https://BeltLine.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Builder Lead Converter Eases Market Tension, Offers Insight
2022/08/24
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Chief Lead Converter Rick Storlie with Builder Lead Converter joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss industry predictions as well as the importance of sales and marketing in the homebuilding industry. Storlie joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and touches on the evolution of lead conversion.
Since 1998, Storlie has been making a name for himself in the homebuilding industry. He began as a job site laborer, picking up garbage on construction sites, and worked his way up to sales and general management. In 2006, he founded New Homes Sales Coach offering coaching and marketing services for sales and sales management professionals.
In 2010, Storlie took on a software partner to fill the CRM gap for custom builders, designers and remodelers. The project spent 10 years in development and in 2020, Storlie compiled the valuable knowledge he accrued over the decades to form Builder Lead Converter.
Storlie said, “We focus now more on a done-for-you platform where we support salespeople versus being a CRM.”
Builder Lead Converter captures and converts leads to allow builders to focus on building revenue and margins. Early on, Storlie learned that if you have a community with two sales representatives present versus a community with one salesperson and a sales assistant, the second community typically outperforms the first.
From a management standpoint, it is much easier to manage one salesperson with an assistant. In an operating cost view, it decreases overhead dollars.
Storlie said, “Instead of acting like a CRM that takes effort from a salesperson, how can I support that salesperson and essentially be their sales assistant and help them increase their revenue?”
Storlie also shared that it is a company goal to double the productivity of salespeople. Loved across the board by clients, Builder Lead Converter allows clients to outsource services without taking on the overhead, loss of time and more.
With clients across the United States, Storlie has front-row insight into what is happening in the country’s top markets. A noticeable trend Storlie sees across in-migration markets, such as Florida and Texas, is a high demand and strong money flow from high-end markets on the east and west coasts.
Out-migration markets, such as those in the Midwest that present as one-for-one markets, are experiencing slowdowns in new construction and remodeling. Storlie expects many builders to enter Q4 and notice a significant market difference compared to Q3.
Tune in to the interview above to learn more about Builder Lead Converter or visit www.BuilderLeadConverter.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
MARTA: Generating Affordable Housing, Transit for Atlantans
2022/08/18
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Director of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Debbie Frank with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about new projects and developments, the transit company’s biggest challenges and more.
Responsible for TOD planning and implementation around stations, Frank assists in the development of mixed-use communities for MARTA users. During Frank's six-and-a-half years with the organization, MARTA has experienced an economic impact of nearly $1 billion in new real estate at or near one-third of the 38 stations in its network. A considerable aid to the transit system's efforts, Frank's resume highlights include 25 years of planning, development, real estate and redevelopment initiative experience for non-profits, for-profits and quasi-governmental agencies in Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio and now Georgia.
Before working with MARTA, Frank was a managing partner for Urban Blueprint, a real estate development and planning consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her previous experience also includes serving as the executive director of the North Nashville Community Development Corporation, an affiliate organization of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Frank said, “We pride ourselves on being an option for folks. The convenience of MARTA is definitely one that more people should experience.”
MARTA is the ninth largest transit system in the United States, servicing the city of Atlanta and Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties. The organization has 38 rail stations, 570 buses and 338 rail cars, with upcoming plans for new rail cars in the works. A truly accessible way of travel through the metro area, the MARTA network also features a mobility service with 211 vehicles set aside to support the program.
Frank said, “Prior to the pandemic, we had a daily ridership of about 450,000 people and annually that amounted to about 7.9 million riders…We saw a decrease…but we are pleased to say we are seeing an uptick in our ridership.”
The MARTA ridership has also increased with the current rise in gas prices.
The team at MARTA was fortunate enough to host the grand opening of the King Memorial TOD, a mixed-use development boasting 11,000 square feet of retail and office space and apartments adjacent to Oakland Cemetery and the King Memorial Station. The apartment sector of the project, Marchon, features 305 apartments available for rent, 32% categorized as affordable housing.
Creating jobs and income for the surrounding neighborhood, Frank shared that the King Memorial TOD was a $63 million investment for the community. The developer worked closely with InvestAtlanta to ensure the creation of affordable housing units.
Frank said, “We try to create as many opportunities [as possible] to work closely with our local jurisdiction where the opportunity presents itself. It did here at King Memorial.”
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about MARTA or visit www.ItsMARTA.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
DeAnn Golden & Lori Lane Share Berkshire Hathaway Expertise
2022/08/17
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President and CEO DeAnn Golden and President and Executive Luxury Strategist Lori Lane with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about the company’s brokerage and new home services, navigating the real estate industry as women and upcoming projects. Golden and Lane join host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Both recently promoted, Lane now heads the New Homes Division and CITY HAUS Luxury Collection, with Golden taking over the Georgia Properties division of the residential real estate services company. Click here to learn more about Golden’s impressive promotion!
Golden shared that her relationship with Lane first started when she relocated to Atlanta and Lane sold her a house. This impactful moment in Golden’s life led to a professional relationship spanning 18 years, morphing from client to friend. Golden is celebrating 26 years in the industry, with 18 spent at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
Golden said, “That’s how we began collaborating, getting to know one another and working to open doors for people. She opened mine here in Atlanta.”
Lane shared that the two became neighbors after she decided to move into the same neighborhood, allowing the two to watch each other’s kids grow up while they each grew within the industry.
Entering its 60th year in the Atlanta and metro markets, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties expands across 29 offices and is home to nearly 16,000 sales professionals. With a considerable roster of offices and services, residents relocating anywhere in the state of Georgia have access to the unprecedented resources of the full corporation spanning three continents and 12 countries with over 1,500 offices and 50,000 sales professionals around the world.
Running the New Homes Division since 2006, Lane had the opportunity to focus on the branch as if it were a separate company under the well-known banner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. This allowed Lane to bring in new initiatives and tools exclusive to new construction with the added benefit of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services company resources.
Lane said, “We’re just continuing to grow…We have incredible clients and new projects!”
Assisting with the growth of the popular Trilith development, Lane touched on the exciting developments happening at Trilith Studios and the Town at Trilith with the expansion of the Georgia film industry. Another noteworthy project, the town of Senoia recently ramped up construction on new home opportunities, with several ready to sell and close.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Berkshire Hathaway Home Services or visit www.BHHSGeorgia.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
Kay Cantrell Remarks on Facilitating, Pioneering in the Atlanta Market
2022/08/10
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Founder and President Kay Cantrell with Cantrell Properties joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as the sixth Legends of Real Estate guest to shar her vibrant history in the homebuilding industry. Cantrell joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and touches on her role as the second female president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and first female president of the Home Builders Association of Georgia.
Growing up under the shadow of Williams Brothers Lumber Company, Cantrell begged her father at 12 years old for a summer job at the successful lumber business. Firmly believing in hard work, her father gave her a position. Throughout several summers, Cantrell developed a love for the homebuilding industry and was fascinated by all the moving parts of the business. Every afternoon on the way home from work, her father would pass through subdivisions to speak with clients, this allowed Cantrell to learn how the housing market functions.
Cantrell said, “It really interested me – what goes together to make a house and how much it impacts a family or an individual in their whole life.”
A force in the Atlanta market, Williams Brothers Lumber Company eventually started Williams Brothers Concrete, where Cantrell held a bookkeeping role.
Cantrell’s first-hand experience and education allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of the homebuilding industry. A natural person of business, her father used his intelligence and work ethic as his driving force, providing her with a stellar example on which to base her career.
Cantrell said, “I appreciate his contribution to my success.”
While working at Williams Brothers, Cantrell held several positions. One role Cantrell particularly noted was her task of photocopying every invoice the company received in the company’s basement. Recognizing the stark contrast between the industry then and now, Cantrell commented on how much the homebuilding sector and her career have evolved in comparison to her humble beginnings and her previous role as a builder.
When Cantrell took her first steps as a home builder, her husband Jack worked in the field while she took care of the bookkeeping and planning side of the company. As the recession approached, her husband searched for another job to accommodate the unsettling times. As her husband stepped away from the company, Cantrell took on his previous role in the field.
Cantrell said, “After that experience, I came back and said I’m not going back…It was so interesting getting to know my subs…developing relationships of quality. [I] treated them with respect which many builders I watched did not.”
During the transition, the internet took the industry by storm, allowing her husband to take over her previous administrative role while she embarked on her exhilarating journey in homebuilding.
Realizing that Cobb County had a shortage in lots, Cantrell was in a bind as her company was in the process of developing a subdivision. Her father came across an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the development business and proposed entering this venture to share his expertise with Cantrell to benefit her company.
By spending time on the 50-lot site and working closely on the project, Cantrell learned how to develop land. Following this, she purchased land and began the development of a project that consisted of multiple phases. At this point, Jack Cantrell acquired a few wallpaper-lining stores. While Jack ran the stores and managed the bookkeeping responsibilities of the company, Cantrell was out in the field building and developing.
Founded in 1984, Cantrell Properties saw many changes during its impressive tenure in the Atlanta market. Cantrell remarked that in the beginning, the company produced homes priced between $80,000 to $150,000 to accommodate the move-up buyer market. The company’s most recent product presents a collection of homes priced $500,000 to $700,000,
Southeastern Trust for Parks & Land: Explore Nature
2022/08/04
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Founder Bill Jones with the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land (STPAL) joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about the organization’s mission, community involvement and the upcoming anniversary event. Jones joins Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment.
A 10-year venture for Jones, the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Atlanta. The organization’s original broad mission was to build more parks in convenient locations for larger groups of people. Today, STPAL specializes in passive-recreation parks that provide an outdoor space for people to show up at their convenience to hike, mountain bike, bird watch and more.
The Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land owns 36 pieces of land across the state of Georgia that average at a few hundred acres each, with a few in North Carolina and Tennessee. Each piece of land has a management plan based on the property's capabilities, environmental status and more.
With access to green space playing a vital role in his early years, Jones shared that the organization did not start long after he was born. It all began with the founding of the Chattahoochee Recreation Area in 1978 with the support of President Jimmy Carter. As an adult, Jones lived catty-corner to the green space and regularly took advantage of the large outdoor area for biking, walking, hiking and more.
The Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land took off 10 years ago when Jones wished for more meaningful work.
Jones said, “Parks and this type of park were important to me. That’s why I started this…to create the opportunities I had to get the peace of nature near home."
While a land trust focuses solely on the conservation and preservation of the land, STPAL focuses on acquiring land privately to deliver community spaces with specific purposes. At first, the organization mainly focused on land acquisition to create more parks. Over the years, the mission of Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land transformed to revolve around three words – conservation, recreation and community.
On the conservation side, STPAL preserves all its properties to not only further conservation efforts but to provide public, outdoor sanctuaries indefinitely. The most significant conservation project in recent years consisted of planting longleaf pines seedlings, placing 50,000 in 2021 and on course to plant 150,000 more this year.
Jones said, “The [original] dominant tree type in Georgia…these trees take 30 years to get a substantial size, 100 years to mature and can live to be 1,000 years old!”
For recreation, the organization creates ideal green spaces for mountain biking, hiking and more to improve the lives of individuals and nearby communities. On the community side, STPAL brings people together through volunteer efforts at the parks.
Tune in to the full interview above or visit https://STPAL.org to learn more about the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest,
Eugene James with Quantum Bank: Housing Market is Strong
2022/08/03
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Vice President of Construction Lending Eugene James with Quantum National Bank joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about the economic health of our country, current market concerns and the controversy surrounding the build-to-rent market. James joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A highly qualified and respected member of the industry, James has over 30 years of experience working in the real estate and home building industries. Twenty of those years are as a real estate appraiser and consultant. James also has experience working directly with builders, in real estate brokerage and as a building advisor.
James said, “Now, the best gig of all is I’m in banking! I literally get to give money away to people.”
James joined the Quantum National Bank team in May of this year. Prior to that he worked in land acquisition for a premier Atlanta home builder. Quantum National Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank that has been a fundamental player in the Atlanta market for the past 27 years. Click here to learn more about his switch to the Quantum National Bank team!
Offering most of the same services as larger banks, the customer service delivered by the smaller banking institution is unsurpassed, treating clients with love and respect. The bank offers its clientele several custom services for small businesses and merchants as well as individuals through its branches in North Fulton, Gwinnett and Buckhead.
Quantum National Bank also serves as a top SBA lender in Georgia with a talented commercial construction lending team. James' unit, the residential real estate construction division, serves as one of the top 10 residential construction lenders in the state of Georgia. Despite being a smaller bank, the company does quite a bit of construction financing!
James said, “[My favorite part of the job] is being able to help a lot of builders succeed. I love working with builders and giving them points, tips, suggestions and advice as well as giving them the funding they need so they can build houses and new subdivisions.”
A trend that market watchers have grown used to, national new construction and resale housing inventories continue to be alarmingly low. This market condition presents an opportunity for builders to construct more housing to meet the present demand. According to James, even with rising interest rates and inflation, the housing market still stands strong despite what national media headlines portray.
After experiencing historically low rates for the last decade, James believes it is safe to say that the days of 3% mortgage rates are gone. Before the current market shift, it was typical for listings to sell 20% above the asking price. Now, sales agents often see offers matching the listed price.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Quantum National Bank or visit www.QuantumBank.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. Quantum National Bank and Denim Marketing are not affiliated. (August 2022)
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
Blue River Development: A “Top Gun” Development Approach
2022/07/27
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Brad and Michael Cooper with Blue River Development, LLC join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about the development of 1,000 lots in Henry County, including Symphony Park, the company’s brokerage service and what’s next! The Cooper brothers join host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
An industry member for over 20 years, Brad started his career working for President of Touchstone Homes Bryan Cohen in land acquisition. After leaving his first position, he co-founded Capital Partners Development Company and forged partnerships with Marty Kennedy and other industry groups. After unwinding Capital Partners Development Company and working for NAI Brannen Goddard, Brad co-founded Blue River Capital Development nine years ago.
Michael Cooper said, “We grew up in Gwinnett County, and we’ve been native to Atlanta for our entire growth of entrepreneurship.”
A former member of the United States Navy, Michael Cooper completed a tour at Top Gun Naval Airstrike Warfare Center and gained valuable insight into the importance of systems-based operations in a high-stress environment. After leaving the Navy, Michael started an accounts receivable management firm where he applied his knowledge of systems-based processes to the finance industry. His long history in finance provided him with a wealth of knowledge to lean on as he progressed throughout his career, forging innovative developments and evolution.
In 2013, Michael joined his brother and combined his passion for systems-based operations with Brad’s passion for the homebuilding and development industry. The result? A Top Gun approach to developing land that is highly systemized.
“It’s been great because Michael and I are the perfect marriage. Not only are we brothers and best friends, but our skill sets are very different but also very aligned,” Brad said. “Very few people in this industry are systemized at their approach to acquiring land.”
Blue River Development, LLC is a nationally recognized Atlanta-based firm that is an industry leader in land sales and development. Led by the talented Cooper Brothers team, the company contains more than 20 years of valuable experience and directly impacts the communities it serves through development, acquisition and philanthropic contributions.
With 1,000 lots in progress in Henry County, the company is currently developing Symphony Park. The community consists of 499 residential units, which include a mix of multi-family apartments, single-family attached and detached townhomes. The mixed-residential community uniquely includes built-in retail with proximity to a local Publix supermarket. In addition, the company has entered the Charlotte, North Carolina market where they are developing two communities.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Blue River Development, LLC or visit www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com.
Stay up to date on Blue River Development, LLC projects, news and upcoming communities by visiting the company’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum author profile.
Southface Institute Sets Standard for Sustainable Construction
2022/07/20
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James Marlow, the new President of Southface Institute joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about Southface, the importance of the EarthCraft program, sustainable development and upcoming 2022 news. Marlow joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A Georgia native, Marlow grew up in the little town of Lincolnton, settled between Athens and Augusta. An Atlanta resident since 1986, Marlow possesses an extensive travel background to support his career in technology, working with big names such as IBM, Yahoo and Lotus Development. A Co-Founder of Radiance Solar, Marlow conducted solar installations across the Southeast and beyond during his time as CEO.
While possessing a colorful resume that spans several decades, Southface Institute was a part of Marlow’s life long before became president. While still a resident in Lincolnton, Marlow wrote the company requesting additional information about solar energy to feed his growing interest in sustainability. Following his move to Atlanta and through his relationship with Southface, Marlow received his first exposure to LED lightbulbs, electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, advanced recycling and more.
Southface Institute also hosted the very first Atlanta BeltLine public meeting.
Marlow said, “Southface Institute is a thought-leader and an innovator, a convener and a connector of new technologies and ways to save money and also reduce your environmental impact, energy and water consumption and your waste.”
EarthCraft is a building standard to help builders improve the air quality, energy use and energy conservation in a home, business or multi-family facility. The program was created and developed through a partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to ensure EarthCraft was grounded in sciences and economics while positively working for both environmentalists and home builders.
The program's ultimate goal is to produce healthy, happy and high-performance constructions while keeping in mind life-cycle costs, potential energy requirements and more. The investments made on the front end will save owners money over course of the construction’s life while also significantly reducing potential energy and environmental costs.
Marlow said, “EarthCraft builders are people who really know what they’re doing. They go to training and send their staff to train and are always keeping abreast of new technologies and ways of doing things.”
While a popular buzzword with many people, sustainability has been a part of the Southface Institute business practice for over 40 years. Treating it as a core value and a part of the company ethos, the systems thinkers at Southface Institute consistently consider how the complex systems of a home, building or affordable housing unit work together. This spans the mechanics, lighting and electricity of a construction.
When constructed to EarthCraft standards, added aspects such as double-paned windows, LED lighting and water-conserving appliances lead to slight premiums during the initial home purchase but result in monumental savings throughout the construction’s lifetime.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about the EarthCraft program and Southface Institute or visit www.Southface.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Southface Institute are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (July/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicin...
Terry Morris Reflects on his Housing Industry Career
2022/07/13
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Terry Morris, President of Morris & Fellows Real Estate Services, Inc. joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to dive into the rich company history and remark on notable career milestones. Morris joins host Carol Morgan as the fifth Legends of Real Estate series guest.
A 1970 graduate of Florida State University, Morris took his first professional leap by starting his career in retail management. After several years and a closer look at his financial goals, Morris began searching for new opportunities when a friend suggested commercial mortgage banking. In 1974, he accepted a position at The Commonwealth Corporation in Tallahassee, Florida as a commercial loan officer, a move that soon coincided with the first recession Morris would weather in his career.
The company asked him to obtain his Florida real estate license and formally trained him in appraisals. When not working on a commercial project, Morris assisted the residential lending division of the company with residential appraisals, his first introduction to the residential side of real estate. The recession hit the southeast particularly hard, prompting Morris and his wife, Cheri, to look for greener pastures to better support their family of four.
Morris said, “We studied the national economy by region and city and determined that the best opportunities at the time were in either Austin, Texas or Wichita, Kansas. For a young, dual-career couple raised in the south, this looked like an adventure and an opportunity to see another part of the country outside our comfort zone."
Morris and his family packed up and moved to Kansas, Cheri working for Melvin Simon and Associates and Morris for J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc., a residential and commercial brokerage firm founded in 1902. He opened a new office for the company and eventually took over relocation services as well. Brokerage is conducted somewhat differently in every state based on state laws and customs developed over decades. During this time, it was common for brokers to not only list and sell real estate but to also close loans in the broker’s office, which led to some interesting situations.
Morris said, “I’ll never forget the day when a buyer showed up for an all-cash residential closing and put stacks of one-hundred-dollar bills on my desk. I couldn’t get that closing done quick enough and get to the bank!”
While they loved their life in Wichita, they felt far from home. Both Morris and his wife grew up in the southeast and knew it was time to pull out the map again and choose where their next and hopefully permanent stop would be. Atlanta seemed an attractive option with its opportunity for growth in both of their separate career paths. Cheri joined up with Tom Cousins as Vice President of marketing in the spring of 1978, and Morris joined Northside Realty, run at that time by Johnny Isakson.
While working for Isakson, Morris first managed the North Sandy Springs office and then the Smyrna office, familiarizing himself with nuances of the Atlanta real estate market, Georgia laws, and customs. This was a wonderful opportunity to dig into the largest real estate market in the southeast working with a premier real estate brokerage firm.
As Morris grew in his position with Northside, the second recession of his career loomed large. In the early 1980s, Morris found himself responsible for expanding a profit center while the market experienced interest rates of 18% and higher.
Morris said, “That didn’t stop us. We developed all sorts of creative ways to sell and finance homes. In our small office in West Cobb County, we sold one house a day on average in 1982 at 18% interest rates.”
Morris and his team took advantage of the rent versus sell pros and cons and developed other innovative solutions to satisfy customer needs. Aided by Morris’ financial background, he and his team became proficient problem solvers in challenging times.
While in Smyrna,
Chastain Horse Park Set to Receive Mission-Enhancing Renovation
2022/07/07
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Managing Partner Dean de Freitas with Macallan Construction and Executive Director Trisha Gross with Chastain Horse Park join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share Chastain Horse Park’s history, renovation updates, sponsorship opportunities and more. De Freitas and Gross join host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment.
One of the last remaining urban horse parks in the United States, Chastain Horse Park has been a part of the Atlanta community and metro landscape for almost 90 years. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is used for various equestrian-related purposes, serving children, teens and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. The organization also provides able-bodied programming in the form of boarding and educational opportunities.
Gross said, “Our therapeutic program is our north star. It is our purpose and our mission. Within our program, we provide therapy services [including physical, occupational and speech therapy] all using the horses!”
The organization also offers adaptive horsemanship programming and works with organizations such as Wellspring Living, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Outpatient Rehabilitation program, the Wounded Warrior Project and more!
Part of the Macallan Group, Macallan Construction is a midsized commercial contractor with 20 years of experience and a diverse portfolio, including work with municipal projects, historic restorations, adaptive reuse, higher education constructions, senior living development, interior renovations and more. Focused on the needs of the client to ensue the project successfully meets those needs, Macallan Construction provides a full range of services to bring sophisticated management and development to smaller clients that regularly escape the radar of larger builders and contractors.
De Freitas said, “We believe they ought to be served just as well as the bigger clients.”
Operating on property owned by the City of Atlanta, Chastain Horse Park serves a broad range of individuals throughout Georgia. The organization’s barns are nearing 25 years in age and no longer benefit Chastain Horse Park and its mission as it lacks the structure needed to conduct the various programs. Other problems include regular barn flooding, an absence of office space and more.
The 15-acre property will experience the removal and replacement of all three existing barn structures, starting with the construction of a brand-new barn to kickstart the transition into the new age! With many animals to consider and the inability to suspend programming, Macallan Construction, fortunately, has experience in the horse world and understands the delicate nature of this project.
The updated facility will include clinical spaces, vocational areas, a volunteer center with heating and air conditioning, a locker zone, office space as well a brand-new boarding barn and practice arena.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Macallan Construction and Chastain Horse Park or visit www.ChastainHorsePark.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Chastain Horse Park are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (July/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information,
New American Funding Niche Loan Products
2022/07/06
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Choose a Mortgage Company with a Great Company Culture
Senior Loan Consultant Jay Glover with New American Funding joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk niche loan products, mortgages and home loan advice. Glover joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment. Glover stressed that consumers should choose a mortgage company with a great corporate culture, like New American Funding
A member of the mortgage industry since 1997, Glover started his career with HomeBank Mortgage. He transitioned from his position there to the wholesale side and since 2005, has focused his attention on the retail side, specializing in purchase-money mortgages.
New American Funding is one of the nation’s top mortgage service providers and is a direct lender for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A top-rated organization, the company is focused on purchase-money mortgages and helping consumers realize the dream of homeownership. Glover joined the New American Funding team last August.
Glover said, “New American Funding has really opened my eyes. Their focus is on reminding the employees what we do as a company and how important it is.”
Glover remarked that his favorite part of working for New American Funding is engaging with the vibrant company culture. In a team-led venture, everyone on the company roster works seamlessly together to transform a consumer’s dream into a reality.
In a market that is slowly returning to normal, the Buydown Loan allows homebuyers to buy the loan rate down in the first year. This phenomenal product enables consumers to purchase a home, budget and acclimate to homeowning before the rate returns to a normal figure.
Glover said, “Consumers think a rate in the mid-fives may be a high rate, but historically speaking, anything below six percent is good. It’s hard to talk about that when rates have been so historically low for so long.”
A massive fan of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), Glover remarked that this niche product is ideal for the current market conditions. The average homeowner stays in their home for five to six years, making a 30-year loan look unattractive to many buyers.
ARMs are amortized over 30 years, looking and appearing like a traditional loan, but are offered at a lower term. Glover is well-accustomed to selling and offering ARMs and remarked on their re-emergence in the current market.
Assigned to borrowed sums adding up to $647,000 or above, jumbo loans or jumbo financing follow guidelines determined by investors in place of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Typically more restrictive, jumbo loans follow similar guidelines to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae but have stricter guidelines regarding income, reserves, larger down payments, etc.
Interested in what else New American Funding has to offer? Glover joined the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast earlier this year to discuss the current state of the market and dive into additional product offerings. Click here to listen to the full episode!
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about New American Funding or visit www.NewAmericanFunding.com. Click here to contact Jay Glover directly.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (July/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America sev...
Renting from ResiBuilt Homes: A Lifestyle Choice
2022/06/29
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Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Homebuilding Jay Byce with ResiBuilt Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the benefits of renting and dive into the Atlanta build-to-rent market. Byce joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
An Atlanta native, Byce grew up in Tucker and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. Holding a strong interest in architecture, Byce later transitioned to banking and started a development company at 28 years old.
In 2002, Byce made a name for himself by developing and selling lots to home builders and entered the private equity sector following the Great Recession. In 2011, the company Byce opened an office for in Atlanta decided to aggregate foreclosures. Each month saw the acquisition of 500 to 600 homes during a time when no buyer desired to purchase a home or complete renovations. In this venture alone, around 30,000 homes were purchased across the country.
Byce said, “We formed the floor, we stopped the price fall from the residential home market, we renovated hundreds of thousands of homes as an asset class and then made them good homes for people to start renting.”
Through this progression, Byce ran several investments in that space while securing builders to develop “mothball subdivisions.” Originally in development around 2005 to 2006, “mothball subdivisions” halted construction during the Great Recession and largely remained untouched until secured by another builder.
In 2018, Byce formed ResiBuilt Homes to satisfy the entry-level market abandoned when the surviving builders transitioned to higher-end markets following the Great Recession. The first 300 lots produced by ResiBuilt Homes were marketed as rental properties with the option for sale.
Byce said, “To our surprise, when people would call inquiring about buying a home [and learned] they can rent it and not have a long-term obligation…more people converted and began renting our homes.”
To date, ResiBuilt Homes has constructed around 1,200 homes mainly in metro Atlanta. Following the first 300 homes, the company decided to use them as inspiration for its business model. While retaining ownership of the subdivision, the dedicated rental communities enjoy yard maintenance, clubhouse events and more courtesy of ResiBuilt Homes.
The company now stands as the ninth-largest private builder in metro Atlanta, with expansions in Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte and Greenville. All four markets outside of Atlanta are currently in development, with homes coming out of the ground in the next six months.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about ResiBuilt Homes or visit http://ResiBuilt.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and ResiBuilt Homes are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (June/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for A...
Peachtree Residential Places Luxury High-End Homes in Top Locations
2022/06/22
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Sales Manager Don Lee with Peachtree Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to provide an inside look at popular communities, new developments and more. Lee joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Involved in new home sales and construction for over 35 years, Lee has been associated with Peachtree Residential for more than 30 years of his professional career. A builder for 16 years, Lee has incredible building experience and can appreciate what Peachtree Residential does particularly well. A family-run business, the company is headed by one local owner and backed by many loyal employees.
Lee said, “I’m not an oddity within Peachtree Residential. There’s over 10 of us that have been with the company for over 15 to 25 years.”
Started in 1988 in metro Atlanta, Peachtree Residential Founder Dave Borreson saw a need for a particular niche in the homebuilding business – affordable, higher-end homes. Resilient through the years of market dips and peaks, the company produces homes in metro Atlanta, primarily on the city's north side. With numerous completed communities in the rearview, there are many upcoming developments to look forward to, including 100 new homes slated for this year.
Handling sales at Garden Park in Forsyth County, Lee shared that 24 of the 28 available homes have sold in less than a year.
Markedly in the Garden Park community, a flex space on the ground floor is at the top of many homebuyer wish lists. A space to fit all needs, flex rooms are ideal for home offices, guest rooms, media rooms and more. Another trend growing in popularity, slab homes have surpassed basement homes in attractiveness as homebuyers continue to evolve.
With just four opportunities remaining, Garden Park in West Forsyth County has a Longwood plan, two Harvard plans slated to start construction and the model home available for best and final offers.
A part of an existing community developed by SR Homes Peachtree Residential is building homes in The Grove at Montebello in Cumming. These homes showcase three bedrooms and 2,400 square feet of living space, with six out of seven boasting a basement. The well-designed, open plans are situated on beautiful lots in a community with fantastic amenity options. Construction is expected to begin this year with two homes available for sale from the mid-$700,000s and four lots currently under construction.
Waterside at River Glen in Suwanee is a Peachtree Residential exclusive section of an existing community. With several lots featuring direct access to the Chattahoochee River, a great deal of inventory priced from the $700,000s to low $800,000s will be available for sale later this year.
Lee said, “People have loved [this community] and knowing that nothing will be built behind them.”
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Peachtree Residential or visit www.PeachtreeResidential.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Peachtree Residential are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (June/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
TikTok is Epicenter for R&B, Pop Music Trends
2022/06/16
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Founder of Right Hand Music Group and Co-Founder of Keep Cool Records Courtney Stewart joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss representing Grammy-winning artists and popular R&B trends. Stewart joins host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment and shares the inspiration behind Right Hand Foundation.
An Atlanta native, Stewart shared how proud he is to see “Hotlanta” grow through the years and expand into the thriving metro center it is today. With fond memories centered around the 1996 Olympics, Georgia Tech and Coca-Cola, Atlanta has grown into a unique city filled with diversity and economic growth in Stewart’s eyes.
“[Atlanta] has this flourishing sense of community going back to the Civil Rights Movement,” Stewart said. “The deep culture and roots that Atlanta has had made it such an incredible city. I’m proud to call Atlanta home.”
Always a creative kid, Stewart attended North Atlanta High and participated in the performing arts program. Exposed to the early Atlanta music scene powered by Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri and Organized Noize, he was inspired by the early development of the Atlanta music community.
This allowed Stewart to be a fly on the wall around groups such as OutKast, TLC and Goodie Mob, all under the banner of Organized Noize. Encouraged by the idea of having a platform to sign and develop artists that bring a left-of-center approach to the table, Stewart founded Right Hand Music Group in 2005 and currently represents Grammy-winning artist Khalid.
Stewart shared that he has represented Khalid from day one, watching him directly connect with Gen Z through his powerful songs and relatable lyrics.
“My experience being in the business for 15-plus years and his youthfulness and just God-given talent is a perfect combination to be able to balance one another,” Stewart said.
On the Right Hand Music Group side, Stewart also represents London-born Sinead Harnett and Marco McKinnis, among others. Stewart and his team place great importance on discovering an artist early to put the necessary time and development behind their craft. In partnership with RCA Records, Keep Cool Records represents Normani, recent Grammy-winner Lucky Daye and many other flourishing artists.
Taking the world by storm, TikTok is lighting a fire behind many popular R&B trends, acting as the epicenter of how artists and people connect, reconnect and stay in touch. What’s hot from a trend standpoint is more than likely going to become popular on TikTok and follow a domino effect, influencing other social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
“The more popular genres – pop music, rap music, R&B music – a lot of that is really coming from TikTok because those are the popular genres that a lot of the youth are listening to,” Stewart said.
Launched on Stewart’s birthday in 2015, Right Hand Foundation began when he organically connected with Stephanie Ford as she was assisting motels and extended stay hotels that were dealing with increased crime and drug activity. Stewart volunteered with Ford for a few months and was deeply affected by the people and stories he came across. Inspired, Stewart founded Right Hand Foundation to provide resources to aid individuals trying to get back on their feet.
The foundation offers free housing for single mothers with children for one year in turnkey single-family units. The first Right Hand Foundation property is in historic College Park near Woodward Academy, supplying a sense of community and opportunity for adaptability to residents. While there, all individuals must participate in the program, taking advantage of counseling that touches on mental health, literacy, financial independence and more.
“We prepare them for independent sustainability,” Stewart said.
Right Hand Foundation maintains relationships with apartment complexes and housing developments, utilizing its connections to place program participants in permanent housing and ...
Engel & Völkers: Luxury is NOT a Price Point
2022/06/15
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Vice President and Managing Broker Kelly Stephens with Engel & Völkers Real Estate joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to reveal favored metro Atlanta locations with a particular focus on North Fulton, as well as popular trends in the buying market. Stephens joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and shares that luxury is not a price point.
Selling Atlanta real estate since 1998, Stephens has seen many changes through the years. In 2016, Stephens joined Shirley Gary at her Engel & Völkers franchise and currently runs the Alpharetta location next to the award-winning Avalon development and the Buckhead location in the heart of Buckhead at Peachtree and Piedmont.
Stephens said, “We have a great team…We have both a general brokerage division and a new homes division. I’m always excited by the expansion and growth we’ve seen.”
A forty-plus-year-old global company headquartered in New York, Engel & Völkers offers an expansive reach to fit every client’s lifestyle, specializing in premier real estate and luxury second homes. The company has also experienced fantastic success in its expanding yachting division.
A market unlike anything she has seen in her 26 years of experience, Stephens shared that the exciting and everchanging market also presents interesting challenges. From different contract nuances and sellers remaining in their homes up to 60 days after closing to buyers paying the difference between the appraisal price and the contracted offer and not including contingencies for due-diligence inspections, the current market is an interesting one to navigate.
Stephens said, “You’ve got to try and protect the clients even though they want it so badly. We are here to help guide them through it because it is definitely a different market than I think anybody has seen.”
One significant market change seen by Stephens is the lack of builders participating in their local MLS, resulting in 30% fewer listings being seen online. To find out where the inventory actually is, Engel & Völkers contacts builders directly to discover what they are selling.
Year to date, FMLS Atlanta listings are off by 1,000 homes compared to last year’s numbers, but this can be explained by the 30% gap in builder listings. While there may be less building inventory present in MLS listings, Millennial buyers have exponentially increased the market’s buyer presence.
In normal circumstances, around 30% of the market identifies as cash buyers. In the current market, cash buyers have grown by 20%, a significant jump compared to previous years. This negatively impacts borrowers as the security of cash buyers is traditionally preferred by sellers.
Stephens appreciates how their preferred lender New American Funding solves this potential problem. To close the gap between borrowers and cash buyers, New American Funding offers clients its Buyer Accepted Program to help them compete in today’s market. Engel & Völkers recently announced its partnership with the nationally recognized loan originator, setting their clients up for success in this competitive market.
“We wanted to be able to offer [the Buyer Accepted program] to our buyers. [New American Funding] will go in, prequalify you, buy that home for you with a cash offer and then sell it to you within 60 days.”
Tune in to the full interview above for more information or visit www.EVAtlanta.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Engel & Völkers are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780.
David Chatham Remarks on Three Generations of Chatham Neighborhoods
2022/06/08
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President and CEO David Chatham with Chatham Neighborhoods joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the company’s 74 year history and current product offerings. Chatham joins host Carol Morgan on the Legends of Real Estate series and compares the post-pandemic market to the Great Recession.
Growing up learning the business of Chathambilt Homes, Chatham recalls working for his father early in his life. He started with tasks such as sweeping houses, stacking lumber and more. During this time, he received hands-on education and learned the crucial principles of the industry.
Chatham said, “My dad always taught me that a clean, neat, well-kept house would always sell faster and for more money.”
Through high school and college, Chatham spent summers working on framing crews and in other various trades. In 1972 during a meeting with his father, he expressed his wish to make a personal mark on the Atlanta housing market by starting his own business and was met with his father’s disappointment.
Howard Chatham worked tirelessly and built a family business from the ground up. This business, Chatham Neighborhoods will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. When David Chatham expressed to his father that he wanted to start his own building company after graduating from College, Howard was disappointed and expressed his strong wish to partner with his son.
Chatham said, “From that moment, it was like a light came on in my mind and I thought…I’ve got the greatest opportunity to work with my dad and to continue to build this company.”
From then on, Chatham worked together with his father, and eventually his sons, to continue building the legacy of Chathambilt Homes.
In 1948, Howard Chatham stumbled into the homebuilding business. After coming home from WWII, he temporarily returned to his family farm in Milton, Georgia. He secured a job on the Fulton County survey crew, met his future wife and decided to build a home in the Northern Buckhead area. Working nights and weekends with the help of friends and family, and the family mule, the two worked tirelessly for the next few months to build their family home from the ground up.
After finishing the home, Howard Chatham was approached by a buyer interested in purchasing the Chatham residence. After discussing the potential sale with Mrs. Chatham, the two agreed to sell the home and acquire the lot next door to begin construction on their second home. While their next project was in the works, the Chatham family rented the basement of their first house. This pattern continued through a third and fourth home.
Chatham said, “My earliest memory is…we would build a house and move into it, sell it and build another one. We moved around a lot in my early years.”
Howard Chatham caught the beginnings of the post-war baby boom generation and accidentally began a homebuilding business. He took a leave of absence from his Fulton County job and began building during a six-month period, procuring advice from anyone in the business on whether to leave his position and start a homebuilding business.
With only one exception, most advised him to keep his government position versus entering the Atlanta housing market as a new business. Most offering opinions placed great importance on the security and benefits that accompany a government job. Chatham’s grandfather, Fred Chatham, offered his son his approval, his life savings as well as financial help from a neighbor to start Chathambilt Homes.
Over 75 years, Chathambilt Homes has built over 6,000 homes in 150 neighborhoods across the metro area.
Howard Chatham expanded into many other businesses, including grating, building supply, plumbing, electrical, lighting and appliances as well as several True Value hardware stores.
The most notable venture occurred in 1950 when Howard Chatham possessed an inventory of houses he couldn’t manage to sell. After deciding to open a real estate brokerage company,
Westside Motor Lounge: Atlanta Placemaking at Its Finest
2022/06/02
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Partner George Banks with STHRN Hospitality Co. joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the inspiration behind Westside Motor Lounge and the property’s history while touching on placemaking, amenities and more. Banks joins host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment.
With a background in commercial real estate, Banks has been a developer in the metro Atlanta area for over 20 years. Founder of Revel, a retail real estate development firm, Banks has a history with Paces Properties conducting intown adaptive reuse projects and collectively formed STHRN Hospitality Co. with the aid of Elizabeth Feichter and Kelly Campbell. STHRN Hospitality Co. runs bars, restaurants and various hospitality venues on behalf of commercial real estate owners.
Formed ahead of the pandemic, STHRN Hospitality Co. benefits from the background of Feichter and Campbell, both containing ample experience in large-scale events, design and operations. Both Feichter and Campbell have already made incredible progress in the Atlanta market with the creation and production of the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.
Banks said, “We thought there was a real opportunity to bring some of that event and activation expertise to commercial real estate.”
With the realization that many events and activations in the Atlanta area are beyond the scope of a day-to-day property management group, STHRN Hospitality Co. became involved with the Echo Street West project headed by Lincoln Property Management Company.
In its role as a retail development consultant for the project, Revel recognized the necessary presence of a restaurant and bar at the front corner of the property. Ordinarily, the property would be redeveloped into a midrise residential complex or something similar. In the meantime, Echo Street West was in need of a front door - Westside Motor Lounge.
Revel approached Lincoln Property Management Company with the idea for a restaurant backed by the expertise of what would become STHRN Hospitality Co. to run operations. From that process came the finalization of the company and the formation of the team that will run Westside Motor Lounge when it opens at the end of June.
Banks said, “[Placemaking] is incredibly important… We started Revel six years ago because of this realization that the fun restaurants and retail that we want to do is often really in demand but frankly…as a standalone entity, doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
In a placemaking world, Revel and STHRN Hospitality Co. simultaneously believe that if you construct, program and market the ground floor as a high activity and interest space, residents and visitors will flock to the development.
Situated at the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Westside Motor Lounge acts as the front door of Echo Street West, a 10-year development project. The Lounge was originally three dilapidated auto repair shops and now stands as a three-acre outdoor space featuring a half-acre courtyard, beer garden, event space, game room and so much more! The development also connects Mercedes Benz Stadium to Westside Park and the Westside BeltLine.
Tune in to the full interview above for more details on Westside Motor Lounge or visit www.WestsideMotorLounge.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding, STHRN Hospitality Co. and Westside Motor Lounge are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (June/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 2...
Artisan Built Communities Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
2022/06/01
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President Stephen Haines with Artisan Built Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about The Great Home Rush, the company’s popular Red Carpet campaign and upcoming 2022 projects. Haines joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
An industry regular for over a quarter of a century, Haines spent most of his career working with national builders. He currently is president of Artisan Built Communities, a locally owned production builder on the westside of Atlanta. Artisan Built Communities.
Artisan Built Communities presently builds in the award-winning Seven Hills NatureWalk and The Georgian. The builder offers three distinct product lines: a farm-influenced product that takes inspiration from rustic Midwestern homes, estate homes ideal for growing families of all shapes and sizes and finally, exclusive active adult ranch plans featuring incorporated covered patios situated in NatureWalk and The Georgian at Seven Hills.
Seven Hills is a large master-planned community in Paulding County with incredible amenities, including a resort-style pool, theme-style water park as well as tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. The Artisan Built Communities section of the development, NatureWalk, will encompass half of the master-planned community when it reaches completion.
Haines said, “It’s just a wonderful community…and we still have a lot of lots left!”
The builder is developing three phases and is getting ready to unveil its next active adult pod in June 2022 at Stratford at NatureWalk. Twenty-two additional homesites are coming to the estate section with a mix of basement and slab product offerings. With delivery expected in September 2022, Artisan Built Communities is also developing its next farm-inspired pod of homes!
In May, Artisan Built Communities unveiled the decorated Braselton model which features soaring 15-foot ceilings, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, patios on both sides of the home and more. The attractive plan received an incredible reception and saw over 200 families visit in May to peruse the model home decorated by Haven Design Works.
Haines said, “For those people that love to live outdoors, the outdoors is calling to you whether you go…to your large, covered patio with the outdoor fireplace or to the other side of your home by your kitchen to enjoy a cup of coffee.”
As early as August 2022, the next pod of homes will release 32 homesites to continue the development of Heritage Pointe at The Georgian.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Artisan Built Communities or visit www.DiscoverArtisan.com. Click here to learn more about the stunning Braselton model at Heritage Pointe at The Georgian.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Artisan Built Communities are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (June/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers,
Bill, Milburn Poston Remark on a 51-Year Building Legacy
2022/05/25
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Traton Homes Founders Bill and Milburn Poston join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s history as one of the oldest homebuilding companies in the metro area. The Poston Brothers join host Carol Morgan on the Legends of Real Estate series.
In 1971, both Poston brothers were involved in the real estate industry, working for different real estate agencies across the Cobb County and Atlanta area. As the brothers advanced in their careers, they noticed that when they took time for themselves, nothing progressed on their behalf and more importantly, nothing progressed for their clients. This is a common problem for real estate agents today and why the introduction of teams into the industry has been so vital.
After a few discussions about common industry pitfalls, the Poston brothers decided to go into business together and found a development company.
Milburn Poston said, “It quickly came to our minds that we needed someone to build on the lots that we develop so we got into the building business.”
While the two didn’t anticipate staying in the homebuilding industry for 51 years, they have built a lasting legacy carried on by their sons as one of the oldest and most highly regarded home builders in the metro area.
In its first year, Traton Homes constructed two to three traditional homes, fondly referred to back then as “Five, Four and a Door.” These first constructions set the tone for the homebuilding company, continuing the trend of building traditional homes throughout the metro Atlanta area.
As an aside, “Five, Four, and a Door” is the nickname given to many homes built in the 70s, 80s, and 90s in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. The traditional colonial architecture style of these homes is where the phrase “Five, Four and a Door” comes from. It refers to the front elevation of the home: 5 identical windows upstairs hanging directly above 4 windows downstairs, plus a front door in the center. Thus, five, four, and a door.
The first homes offered by Traton Homes were in the Weatherstone subdivision located in East Cobb County. The brothers soon realized they needed to price their homes at $55,000 and up in order to profit. In the 1971 market, it was common for homes to sell for $40,000 and below. The Poston brothers successfully sold the homes at their desired price, setting a trend for future profits.
When asked what significant industry changes the brothers witnessed over their 51-year history, Milburn responded with the permits and obstacles required to build a home. Twenty years ago, the Traton Homes team would begin each project with a starts meeting on a Monday and in a week, their team would be breaking ground.
Today, project times average around five weeks from the first meeting. Traton Homes also remains an active player in the development side of the industry!
Bill Poston said, “We used to hear on the west coast how long it took things to go through the zoning and get ready to develop and we’d laugh…Today it takes us probably about a year and a half to two years from the time we find a piece of property…before we can start building.”
Born in Smyrna, Bill and Milburn Poston were familiar with Cobb County and began their real estate careers in and around the region. Naturally, that is where they started their building careers, firmly placing their company roots in their birthplace.
During the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009, fewer buyers entered the market and those that were present were searching for the best bargain.
Bill Poston said, “You were constantly fighting to keep your margins and there were so few people buying that you basically ended up taking a reduction.”
Today, the pandemic has had the opposite effect on the homebuilding industry, increasing homeownership rates countrywide. Over the last few years, Traton Homes has seen incredible growth, experiencing no shortage of offers! Like many builders across the United States,
MUST Ministries Celebrates 50 Years of Homeless Rehabilitation
2022/05/19
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Eric Baker with Keller Williams Realty and Ellen Hill with Atlanta Fine Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to chat about MUST Ministries, how they got started as volunteers as well as the organization’s growth. Baker and Hill join host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Baker has been an active player in the real estate industry for over 10 years, partnering with clients from Canton to Intown metro neighborhoods and everything in between. From the metro area as well, Hill grew up in Marietta and has been a Realtor for nearly a decade. Hill has been named one of the top three agents in the Cobb Realtors group numerous times over the last several years.
Celebrating 50 years in the Atlanta area, the core focus of MUST Ministries is homeless rehabilitation, spotlighting housing efforts, food insecurity and other efforts to get individuals back on their feet. The workforce development office gives clients the resources necessary for successful job placement, including resume workshops, application tips and more. The office also helps reduce preventative job entry barriers by fulfilling essential qualifications such as meeting uniform regulations and securing job certifications.
Baker said, “Anything and everything that spans out from being in a homeless situation or being any kind of food insecure [or] housing insecure is pretty much what we are there for.”
The expansive Must Ministries housing network offers emergency shelter in their newly opened homeless shelter as well as semi-supportive housing, including subsidized and permanent housing as individuals move towards stability. Other incredible efforts include the mobile food pantry, Summer Lunch Program, and a thrift store that offers clients interview-appropriate clothing for job placement.
Growing up in the metro Atlanta area, Hill often heard of the fantastic efforts courtesy of the organization and distantly participated in food drives. When the pandemic began, Hill came across a social post detailing how Must Ministries was mobilizing efforts to feed less fortunate students who cannot afford school lunches.
Hill said, “Here I am sitting [and] working with people who have great problems and there are so many across the street and right around me who are so much less fortunate.”
Hill quickly sent a message to someone associated with the organization and became involved. Her love for Must Ministries continued to grow exponentially, leading to her position on the Board of Directors alongside Baker.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Keller Williams, Atlanta Fine Homes and Must Ministries. To discover volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, visit www.MUSTMinistries.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding, Keller Williams Realty, Atlanta Fine Homes and Must Ministries are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the ho...
Buyer Accepted Program Allows Homebuyers to Make Cash Offers
2022/05/18
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Loan Officer Matt Reyes with New American Funding joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to talk about popular loan products and the new Buyer Accepted cash buyer program. Reyes joins Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and shares additional details about the program that allows buyers to make competitive cash offers.
With seven years of industry experience under his belt, Reyes was inspired to become a loan officer after a positive experience purchasing his first home. His history of financial education served him well as he took a deep dive into the world of home loans. Reyes began his journey with New American Funding in what they called “set up” back in the day stacking files and ordering third-party information such as title appraisals, title work and flood certifications. For the past three years, he has held the role of loan officer for one of the largest lenders, with a consistent stream of five-star reviews!
Reyes said, “I’ve kind of been in each different role building up into the point of going out on my own and starting to originate loans with clients directly.”
New American Funding is one of the largest privately-owned, direct mortgage lenders in the United States. Heavily involved in the industry, the company was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Rick and Patty Arvielo. A self-serviced lender, New American Funding lends directly to its clients and borrowers, servicing most of its offered products. Over time, the company has grown to include over 160 branches and more than 4,000 employees.
Reyes said, “We’ve really become a leader in the loan lending space, combining a streamlined loan process with cutting edge technology and [creating] exceptional experience and service for clients.”
When asked the key to his consistent five-star review ratings, Reyes responded that it is important to place oneself in the consumer’s shoes. By providing good communication and the necessary support, realizing the dream of homeownership and curating a solid lender-borrower relationship has never been easier!
Reyes said, “Try to make it personal, not transactional.”
With the average home price in Atlanta up 28 percent, loan products popular with homebuyers this year include conventional products, as well as the Buyer Accepted program for cash buyers. The initiative transforms a homebuyer qualified for a VA loan into a cash buyer, providing many perks in today’s market. Reyes shared he has seen numerous jumbo and non-conforming loans, which include loans above previously discussed limits and additional options for homebuyers who do not fit traditional lending molds.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about New American Funding and the Buyer Accepted program or visit www.NewAmericanFunding.com. To contact Matt Reyes directly, visit his New American Funding profile.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders,
Georgia MLS 2022 Predictions
2022/05/11
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It’s the story of availability and affordability
Chief Marketing Officer John Ryan with Georgia MLS joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss home sales and inventory in the Atlanta market. Ryan joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
With a 29-year industry history, Ryan has seen numerous evolutions shape how the multiple listing service works and how data is delivered to brokers, agents, appraisers and consumers. When he started work at Georgia MLS, the company still printed listing books. After the evolution of the internet, the company expanded to serve listings online for agents and now Georgia MLS provides increased consumer access to valuable real estate information via the web.
Ryan said, “It’s an ever-changing marketplace and it’s what gets me up in the morning to come to work to see what we’re going to face on a day-to-day basis.”
Georgia MLS is the largest real estate marketplace in Georgia with listings in the North Georgia mountains, the Georgia coast, and practically everywhere in between!
The company strives to provide transparent real estate information while serving over 51,000 agents. With a broad footprint, the Georgia MLS mission is to provide as much information as possible to individuals with licenses to sell real estate in Georgia. The company is experiencing a rapid expansion and strives to provide relevant information to its large network in order to bring efficiency to the marketplace.
Over the last few years, the Georgia market reflected the availability and affordability seen in cities across the country. The current market showcases a strong demand with a critically low supply, leading to skyrocketing prices. In a normal market, Georgia MLS saw up to 80,000 homes available for purchase. Although the company serves such a large group of Realtors, there are currently only around 10,000 single-family residences available for sale across Georgia.
Ryan said, “We are in a position where demand is really driving up the prices and that goes into the affordability of what we’re seeing.”
In 2021, around 10% of all listings through Georgia MLS went under contract within a day, 50% in one week and 70% within one month. Ryan shared that due to the high demand and low inventory, consumers must have healthy finances in order to secure a property.
In the first quarter of 2022, Georgia MLS reported a minor slowdown in the number of units sold and new listings. The company also recounted a slight acceleration with the approach of spring and summer.
Ryan said, “2021 was a record year so it’s all kind of relative. We have never seen the activity that we saw in 2021 where over $50 billion of transactions went through Georgia MLS. That was an incredible number…and a very hyperactive market.”
Tune in to the full interview above for more information on Georgia MLS or visit www.GeorgiaMLS.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Georgia MLS are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment,
Atlanta Anime, Gaming Fans Get into Character for MomoCon
2022/05/05
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Founder and Co-Chair Jessica Merriman and Co-Chair Chris Stuckey with MomoCon join the Atlanta Real Estate Radio podcast to talk about their upcoming convention, perfect for fans of anime, comics, tabletop games and more. Merriman and Stuckey join host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment.
MomoCon is an animation, gaming and comic convention that features vendor booths, celebrity guests, video game tournaments and a spacious free-play arcade. From May 26 to 29, the event is located at the Georgia World Congress Center in Building B in Downtown Atlanta.
This year, the event showcases double the space as in previous years, providing attendees with ample socialization space, more events and additional partners. An exciting feature, a stranglehold professional wrestling group is hosting live wrestling events all four days. The showcase also features a unique storyline and highlights 40 individuals. Classic wrestlers participating include Sergeant Slaughter, Kane and more!
For game fans, MomoCon is partnering with more groups to bring more e-sports and tabletop games to the event. Several e-sports teams will be present on-site with more tournaments and events, including the inaugural Mario Kart switch tournament. There is also more featured card gaming than ever before!
Stuckey said, “There are just new partners all around. The exhibit hall has significantly more people…[including] over 400 exhibiting groups in our hall. We have over 800 hours of programming content over the four days.”
When asked what cosplay attendees can expect to see, Merriman shared elaborate costumes inspired by Demon Slayer, Genshin Impact, Marvel and more are popular choices!
In 2019, the gaming section of the convention took up 100,000 square feet of space. This year’s event boasts 300,000 square feet of gaming space to separate each gaming distinction and decrease the overlap of crowds and noise. MomoCon 2022 features a tabletop games hall, digital gaming hall, hand-held lounge and an e-sports hall.
On Thursday, MomoCon is hosting a free Career Expo in the morning and afternoon. Organizers request that participants show up in business attire and sign up ahead of time to give an accurate idea of crowd numbers.
Stuckey said, “We try to stick to the idea that we are helping passionate people into careers that they really want to be in.”
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about MomoCon or visit www.MomoCon.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and MomoCon are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes,
Bruce Carlisle Changes Land Game with ‘Top Dollar’ Dirt Book
2022/05/04
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President and CEO Bruce Carlisle with North Georgia Land joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his new book, Top Dollar Dirt, and share how it helps landowners position property for sale. Carlisle joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Carlisle grew up near Chamblee and Dunwoody. After he picked up playing tennis, Carlisle noticed many of the players he associated with worked in the real estate industry. Starting in 1984 with Property Systems Corporation, he has a 38-year history in the land business.
North Georgia Land was created in 1993 after Carlisle learned industry and business practices from Property Systems Corporation. During this period, Carlisle had a brief opportunity to work with Scott Hudgens, a visionary builder and developer in Atlanta responsible for the construction of Mall of Georgia, Gwinnett Place Mall and more. After learning and becoming familiar with the retail market, Carlisle sourced deals from region-newcomer Publix through his industry connections and assisted in finding locations for the growing corporation.
Shortly after the introduction of Publix to the region, Walgreens soon followed, helping to cement the beginnings of North Georgia Land.
Top Dollar Dirt rose from the idea that there are many resources that landowners can use to understand the process and what they can do to prepare their property, ultimately working the process to receive top sale prices.
Carlisle said, “Owners have really found it to be a great resource. It’s really a resource for landowners to help understand how to move their property more effectively toward an ultimate sale, whether it’s in a year or ten years.”
With over 30 years of experience, Carlisle shared that the number one common industry misconception is that “who” is developing a property is often as important if not more important than the value of the land. Certain developers and builders produce specific products, some more creatively and effectively than others. For landowners wanting to leave a legacy development, this becomes an important consideration.
Many people also do not recognize how complex land deals can become. From changing timeframes and unforeseen circumstances, anything can happen regardless of how straightforward a deal may seem.
The municipalities around Georgia realize density is no longer a negative factor in the real estate market. In the 1980s and early 1990s, many believed larger lots equaled higher-priced homes. Now, municipalities believe that finding creative ways to build on smaller lots holds several benefits, including sought-after features such as walkability.
Carlisle said, “Right now, there is a lot of capital out there and there’s a lot of money chasing deals.”
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about North Georgia Land or visit www.NorthGeorgiaLand.com. Click here to purchase your copy of Top Dollar Dirt!
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and North Georgia Land are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (May/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
Columbia Residential Increases Atlanta Affordable Housing Options
2022/04/27
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President Carmen Chubb with Columbia Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the importance of DEI and share the company’s mission to provide affordable housing in underserved markets across the metro Atlanta area. Chubb joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A native Atlantan, Chubb’s entire career has been based in affordable housing. She began in the single-family sphere by working in loan accounting for single-family mortgages. Not far into her career, Chubb had the opportunity to work with the state of Georgia for a state agency that operates as a private entity.
Early in her career, Chubb understood the financing related to single-family homes, how loans are made and how to ensure people remain in their homes. As her career grew, she obtained the opportunity to take on more and included rental housing and multifamily programs for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Chubb said, “Every aspect of affordable housing that was presented for the state or administered by the state was under my purview.”
In 2019, Chubb left her position with the state to join Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. She was hired as chief of staff to assist Bottom’s administration and team. Her charge was to elevate the issue of affordable housing in the City. As her tenure ended, she knew that she wanted to participate in something meaningful and continue working in affordable housing.
She began speaking to CEO Jim Grauley and President of Property Management and Operations Aaron Swain at Columbia Residential about potential opportunities.
Chubb said, “It was a natural next step for me because of my passion [and] because of my experience [and] my knowledge of Atlanta and what is needed here for affordable housing.”
Columbia Residential is a mission-oriented, for-profit company that develops, manages and owns mixed-income affordable housing communities. Although primarily involved in urban areas, the apartment developer has a few communities in suburban centers.
When developing properties that include rehabilitation accommodations, the company’s primary objective is to produce high-quality residences and allow its inhabitants to avoid displacement.
Chubb said, “That is a high goal for our company to make sure we do things that make communities better and make lives better for the people who live there.”
A priority company-wide, Columbia Residential recognizes the talent and the importance of growing its staff to create a diverse workforce with female and minority employees present in all layers of its management. Columbia Residential invests in those employees and gives them opportunities to rise through the company ranks.
The company also provides educational opportunities to ensure every employee has equal opportunity and understanding of the industry.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Columbia Residential or visit www.ColumbiaRes.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Columbia Residential are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (April/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
Construction Ready Equips the Rising Workforce
2022/04/21
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President and CEO Scott Shelar with Construction Ready joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to explore preparing the future construction workforce. Shelar joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A repeat guest, the last time Shelar made an appearance on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast, he represented the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA). Rebranded as Construction Ready, the organization has been a part of the industry since 1993, inspiring and driving individuals toward skilled trade positions.
By providing potential hires with the necessary credentials and training, Construction Ready aids in their search for a successful career in construction, regardless of age or background.
Shelar said, “We want the skilled trades to be as valuable as a four-year degree. A big part of our vision is to get society to a point where the true value of a career in the trades.”
Construction Ready provides those interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades with access to the necessary education to guide them toward a successful path. Typically, recent college graduates enter the workforce with student debt, and one of the many benefits of pursuing a trade is the absence of loans.
Companies in the construction industry recognize the benefit of developing skilled trades and provide funding for new hires to pursue apprenticeship training. Employees have the opportunity to earn money while obtaining additional education to work toward that skilled trade. While remaining supportive of advanced schooling, Construction Ready centers around finding a trajectory that works in the individual's best interest.
For many years, Construction Ready only serviced the metro Atlanta area. After a recent state-wide expansion, the organization now serves Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and many other cities across the state. In March, Construction Ready announced its first out-of-state expansion in a fantastic partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Florida!
After hearing how Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank provided jobs to local residents that taught skilled trades to construct the new Mercedes Benz Stadium, Jaguars Owner Shahid Khan took inspiration from the story! Khan conducted a $500 million renovation and launched programs to provide employment opportunities to the Jacksonville community. The program has already received 150 applicants and is experiencing fantastic success.
Shelar said, “One of the things we have figured out over the years is you have to start younger. We have to reach people before they get to high school…as early as we can.”
A new Construction Ready program, Little Builders sends Home Depot Kids Workshop Kits to second graders across Georgia to engage young children in the construction industry. Many have never held a hammer or driven a nail at this stage and while the program does not focus on career planning, it inspires youths to engage in building and creativity at a young age.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Construction Ready or visit www.constructionready.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Construction Ready are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (April/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc.
Achieve Homeownership with New American Funding
2022/04/20
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Southeast Area Production Manager Tricia Jones with New American Funding joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss mortgages and achieving homeownership in today’s market. Jones joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
After relocating to Atlanta 22 years ago for work, Jones fell in love with the South and has been in the real estate industry for 24 years. From entry-level positions to multiple leadership roles, Jones has been an active participant in every capacity.
Jones said, “What I love most about [working in mortgages] is helping people grow. The more my team grows, it seems like the more we can change our lives and the more we can affect families and help them.”
New American Funding is one of the largest privately-held mortgage lenders in the United States and a significant purchase lender in the South. With a strong focus on home builders, the organization understands the need for builders to keep inventory moving and the necessity for accurate updates and efficient loan closings.
The organization also has a very diverse staff working to provide services for all borrowers, regardless of background. New American Funding has a significant Latino-focused community to address the challenges Hispanic customers face as well as the New American Dream initiative which assists in increasing homeownership in Black communities.
Jones said, “We feel like the more we can impact families, the more we can impact communities and even our future.”
Known for excellent customer service, New American Funding shows genuine care for each customer and their story to help them reach their financial goal and achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Each moving part of the organization is there to assist clients with any potential problem.
Jones said, “We know that every person that touches a loan…[is] touching someone’s dream here. It’s a common goal for us all.”
The organization’s operations team is an integral part of the loan process, responsible for ordering third-party documents, processing, underwriting and loan closings. A world-class experience, New American Funding gives every client the service they earn and deserve. The organization bases its services on client expectations and through a close-knit leadership team, directs the loan process successfully to create satisfied homeowners.
While home lending can be a complicated business, New American Funding has strategies in place to keep processes simple. Underwriters review all documents provided to ensure they meet agency guidelines, including the borrower’s credit, income documents, the title and the appraisal. Often overlooked, underwriting is a role that comes with a lot of pressure and is a critical component of the home lending industry.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Tricia Jones and New American Funding or visit www.NewAmericanFunding.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (April/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing,
Bill Evans Dives into His 40-Year Building, Banking History
2022/04/13
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Founder of Foxcreek Properties, Piedmont Residential and a myriad of banks, Bill Evans joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to recount his impressive career in homebuilding and land development. Evans joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and touches on his history in banking.
Evans started working in the construction industry in 1974. With a mother who was a builder and a father with a background in mechanical contracting, he has a long history with the industry and he always knew he wanted to be a developer. Evans began his development career in Stone Mountain, his hometown, and after developing a few projects, found himself in the middle of a recession.
Evans said, “Everybody had land, and nobody had a way to get out of it.”
During this time, banks offered loans with a contractual agreement that the home had to sell before the loan was due which caused issues for many builders and developers.
The first four homes built by Evans and his team were constructed within 30 days and sold within 60, a timeframe practically unheard of in today’s market. Now, it can take up to 30 days or longer to retrieve a building permit alone. He and his team went on to build 5,000 houses and participate in the development of 20,000 lots.
Evans said, “I’ve always thought of myself more as a developer than as a builder. If you develop in the right place, homebuilding becomes a lot easier.”
Evans shared that his first boss exclusively developed, which caused trouble during the recession. Learning from this experience, Evans does not develop unless he can build his way out of it. With his partner, George Hovis, founder of Hovis Homes Inc. and Ted Elliot, founder of Camel Homes, Evans and his comrades built homes all over Gwinnett County, averaging a 30-home turnout every year.
Evans learned that when the industry consolidates after each recession, it presented an opportunity to double the size of his company and continue profiting from hard work. This way of thinking set Evans and his industry friends up for success during recessions when other companies were sinking under economic pressure.
Evans said, “In the last recession, we actually quadrupled, and everybody thought I was crazy and I probably was but it worked. That’s just the way I do it.”
Evans began selling lots to independent builders and, with Edwin Lowe and Duvall Brumby, constructed a portfolio of 100 homes. Evans and his team realized that developers needed to operate with larger builders and run them like national companies. Soon, JEH Homes and Piedmont Residential were born, companies that are more sophisticated than their previous ventures. JEH Homes was eventually sold to Taylor Morrison and with Evans’s help, the builder also secured Acadia Homes. The two companies were combined to create Taylor Morrison in the Atlanta market.
Evans said, “To really make money in a building company and do well and have happy employees, you need to have an even flow process instead of starting and stopping.”
To experience continued success, Evans shared that purchasing and developing lots helps enormously in the long run and prevents companies from having a lack of land to build on. While it’s normal for deals to fall through, Evans recommends sourcing twice as many lots than necessary to make up for losses and prepare the company for potential industry stalls.
When excess lots are secured, Evans and his companies sell the land to other developers. There is no shortage of Atlanta builders in the current market searching for lots as the industry continues to experience an undersupply of housing in a post-pandemic market.
During his career, there were two recessions where financial institutions experienced hardships and credit supply shrank quickly. During those periods, land value plummeted and relationships with financial institutions mattered more than ever.
Evans said, “Until this last recession,
Westside Future Fund Supports Anti-Displacement, Affordable Housing
2022/04/07
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Chief Real Estate Officer Rachel Carey with Westside Future Fund joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share how the organization supports rental housing, homeownership, financing and anti-displacement on the Westside. Carey joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A member of the organization for the last four years, Carey moved to Atlanta from New York City five years ago and has spent her career immersed in affordable housing finance. When she moved here, Carey had a goal to work with Westside Future Fund to take its community development in a new direction.
Westside Future Fund launched in 2013 as a public-private partnership when the city of Atlanta committed funding to the development of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In addition to the arena development, there needed to be contributions to the communities west of the stadium. The neighborhoods served by the organization are English Avenues, Vine City, Atlanta University Center and Ashview Heights.
Carey said, “The thought was it’s time to invest in these neighborhoods and have an organization that’s going to be committed to a transformational, holistic revitalization.”
Westside Future Fund proudly states that “we’re in the housing business because we’re in the people business.” While working on its impact areas in 2016 and 2017, the organization noticed mixed-income housing needs rising to the forefront. The redevelopment of the Westside was on the uptake and many worried that it would bring displacement to the neighborhood.
Along with revitalization, there will be affordable renting and owning options for residents who wish to stay on the Westside. Through a set of community retention guidelines, Westside Future Fund prioritizes individuals who live, work and play on the Westside for the housing developed by the organization.
The current Westside Future Fund goal is to reach 800 units of affordable rental housing for families earning 60 percent of the area median income, which equates to roughly $48,000 annually. There are currently 180 rental housing units, including naturally occurring affordable housing units purchased by the organization. The organization purchased properties on the market at risk of being lost to preserve affordability in the area.
Alongside those efforts, the organization is acquiring vacant lots and land to develop or renovate new affordable housing! Vacant properties were purchased directly from the market or RFPs through Invest Atlanta. These lots will undergo the entire improvement process, from renovations and development to leasing through the organization’s Home on the Westside program.
Carey said, “Our waiting list comes from Home on the Westside and prioritizes people who have been in the community the longest [and] who have the strongest ties to the community to ensure that those people have priority for the work that we’re doing and the housing we’re producing.”
Tune in to the full interview above for more information on the Westside Future Fund or visit www.WestSideFutureFund.org.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Westside Future Fund are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (April/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times.
Opendoor Revolutionizes Home Sales, Digitizes Real Estate
2022/04/06
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Homebuilder Partnership Manager Rajat Agarwal with Opendoor joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share how Atlanta consumers can benefit from digital homebuying (often referred to as iBuying). Agarwal joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment and discusses the leading digital iBuyer platform for buying and selling real estate.
For the last three years, Agarwal worked for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders’ Association, starting in marketing and working his way up to the government affairs unit. In his new role with Opendoor, an innovative digital real estate platform, Agarwal is the newest member of the team that helps people sell, buy and move with ease and certainty.
Agarwal said, “It really took what has been a historically complex traditional home transaction and simplified it and made it convenient.”
Today, Opendoor serves 45 markets, including large cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. and booming metro areas such as Phoenix, Dallas, Raleigh and Atlanta.
In 2014, the company pioneered the concept of receiving an all-cash offer for a home digitally. For the first time, someone could sell their home with ultimate convenience and control over the entire process. Consumers today expect everything to be on-demand, regardless of the industry and in the real estate sector, Opendoor is helping builders meet this demand.
With Opendoor, homebuilder customers are no longer required to time up moves with their new construction home, providing a seamless transaction. Gone are the double moves, double mortgages or finding a temporary home!
Agarwal said, “We give our builder customers up to nine months of a flexible close of escrow. They can sell their home, stay…and seamlessly move out…[and] into their new home."
From a sales perspective, calling homebuyers and informing them of a delayed closing due to supply line shortages is a hard call to make. Opendoor makes this process exponentially easier for sales associates and customers alike.
As Homebuilder Partnership Manager, Agarwal works directly with builders by visiting new home communities, listening to sales associates and experiencing first-hand how well transactions are going in the current market.
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Opendoor or visit www.OpenDoor.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Opendoor are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (April/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
KNOWAtlanta Relocation Magazine Welcomes You Home
2022/03/30
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Publisher Sherry Gasaway with KNOWAtlanta joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the benefits of sharing vital resources with new metro area residents. Gasaway joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
With a true love for Atlanta, Gasaway started with KNOWAtlanta in sales and 15 years later, she is the publisher of the premier relocation magazine. In her position, she hears and develops content, reports and provides valuable information to people seeking new information about our growing city.
A local market staple for 30 years, the primary goal of KNOWAtlanta is to offer easily digestible content that showcases valuable information. Whether it’s turning the lights on in your new home or exploring growing city centers, the magazine also spotlights the market’s top builders by sharing marketing information and upcoming developments.
Published quarterly and available online, the current KNOWAtlanta issue includes a feature about Atlanta’s condo market and shares insight into what it’s like to buy a condo in the metro area.
Gasaway said, “I love what KNOWAtlanta does just because we get to tell the story of Atlanta and what’s happening.”
Showcasing information about the city’s private schools is a growing demand the magazine works tirelessly to meet. The metro Atlanta area boasts over 130 private schools, meeting the needs of students and parents searching for rigorous college prep, special needs education, elite sports and more.
Before the pandemic, relocators from the New England region, Illinois, Texas and California made up many of Atlanta’s new residents. After working remotely for over two years, employees across the country now have the freedom to live anywhere. A large percentage are choosing to make Atlanta their new home, further diversifying the Peach State.
The seventh most popular metro city in the nation for relocation, experts predict that by the year 2050, 8.6 million residents will call Atlanta their new home. Annually, around 80,000 people move to the metro region, which consists of 14 counties.
Gasaway commented, “We are seeing such an influx of people coming here. Georgia is a great place. We’re close to the ocean, we’ve got mountains, we’ve got lots to offer.”
The state's rapid growth is attributed to the impressive job growth from large companies relocating to the state. While technology is a dominating employment sector, life sciences are quickly catching up, with several major companies looking to Atlanta for a new home base.
Tune in to the full interview for more information about KNOWAtlanta or visit www.KNOWAtlanta.com. Click here to request a free issue!
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and KNOWAtlanta are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (March/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
Pittsburgh Yards: A Space for Community Residents to Thrive
2022/03/23
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Program Associate with Annie E. Casey Foundation Chantell Glenn joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the redevelopment of Pittsburgh Yards. Glenn joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A proud alumnus of Spellman College, Glenn’s professional background of over 20 years is concentrated in community and equity development. In her current role with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Glenn oversees the development and operations of Pittsburgh Yards. The foundation places a strong focus on place-based work in Atlanta and is a primary investor and advisor for the redevelopment project.
Glenn said, “Pittsburgh Yards is an unprecedented opportunity to spur economic equity, job growth and entrepreneurship for the residents.”
Through years of collaboration amongst locals and community stakeholders, the vision of Pittsburgh Yards came to life. Once completed, the project will be a vibrant space for residents to work, create, shop, play and aspire. The project will catalyze living wages, employment, long-term careers as well as entrepreneurship opportunities for residents, including parents with young children and those in need of second chances.
Glenn said, “We’re using design, streetscape and landscaping techniques to encourage community engagement and innovation. We ran the existing streets from the neighboring Pittsburgh neighborhood right onto our site…so everyone can feel welcome to come onto the campus.”
Project developers incorporated sustainable design practices and most importantly, cultivated the already existing neighborhood and its accompanying benefits, including access to the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine loop. Other fundamental components incorporated in the redevelopment of Pittsburgh Yards include healthy eating options, greenspace, community gathering areas as well as the preservation and cultivation of art.
Glenn shared the team recently celebrated the completion of Phase I to the 31-acre site with 15 acres already developed. At the heart of Pittsburgh Yards is the Nia Building, a 60,000 square foot anchor to the project named for the Swahili word for purpose. The building houses 100 affordable workspaces, ranging from 100 to 400 square feet.
The Nia building's strategic design creates ideal spaces for makers, fabricators and others to accommodate the current growth in trade professions. For creatives, there are areas for mixed media and fashion design as well as businesses offering professional services such as accounting and architecture.
There is also a generous amount of shared capacity for coworking members to grow their business without a leasing commitment. Members also have access to meeting rooms, an amphitheater, a shared-use commercial kitchen and a market café.
Tune in to the full interview above for additional information on the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pittsburgh Yards or visit www.PittsburghYards.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Pittsburgh Yards are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (March/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
Historic Oakland Foundation Safeguards Atlanta History
2022/03/17
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Senior Director of Capital Projects Neale Nickels with the Historic Oakland Foundation joins the Atlanta Real Estate Radio podcast to share the rich past and preservation of Oakland Cemetery. Nickels joins host Carol Morgan on the Around Atlanta segment and discusses upcoming events and ways to support the iconic Atlanta landmark.
Not native to Georgia, working for the Historic Oakland Foundation allowed Nickels and his family to connect with the rich history and the city of Atlanta in a unique way. Oakland Cemetery was founded by the city of Atlanta in 1850, back before the capital was the great urban center we know today. A small but growing community, Atlanta was in need of a municipal cemetery.
As the cemetery developed, there was a shift in thinking regarding cemeteries internationally, transitioning from considering graveyards to cemeteries which translates to a final resting place for family and loved ones. Since 1976, the foundation's mission has been to preserve, restore, enhance and share Oakland Cemetery and its gifts with the surrounding community.
“The idea of a celebration of life really came to be in that time. That’s really kind of what we have carried through here in the 21st century and what the Historic Oakland Foundation strives to do,” Nickels said. “To celebrate the lives of those Atlantans who are buried here and to tell their stories.”
The foundation's first brick-and-mortar fundraiser, The Living History Capital Campaign has a lofty goal of $12 million and to date has raised a little over $10.3 million! In the last 10 years, the Historic Oakland Foundation has been making great strides to increase the restoration and preservation of the grounds to meet the needs of growing visitation. The campaign's goal is to triple the investment for the cemetery and foundation.
Nickels said, “This campaign is designed to catapult us into that next level, and it will include some very significant projects…It’s really aimed at building on the good work we’ve done and preparing us to better serve the families involved at Oakland [and] the people who come to visit.”
With the funds raised from the Living History Capital Campaign, the Historic Oakland Foundation has plans to open a visitors center outside of the cemetery gates. Due to increased programming and guests, the foundation has outgrown the space and is in need of an upgrade. The visitors center will move from its current location of 50 years, a gothic bell tower constructed in 1899.
The new 10,000 square-foot visitors center will house the gift shop as well as act as a first stop for guests in terms of organization, directions and more. There will also be a spacious, flexible community space available for rent with a great view of the cemetery below that is perfect for visiting K through 12 and college groups.
Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about the Historic Oakland Foundation or visit www.OaklandCemetery.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Historic Oakland Foundation are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (March/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
Brittani Sanders Talks DEI
2022/03/16
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Vice President of Development Brittani Sanders with Portman Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the importance of development and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in a corporate space. Sanders joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment.
A relatively new company, Portman Residential is the latest addition to the Portman Holdings family, a staple in the homebuilding industry for over 60 years. Founded by a prolific architect, John Portman, the company was previously known for designing abundant office and hotel projects and recently decided to expand into the mixed-use development sector with the creation of Portman Residential and Portman Industrial.
Sanders said, “It really is a great company and has really exciting mixed-use projects across the country.”
Growing up in a small town south of Chicago, Sanders shared that diversity and inclusion are a deeply personal topics. From a young age, she was fascinated with the Chicago skyline but never knew how those buildings came to be. She decided to study architecture, unaware of other career opportunities due to a lack of exposure.
At Howard University, she quickly learned architecture was not her path, and development was the ideal industry for her.
“My motivation today is to expose more young people, specifically young people of color, that are maybe in my shoes now that I was in 10, 20 years ago,” Sanders said. “There just aren’t many people that I can look up to, specifically African American women in development. I hope to make that road easier. That’s what makes me work the way I do.”
Thanks to innovative projects such as The House That She Built book by Mollie Elkman and Georgia Castellano, young girls are beginning to see themselves within roles and careers traditionally pushed towards young boys.
When asked what advice she has for women entering the homebuilding and development industry, Sanders recommended meeting as many people as possible. A lesson she learned early in her career, oftentimes real estate and development companies have a limited timeframe when hiring new talent.
It’s easy for those entering the industry to become discouraged, especially when it seems as if positions are often given to family members and those with connections. While that does exist, Sanders shared it’s common for companies to hire who they know. Though making connections is essential, companies must also be willing to step outside of their circle.
Sanders said, “You have to position yourself so that you’re top of mind when opportunities present themselves so, network, network, network! Get comfortable talking to anyone.”
Tune in to the full interview above for more information about Portman Residential or visit www.PortmanResidential.com.
Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!
Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Portman Holdings are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (March/2022)
New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 216,000+ loans for $56.8 billion, 171 branches and about 4,500+ employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America seven times. For more information, call 678-898-3540 or visit https://branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta.
The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home ...
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2020/12/23
The Battery Atlanta Talks Upcoming Holiday Events
2020/12/17
Georgia Ranked No. 1 State for Business for Eighth Consecutive Year
2020/12/16
Cobb Christmas Keeps the Holiday Spirit Alive
2020/12/10
New American Funding Illustrates Customer Service Initiative on Radio
2020/12/09
Aurora Theatre Talks Upcoming Holiday Productions on Radio
2020/12/03
Dr. Elliot Eisenberg Discusses 2021 Housing Economic Forecast
2020/12/02
‘Tis the Season for Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
2020/11/26
Kelly Fink Discusses The Providence Group OBIE Wins, New Communities on Radio
2020/11/25
Atlanta SMC, HomeAid Atlanta Join Radio to Discuss 2020 Silent Auction, Holiday Party
2020/11/19
Engel & Völkers Joins Radio
2020/11/18
Help Advocates for Children Create Magical Moments this Holiday Season
2020/11/12
Womack Custom Homes Joins Radio
2020/11/11
Jim Chapman Communities Welcomes Southwyck Homes to Award-Winning Communities
2020/11/05
New American Funding Joins Radio
2020/11/04
FIA Surety Joins Radio
2020/10/29
Walton Communities Offers Luxury Apartment Homes on Chattahoochee River
2020/10/28
James Hardie Joins Radio
2020/10/22
Rivet Communication App Joins Radio
2020/10/21
Maximum One Discusses New Benefits for 1099 Employees, Available Services on Radio
2020/10/15
Kolter Homes Talks Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes on Radio
2020/10/14
Jim Jacobi Talks Parkland Residential on Radio
2020/10/08
Kim Arrington Discusses New American Dream Initiative on Radio
2020/10/07
FMLS Discusses Change in Market Due to COVID-19
2020/10/01
Outhouse Joins Radio
2020/09/24
TempSmart Staffing Solutions Joins Radio
2020/09/23
Kennesaw State University Department of Architecture Joins Radio
2020/09/17
2020 Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop Report Results Are In
2020/09/16
ORCA Sets Sail on New Mega Yacht Condo Project: Larga Vida
2020/09/10
Sherwin-Williams Talks 2021 Color Forecast on Radio
2020/09/09
Artisan Built Communities Joins Radio
2020/09/03
New American Funding Helps Latino Community Achieve Homeownership
2020/09/02
Thread ATL Joins Radio
2020/08/27
HomeLight, The Peters Group Talk Market Trends on Radio
2020/08/26
The Giving Kitchen Joins Radio
2020/08/20
Piedmont Residential Talks New Communities on Radio
2020/08/19
Paint Love Brings Arts Programming to Youth Facing Poverty and Trauma
2020/08/13
PadSplit CEO Discusses Affordable Housing Options
2020/08/12
Five Loaves Atlanta Joins Radio
2020/08/06
Davidson Homes Division President Discusses Entrance to Atlanta Market
2020/08/05
Trout Unlimited Discusses Impactful Programs on Radio
2020/07/30
McMichael & Gray Joins Radio
2020/07/29
The Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup Gives Back to Community
2020/07/23
E&T Horizons Joins Radio to Discuss Innovative Products and Designs
2020/07/22
The Trust For Public Land Talks New Campaigns and Projects
2020/07/16
Knight Homes Makes its Debut on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
2020/07/15
Traton Homes Talks Fast Selling Communities in Cobb County
2020/07/09
Empire Talks New Atlanta Communities on Radio
2020/07/08
Piedmont Park: A Retreat for Atlanta
2020/07/02
Dr. Elliot Eisenberg on COVID-19, Housing, the Economy
2020/07/02
New American Funding Joins Radio
2020/07/01
Brock Built Homes Back on Radio with Company Updates and Insights
2020/06/25
Re/Max Tru and Tamra Wade Team Joins Radio
2020/06/24
Pure Maintenance of Georgia: Making Homes, Businesses Safer for Everyone
2020/06/18
Cleaner Air with Aprilaire
2020/06/17
Gabe Chatham Joins Radio to Discuss 2020 Atlanta Parade of Homes
2020/06/11
Discover Italianate Inspired Homes in the Heart of Alpharetta
2020/06/10
Live, Work, Play at The Battery Atlanta
2020/06/04
Adams Homes Joins Radio
2020/06/03
NterNow Talks Best Practices on Special Radio Episode
2020/05/31
LG Squared Talks High Performance on Radio
2020/05/28
Panoramic Doors Joins Radio
2020/05/27
Chattahoochee Tech on Around Atlanta Radio
2020/05/21
Market Update, New Product Announcement from FMLS
2020/05/20
Finding the Flint Joins Radio
2020/05/14
New American Funding Strives to Provide Homeownership to All
2020/05/13
HomeAid Organizes Essentials Drive to Support Homeless Mothers
2020/05/07
FMLS Gives Product Updates and New Service Announcements
2020/05/06
World Languages and Global Workforce Initiatives on Radio
2020/04/30
Lurae Davis of Liberty Communities Joins Radio
2020/04/29
Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces Joins Radio
2020/04/23
NterNow Thrives During COVID-19 Outbreak
2020/04/22
GA 400 Century Ride Director Joins Radio
2020/04/16
StrucSure Home Warranty Joins Radio
2020/04/15
More Cluck for Your Buck with Grubbly Farms
2020/04/09
Glenn and Bernie Drake with Drake Realty Join Radio
2020/04/08
Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
https://www.atlantarealestateforum.com/
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