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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,

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...

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 on 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. 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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, 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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...

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 plan opportunities 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.

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,

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.  ______________________________________________________ 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.

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.

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...

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...

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...