Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio

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

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 tw

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

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 suburb

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

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 location

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

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

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

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 subdivis

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

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.” Featu

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

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 material

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 hom

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, recog

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 di

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 lear

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

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