Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio

“City Life, Creeping Gentrification and Flesh-eating Snakes:” now that’s a gripping tagline! Josh Green, editor of Urbanize Atlanta, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his new novel, “Goodbye, Sweetberry Park,” which explores gentrification and urban development through the eyes of the fictional journalist, Archie “God” Johnson. From the Rust Belt to Urbanize Atlanta Green grew up in the Rust Belt and describes it as the “polar opposite of the growing Sun Belt population explosion.” As he began to explore the country, he was fascinated by the vibrance and quick growth of Atlanta and many Florida cities. Now the editor of Urbanize Atlanta, Green taps into his passion for urban development every day, providing readers with detailed perspectives on all things Atlanta. Urbanize Atlanta celebrates its fourth anniversary this year. Green said, “You get on the ground with a camera and just really explore the curiosities about what's happening and how it all links toge

The build-to-rent (BTR) sector is wildly successful throughout the Southeast, mainly due to its flexibility, pricing and amenities. While still a relatively new industry, its contribution to the housing market thus far makes it a popular choice for renters, home builders and residential developers. David Howard, chief executive officer with the National Rental Home Council (NRHC), joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the role of BTR communities in the Atlanta market. Why BTR? Instead of renting a two-bedroom apartment in the city, residents can select a rental with the perks of a traditional, new home community. Popular amenities at BTR communities include clubhouses, pools, dog parks, walking trails, playgrounds and sports courts. These rentals come in all shapes and sizes, from three- and four-bedroom single-family homes to stylish townhomes. “I think people love the flexibility,” shares Howard. “We call them renters by choice, because they're choosing to rent.”

Tariffs, fluctuating interest rates and increasing home prices – what does it all mean for the Atlanta housing economy? Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist with First MLS (FMLS), joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the current state of the Atlanta housing market. Pending Sales and Interest Rates Interest rates are not dropping significantly, leading pending sales to be very sensitive. Appleton-Young mentions that 25% of sales are all-cash transactions made by older generations with higher incomes and established equity in their current homes. This affects first-time homebuyers who want to purchase a home but are limited by student loan debt and past inabilities to save. Mortgages are also expected to remain at 6% this year, putting a damper on affordability and market stability. On a larger scale the economy is uncertain, but not yet at a crisis level. Consumers worry about the 10% tariffs; however, they are not “deal-breakers” and are not likely to send the e

Imagine the convenience of grabbing dinner as you walk home from work or powering through the afternoon slump with a stroll around the park. When you live intown, those dreams can be your everyday reality! Derek Turner, owner and president of The Middle Housing Company, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss intown living and his new community, Knight Walk at Howell Station in West Midtown. Intown Living: Connection and Convenience Turner said, “Intown living is increasingly appealing because it offers a lifestyle that's built around convenience and connection.” The idea of walkable living is a major draw for many homebuyers and renters moving to the city. Mixed-use developments are popping up all over the metro area, bringing together restaurants, office spaces, shopping and residential opportunities. Intown living offers this same convenience for residents to walk to work, live near cultural venues and save time in their daily routines. Balancing Affordability in A

When you live next to the water, every day feels like a vacation! From serene mornings on the water to gorgeous sunsets in the evening, there are many ways to indulge in the laid-back atmosphere of lake living. Dan Rogers, sales manager with Peachtree Residential, sits down with Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Peachtree Residential’s newest lakeside communities: White Post on Lanier and Arden on Lanier. Convenience is Key For many homebuyers, convenience is a deciding factor when purchasing a new residence. Rogers explains that Lake Lanier used to be “kind of out there,” but as the surrounding land has developed, homes along its shores are just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants and recreation. The quietness of life on the lake attracts prospective buyers of all backgrounds, including retirees and “empty nesters” shopping for their dream homes and families. Peachtree Residential is committed to providing accessible living options for residents of all backgrou

In an industry where adaptability defines success, Monte Hewett is positioned at the intersection of traditional homebuilding and general contracting. On this week’s episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, hosted by Carol Morgan of Denim Marketing, Hewett shares insights into how his company navigates the evolving demands of today’s housing market by blurring the lines between fee building, general contracting and development. How the Post-Recession Market Shaped New Business Models President of Monte Hewett, Hewett was fee building long before it became a buzzword in residential construction. The post-recession market created unique opportunities that shaped his business model. “Post-recession, as far back as 2011-2012, a lot of investors bought property that had been foreclosed on, or they bought it as an opportunity to hold and build. They realized that they couldn’t sell the lots or, if they did, wouldn’t get the return they were looking for,” Hewett explained. “A lot of them came to us and said, ‘Why

What does it take to build a construction company that thrives for over 75 years while maintaining a commitment to excellence, innovation and community? For Sheridan Construction, the answer lies in its people-first approach and visionary leadership. Christy Kovac, president and CEO of Sheridan Construction, recently joined Show Host and President of Denim Marketing Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share insights into how this 100% employee-owned firm continues to redefine leadership and innovation in commercial construction while staying true to its founding principles. From Estimator to CEO Kovac’s journey with Sheridan Construction is as impressive as it is inspiring. A Georgia Institute of Technology graduate with a building science and construction management degree, she was hired as Sheridan’s first full-time estimator after applying twice. Her persistence proved worthwhile as she grew the estimating department from a one-person operation to a team of three. As the compan

As home prices rise, prospective buyers continue to bite their nails and wonder, “Where can I find affordable housing near Atlanta?” The affordable housing crisis is a nationwide conversation, but the Atlanta market is actively seeking solutions for its homebuyers. Mandy Crater, executive director of HomeAid Georgia, Natallie Keiser, executive director of HouseATL and Garrett Wiley, VP of government affairs at Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) sit down with Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the upcoming Housing Affordability Summit. Set for May 21 at GAHBA headquarters, this event will bring together professionals in the Atlanta housing sector and local legislators for a thorough discussion on affordable housing throughout the state. “I'm excited to bring all my friends together in one room and talk about the need for more housing that is attainable,” said Crater. “There's just a deficit of housing at all levels, but especially at the more affordable l

Dreaming of a bougie homesteading lifestyle? Tune in to this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast as host Carol Morgan chats with Jennifer and Rob Beecham of Folia Group about Sanctuaire Farms — a modern farmstead living community in Ball Ground, Georgia, offering 5- to 15-acre homesites designed for sustainable, regenerative living. A Modern Take on Homesteading Located in Cherokee County, Sanctuaire Farms features 54 homesites across 461 acres. Each home includes five to 15 acres of land, ready to be transformed with residents’ agricultural visions. Natural, rolling hills and creek-front lots offer scenic views from your front door, while onsite agricultural amenities provide ample opportunities to engage with neighbors and connect as a family. Sanctuaire Farms is thoughtfully designed by Atlanta architect, Steven Kemp. Rob Beecham said, “We are conservationists and we are developing a sustainable, regenerative community that is very green-centered.” After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beecham family

Ever wish you could walk through your home before it’s built? This week on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, host Carol Morgan chats with Mark Brown and Mary Atchley, co-owners of Walk Your Plans Atlanta. Discover how their 4,000-square-foot interactive floorplan experience helps homebuyers, builders and designers bring blueprints to life. Imagine walking through the blueprint of your dream home – that's the experience that Walk Your Plans Atlanta offers at its 4,000-square-foot warehouse in Roswell, Georgia. The company works with residential and commercial clients to provide full walkthroughs of all kinds of real estate. The warehouse also features two elevation walls to help clients visualize elements such as appliances and cabinetry. “All we really need is a PDF of those architectural plans that has some architectural scale on it, and then we kind of take care of the rest,” said Brown. “When you're in our facility, we run the technology, but the facility is yours to use.” Bringing Walk Your Plans to Atlan

Marvin Nesbitt, senior director of community development with Focused Community Strategies, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Nesbitt discusses Focused Community Strategies’ recent developments in South Atlanta neighborhoods. Focused Community Strategies Mission For 25 years, Focused Community Strategies has worked diligently in South Atlanta to assist under-resourced communities and create the conditions for individuals to thrive at home. Focused Community Strategies utilizes three pillars for every project it takes on. Neighborhood engagement: Some current projects include health and wellness fairs, a food co-op and youth group activities. The organization offers these engaging events in partnership with the local Civic League. Affordable options for mixed-income households: Focused Community Strategies has built and sold over 200 affordable homes since its inception. This approach creates a sense of stability for the South Atlanta

Katie Fidler, director of real estate and investor relations with Drapac Capital Partners, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Fidler discusses Drapac Capital Partners’ unique approach to property investment and acquisition. What sets Drapac Capital Partners apart from other property investment groups? Drapac Capital Partners has built its strategy off quick problem-solving. The investment group seeks challenging projects that allow it to add or extract the most value. With a data-driven approach and focus on housing market statistics, it keeps tabs on everything from market population and cost of living to economic investment and job growth. Drapac Capital Partners looks at these demographics to understand the impacts of inflation rates and fluctuating market conditions. In addition, by comparing current housing market statistics with “steady state” rates, it can discover markets coming up with runway for growth, specifically in the Southe

Mandy Crater, executive director of HomeAid Georgia, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Crater discusses the HomeAid Georgia Essentials Drive and how home builders, trade partners and individuals can get involved. This year's drive expands beyond metro Atlanta to include Athens and midwest Georgia as well. “Most folks don't realize that the average age of a person experiencing homelessness, pretty much nationwide, is about nine years old,” said Crater. “That means there's a lot of babies in that mix too, and so about a little over 12,000 people on any given night are experiencing homelessness, and about 38% of those are moms and children of all ages.” HomeAid Georgia’s 24th Annual Essentials Drive HomeAid Georgia has been closing the gap on statewide homelessness since 2001, working alongside local trade partners to provide housing for those in need. While its trade partners cover a lot of the residential needs of these individuals, there a

Josh Brockman, Atlanta division manager with Fischer Homes, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Brockman discusses Fischer Homes’ flexible layouts and the coveted Paxton floorplan. Flexible home plans are important because they can meet a variety of needs, save money, and increase resale value. Homebuyers today increasingly seek flexible floor plans that can evolve with their needs. Flexibility in a home’s layout offers both practical benefits and emotional appeal. It means a house isn’t just a static set of rooms, but a living space that can be reconfigured as life changes. Recent trends show that buyers want homes which accommodate everything from remote work to multi-generational living. Choose Your Layout Fischer Homes specializes in what Brockman calls “to-be-built homes,” which means that it delivers homes with various options in comparison to market homes. Whether it’s transforming a study into a guest suite or adding on a pantry, th

Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster with The Caregiver’s Journey join host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Ryan and Treaster discuss transitioning into a caregiver role for a family member with dementia. How does The Caregiver’s Journey support dementia patient caregivers? “I wanted other people to learn faster and more easily than I did because I was so frustrated and overwhelmed and sometimes frightened,” said Ryan. “I prefer to feel confident, balanced and supported, and I wanted to give that to others.” Before starting The Caregiver’s Journey, Ryan and Treaster realized there was a need for easy answers to daily caregiver challenges related to dementia. Ryan points out that there are 100+ types of dementia, each with unique characteristics. Dementia affects everything from cognitive function and mood to depth perception and movement. The nonprofit podcast and online course offer niche advice for caregivers, simplifying the process and promoting the wel

Randy Hardy, president of Everything Green Properties, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Hardy discusses past historic restoration projects and the challenges of transforming older buildings with a modern touch. Hardy’s passion for historic restoration began as a hobby but quickly blossomed into a full-time focus. Everything Green Properties, LLC., has worked extensively to revitalize older buildings in downtown Powder Springs, a town where Hardy spent a large part of his younger years. “I was having a conversation with my wife almost 15 years ago and I said, ‘You know, somebody needs to go downtown and they need to start buying property because there is huge potential in Powder Springs for revitalizing that little town,” said Hardy. ‘I love it, and I'll never forget.’ She looked at me and she said, ‘Well, maybe that person's you.’” Restoration and Revitalization One of Everything Green Properties’ first projects in downtown Powder Springs was The Event Station,

Susan Pryor, owner and ADU specialist with Curated ADU Homes, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Pryor discusses Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in this podcast segment. ADU Lifestyle Whether you are looking for multigenerational housing or an additional rental home on your property, an ADU is a great solution! These smaller residences are separate from the main house but feature all the necessary lifestyle components. “So, it has a kitchen, bathrooms and has its own separate front door,” said Pryor. “I say you have to have your own doorbell.” Pryor often works with people to transform basements and garages into private ADU residences, while some projects are stand-alone on the owners’ properties. A typical ADU is between 400 and 1,000 square feet. She notes that ADU residences are popular for multigenerational living because they allow families to stay together and save money. If those loved ones were to put their retirement savings into a retirement home, it wou

David Beare, VP of Investments and Structured Credit with Trilogy Investment Co. (TIC) and Trilogy Credit Group, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Beare talks about TIC’s new office in New York and its strategic credit program. “What we do at Trilogy is really look at the highest and best use of an asset and investment,” said Beare. “And that could be land development and build-to-rent, or it could just be developing land and selling it to a public homebuilder, and then when you layer in what we're doing on the credit side, it allows us to really participate in different parts of the stack and take advantage of opportunities and not necessarily be one dimensional.” How does the structured credit program help Trilogy Investment Company stand out? Beare emphasizes that TIC’s unique development expertise helps create connections between investors and borrowers. He describes the homebuilding finance sector as a “hybrid between debt and equity.

Kelly Fink, general manager of Milesbrand, and Courtney Stewart, VP of client relations at Denim Marketing, join host Carol Morgan to discuss the 2025 International Builders’ Show (IBS) on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Fink and Stewart discuss what most excites them about IBS and what topics they hope are discussed during sessions at the event. Connections – Old and New IBS is not only the largest annual light construction show in the world, but also a chance for home builders, suppliers, agents, marketers and other real estate leaders to get together and foster connections. Fink is most excited to see some of Milesbrand’s clients in person at The Nationals awards and meet with her fellow trustees on the National Sales and Marketing Council. Topics to Look for at IBS 2025 There are many highly anticipated topics for IBS 2025, from use of AI and data for marketing to housing affordability and how builders are constructing homes in response to recent natural disas

Bakari Brooks, president and CEO of Brooks Built Homes, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Brooks shines a light on how Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta is fighting the Atlanta affordable housing crisis. Brooks Built Homes is a metro Atlanta homebuilder mainly focused on custom single-family homes and some multi-family developments. Still, Brooks said he looks forward to securing some larger-scale projects this year. Theme-based communities and active adult living are just a few ideas that Brooks Built Homes plans to add to the Atlanta market. He emphasizes the core values of Brooks Built Homes – quality, honesty and integrity. The Atlanta homebuilder also relies on referrals versus advertising, establishing a personal feel and trust that blossoms from word-of-mouth recommendations. Brooks also serves as a chairman for Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta. In his role, he has already implemented many new progra