Michael Paul, director of investments at Parkland Communities, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Paul discusses the rise of built-to-rent (BTR) communities in Atlanta.

The build-to-rent sector has seen enormous growth in the last few years, especially in the Atlanta market. Higher-income individuals increasingly seek living opportunities that feel like home without the maintenance and upkeep of owning. As there is more demand for luxury rentals, investors have begun to take notice and invest in BTR communities across the state.

“I've always just been a believer that if consumers want it, investors will follow,” said Paul. “I think we've seen that in a big way.”

What does it mean to be “renters by choice”?

These individuals want somewhere to spread out and put down roots without the hassle of upkeep and maintenance. From young couples just starting to grow their families to empty-nesters looking for a change of scenery, the BTR sector serves a wide range of higher-income residents.

“COVID certainly accelerated the push for more spaces,” said Paul. “We all were working remotely, and people with kids or just two people working in the same household needed to be separated.”

Many residents also seek this lifestyle because it allows for pets to tag along, unlike many traditional apartment complexes. Built-to-rent communities, like Parkland Communities, embrace spacious floorplans, backyards and community spaces that allow residents and their pets to stretch their legs.

What is the current state of the BTR sector?

The supply of BTR communities is not keeping up with demand. Challenges in zoning and a lack of investors contribute to the limited number of BTR units on the market.

The BTR sector has catapulted in the last few years, taking over the southwest and creating opportunities for a diverse group of residents. However, BTR is still in its beginning phases, which looks like a gamble to real estate investors. There is limited data to support the rise of this sector, and investors don’t want to bite without supportive operational and transactional histories.

Paul said, “But I'll tell you evidence in the last six months is that it's a resilient sector, and I think, we're just starting scratching the surface here.”

What are real estate investors looking for today?

Most investment groups are looking for BTR projects that mimic multi-family housing from an operational standpoint. That translates to 150+ single-family or townhome units with amenities and onsite management.

Paul said, “I do think you'll have ample demand because, from an investor's perspective, living in either one of those is still preferable for most people than it is to live in a multi-family deal.”

How important is property management for BTR residents?

Many BTR communities have tried different management strategies, some keeping the same style as multi-family complexes and others adopting a more personalized approach with residents.

“The property managers are there in my mind for two reasons,” said Paul. “One is to serve the tenants, making sure they are comfortable and have a desirable lifestyle. Another part is back to the investors, right? I think you have to have a property manager who solves the investors' needs, which means trying to make it as efficient as possible and kind of a clear operating model.”

Paul emphasizes how important property management is but indicates that strategy is still up for debate.

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about build-to-rent. Learn more about Parkland Communities at ParklandCo.com.

About Parkland Communities

Parkland Communities is a privately owned real estate development and investment firm that specializes in residential communities. It uses the latest market data to secure top locations across Georgia and provide residents with comfortable, modern communities to call home.

Jeremy Crawford, president and CEO of FMLS, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Crawford discusses what the NAR settlement means for homebuyers.

What is the NAR Settlement?

According to the recent NAR settlement, Realtors, brokerages and other members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) owned or affiliated MLSs must establish a clear buyer agency agreement before the buyer agency can show a home to a consumer. This practice has been present in the state of Georgia since 1991. However, nationwide it’s a large part of the settlement. As responsibilities shift to Realtor-owned MLSs, the pressure is on to enforce compliance as the housing market continues to grow.

Considering these changes, FMLS has taken a position of consumer transparency. Its fields remain available and serve as offers of compensation from the seller to the buyer agency. These fields are optional, putting the decision to accept or pass at agents’ fingertips.

“FMLS does not arbitrate, mediate or get involved in the offer of compensation,” said Crawford. “We provide fields in the database for the listings that the agents can use at their discretion.”

The NAR Settlement from the Buyer Perspective

The NAR settlement added new challenges to the home buying process, affecting agents, buyers and brokers. As of August 2024, MLSs involved with NAR cannot put offers of compensation on multiple listing sites nor advertise that information. This update makes it difficult for brokers and agents to access crucial information for their clients and causes buyers’ costs to rise as well.

“The entire process for buying a home now is a little more complicated,” said Crawford. “It may be more expensive for the down payment and closing perspective for the buyers and less transparent, because they can't find the information on the Internet as easily as they could.”

Buyers are expected to pay for their own representation now, which has created a shift toward home shoppers trying to browse on their own. Professional guidance is important during the homebuying process. There are many factors that often get overlooked without a trained eye, such as location, school districts, flood risk in certain areas, zoning, etc.

What about home builders’ ever-changing commission and compensation packages? Crawford notes that many agents are still engaging and writing up buyer-agency agreements with clients.

“We now have many of the top builders in Atlanta or FMLS broker members - Toll Brothers, DR Horton, etc. - they're all FMLS broker members,” said Crawford. “Their listings are within FMLS, and they provide some level of offer of compensation to those agents who have a buyer community that would have interest and bring them a buyer. And I think the process there is still going to be the same for the builders. They're still going to offer opportunities for the buyer and the buyer agency who brings the buyer in.”

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about FMLS or visit ww.FirstMLS.com.

About FMLS

FMLS is the fourth largest multiple listing (MLS) service in the nation. Since 1957, it has served over 57,000 real estate professionals, including agents, appraisers, brokers and home inspectors. FMLS is privately owned and not affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.

Crawford said, “Our mission is really to help brokers and agents transact real estate so they can fulfill the American dream of home ownership for their clients, be it buyer or seller.”

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging,

Pam Conner, city manager of the City of Powder Springs, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Conner discusses methods for developing one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing cities.

Events + Gatherings

Events and gatherings are a driving force for city growth, according to Conner. The City of Powder Springs works diligently with residents to host diverse events that represent its larger population. The city plans yearly holiday celebrations, including Independence Day fireworks, Veteran’s Day celebrations, chili cook-offs, and Hispanic Heritage Month activities in October. Other community events include the Brown Bag concert series, 5K running events, Bookfest, health and wellness workshops and meet-and-greets with local law enforcement.

Listening to Residents

Listening to residents' concerns and suggestions is another essential element of city planning. Whether it is a dog park or better roads, it is crucial for city planners to give residents a platform to voice their concerns. It is even more important to put those ideas into action.

“We are also developing and planning to develop more parking and transportation improvements,” said Conner. “The city's a small city, and its geography is what it is. There are opportunities for some intersection improvements to help move people along, and, you know, the folks who do live here have valid comments and concerns about the traffic.”

Adding Rooftops

How does a city like Powder Springs grow its population? The City has added multifamily and townhome developments and strives to boost its population during the day. This means businesses and attractions invite residents to engage throughout the day through dining, recreation, shopping and more! Conner notes that walkability is especially attractive to new and younger residents.

Situated on the edge of Thurman Springs Park Square, a new multifamily development is nearly complete with 220 units. These homes put residents within walking distance of city events, with some that include balconies overlooking the square. A second housing development is underway about two blocks from the downtown area.

“I think that with all the apartments downtown and the multifamily, you're going to see that a lot of people work from home and that's going to boost the population during the day too,” said Conner. “Because you can work from home two or three days a week, run out and grab your coffee, or run out and grab your lunch and you can walk there.”

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about the City of Powder Springs or visit www.CityOfPowderSprings.org.

About the  City of Powder Springs

Located in southwest Cobb County, Powder Springs boasts a small-town atmosphere complemented by booming developments in housing, community engagement and recreation.

What does city growth look like for Powder Springs? Recently, the City of Powder Springs recreated its City Center, once known as the “heart and soul of the community” during the city’s beginnings. Other recent additions to Powder Springs include Thurman Springs Park, a town square area with an amphitheater and splash pad, Powder Springs Park and its renovated City Hall.

“Grand ideas are grand, but they don't help you if they just stay on paper or on the shelf,” said Conner. “So, the city worked really hard with the Downtown Development Authority to make those changes downtown, and you can start to see that revitalization with more people down at the events that we have.”

The Silver Comet Trail, a paved rail trail running from Smyrna, Georgia, to Alabama, passes through Powder Springs and is a recreational staple for residents. The Linear Park trailhead provides access from Powder Springs, forming connections across Cobb County. Powder Springs is also home to the Seven Springs Museum, full of rich local history.

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio.

John Ryan, chief marketing officer of Georgia MLS, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Ryan discusses the current state of the housing market and his outlook for the future.

Due to its rich business and employment opportunities, Atlanta maintains an active, dynamic marketplace that ebbs and flows with new industry. There were 75,000 homes that have sold this year so far, a 2.1% decrease from 2023. However, the “hot” market is fading away as Atlanta months of supply (MOS) is currently 3.8 months, according to Georgia MLS listings. Its listings have also increased to 17,800, a dramatic shift from 7,000 to 8,000 listings in past years. This is still a far cry from 6 months of inventory which has long been the normal in Atlanta.

Interest rates continue to hover at 6.4%, which could be a confidence boost for buyers and sellers in today’s marketplace after years of higher rates. The first-time homebuyer demographic is still challenged by these rate fluctuations, but there is hope for rate stability in 2025. Even with positive shifts in MOS and interest rates, there is still an overflowing demand in comparison to supply. Housing prices remain elevated with a median price of $400,000 across the Atlanta market and new construction listings are growing but still only represent 10% of total listings.

“As we move into 2025, those rates should hover a little just above the 6% mark,” said Ryan. “That is still a reasonable rate, as we've seen historically, to make people move one way or the other within the marketplace.”

As the market continues to shift and move around, Ryan emphasizes working closely with real estate professionals that can take you step-by-step through the process of buying or selling your home. Having trained agents and lenders on your side ensures that everything runs smoothly from listing to closing.

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Georgia MLS or visit www.GeorgiaMLS.com.

About Georgia MLS

Georgia MLS is the largest real estate marketplace in Georgia, serving 52,600 agents and 4,600 brokerage offices across the state. Its offices can be found in the North Georgia Mountains, through metro Atlanta and all along the Georgia coast.

What does Georgia MLS bring to the Atlanta housing market? The multiple listing service provides opportunities for brokerages and agents to connect and work together for their clients. Georgia MLS is also a proud founding partner of the Southeast MLS alliance – Georgia MLS, Charleston MLS, Charlotte MLS and Nashville MLS.

“We are going to be providing active and off market data to our members, all under one platform, so our members will have access to three of the most desirable cities in the southeast,” said Ryan. “We are just trying to connect the dots of providing information, and then also a referral network that they have clients that are moving to different areas.”

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers,

Alex Miller, director of land acquisition at Century Communities, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Miller discusses land acquisition from a national builder’s perspective.

Miller attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in secondary education. When he discovered that teaching wasn’t the best career choice for him, he went back to school, obtaining an MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Science with a focus on Finance from Georgia Southern University.

His first job in real estate was as a financial analyst at Stanley Martin Homes in Atlanta. He did underwritings for land acquisition, new deals and general corporate finance. After a couple of years, he moved to Century Communities and now serves as the face of land acquisition.

“Land acquisition, which is one of the reasons I love it, it's kind of the heartbeat of the company,” said Miller. “I like to think of myself on the front lines out there, battling for land. Without land, you don't have a home building company.”

The most important land acquisition goal is achieving the business plan through daily actions. Miller forecasts five years out, which means that he looks at many different projects at the same time. Whether it is a finished lot, a deal that is just zoned or raw land, he assesses each project individually to determine where it fits in the five-year plan.

“You structure where you deploy your capital and purchase these deals at the right time to meet those business plans in the future,” said Miller. “And it's tricky. Right now, Century’s Atlanta division is working very aggressively to meet those goals.”

Where is Century Communities looking to build in Atlanta? Miller said the industry-rich I-75 corridor toward Cartersville and Emerson is being discussed. Century is also working to build in South Fulton locations like McDonough and Douglasville, but the rising costs of land in the area challenge the land acquisition team. The current golden Atlanta markets are Cherokee County, Dawson County and Forsyth County.

Choosing a location can be challenging, but Miller has criteria that clarify the decision. For example, when looking at raw land to develop into single-family home communities with two units per acre, he likes a minimum of 50 acres to work with. The number of acres is not as crucial when acquiring lots with zoning permits in hand or finished lots. Zoning is the risky aspect of land acquisition, so already-zoned lots are attractive to home builders like Century.

With interest rates at an all-time high, home builders must consider what is affordable now for buyers and what will still be affordable in three to five years. Other challenges can pop up along the way, including pond agreements, lift stations for sewers that don’t flow with gravity and rough topography. Miller and his land acquisition team constantly face new roadblocks on projects, but he enjoys the challenge.

“I'll come home, and my wife, she’ll ask me how my day was.” said Miller. “I have literally experienced every single emotion that a human has in a day because of these deals, but that's what makes it fun, too.”

As housing trends change, there is a shift to smaller properties across the Atlanta market. Miller said that people are not shying away from higher-density communities and homes under 2,000 square feet. However, in areas like north Forsyth County, the demographic is different and favors larger lots and luxury products. He emphasizes the importance of home builders knowing the area and knowing their buyers to maximize profit in an ever-changing market.

Tune in to the full interview above to learn about Century Communities, or visit www.CenturyCommunities.com.

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011.

Kimberly Mackey, sales and marketing management consultant and trainer at New Homes Solutions Consulting, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Mackey discusses working with home builders, Realtors and brokers across the country to develop better procedures and practices that translate into predictable cash flow.

New Homes Solutions Consulting primarily offers sales and marketing management consulting services to home builders. One of the most important aspects of new home sales is lead generation. Builders and other real estate professionals must generate leads and establish contacts to sell homes. The four goals of lead generation include getting appointments for business, obtaining referrals, building relationships for future business and establishing a repertoire.

“Lead generation is like bathing. Hopefully, you do it early and often, and you’ve got to do it every day,” said Mackey. “If you do it every day over time, then you are going to generate lots of leads.”

Referrals are crucial for generating leads, but for many individuals, it can feel daunting to find a starting point. Mackey shared her best tips for making connections with confidence:

Identify yourself - Wear a name tag or something with your company’s logo to distinguish yourself in a crowd.

Carry your contact information with you – Whether you carry physical business cards or prefer a scannable option, have your information readily available in case you make a connection at a networking event or the grocery store!

Make the connection personal – Ask people questions and really listen to their answers. If they are wearing branded apparel from your favorite sports team, use that as a launching point. For a simpler approach, try asking about their connections to the area.

“Try to make a personal connection with people in a way that makes you memorable and makes you stand out,” said Mackey. “So, then people realize that you're genuinely concerned about them and getting to know them, rather than just trying to take their money.”

Looking to find leads in your community? Networking is another important part of marketing yourself. Many real estate professionals limit themselves to just builder association events, but reaching further can have a rewarding effect. Mackey suggests attending local Realtor events, public speaking workshops and other functions that help you grow and get connected.

A burning question in marketing is always – when, if ever, is it ok to ask for a referral? Mackey finds that the sweet spot for referrals is when home shoppers are thinking of buying a home, and right after, they do. Her go-to line is “How would you like to pick your neighbors?” a fun but successful quip that resonates with prospective buyers.

“Referrals are definitely the way to go,” said Mackey. “I love it when I hear, ‘Oh, so-and-so referred me to you. It's a natural bridge into the conversation, it's almost a shorthand to it.”

Mackey’s biggest piece of advice is to follow up and make an impression. She likes to send hand-written notes because they are impressionable in a digital world. Other methods include postcards, e-blasts and other outreach tactics that get people thinking about your company.

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about New Home Solutions Consulting or visit www.NewHomesSolutions.com.

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-a...

Erik Martinez, executive VP and co-owner of Blue Tangerine joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Martinez discusses real estate e-commerce and everything home builders should know to be successful in a technology-driven world.

How does e-commerce work in the real estate sector? Martinez explains that there are two objectives to consider: branding and accessibility. Home builders invest in websites with tight branding and stunning imagery because it draws home shoppers in. However, many shoppers seek easy-access information that can be seen from the homepage. Blue Tangerine assists home builders by transforming their sites with quick, easy links that connect buyers with the necessary information to take further steps toward purchasing a home.

“I need to know: ‘Do you build where I want to buy?’, ‘Do you have a price point that's in my budget?’ and ‘Do you have a style that resonates with me?” said Martinez. “And if I could address those three questions when I land on any page on the site, then you're going to get me to engage.”

When home builders set up digital marketing, the goal is always to keep shoppers engaged and scrolling through the site for a significant amount of time. Martinez suggests interactive components that outline floor plans and allow shoppers to explore any current customization options. Setting up this level of data is an investment, but it makes a difference between your business and your competitors because buyers are looking to absorb tangible information without searching for it.

How does Blue Tangerine keep home shoppers engaged even after leaving the site? Like many e-commerce providers, it targets website visitors when they enter the site, as they explore it and again when they leave to check out competitors. A simple “Can we send you more information” pop-up gets about 3% engagement, but Blue Tangerine can take that data and adjust marketing accordingly.

“A good e-commerce retailer would not only capture that [data], they follow up with you via an email sequence or a text sequence, depending on what you what that particular buyer chooses, and they'll provide the benefits of the product,” said Martinez. “They'll provide recommendations on other products and tell the story of the brand.”

Another approach is to provide a sense of scarcity. What does that mean for home builders? If someone visits the site and looks at a particular floorplan or community, you want to follow up and make it seem in-demand. Maybe only two lots are available in the community they viewed, so an informative email might inspire that person to put down a deposit sooner than later. Making your products seem important to shoppers and encouraging a healthy level of urgency to purchase is important.

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Blue Tangerine, or visit www.BlueTangerine.com.

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the ...

Jessica Griggs, CEO and founder of LaRuche Photo, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Griggs discusses her transition to real estate photography and shares a few tips and tricks.

Starting in her early 20s, Griggs established a successful wedding and videography business that allowed her to cultivate her passion professionally. When life brought her to Georgia, she transitioned into real estate photography and created LaRuche Photo. The business started with just Griggs herself and now features a team of nine photographers.

What does real estate photography encompass? LaRuche serves real estate professionals from many sectors, including Realtors, home builders, interior designers and stagers. Whether your home is a short-term rental, new build or for-sale property, Griggs and her team provide home shoppers with a personal look. While real estate makes up almost 70% of its clientele, LaRuche also offers other photography services such as headshots, event coverage and weddings.

When it comes to selling a home, photography is a crucial step in the marketing plan. Photos communicate visually for homebuyers, but they must be combined with other promotional assets to ensure a successful marketing strategy. LaRuche offers a wide range of services, including videography, Matterport 3-D home tours, drones and more.

“I've always said a photo speaks 100 words, and a video speaks 1,000 because we live in a world of social media,” said Griggs. “We live in a world of scrolling one video after the next. Depending on your audience, you may have an attention span of two minutes, or you may have an attention span of two seconds.”

In the last few years, Matterport has blown up in the real estate business, but how does it benefit both buyers and sellers? Matterport allows home shoppers to take a virtual “tour” of a home, utilizing dozens of photos merged to create 3-D images. It is a great strategy for sellers because it can reach homebuyers across the country and is cheaper than videography.

Griggs shared her thoughts on videography strategy as well, expressing the difference between trendy and successful. Businesses want “viral” videos, but that level of popularity is based on factors that can seem impossible to achieve. Things like numbers of posts per week, influencer appearances and other algorithm feeders can take your video over 10,000 views or just plateau at 1,000-2,0000 views. For most businesses, the strategy for success is simple: know your audience! Older generations love horizontal format and longer videos, while younger generations are all about the vertical format and shorter videos found on social media.

“I think it really depends on the audience you're trying to appeal to,” said Griggs. “If your audience is all over the place, then it's best to do both vertical and horizontal, because you're getting that long format for social media platforms like YouTube and vertical format for somebody who sits on TikTok all day.”

With AI and other virtual products entering the market, how does that affect LaRuche Photo and real estate marketing? Griggs believes human-to-human engagement is important for the industry. AI is beneficial for small touch-ups but can be noticeable on a larger scale.

Griggs said, “At the end of the day, it's composition, it's talent, it's expertise, and it's a good eye.”

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about LaRuche Photo or visit www.LaRuchePhoto.com.

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions.

Mandy Crater, executive director of HomeAid® Atlanta, and Ronnie Cline, vice president of construction with Taylor Morrison, join host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Crater and Cline discuss what it means to be a Builder Captain for HomeAid® Atlanta and volunteering as a home builder.

Since 2001, HomeAid® Atlanta has worked to build new lives for individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization has completed over 200 construction projects and continues to make a difference through construction, community engagement and education. In partnership with local homebuilders like Taylor Morrison and nonprofit housing providers, HomeAid® Atlanta provides stable places for individuals or families to stay.

“We get discounts and donations from our friends in the building industry and help our friends that are in the housing industry use those discounted donations to improve their facilities, to expand, to maybe just do some maintenance,” said Crater. “So, then they are spending their hard-earned money on the people that they're trying to help.”

Taylor Morrison is currently partnering with HomeAid® Atlanta on two projects, Breakthrough House and a project in Cherokee County for girls in foster care. Breakthrough House is comprised of two sections: one for single women transitioning into sobriety and the second for recovering mothers and their children. Up in Cherokee County, Taylor Morrison and HomeAid® Atlanta plan to construct a place for family visitations, donation drop-offs and more, further enhancing the security of the campus. As a top five national builder, Taylor Morrison is a great resource for building quality homes that last for those in need and is a proud Builder Captain.

“Taylor Morrison is very supportive of everything that we do with HomeAid ® and what it brings to the community, but it is a huge responsibility,” said Cline. “The great thing is, our trade partners out there really work with us side by side, and the relationships that we build over time are unreal, and their generosity is great. They contribute a lot to these projects, and the relationships that they build with those that we're helping last a lifetime.”

For many projects, including HomeAid® Atlanta builds, Taylor Morrison calls on its own trade partners. Cline describes it as “team building” when the construction company and its trade partners collaborate on projects off the clock.

“Generally, we’ll have multiple trades in every area, and I've never had one not want to help,” said Cline. “Usually, they want to do a lot more than what we're even asking them to do. Our trade partners are huge to us and our business. We can't do it without them, and for what we do with HomeAid®, they really contribute a lot.”

How does the HomeAid® process work financially? Non-profits are invited to fill out an application but must have at least 75% of the project cost in the bank. For a $100,000 project, that means $75,000 is secured. The goal when bringing in Building Captains and their trade partners is to get the cost down further. If the project can be completed for 50% less than expected, the rest of the money can go towards maintenance, furnishing the space or back to the bank for another project.

“That's their skin in the game because this is their facility,” said Crater. “We're just helping them to make it nicer or even constructed in the first place, and then they have a space where they can do their work and help people move forward with their lives.”

How can you get involved? Well, that is easy! Builders can volunteer as a HomeAid Builder Captain to lead the construction of a housing facility or get involved with a one-day, hands-on project. Taking on a build project with HomeAid Atlanta is the perfect opportunity to do what you do best - build homes!

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about HomeAid® Atlanta and Taylor Morrison, or visit www.HomeAidGA.

Teri Frye, sales associate of the Frye Team, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Frye discusses the NAR settlement and what that means for homebuyers and agents.

Frye works alongside a team of four agents, including her husband and son, representing homebuyers and sellers across the metro Atlanta area. With its smaller team, the Frye Team offers clients a more personal experience.

The NAR settlement has been a hot topic amongst housing professionals, but what does it mean for those looking to buy or sell their homes? Well, that is a little complicated. Now anyone seeking help from a real estate agent will need to negotiate commission or compensation upfront with their agent and sign a buyer brokerage agreement (BBA). Agents can no longer include the commission in the price of any home listed in the multiple list service (MLS).

Of course, the goal is to have the commission compensated by the seller, but not all sellers will offer the full 3%.

“The Fry Team has always offered guaranteed services, which gives the buyer and or seller the option to cancel the agreement at any time,” said Frye. “We would never stand in the way of a buyer or seller getting what they want.”

How will Appraisals be impacted?

Appraisal can also be a sticky situation for homebuyers, but enlisting an agent can help. In Georgia, if there is an appraisal gap, buyers have three options:

the seller can agree to reduce the price

the buyer and seller can agree to meet somewhere in the middle or anywhere in between

or buyer has a right to terminate.

Buyers are not obligated to purchase if the home does not appraise, especially if that is a contingency in the offer.

“Most sellers have a lot of equity, and I think you just have to know the market,” said Frye. “If you're going in blindly, you have room for error. You have to do your homework on the front end and really understand the market, understand the homes, the comps, what it means. We actually do the work and attempt to help the appraiser.”

Frye’s biggest advice for buyers is to do their research when looking for an agent. Find out what agents bring to the table and how that benefits you in your home shopping experience. Buyers browse online and get lots of details about potential homes, but hiring the right agent can take you even further.

Buying a home is a big financial step, which is why representation matters. The median home price in Atlanta is currently in the $500,000s and going upward. A quality agent can help you navigate the buying process smoothly with knowledge of the market, legalities and the buyer brokerage agreement. The Frye Team is committed to offering guaranteed service for clients whether it is their first home purchase, second or third!

Fry said, “People don't do this every single day, and I think having the understanding, the compassion, and really walking them through the steps and helping them to the bottom line matters.”

Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about The Frye Team or visit www.FryeTeam.com. 

A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. It is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Est...