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.

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 backgrounds. Many homes feature a primary suite on the main level, or homeowners can choose a plan with an upstairs suite for added comfort and privacy.

Rogers said, “We also have several plans that have the primary [suite] and another bedroom on the main floor, which has been hugely popular, certainly with empty nesters, but with growing families as well.”

White Post on Lanier, located just under one-half mile from Port Royale Marina, is a dream come true for homebuyers looking to add boating or lake views to their daily routines. Residents enjoy dedicated boat slips at the community marina, each deeded to their selected homesites.

Rogers said, “It’s a deep-water boat dock within the Port Royal Marina no-wake zone.”

This community features 15 homesites with 11 inventory home opportunities. Ready to unlock your dream home at the lake? The first three homes at White Post on Lanier are set for completion this summer. Prospective buyers can snatch up those homesites or build from Peachtree Residential’s existing floorplan collections for a personalized fit.

“The nice thing about a home that’s underway is there are less surprises,” said Rogers. “Obviously, the advantage of choosing a lot and doing a pre-sale is you get to make every decision.”

Homesites range from 3,500 square feet to three-quarters of an acre, providing abundant green space that can easily transform into a backyard pool! To maximize living space, most homes include a basement, 10-foot ceilings and a three-car garage perfect for boat storage.

Also nestled along Lake Lanier, in Cumming, Arden on Lanier offers high-class living and cozy amenities. Residents have exclusive access to walking trails, a fire pit and nearby lake entry points via Tidwell Park. Beautiful interiors await in each home, showcasing spacious bedroom suites, kitchens with islands and a scenic, wooded view in the backyard.

Rogers said, “Outdoor living is also something we’ve been adding to homes, with covered porches, fireplaces, screen porches and all those things for people who want to live close to the lake and have outdoor living right behind their house as well.”

Tune in to the full episode to learn about lake living and where to find it with Peachtree Residential. Home shoppers can schedule a tour of these communities with Rogers every day, excluding Thursdays and Fridays. For more information about Peachtree Residential, visit https://www.peachtreeresidential.com/.

Known for its attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, Peachtree Residential is a leader in new home construction throughout Atlanta and Charlotte. For over 30 years, Peachtree Residential has presented homebuyers with stylish, modern residences and coveted amenities near top employers, schools and local recreation.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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.

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 don’t you go and build this land out for us, these lots and on a fee basis or a fee plus a profit share.’”

This approach allowed Hewett to develop a parallel income stream while maintaining the quality standards for which his company is known. Over time, this evolved into a versatile business model that spans different market segments and product types.

“I ended up building just about any type of product for a partnership that was not for sale, or if it was for sale, maybe I’m building it for somebody that doesn’t have the capability to build it but wanted to be the owner on that project,” Hewett said.

The diversity of Hewett’s current projects demonstrates this versatility. On one end of the spectrum, he’s building $2 million villas in Druid Hills. Conversely, he’s constructing affordable housing units in southwest Atlanta through a tax-incentivized program. Various for-sale developments across the metro area are between these extremes, including The Towns at Wire Park in Watkinsville, The Harman in East Atlanta, Findley Row in Alpharetta and an upcoming development in Milton.

Hewett’s approach to general contracting goes beyond simply building what’s been designed. He emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the process to maximize value for investors.

“We start most of them in the design phase. We’re not acquiring sites, so they’ll bring us a site and say, ‘This is what we’re trying to do,’” Hewett said. “For the most part, we’re going in early, and sometimes we’re even working on the product and building the budget as we go.”

This collaborative approach helps avoid what Hewett calls “scope creep,” which occurs when amendments during construction lead to costly change orders. By establishing a clear scope statement early and working toward a guaranteed maximum price, his team can better manage expectations and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Hewett’s design expertise is a significant value-add. He often contributes to site planning and amenity design to create distinctive communities. He shared an example of designing a mid-century modern clubhouse for a project called Clifton, adding value that the owners didn’t envision initially.

“I took it upon myself to design that clubhouse and felt like I had some creative ideas that would differentiate that product for the owners,” he said. “I added, I believe, to that project a component that they wouldn’t have done themselves.”

His approach to amenity centers reflects changing lifestyle needs, focusing on creating spaces that integrate into the social fabric of communities where many residents now work from home.

“You never want to take the lowest bid,” he cautions. “In England, on public projects, they take the second lowest. Someone might come in low, and they see the plans are going to need a lot of architectural changes because they didn’t have a builder working with them all the way through.”

For more information on Monte Hewett and his general contracting services, visit www.montehewett.com.

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. 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 that marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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.

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 company’s leadership began planning for transitions, Kovac expressed interest in taking on greater responsibility. She was promoted to executive vice president in an interim role before becoming president in 2016 and adding the CEO title in 2020. Throughout this progression, she benefited from mentorship by company leaders Chris Sheridan Jr. and Ronnie Williams.

“The company was founded on three principles that were passed on to me and I continue to pass forward: taking care of the people who work for you, the people who give you the work and taking care of the community from where the work comes. When you do those three things well, the rest comes,” Kovac explained, revealing the straightforward yet powerful philosophy that has guided the company through decades of success.

What truly distinguishes Sheridan Construction from its competitors is its employee ownership structure. In 2016, the company became 100% employee-owned as part of a thoughtful succession plan developed by the previous owner, Chris Sheridan Jr. The employee stock option plan allowed for a smooth leadership transition while giving employees a direct stake in the company’s success.

According to Kovac, this ownership model transformed how the team approaches its work. When everyone has skin in the game, the commitment to quality, client satisfaction and community impact naturally follows.

While Sheridan Construction’s roots remain firmly planted in Middle Georgia, the company strategically expanded its footprint to better serve clients throughout the state. With established offices in West Georgia and Athens, the company has plans to expand into Augusta within the next two years. Additionally, Sheridan Construction holds contractor licenses in all states bordering Georgia, enabling them to follow loyal clients wherever projects lead.

This expansion strategy helped the company develop and maintain multi-generational client relationships, with some partnerships spanning three generations of ownership and more than 50 years of collaboration.

The design-build methodology is a significant component of Sheridan Construction’s service model. It offers clients a streamlined approach that eliminates the traditional fragmentation between design and construction phases. This integrated approach reduces miscommunication, accelerates project timelines and often leads to more innovative solutions as architects and builders collaborate from day one.

“It gives the client one point of contact for the project,” Kovac explained. “The client hires the contractor, and the contractor hires the architect to work as a team. So, it makes communication a little bit smoother.”

The company’s commitment to community service is evident in its decades-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Sheridan Construction has contributed to numerous Habitat builds, donating entire houses for two milestone anniversaries. In one awe-inspiring feat, they completed a whole home 10 days after the foundation was set.

Kovac has personally been involved with the nonprofit organization for over 20 years, reflecting her belief in the organization’s approach to creating stability through homeownership. For her, the value lies in how Habitat for Humanity empowers families through participation rather than simply providing handouts.

Sheridan Construction is actively involved in initiatives to develop the next generation of construction professionals. The company participates in skills challenges that introduce students to construction careers and provide hands-on experience in the field.

These initiatives focus on showing young women that construction offers viable career paths, which Kovac demonstrates through her leadership journey. She emphasizes that construction careers provide tangible rewards beyond financial compensation – the pride of creating lasting structures that benefit communities.

Looking ahead, Sheridan Construction is focused on controlled growth and innovation while continuing to diversify its project portfolio.

“Chris Sheridan Jr. said often that he’d seen more companies go out of business by being too busy than not busy enough,” Kovac shared. “Try to manage the not-too-many yeses and a few no’s along the way when we’re pursuing projects, because you want to win them all, but you need to be able to build them all well.”

The company recently completed downtown Macon’s Otis Redding Center for the Arts. It was also awarded a contract for a new executive airport terminal shaped like a guitar—a nod to the region’s music history. It’s also involved in numerous educational projects at institutions including Columbus State Community College, West Georgia Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Albany State University, Augusta University, University of Georgia and Mercer University.

For more information on Sheridan Construction, visit www.SheridanConstruction.com.

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. 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 that marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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 levels.”

HomeAid Georgia and HouseATL teamed up to create a toolkit for homebuilders, providing them with the knowledge and empowerment to pursue affordable housing options. This toolkit will launch at the Housing Affordability Summit, featuring case studies on Atlanta-specific projects and a focus on four partnership models – public sector, private sector, nonprofit sector and the philanthropic sector. Homebuilders can access design methods, land acquisition strategies, financing advice and more, right at their fingertips.

The average home price has risen 35% over the last five years, which dramatically affects first-time homebuyers and retirees looking to downsize. Keiser points out that homeownership is an avenue for equity and wealth, which is why the toolkit is so important for today’s builders and prospective buyers. Homebuilders are the “boots on the ground” at these communities, so it’s very important to include them in the conversation. They can paint a clear picture of the process, from acquisition to the final product.

“The challenges that we have in the housing market are serious,” said Keiser. “They are complex. They’re systemic. To address them, we need a broad base of knowledge, skills, creativity and resources and that’s what we try to bring that together.”

The toolkit includes a wide array of partnership examples, including projects by Fortis Homes, O’Dwyer Homes, Cityscape Housing, 3384 Residential and nonprofits partners Atlanta Land Trust, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership.

“I feel like this forum is going to give us an opportunity to hear from several different sides, including the sort of regulatory issues that we’re dealing with,” said Crater. “It’s just a much clearer picture and a much broader conversation that I think needs to be had more often.”

One of the biggest topics expected at the Housing Affordability Summit is how building regulations play into the housing affordability crisis. Wiley points out that federal regulations are mandatory, but many of the state regulations fall directly into the hands of cities and counties.

“What I really want to hone in on is the interpretation of the regulation that goes into the scheduling of putting a house on the ground from property under contract to CO,” said Wiley. “What we want to discuss during the housing affordability forum with our elected officials and our counties and city staff members is how we can eliminate that gap.”

Georgia serves over 70 municipalities across 10 counties. Within those municipalities, there are many different ideas of what affordable housing really looks like. Wiley discusses the importance of educating legislators on how their policies affect the affordable housing crisis, for better and for worse.

“It is at the top list for just about every state legislator in the metro Atlanta area,” said Wiley. “In addition to that, on the local level, there are many initiatives within the cities and counties that these elected officials serve related to affordable housing.”

Many nonprofits are also frustrated that they cannot be more creative due to the rising costs of land in metro Atlanta. The reality that “household sizes are decreasing, but homes are not” is a major roadblock for organizations that seek to provide affordable housing. As the number of people living under one roof decreases, those homebuyers must still buy 2,500- to 3,000-square-foot residences because that is what is available in their counties.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the upcoming Housing Affordability Summit and visit https://www.atlantahomebuilders.com/events/housing-affordability-summit-2025.

For a full recap of the Housing Affordability conference, read these three stories:

Part 1, Housing Affordability: John Hunt Challenges Zoning Norms

Part 2, Housing Affordability: Economic Headwinds

Part 3, Housing Affordability: Policy and Tax Uncertainty

HomeAid Georgia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 as HomeAid Atlanta with a mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. In 2024, HomeAid Atlanta expanded its scope and became HomeAid Georgia to better serve the needs of the entire state. HomeAid builds, renovates, and maintains facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has completed over 200 construction projects at locations for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more, utilizing connections with building industry professionals and community organizations. HomeAid also provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to those affected by homelessness. Learn more at www.homeaidga.org.

HouseATL is a cross-sector group of civic leaders that aims to coordinate affordable housing solutions for Atlanta. It looks at housing affordability through a comprehensive lens that includes equity and inclusion, access to regional transportation and more.

Founded in 1945, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) is a not-for-profit professional trade association that promotes Atlanta housing professionals. As one of more than 800 local home builder associations through the country, GAHBA boasts a diverse member directory of builders, remodelers and developers of all sizes, as well as trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, real estate companies, professional service providers and more.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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.

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 purchased a 122-acre plot in Ball Ground and decided to start fresh. They quickly realized they didn’t need as much land and subdivided the acreage into a five-track community with friends. The connectivity of this community inspired them to create a central farm where residents could learn farming techniques together and grow as individuals.

“What we found is most people moved off the farm several generations ago, and we all lost all those skills, and it’s much easier to learn them in a kind of corporate community environment,” said Rob Beecham. “From that experience, we envisioned a much larger adaptation of what we were doing on our farm, and that’s how Sanctuaire Farms was kind of birthed.”

In addition to its homesites, Sanctuaire Farms also showcases a 50-acre store and agrarian learning center known as The Grange, where residents can learn helpful farming and gardening practices from professionals. Currently, the Grange includes a community garden, six Highland cows and two horses. At completion, residents will enjoy a fully functioning farm with a dairy and farmer’s market.

“What we tell people is, you don’t have to do everything on your own farm,” said Rob Beecham. “You can do the things you’re passionate about and then supplement the other things you don’t necessarily need to do. You can supplement by participating in our community farm. It gives you the ability to be a part-time farmer if you want.”

Jennifer Beecham will oversee community events at The Grange, such as dinners, social clubs and learning opportunities.

“The unique thing is we’ll be open to the public,” said Jennifer Beecham. “This is not just something for the community itself; it’s also for the whole community and surrounding areas, and so that other people get to enjoy the Grange itself too.”

Sanctuaire Farms is a fully regenerative community, from its produce and animal maintenance to the construction of homesites. Residents will be expected to utilize pesticide- and chemical-free practices and invest in organic farming techniques.

“We’ve changed our complete lifestyle of how we eat, where we shop, and where we buy our food,” said Rob Beecham. “More and more people are coming on board to understand how important this is, and we see that playing a vital role in our community and people’s lives.”

When pre-sales began a few months ago, homesites at Sanctuaire Farms went quickly. The Beechams estimate that 30 homes are already accounted for, proving that homebuyers are seeking this lifestyle. The development stage will begin shortly, with sales anticipated to start at the end of this year.

“We’ve got people that are coming in and building smaller homes that are more focused on the farming side,” said Rob Beecham. “And we have a number of folks that have purchased multiple lots and plan on building much larger, kind of grander estates. It’s a real nice mixture.”

Sanctuaire Farms promotes the values of traditional homesteading, bringing together multigenerational households and providing a place for young couples to raise their families. In addition, to help homebuyers find their perfect fit in the community, the Beechams sit down with them and discuss their goals and aspirations for the homesite. Whether a prospective buyer wants to raise chickens or seeks to have it all, the planning phase is crucial to ensure a suitable acreage and homesite design.

Ready to reconnect with the land without giving up the comforts of modern life?

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Sanctuaire Farms and visit https://www.sanctuairefarms.com/.

Bringing five generations of homebuilding experience, Sanctuaire Farms is the brainchild of Rob and Jennifer Beecham. This regenerative community, located in Ball Ground, Georgia, is complete with 54 homes, each ranging from five to 15 acres. Residents also enjoy learning opportunities and social events at The Grange, a 50-acre multipurpose area with animals, a farmer’s market, gardens and more.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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.”

Atchley says the idea for Walk Your Plans Atlanta came right after touring homes with Brown’s parents. They were frustrated while trying to visualize a portion of a particular house, and when she checked social media later that day, Atchley saw an ad for Walk Your Plans in Cleveland, Ohio. Together with Brown, they contacted the founder and opened an Atlanta branch last year.

Many homebuyers struggle to visualize their dream home, whether it’s the dimensions of a room or appointments like windows, cabinets or doors. Walk Your Plans Atlanta closes that gap with real-time walkthroughs of the home’s blueprints.

“There are folks who work in plans and blueprints and designs all day, every day and so it’s really easy for them to visualize these things,” said Atchley. “If you’re somebody like me, you know you tell me something is 10 feet, and that just doesn’t mean much to me. This is a tool to help them visualize their space before construction begins.”

Walk Your Plans Atlanta is a great tool for home shoppers, but also for builders and architects looking for a faster “yes” from prospective buyers. Brown describes the experience as buyers finally “feeling the size of the rooms,” allowing them to discover what feels right at scale, while the builders can communicate their thoughts as well.

“It’s a collaborative environment, and that’s what gets everybody kind of talking,” said Brown.

As clients walk through their home plans, changes are often brought to the builder’s attention. Atchley estimates that 10 to 20m changes are brought up in each session, which adds up quickly and saves clients more than $20,000 in the long run.

Atchley said, “We like to say, if you make one change while you are on site, your session has paid for itself.”

Scale is often the client’s biggest “aha” moment when they walk through their home plans. Whether it’s a secondary bedroom taking up too much space or a closet barely large enough, a Walk Your Plans Atlanta session is an excellent opportunity to discover those issues and pivot.

Walk Your Plans Atlanta has worked with commercial clients, including medical facilities, restaurants and offices. During a restaurant walkthrough, the group brought along the head chef and quickly realized that it needed to reconfigure the kitchen. After making plans to remove an unnecessary wall, the group discovered that it could expand the dining area and accommodate more seating. Similarly, when a pediatric dental office booked the warehouse, it brought a stroller to ensure parents could navigate the hallways.

Subscription packages are available for tradespersons – builders, architects and designers – that include tailored experiences. The more hours a client buys, the more they save, so tradespersons are encouraged to purchase packages instead of individual appointments. The company proudly offers flexible scheduling to accommodate busy weekdays, including evenings and weekends.

When you book a session at Walk Your Plans Atlanta, the projection is to scale with your home. It matches inch-for-inch with your desired plan. Many commercial sessions also use the virtual conference technology that allows major stakeholders to join.

Atchley said, “We love, in addition to all of the cool technology that we offer, creating bespoke experiences, kind of based on who the clients are and who each individual is.”

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Walk Your Plans Atlanta and visit https://walkyourplansatlanta.com/.

Based in Roswell, Georgia, Walk Your Plans Atlanta offers full-scale walkthroughs of residential and commercial spaces. Its state-of-the-art facility is equipped with projectors that provide a 360-degree view of a floor plan and two elevations. Utilizing a collaborative environment, every member of the homebuilding or commercial team can work together to catch design flaws early, improve layout flow and make informed decisions before breaking ground.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

What is “Stayfacation?” It’s Marvin Nesbitt’s concept that legacy homeowners should have a seat at the table as neighborhoods grow and evolve. Tune in as Nesbitt, senior director of community development with Focused Community Strategies, joins host Carol Morgan on this Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Nesbitt gives a powerful reminder that investing in existing neighborhoods isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people, history and preserving the soul of a community. Find out more about Focused Community Strategies’ recent developments in South Atlanta neighborhoods.

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.

Nesbitt asked himself, “How do we create opportunities for future and further investment in the neighborhood while addressing the issues of food insecurity and economic mobility through workforce development?”

The organization recently acquired land in Brownsville and plans to transform it into Brownsville Pointe, a small but vibrant mixed-use development. South Atlanta residents can anticipate 18 apartment units, with 12 of those available affordably. When Nesbitt approached residents and neighborhood leadership about their desires for the project, there was a lot of demand for a sit-down restaurant. He says that Brownsville Pointe’s commercial space will likely transform into an eatery upon completion of the development.

The project is currently in the environmental remediation phase, but Focused Community Strategies plans to break ground this summer.

“Brownsville Pointe, if you don’t know, was the original name of historic South Atlanta before that name was changed decades ago,” said Nesbitt. “So, it’s just our way of honoring the rich history and tradition of the neighborhood.”

Nesbitt emphasizes that Focused Community Strategies’ strong relationship with the Civic League provides much-needed clarity between residents and developers. Communication between both parties has eliminated most of the challenges, but the increasing popularity of the Atlanta Beltline has raised the costs of acquisition.

“We have to compete with investors for opportunities and development in the footprint,” said Nesbitt. “All of that is just driving up cost and making opportunities or shrinking opportunities for nonprofit organizations like ours to continue to do the good work and ensure that there are homeownership opportunities.”

Nesbitt believes in “stayfacation,” the affirmation that legacy homeowners should continue to have a place in the neighborhood and promote its values and traditions.

In the spirit of neighborhood revitalization, Focused Community Strategies has partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and the City of Atlanta to breathe new life into Thomasville Heights. The organization supports legacy homeowners with anti-displacement services like home preservations and critical repairs since it’s a neighborhood of choice for many homeowners. It has also assisted the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation in finding a developer for the old Thomasville Heights site as it prepares for redevelopment.

“We’re also, as an organization, working to build out an education pillar, so that we can get a little more involved in facilitating positive academic outcomes for the youth that reside in the community,” said Nesbitt. “We’re partnering closer with our local school cluster and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta to really help develop a real, true cradle-to-career strategy for the neighborhood.”

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Focused Community Strategies and visit https://fcsministries.org/.

Focused Community Strategies is an Atlanta-based nonprofit committed to empowering neighborhoods to thrive through neighborhood engagement, mixed-use, affordable housing and economic development. The organization serves South Atlanta residents and offers support to under-resourced and legacy households.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

Drapac Capital Partners is focused on identifying “steady state” conditions by comparing today’s market to 2019. Find out how Drapac stays disciplined while remaining nimble. 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 and its focus on shovel-ready “Red Ribbon Packages.” Definitely worth a listen for anyone interested in market trends and strategic real estate acquisition!

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 Southeast.

“We pride ourselves on being very disciplined,” said Fidler. “So for me, and for us, that is finding the balance between not being reactive but also being nimble enough to pivot when it proves best for a project.”

Findler explains that Drapac specializes in creating “red-ribbon” packages with fully entitled and permitted projects ready for development. She calls them “shovel-ready” because they can begin at any moment.

While the large “unknowns” make forecasting and planning difficult, Fidler assures that Drapac is approaching the environment as “cautious business as usual.”

Fidler said, “We’re not seeing the amount of panic that we did four to five years ago, but there’s obviously hesitancy that we’re seeing in the market.”

Rapid shifts in the market have prompted many buyers to make quick purchases while spooking others. Drapac Capital Partners takes a more careful, thoughtful approach, securing deals in the process. All along the Southeast, it has scouted projects in Atlanta, coastal Georgia and the Carolinas. Fidler highlights that the Southeast is a source of immense growth, outpacing national growth by 40% over the last 50 years.

There are many challenges that the housing market continues to face, from labor shortages and increased material costs to its finite amount of land that’s suitable for residential development. However, Fidler points out that the opportunities outweigh the challenges. The state of the market leads some to sell, which allows the investment group to snatch those up and progress on planning and permitting until the market stabilizes.

“Our goal is always to find that balance between what our buyers, who are mostly developers, and home builders want, which is usually high density with very low development cost,” said Fidler. “Then next step, what their home buyers are going to want, which are nice community amenities and spacious yards.”

Drapac Capital Partners is largely in control of the planning phase, designing community elements and amenities that will ultimately facilitate increased absorption and pricing. Preserving natural landscapes is important for creating community greens and open spaces, which is why Drapac Capital Partners works with the existing topography. It also adds an appropriate mix of active and passive amenities based on a community’s size. While it’s not involved in the development stage, the investment group works to sell the project vision.

Fidler describes a project in North Carolina as one of the investment groups’ biggest wins. In 2012, it acquired a 1,000+ lot, master-planned community in Brunswick County, NC. The community was a victim of the Great Recession but transitioned into a major profit once the Drapac got its hands on it. As the market recovered, it worked through the community’s zoning challenges, then sold the top 800+ acres to Del Webb and the other land to Toll Brothers.

Drapac Capital Partners is now buying again. It has established its reputation in holding and selling, but the investment group is actively purchasing properties this year.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Drapac Capital Partners and visit https://www.DrapacCapital.com/.

As a highly specialized international property investment group, Drapac Capital Partners offers clients over 30 years of industry experience. The investment group focuses on undervalued and overlooked properties to transform and grow, while maintaining a crucial balance between risk management and overall performance.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting https://DenimMarketing.com/.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

Did you know that the average age of a homeless person in Georgia is just 9 years old? And, 38% of Georgia’s homeless are mothers and children. 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. This year’s Essentials Drive runs April 1–30  and every diaper counts! Let’s come together as an industry and make a difference for families in need.

“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 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 are items that mothers need that aren’t covered by any state program, such as diapers, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products. The Essentials Drive is key to alleviating that financial burden by offering moms these household essentials free through local nonprofits. This year, HomeAid Georgia and its partners are collecting donations from April 1 to 30. Visit www.homeaidatlanta.org/essentials-drive to find a list of donation drop-off sites accepting donations of diapers and baby wipes from April 1 – April 30.

Items that are collected need to be dropped off at the Greater Atlanta HBA on Wednesday, May 7. Volunteers will sort items at the HBA on Thursday, May 8. And items will be delivered to the service providers on May 9, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Wipes are always requested due to their versatility. From freshening up during a diaper change or cleaning sticky toddler fingers, wipes are the gift that keeps on giving! Crater also points out that diapers, especially Pull-Ups, are a hot commodity at the non-profits HomeAid works with. The Essentials Drive provides mothers with the basics, enabling them to feel stable and make informed choices that support not only their children but also themselves.

Donations should be new and in original packaging:

If you can’t make a physical donation, the Amazon and Target wish-lists are a great way to make a difference and ship directly to HomeAid Georgia.

In addition to offering mothers a bundle of resources, the nonprofit partners that HomeAid Georgia works with counsel these women to find the “why” behind their homelessness and help them move forward from its grasp. From parenting classes to budgeting assistance, they provide more than just the essentials; they also offer a supportive system to help these women achieve their goals.

Crater said, “They really get at the root of ‘What was the issue that caused you and your family, your baby, to experience homelessness, and how do we solve that issue?’”

Want to get involved this year? Volunteers can reach out to HomeAid Georgia through its website to assist with sorting, drop-offs and more. Crater says that HomeAid often doesn’t know what to expect until donations start arriving on May 7, so it’s always better to have more hands available.

“When you show up with a load of diapers at a nonprofit, they’re so happy to have you, and they’re just so excited, and they’re smiling and it’s a great feeling,” said Crater. “I’ve had volunteers tell me over and over again that the best part is that they get to really see the results of the drive and who they’re helping.”

HomeAid Georgia would like to thank its 2025 Essentials Drive partners:

Your donations will make a difference in the lives of women and children supported by these nonprofits:

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about HomeAid Georgia’s 24th Annual Essentials Drive and visit www.homeaidga.org. To get involved and find your nearest drop-off location, check out the event page.

HomeAid Georgia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, with a mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid builds, renovates, and maintains facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has completed 200 construction projects at locations for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more, utilizing connections with building industry professionals and community organizations. HomeAid also provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to those affected by homelessness. HomeAid is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidga.org.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.

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.

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, there are plenty of opportunities for home shoppers.

Brockman said, “It also allows our customers to control their price, as opposed to us building a speculative home and always just attaching that price to it, so our buyers can decide what’s most important to them in the home that aligns with whatever their financial situation is.”

Along with flexible layouts, Fischer Homes also offers designer home collections, each featuring eight to 10 floor plans. Brockman highlights that most plans are spacious, typically featuring three to six bedrooms and ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. The builder offers potential buyers luxurious cabinets, countertops and flooring while introducing add-on options such as generational suites and basements to extend the living space.

Seeking an expansive plan at an affordable price? The Paxton is a popular choice among homebuyers, known for its five-level split style with four to six bedrooms and up to five bathrooms, spanning 4,069 to 4,204 square feet.

As you step into the Paxton, a cozy dining room awaits. Down the hall, explore an open-concept layout that creates seamless transitions between the kitchen and family room. A two-story fireplace accentuates the plan’s unique, multi-level design. Take the stairs down to unwind and relax in the recreation room, or venture upward to discover three bedrooms, a full bath and a spacious loft area. The owner’s suite features its own staircase located on the upper level.

Utilizing open-concept floor plans and large gathering spaces, Fischer Homes is highly successful in designing homes that meet the needs of move-up buyers. Brockman says that the openness of its floorplans allows parents to keep an eye on their children while also encouraging togetherness.

Brockman said, “We’re also seeing a demand for lofts and rec rooms, which a lot of those come included in our floor plans today, to accomplish the kids having a place to go to watch movies or be with their friends while also having a separate area for the parents or the folks wanting to enjoy free time for themselves too.”

Active adult homebuyers can find comfortable living at Fischer Homes’ new 55+-only communities in Dallas – Laurel Farms and Easton Park. The communities offer low-maintenance living, coupled with larger floor plans that make staying active easy for residents.

Available at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, the Pearson plan offers a sizeable generational suite with a separate entrance, private bathroom and small kitchen.

Brockman said, “If it’s a grandparent that has moved into the home or is just staying there for an extended time to help out with the kids, they can kind of come and go as they please in the home.”

Listen to the full episode to find out more about Fischer Homes, or visit https://www.fischerhomes.com/.

Founded in 1980, Fischer Homes has grown to build over 40,000 homes and employs over 800 Associates. Recognized as the 32nd largest builder in the U.S., the company now has more than 200 new home communities throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Missouri and Northwest Florida. Their beautifully designed homes offer choices for people in all stages of life and range in price from the $200,000s to over $1 million. To learn more about new Fischer Homes communities, visit https://www.fischerhomes.com.

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. 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 suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, 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.