Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster with The Caregiver’s Journey join host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Ryan and Treaster discuss transitioning into a caregiver role for a family member with dementia.

How does The Caregiver’s Journey support dementia patient caregivers?

“I wanted other people to learn faster and more easily than I did because I was so frustrated and overwhelmed and sometimes frightened,” said Ryan. “I prefer to feel confident, balanced and supported, and I wanted to give that to others.”

Before starting The Caregiver’s Journey, Ryan and Treaster realized there was a need for easy answers to daily caregiver challenges related to dementia. Ryan points out that there are 100+ types of dementia, each with unique characteristics. Dementia affects everything from cognitive function and mood to depth perception and movement. The nonprofit podcast and online course offer niche advice for caregivers, simplifying the process and promoting the well-being of dementia patients.

What are some best practices for caregivers?

“The hardest thing for anyone to realize when they walk in the door if they're a first-time caregiver is that when your loved one gets a diagnosis of dementia, you just got a diagnosis of caregiver, and you're not just a caregiver for the person with dementia,” said Treaster. “You are responsible for your care.”

Ryan highlights a few tips to keep yourself and your loved one happy and healthy.

Give yourself permission not to be okay: She recommends caregivers acknowledge that while your loved one’s life is changing, so is yours. You must accept the change and the feelings that come with it.

Find support in others: There are dozens of support groups and resources available to caregivers; you just have to look for them! Talking to others about the challenges, successes and everything in between is essential.

Seek an accountability partner: While supporting your loved one, ensure someone is looking out for you. Ryan emphasizes that caregivers can easily neglect their own needs to prioritize the diagnoses of loved ones, but accountability is crucial not to burn out.

“It's so easy for us to lose ourselves in our caregiving, and if we don't have someone who holds us accountable for caring for ourselves, we can lose that,” said Ryan. “So, we want to prioritize learning about the diagnosis, but not feeling we need to do it alone.”

Stay curious: One of the best ways to care for loved ones is to continue looking for new methods and helpful tips. Don’t compare yourself to others but be willing to learn more.

What are some dementia warning signs to look out for?

Treaster says that dementia patients are often skilled at hiding cognitive decline. You might brush off the signs the first couple of times, but it may be time to visit the doctor if the same issues keep recurring. Other short-term medical diagnoses can also present as cognitive decline, including vitamin deficiencies and minor infections.

“It's easy to brush off the excuses because nobody really wants to answer to be dementia, right?” said Treaster. “But don't let it go because the sooner you could find out it might be something else, or the sooner you can start treating their dementia, the better as well.”

How are continuing care communities transitioning to accommodate residents with dementia?

There are over 7 million individuals over the age of 65 in the United States with various dementia diagnoses. That statistic is expected to double by 2060. Continuing care communities are implementing day programs that allow dementia residents and outside participants to mingle during the day and special wings that allow residents with similar diagnoses to live near each other.

Treaster recommends testing out various programs. Maybe the first program isn’t a great fit; try another one! Day programs offer caregivers a break to care for themselves while loved ones enjoy exciti...

Randy Hardy, president of Everything Green Properties, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Hardy discusses past historic restoration projects and the challenges of transforming older buildings with a modern touch.

Hardy’s passion for historic restoration began as a hobby but quickly blossomed into a full-time focus. Everything Green Properties, LLC., has worked extensively to revitalize older buildings in downtown Powder Springs, a town where Hardy spent a large part of his younger years.

“I was having a conversation with my wife almost 15 years ago and I said, ‘You know, somebody needs to go downtown and they need to start buying property because there is huge potential in Powder Springs for revitalizing that little town,” said Hardy. ‘I love it, and I'll never forget.’ She looked at me and she said, ‘Well, maybe that person's you.’”

Restoration and Revitalization

One of Everything Green Properties’ first projects in downtown Powder Springs was The Event Station, a run-down gas station that Hardy and his team transformed into a small event facility. He purchased the property without a concept but says that the idea for an event space came to him soon after. The event space now offers a convenient, affordable option for private gatherings, business events and more.

“People needed that,” said Hardy. “They needed a lower-cost, beautifully renovated building to have their parties and weddings and all sorts of things.”

Everything Green Properties, LLC., is responsible for several other restoration projects in Powder Springs, including an old barber shop that was successfully revitalized as Liz By Design photography studio and an old bank building that was seamlessly turned into a coffee shop. It also worked on restoring a downtown store, breathing new life into the now Collett Country Store.

Hardy said, “I actually think it's the jewel of downtown, because it's in the heart and it's also one of the oldest buildings anywhere that still has a Coca-Cola sign painted on the side of a wood frame building.”

A recent example of its extensive restoration work can be found at Skint Chestnut Brewing Company and SGC Chicken and Seafood. Hardy bought the property from the DDA with a caved-in roof and restored it into a vibrant business with an outdoor patio and beer garden, that is shared between the two restaurants.

Challenges of Historic Restoration

Hardy recognizes the obstacles that come with historic restoration, which is why he primarily works with businesses to find their ideal fits within buildings that Everything Green Properties, LLC., has already transformed. Many factors influence the process, such as construction codes and meetings with the offices of the Fire Marshall and building officials, which Hardy and his team are pros at navigating.

This approach takes the pressure off business owners wanting to move into an older building and allows Hardy to reinvest in new restoration projects. He emphasizes the importance of working with a knowledgeable team of architects and structural engineers that understand older buildings. The process for restoring and revitalizing them differs greatly from modern buildings. Hardy signs each of his properties with a stamp that includes bringing the outside in– roll up doors and patios. He likes to turn discarded building materials from the restoration into exciting, new features and open up larger buildings with roll-up doors, patios and bigger windows.

Hardy said, “Every single patio we have came from a vertical surface that we cut in and made into a brick patio.”

Sometimes, when an older building is revitalized, there are unique challenges to bringing the building up to modern code regulations. Hardy points out that if a building is not ADA compliant in its current state, he often must install a new door and a ramp, which can take some careful planning. Other challenges include new internal systems including all new plumbing and el...

Susan Pryor, owner and ADU specialist with Curated ADU Homes, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Pryor discusses Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in this podcast segment.

ADU Lifestyle

Whether you are looking for multigenerational housing or an additional rental home on your property, an ADU is a great solution! These smaller residences are separate from the main house but feature all the necessary lifestyle components.

“So, it has a kitchen, bathrooms and has its own separate front door,” said Pryor. “I say you have to have your own doorbell.”

Pryor often works with people to transform basements and garages into private ADU residences, while some projects are stand-alone on the owners’ properties. A typical ADU is between 400 and 1,000 square feet.

She notes that ADU residences are popular for multigenerational living because they allow families to stay together and save money. If those loved ones were to put their retirement savings into a retirement home, it would drain the fund very quickly and cause a potential financial burden. The same goes for adult children who want to move out without putting their hard-earned money into a $2,000-a-month apartment that jeopardizes safety and comfort. Building a smaller residence on your property keeps them close by and allows them to save more in the long run.

“If we were going to try to build a house next door for mom, you know, that'd be a million-dollar project,” said Pryor. “If we build it on the property where she is, or we build a home addition to the property where she is, then it's much more affordable.”

Curated ADU – From Concept to Permit

When Pryor started Curated ADU Homes, she wanted to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs on their properties. That’s why she works alongside homeowners to research zoning and highlight any municipalities, such as trees on the property. Next, she assists them with the necessary permits, and then the project can begin construction. Depending on your county, ADUs can be built by a primary resident of the home or an investor.

Pryor also owns a mortgage company, further adding to the wealth of knowledge she can offer clients.

“Getting everybody organized is what I've done for the last 20 years. This is just a piece of that, which is just setting expectations with the client so that they know what to expect, helping them understand the numbers and the finances of it, because I think that gets lost all the time, and then helping them manage the process,” said Pryor. “It's super rewarding as an add on to the mortgage business, because I get to know the client so much deeper.”

Key Benefits of ADUs & Popular Features

ADU residences not only add more room for the family but are also fantastic investment strategies in urban settings. If an older home is in desperate need of renovation, investors can add value by sprucing up the main home and adding on an ADU for rent. This solution benefits investors financially and offers the potential of affordable housing for Atlanta workers.

Pryor recommends a few things to always include in your ADU residence:

High ceilings: Incorporating higher ceilings in the unit will give it a bright, open feeling. In one of her most recent projects, Pryor helped get an ADU approved with 20-foot ceilings.

Washer/dryer hookups: Even if you do not intend to have a washer and dryer in your unit, it’s essential to have the hookups installed for better resale value.

Go full electrical: It can get pricey to pull gas from the main home, so it’s a smart choice to invest in electric appliances for your ADU residence.

Curated ADU Homes offers pre-designed ADU models that make the construction process more straightforward for homeowners. The plans can be executed as is or even transformed with your ideas! Pryor uses the example of a past client who needed an accessible residence for an adult child with a medical condition.

David Beare, VP of Investments and Structured Credit with Trilogy Investment Co. (TIC) and Trilogy Credit Group, joins host Carol Morgan on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Beare talks about TIC’s new office in New York and its strategic credit program.

“What we do at Trilogy is really look at the highest and best use of an asset and investment,” said Beare. “And that could be land development and build-to-rent, or it could just be developing land and selling it to a public homebuilder, and then when you layer in what we're doing on the credit side, it allows us to really participate in different parts of the stack and take advantage of opportunities and not necessarily be one dimensional.”

How does the structured credit program help Trilogy Investment Company stand out?

Beare emphasizes that TIC’s unique development expertise helps create connections between investors and borrowers. He describes the homebuilding finance sector as a “hybrid between debt and equity.” There is a shortage of finished lots in the Atlanta market; however, the need for capital and investments is often a hindrance for homebuilders to get homes on the ground. TIC is combating that obstacle for builders by seeking out land opportunities and offering balance sheet debt.

Beare said, “Because of this lack of housing, the housing shortage, as well as a need for finished lots, there just is a huge opportunity.”

What is TIC looking for in institutional investors and strategic partners?

TIC recently opened a New York office, presenting opportunities for more institutional capital partnerships. Beare has been in the New York investor scene for over 20 years and has greatly influenced the firm’s reach into the city. Not only does the new office allow for industry connections, but it also provides additional space for TIC to grow.

The firm is currently seeking new partnerships that align with its long-term vision. Beare says that scalability and synergy are key factors in choosing new partners.

“It's really aligning with groups that have a similar vision and really want to create something that's repeatable,” said Beare. “And finding that balance is challenging, but we're finding success there and we're excited about the partnerships that we're forging.”

He explains that TIC is very particular about its investments to provide the best strategy for partners. From acquisition to execution, TIC maintains its “buy box” criteria which directly results in a seamless investment process.

What trends can homebuyers expect to see in 2025?

Beare anticipates build-to-rent to continue growing this year. While it’s still young, build-to-rent housing has introduced volume to the Atlanta market and appeals to tenants that seek a high-quality product without a long-term commitment. He points out that investors are still unsure of build-to-rent and raising capital around it, but it’s still a very coveted asset class.

He says build-to-rent is successful due to a lack of housing affordability. There are areas in metro Atlanta where it is cheaper to rent than investing in homeownership. Lower maintenance is also a major selling point.

Beare said, “Having that flexibility is critical and a lot of people are putting value into other things like travel or whatever it is, more lifestyle, as opposed to home ownership.”

Tune in to the whole episode to learn more about Trilogy Investment Company. For more information about Trilogy Credit Group, visit www.TrilogyIC.com.

About Trilogy Investment Company

Led by a team of investment, development, and construction professionals, TIC is a vertically integrated residential investment and development company specializing in build-to-rent, for-sale, multi-family, and land development. TIC builds communities in desirable areas near great schools with major economic drivers; these communities offer luxurious finishes and coveted amenities for like-minded families,

Kelly Fink, general manager of Milesbrand, and Courtney Stewart, VP of client relations at Denim Marketing, join host Carol Morgan to discuss the 2025 International Builders’ Show (IBS) on this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Fink and Stewart discuss what most excites them about IBS and what topics they hope are discussed during sessions at the event.

Connections – Old and New

IBS is not only the largest annual light construction show in the world, but also a chance for home builders, suppliers, agents, marketers and other real estate leaders to get together and foster connections. Fink is most excited to see some of Milesbrand’s clients in person at The Nationals awards and meet with her fellow trustees on the National Sales and Marketing Council.

Topics to Look for at IBS 2025

There are many highly anticipated topics for IBS 2025, from use of AI and data for marketing to housing affordability and how builders are constructing homes in response to recent natural disasters.

Stewart said, “I think one of the conversations that we have a lot, that I am expecting people to talk about on the education side, is how to reach the right audience for your communities, your homes, and then how to convince them to buy despite the market conditions.”

Fink, along with Lisa Welter of JTB Homes and Carol Morgan of Denim Marketing, will be discussing strategies for brand growth during the “Building an Impactful Brand: Beyond Colors and Logos” session. Fink’s portion of the session focuses on branding strategies for master-planned communities. From the Great Recession to COVID-19 pandemic, master-planned communities must be able switch branding focus to adapt to economic challenges. Welter will discuss how her company differentiates its two brands and Morgan discusses how to make social media branding stand out.

“So, the topic, is ‘Beyond Logos and Colors.’” said Fink. “You know, really understanding more about why it's so important to build an effective brand and invest in that for long term success.”

Morgan will also be presenting in the Jam (b) session: “Do This, Not That: What Homebuilder Marketing Experts Really Want Builders to Do.” This fast paced session also features Greg Bray with Blue Tangerine, Barbara Wray with Wick Marketing and Dennis O’Neil with ONeil Interactive Inc., this session will highlight best practices for digital marketing in the housing industry.

Brand Identity and Common Mistakes Builders Make

Stewart and Fink also share some of their best tips for establishing a brand identity and how to avoid making common mistakes that drive away customers.

Cohesive messaging: It’s important to create a personality for your brand and stick to it! Whether that’s with a new brand kit or editing photos for social media, there are many ways to take your branding to the next level with consistency.

Unique brand DNA: If you were to remove the name and logo off two builder websites, would you know the difference? Identity begins with individuality, which is what Fink is trying to communicate to clients.

Fink said, “If you're not aligned, you're not going to create the same experience for each buyer.”

Use a CRM: Data is everything when it comes to digital marketing. It is important for builders to understand their buyers and follow the buyer’s journeys through the site, social media and email campaigns.

“It helps us to be able to track what's happening and get better data that ties in, you know, with your website data, with the online data that we can see on social,” said Stewart. “All of those different things, and being able to follow that, your buyer journey, through to the CRM and what happens is so important.”

They also mention the importance of visual strategy with quality photography and decorated models at communities, as well as regularly updating your website and social media.

“That's the first thing people usually come to gather information about you,

Bakari Brooks, president and CEO of Brooks Built Homes, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Brooks shines a light on how Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta is fighting the Atlanta affordable housing crisis.

Brooks Built Homes is a metro Atlanta homebuilder mainly focused on custom single-family homes and some multi-family developments. Still, Brooks said he looks forward to securing some larger-scale projects this year. Theme-based communities and active adult living are just a few ideas that Brooks Built Homes plans to add to the Atlanta market.

He emphasizes the core values of Brooks Built Homes – quality, honesty and integrity. The Atlanta homebuilder also relies on referrals versus advertising, establishing a personal feel and trust that blossoms from word-of-mouth recommendations.

Brooks also serves as a chairman for Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta. In his role, he has already implemented many new programs and initiatives to reach lower-income individuals in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties, including the 40 for 40 campaign to celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2026.

What is the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta 40 For 40 Campaign?

The 40 For 40 campaign is still in the planning stages, but a few key moves are being discussed.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta will update its home design to reflect a more modern aesthetic. Brooks points out the stigmatism of “not in my backyard” that must be worked around to ensure that residents feel comfortable and secure in their communities. The current home design is a bit dated, so the organization is working diligently to create a new one.

“I believe if you change the design, and you make it appealing and desirable, then the local community, the neighbors, are going to say, ‘Hey, I want to live in a house like that,’” said Brooks. “And then all of a sudden, you can easily create these communities. So, getting a modern design that really integrates into current standards is critical.”

Brooks wants to change how the organization raises money for home sponsorships. Instead of relying on single sponsorships, one family, one home, he explains that pooling sponsorship funds creates more funding opportunities.

There is a need for private-sector development partnerships. Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta plans to establish relationships with local developers with experience in large-scale communities.

“The reality is that successful large-scale home builders have already figured out the recipe for building communities,” said Brooks. “Don't need to reinvent the wheel; we just need to tap into that experience, into that skill set, access the resources to realize our goal of building more affordable homes.”

What challenges are facing the affordable housing crisis in Atlanta?

The cost of land and building materials contribute to the affordable housing crisis in Atlanta, making it difficult to serve the growing number of applicants for Habitat for Humanity housing. Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Georgia is 100% volunteer labor and averages $165,000 per home. The organization currently builds 10 homes a year, but even with the 40 For 40 campaign around the corner, there is still some concern about serving enough individuals.

“We had 1,000 applicants for 10 houses, so think about that,” said Brooks. “And out of that 1,000, only 64 met the qualifications to be placed into a Habitat Home Ownership Program, not because they weren't in need, they just were in the greatest amount of need.”

The model for lowering home prices seems simple, but it is complicated by government regulations and other factors. Brooks explains that you “lower the cost of dirt, increase density, and the cost of the home is going to fall.” There is also a need for smaller homes that homebuyers can afford. Zoning doesn’t favor 1,

Geoffrey Reid, president of Blue River Development, along with co-CEOs and Managing Principals Brad and Michael Cooper, join host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. This podcast segment delves into Blue River Development’s 2025 goals and how recent financial trends affect the housing market and the land development process.

Filling the Gap of Housing Supply

Blue River Development plans to close 20 to 25 new land deals this year, including over 20 projects already on schedule to close before the end of 2025. It also has over 60 active deals in the due diligence and negotiation stages.

“We're really here to help serve home builders and help them fill their land pipelines,” said Reid. “And while the housing market continues to evolve, one thing that remains is a lack of supply and solving this problem begins with the land.”

Reid describes Blue River Development’s approach as “keeping our foot on the pedal” as it drives to source land that transforms into housing for all buyers, including first-time homebuyers, those looking to move up and even the luxury home market.

Expanding in New and Current Markets

Utilizing months of supply inventory data in its housing markets, Blue River Development finds locations with the most demand for homes. The equilibrium is 6 months for housing supply, and the Atlanta market has just over 3 months of housing inventory as of January 2025.

“It is a mission-based acquisition process that our guys are tasked with, and it's to leave no stone unturned,” said Reid. “And that means that in every active municipality, jurisdiction, you know, our team is intimate with the entitlement probabilities, with the future land use map, jurisdictions and understanding intimately the ability to obtain our entitlements, but also the infrastructure that's needed to execute on our projects.”

In addition to the Atlanta market, Blue River Development is also active in the Carolinas, Florida, Tennessee and east Dallas, Texas.

Last year, the development company pivoted to focus on land development and was met with much success. Brad Cooper explains that the company returned to its core business model, which is land development. It transformed not only its business plan but also its team to refocus on land development in 2024.

 “We've got the right team,” said Brad Cooper. “We're in a very tight business plan with tight underwriting standards, and it's been just amazingly successful in 2024."

Effects of Fluctuating Interest Rates and Supply Chain Slowdowns

Interest rates reached an all-time high in recent years, but Michael Cooper says that Blue River Development anticipates that they will remain flat this year after lowering slightly at the end of 2024, which allows for more housing supply. The fluctuations of interest, both raising and lowering, directly impact the underwriting process for builders.

He also notes that the supply chain experienced hiccups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of bids affected the development process and how much supply was being presented to prospective buyers.

“Now we've got multiple options to bid out our projects, which has been nice to see,” said Michael Cooper. “So ultimately, we feel very good about the forecast here, even despite some of the challenges with where mortgage rates are today.”

Tune in the full episode to learn more about Blue River Development’s upcoming projects and more. For more information about Blue River Development, visit www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com.

About Blue River Development

Blue River Development is a vertically integrated land developer focusing on growing 24 markets across seven Southern states. With its data-driven approach, Blue River Development has an impressive track record of acquiring below market residential land opportunities for both build-to-rent and for-sale.

Podcast Thanks

Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter,

Lynn McKee, director of the Master of Science in Commercial Real Estate Program at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, McKee discusses how the program prepares students to work in Atlanta’s growing commercial real estate industry.

“I tell my students that if you're not prepared to go through cycles, you're in the wrong business. You need to go work for the post office or the railroad or something, right?” said McKee. “This is a cyclical business, and you have to understand that you have to prepare for it.”

Master of Science in Commercial Real Estate at Georgia State University

The Master of Science in Commercial Real Estate program at Georgia State University invites graduate students to learn more about commercial real estate practices and develop the skills to succeed in an evolving industry. The course builds on undergraduate studies and students are expected to come with knowledge of accounting and finance from those studies.

Students attend two classes a week, either virtually or in person, at the Atlanta campus. To accommodate working professionals who want to advance their education, the classes are offered in the evening and easily attended after typical office hours.

“It works in a co-op program, and we just crank through these 10 classes,” said McKee. “And when you come out, you have a very good foundation and advanced knowledge in a good network to get you started in commercial real estate. We teach it in a simulcast format, which means we teach it in a classroom and broadcast it out through WebEx simultaneously. And you can take it either way or a mix.”

Commercial Real Estate Opportunities for Students in Atlanta

The commercial real estate sector is in a transition period, which makes now the perfect time for more investments in the industry. As commercial real estate resets, students in the Georgia State commercial real estate program can build skills and techniques that will grow the industry further.

Atlanta is a treasure trove of commercial opportunities, including film and entertainment developments, mixed-use spaces, retail and data centers. McKee mentions how The Battery changed the game for an entertainment and sports district, bringing together a MLB ballpark, retail, restaurants and entertainment at the Coca-Cola Roxy.

“If you don't have population and job growth, nothing's going to work in commercial real estate,” said McKee. “I mean, you have to have that, that's absolutely important. Although we may not be the top percentage job grower, we're still one of the top five in absolute jobs coming in.”

What is coming soon in the commercial real estate sector? Centennial Yards in Atlanta announced last year that it intends to develop a sports and entertainment complex near State Farm Arena and Mercedez-Benz Stadium. The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedez-Benz Stadium is a massive greenspace that invites visitors to enjoy outdoor activities just steps from the stadium gates.

Want to discover commercial real estate opportunities in Atlanta? Tune in the full episode to learn more. For more information about Georgia State University’s Master of Science in Commercial Real Estate, visit https://online.gsu.edu/program/commercial-real-estate-ms/.

About Georgia State University – J. Mack Robinson College of Business

The J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University is ranked in the Top 40 business schools nationwide and the Top 50 worldwide. With degree paths in risk management and insurance, computer information systems, marketing and real estate, the school prepares its students with hands-on learning opportunities that embrace modern practices and evolving technologies.

Podcast Thanks

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 ...

Edie Weintraub, founder and managing director with terra alma, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Weintraub discusses how terra alma is prioritizing retail and recreation in mixed-use development to foster shared experiences among residents.

Live-Work-Play

Weintraub recently worked on a 600-acre mixed-use project in Austin, Texas. The community is a phased 10-year build, so one of the challenges was finding a way to provide retail to residents who move in early on. Alongside a team of urban planners, landscapers and architects, Weintraub developed a plan to build in retail incrementally. First, a model home and pocket park were put in, then an Airstream that conveniently sells coffee in the mornings and small bites and drinks in the evenings. She emphasizes that this is just the first phase of the community, there are still plans for a town green, a micro food hall and much more.

The addition of a local market in mixed-use developments, especially with its own subscription service, is a great asset for families and working professionals.

“If I have a subscription service for maybe one or two meals a week, it frees me up to perhaps go to my son's water polo game or spend some more time with my other son prepping for the pie he wants to make for his school fundraiser,” said Weintraub. “And so just really incorporating the thought process of how we're living today into the community, to pull the people out of their homes, apartments or condos and really get back together.”

Greenspaces are also a key component, providing residents with an accessible connection to nature. Weintraub points out that many families don’t have time to mow their lawns or do landscaping, leading developers to create smaller yards and more extensive community gardens and parks. Residents also value walkability, and it’s important for retail and recreation like coffee shops, grocery stores and gyms to be within walking distance.

Exciting Projects on the Atlanta Beltline

“What I love about it is that for Atlanta, we don't have a beach, but we do have a beautiful river, and it's kind of tucked away, but our Beltline has become our boardwalk, our beachfront property.”

terra alma has partnered with a client on developing Yuji, a sushi restaurant at the base of an office building. Sitting on the edge of the Atlanta Beltline, the restaurant will stay busy thanks to its location and covered, outdoor seating. The Beltline is a huge transportation passage, so as people walk, bike and rollerblade to and from work, Yuji and other businesses reap the benefits.

Common Mistakes During Retail Development and How to Avoid Them

Weintraub says that it’s so important to bring in retail experts during the design process because it can make the integration of businesses simpler.

Here are her top considerations for retail development:

Width and depth of the space: If there is not enough room for operations, it will drive away potential leasees.

Deliveries and Waste Disposal: Especially with restaurants and coffee shops, it is crucial to have a clear path for employees to receive shipments and take out the trash, but away from consumers’ vision.

Parking: This is always a concern with developments of all sizes, but more importantly, within mixed-use spaces. Weintraub recommends a clear navigation system, whether with color-coordination, visual aids or something creative. Although the goal is to promote walkable living, she said you must assume that people will be coming in and out by car and plan accordingly.

In addition to her work with terra alma, Weintraub has also launched her own dinner series, “Table for 12,” which brings together 11 strangers and herself for a dinner of fellowship, connection and learning. She also helped relaunch and rebrand Women in Restaurants, which currently includes 400 women across the country. Women in the restaurant sector are invited to join the ...

Leslie Appleton-Young, an economist with FMLS, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Appleton-Young discusses the housing market's current state and changes in real estate trends following the 2024 election.

Current State of Atlanta’s Housing Market

“Georgia is leading the south and the rest of the country in terms of job growth and opportunities and quality of life, and all of those things that kind of feed into the demand for housing,” said Appleton-Young. “The issue is that price appreciation has been extremely robust as well over the last 10 years or so particularly since the pandemic and it's really created an affordability issue.”

Appleton-Young emphasizes that higher mortgage rates are also to blame for the housing affordability issues in Atlanta. The rates were close to 2% in 2021 and 2022 but jumped to around 7% last year. In short, the demand for housing is robust; however, the supply of affordable options is somewhat constrained.

“I want to say one of the fundamental realities of the market right now is how many current homeowners are locked into their current mortgage,” said Appleton-Young. “There are numbers floating around, but one of the ones I found credible was that 80% of the mortgagees have a rate at 4% or less. So, what that means is, when rates are as they currently are, at 6.7%, they're not thinking about selling their home. They may not love their home, but they love their mortgage.”

How are resale properties competing with new construction homes? Appleton-Young doesn’t believe that there is competition, specifically in downtown Atlanta, because there is not much room for new construction. The existing resale properties often need some time and investment to meet modern expectations, but the potential is there. As you venture outside the perimeter, opportunities for new development expand, and families have the opportunity to purchase larger homes with larger yards.

Evolving Trends and Buyer Demographics

Looking to buy your home in cash? All-cash buyers have an advantage in the housing market. In Atlanta, the median home price is $514,000, a significant difference from Georgia’s median price of $350,000. Many buyers are relocating from states like California, where the median price surpasses $1 million, so Atlanta’s prices seem affordable in comparison. Long time Georgia residents are getting more and more frustrated with this trend, not only because it lessens the supply, but also because it affects affordability as well.

Appleton-Young mentions that townhome development has significantly shaped the Atlanta market, offering lower cost per square footage and enticing amenities. Additionally, more single buyers, especially females, are home shopping near areas with highly rated education, increased walkability and top safety scores. Multigenerational housing is in demand as well, with many families looking for properties that include carriage houses or even a third floor to accommodate more individuals living together.

How the Real Estate Sector Will Be Impacted by the 2024 Presidential Election

President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on overseas goods, as well as from Canada and Mexico. If everything else remains the same, those higher taxes will still be inflationary, passing down the costs to consumers.

Appleton-Young said, “The other issue about limiting and reducing the labor supply, particularly in lower wage jobs in agriculture and in construction and so on, is also going to put upward pressure on prices in the homebuilding industry.”

The housing market is very rate-driven and relies on the balance of two factors – prices and employment. The federal government has a dual mandate that attempts to keep prices low and employment opportunities flowing. Appleton-Young anticipates that rates will come down this year but says that homebuyers should watch for official updates as the 2025 year progresses.