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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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, young professionals and empty nesters desiring opportunities beyond traditional residential living.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“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,” said Stewart. “So not having a strong website is really harmful in your marketing strategy, and keeping it updated, especially when it comes to availability…keeping that updated on a consistent basis is so important.”

Carol Morgan is also releasing the second edition of her book “Social Media for Your Business” at IBS, which delves into using social media as a key component of a strong marketing program.

Tune in to the whole episode to learn more about the 2025 International Builders’ Show. For more information about the National Association of Homebuilders, visit www.NAHB.org. More information about Milesbrand can be found at www.MilesBrand.com/.

Based in Denver, Milesbrand offers real estate professionals with highly creative, memorable solutions. The marketings agency boasts three core values – respect, full engagement and growth – to deliver results for its clients.

Milesbrand is up for 13 awards at the annual Nationals Awards Gala, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders and National Sales and Marketing Council at IBS 2025.

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.

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.

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

“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.”

“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.”

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 1,200-square-foot or smaller homes, but the need is abundant.

Want to understand the affordable housing crisis in Atlanta better? Tune in the whole episode to learn more. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Georgia, visit www.HabitatNWMA.org. More information about Brooks Built Homes can be found at www.BrooksBuiltHomes.com.

Established in 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlantan aims to provide affordable housing for lower-income households in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay a zero-interest mortgage.

Brooks Built Homes is a metro Atlanta custom homebuilder focusing on quality, honesty and integrity in every project. The homebuilder focuses on single- and multi-family housing but plans to delve into larger projects soon.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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:

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 organization and gain valuable education and quality networking opportunities.

Tune in to the full interview to learn more about how terra alma is transforming Atlanta’s mixed-use development. For more about terra alma, visit www.terraalma.com.

terra alma is a woman-owned boutique real estate advisory focused on building community through thoughtful connectivity of local, emerging, and inspiring brands. terra alma curates space for emerging retail and restaurant brands and advises owners and developers on growth and expansion. Scouting locations throughout the Southeast, terra alma focuses on adaptive- reuse, main street development and mixed-use projects.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Tune in to the full interview to learn more about the Atlanta housing market and FMLS’ predictions for the future. For more about FMLS, visit www.FirstMLS.com.

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

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

President of Artisan Built Communities, Stephen Haines, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Haines discusses his involvement with the Holly’s House Project, a complete home restoration effort at a local family’s home in Roswell.

When Haines discovered that a family had suffered significant water damage, mold infestation and structural issues in their 35-year-old home, he brought together a community initiative to restore it for the holidays.

Diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer for a second time, Holly Aarons exemplifies courage and determination. Artisan Built Communities and a generous team of volunteers were pleased to offer her and her husband, Patrick, a sound home for Christmas.

The restoration plan went all the way down to the studs, including complete interior demolition, mold remediation, structural repairs, new plumbing and electrical systems, insulation, drywall, paint, flooring, interior finishes and more. In addition, the Artisan Built Communities design team and Haven Design Works brought in new furnishings to create a warm, stylish homecoming for the Aarons family.

“They’ve been putting all their effort into restoring her health,” said Haines. “Their house needed help, and she needs to be able to enjoy being home when she’s home.”

Haines called on his trade contacts and received a yes from over 40 trade suppliers. The project was completed after four weeks and unveiled to the Aarons on December 20.

“And so, we look for those opportunities, we can’t do them every year, and we can’t do them all the time, but we look for opportunities to meet this need,” said Haines. “And we’re going to do it extraordinarily.”

Haines emphasizes that his goal is to provide customers with better products, creating stronger relationships between his team, contractors and the families living in Artisan Built homes.

When the Holly’s House community team took the project down to the studs, small changes like widening the stairway and expanding the kitchen were made to simplify the Aarons’ daily life. The project allows Haines, his team and trade contacts to collaborate in a casual environment and grow together.

Haines said, “When we took the house down to the studs, we invited all the trades back out to the house, and we got to write on the studs of the walls and give encouragement to that family and kind of imprint that hope and faith onto the skeleton of that house before we covered it back up and made it a beautiful home.”

Outside of the home, Artisan Built Communities set up an Amazon wish list for the Aarons, with dozens of household items to keep them stocked up for a long time. Within days, the list was 100% completed, mostly by complete strangers who heard the story and wanted to contribute.

If you want to make a difference this holiday season, Holly Aarons requests that any further donations go toward Sisters by Choice, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide services for breast cancer patients and preventative resources. For more information about Sisters by Choice, visit www.SistersbyChoice.org.

Tune in to the full interview to learn more about Artisan Built Communities work across metro Atlanta. For more about Artisan Built Communities, visit www.DiscoverArtisan.com.

“I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, and I love to get up and reinvent and think of a new way to make a home special for somebody,” said Haines. “But nothing makes me happier than meeting a need that’s very hard for somebody else to do.”

Artisan Built Communities is a leading homebuilder in metro Atlanta, specializing in master-crafted communities that boast exciting amenities and affordable prices. Its communities in Calhoun, Dallas, Hapeville, Gainesville and Villa Rica exemplify its commitment to quality homes and its promise that you will “love where you live.”

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

Lori Funderwhite, director of economic development with the City of Fayetteville, joins Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio host Carol Morgan for this week’s episode. Funderwhite discusses plans to attract new investment to Fayetteville in this podcast segment.

The City of Fayetteville is working to revitalize its downtown district with new businesses and real estate development. By enhancing the commercial tax base, it can take some financial weight off its residents. In addition to bringing in new industry, Funderwhite explains that the City of Fayetteville invests in its existing businesses through support initiatives and community events.

Two large-scale developments were recently unveiled in Town at Trilith and the U.S. Soccer National Training Center.

The United States Soccer Federation announced Fayetteville as its new headquarters and national training center. Slated to open right before Atlanta hosts the 2026 World Cup, this new facility will bring in revenue during the event and ongoing revenue as more games and practices are held at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center. The City of Fayetteville also plans to build new hotels and other lodgings to accommodate incoming soccer fans from across the globe.

“With the headquarters relocation, there will be 400 new employees with that project working out of that facility, as well as, even after the World Cup, an anticipated 200,000 annual visitors a year for ongoing soccer events that they will be hosting at the National Training Center year-round,” said Funderwhite. “So, it’s a great opportunity. We’re very excited.”

The decision to relocate U.S. Soccer headquarters to Fayetteville was influenced by the city’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the numerous soccer-loving industry giants in Atlanta. Arthur Blank, owner of Atlanta United FC, was a major player in the decision, joined by Dan Cathy, CEO of Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A and chief visionary behind Town at Trilith and U.S. Soccer’s long-time partner, Coca-Cola. These connections were instrumental in bringing soccer’s vibrant energy and rich economy to the City of Fayetteville.

Funderwhite said, “So, it’s really a mix of several factors: a great location, great business climate in close proximity to the airport and Trilith in Fayetteville.”

Town at Trilith is a 235-acre, mixed-use development that captivates residents with its elegance and charm. Development began just over 10 years ago, but Trilith has already brought in notable economic growth with Trilith Studios, residential offerings, a hotel and a wealth of shopping and dining. The second and third phases of the residential portion have begun and will feature 380 lots when completed.

Coming soon, Trilith LIVE will offer premier live entertainment. With 1,000 audience seats and multiple sound stages, this space will be the perfect location for trade shows and performing arts showcases.

Trilith provides entertainment and leisure for residents and has also driven relocation to Fayetteville and welcomed new creative professionals. As Trilith Studios and Trilith LIVE continue to establish and grow, Funderwhite says that the City of Fayetteville wants to make room for businesses that support the film and creative industries.

Funderwhite said, “It’s really an amazing project, and we’re so excited to have this as a part of Fayetteville.”

As more people relocate to Fayetteville, chasing jobs at the soccer training center and creative studios, the City intends to attract more medical businesses and technology companies that can work in tandem with the prospering industries. Funderwhite also hopes to bring new flavors for residents, including chef-driven restaurants and brewpubs. To promote wellness and add greenspace, the City is planning a series of walking trails connecting the area. Whether you walk, run or bike, the pathways provide a much-needed escape to nature.

The City of Fayetteville is very business-friendly, boasting property tax incentives encouraging businesses to move into the downtown district. It has also created mixed-use zoning that allows the City to revitalize and develop the area with modern amenities and housing.

Tune in to the full interview to learn more about upcoming developments in Fayetteville. For more about the City of Fayetteville, visit www.Fayetteville-GA.gov.

Located on the south side of metro Atlanta, Fayetteville is a growing community with 20,000+ residents. The City of Fayetteville is currently working on revitalizing its downtown district, both redeveloping existing properties and inviting new businesses. In partnership with esteemed commercial architect Lamar Wakefield, the City of Fayetteville is also excited to begin development on the “38-acre Project,” which revitalizes a 38-acre tract of land downtown.

The master-planned Town at Trilith development is also a major attraction for new residents, featuring Trilith Studios, Trilith LIVE stages, residential opportunities and a unique blend of restaurants and retail. It is also home to QTS data center, one of the largest data centers in the country. Residents also enjoy top-rated healthcare at Piedmont–Fayetteville and open-air shopping at the Fayetteville Pavilion.

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

Eric Teusink, managing partner and real estate attorney with Williams Teusink, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Teusink discusses the legal ramifications of unmarried homebuyers purchasing real estate together in this podcast segment.

He explains that it has become common practice in the last 10 to 20 years for people to purchase homes outside of marriage for legal and financial reasons. There is a trend toward delaying marriage and starting families as well, but individuals often don’t want to put off buying their first home with their romantic partner. There are also some homebuyers seeking residences with their friends. Why? Because it makes the significant investment of purchasing a home more affordable for everyone.

“I think a lot of different trends are at work here and giving rise to a lot more issues in the back end.”

While Teusink mostly runs into homeownership concerns with younger clients (27 to 35 years old), he still receives calls from older clients with the same issues.

“Folks who have more lived experience are maybe going to be more cautious, although who knows,” said Teusink. “But when you’re talking about 20-somethings and young 30- 30-somethings, they may throw a little more caution to the wind.”

“What Georgia law presumes when two people buy a house together is that they are tenants in common, and that means you each divide ownership,” said Teusink. “You each own an entire interest in the property or one half of an entire interest.”

If one partner passes away, this legality transfers the entire interest to the other partner. While it seems great in theory, Teusink warns against it and says that unmarried homebuyers should consider other options.

In case of a break-up or other issues, Teusink suggests that couples create a property ownership agreement before buying a home or moving in. With the help of an attorney, homebuyers can define what happens if they break up. The property ownership agreement document also memorializes important details like how much each partner paid on the front end and ongoing payment responsibilities.

“Because often one partner might pay $80,000 towards a down payment while another partner pays $20,000,” said Teusink. “Obviously, you’re going to want that down payment to come out in a similar manner on the back end.”

Before buying a home, both partners should establish what happens to their home in the event of a break-up. There are really two options: sell the house or one partner moves out. If the latter is decided, it is best to plan in advance for the remaining partner to buy out the other partner.

“You would use a provision similar to what you would use in a business agreement called a Texas shootout provision,” said Teusink. “And that’s a provision where I can say, Okay, I offer to sell you my portion for X dollars. If you accept that, then I have to sell it to you. If you don’t accept that, then it is deemed that you are now making an offer back to me that I can buy you out at that same price or something.”

One of the major issues with this homebuying dynamic is the long-term effect on the partner that moves out. If both partners are on the mortgage, but one partner no longer possesses the property, that individual can run into problems if the mortgage isn’t being paid. Not only does that detail affect you financially, but it can also shift your credit score and prevent you from buying another home later.

Other considerations in the property ownership agreement include short-term and long-term illnesses because, while often unexpected, they can severely affect job security and how couples pay for their homes.

Tune in to the full interview to hear more of Teusink’s tips for unmarried homebuyers. For more about Williams Teusink, visit www.WilliamsTeusink.com.

In addition to real estate law, Williams Teusink also practices business law and serves clients in government affairs. Its team is proud to offer clients from all backgrounds, whether for government, nonprofit, entrepreneurial business or personal affairs. Located in downtown Decatur, the attorneys at Williams Teusink are available to offer legal representation across Georgia.

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