Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
Carol Morgan
Atlanta Real Estate News
Columbia Residential: Transforming the Face of Atlanta
Carmen Chubb, President of Columbia Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show to discuss the importance of affordable housing in the metro area. Chubb sits down with show host Carol Morgan and touches on the company’s partnership with Atlanta’s mayor. A repeat guest, the last time Chubb was a guest on the podcast, she had just joined Columbia Residential. Now, the company has a presence in five states and is actively working towards completing Mayor Andre Dickens’s goal to create and preserve 20,000 affordable housing units during his term. Chubb shared that the best thing the company has completed to date was the recent ribbon cutting held at the renovated 40-year-old senior residential high rise in Southwest Atlanta. Previously known as High Tower Manor, Columbia Residential conducted an extensive renovation and is now known as James Allen Jr. Place. Following its facelift, the property now provides affordable housing to 129 seniors. Chubb said, “The property was named after one of the former residents who was a resident leader. Before he passed away, he was a commissioner for the Atlanta Housing Board.” In the past year, Columbia Residential also partnered with Matter Health. The group provides onsite primary care services to seniors in their homes. Residents can visit the clinic on the property and reserve primary healthcare services just a short walk from their front door. Chubb said, “With primary and preventative healthcare, we think that it will really improve the quality of life for the residents, giving them longevity and healthier living.” This addition first appeared at Heritage Senior, then James Allen Jr. Allen Place, with plans to add it to two more senior housing developments. Amidst Columbia Residential’s incredible impact on the metro Atlanta area, the company is still experiencing the overhang of the pandemic and its effect on rising construction prices, labor shortages and more. Chubb is proud to share that despite these obstacles, Columbia Residential closed on all projects negatively impacted due to the pandemic. In 2024, Columbia Residential aims to put 500 Atlanta units in place and expects to close three projects. The company is also pursuing another senior preservation project. If funded, this will add another 120 units to overall efforts. Mayor Dickens specifically shines a light on preserving existing structures in his initiative. With 30 years of company history, Columbia Residential has housing stock that needs necessary updates and renovations. Chubb said, “We’re looking inside and saying…how do we garner proceeds to make renovations on our properties?” Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Columbia Residential, or visit www.ColumbiaRes.com. A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American d...
Feb 7
18 min
Chafin Communities Shares Valuable Homebuyer Insight
Broker Jaime Chastain with Chafin Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share details about selling communities, homebuyer trends and more. Chastain sits down with show hosts Carol Morgan with Denim Marketing and Keisha Hulsey with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. An industry member for 25 years and counting, Chastain got her start in the general real estate sector. In the early 2000s, she found herself in the new home industry onsite in sales and worked her way into leadership positions thanks to many years of hard work and experience. Chafin Communities predominantly builds on the northeast of the Atlanta area in Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties, stretching from Loganville and Jefferson to Loganville. The local builder’s buyers are primarily first-time home shoppers, move-up buyers, young professionals and downsizers searching for the perfect fresh start. Committed to providing the best possible home to each buyer, the two founding brothers behind the well-known brand regularly read homebuyer feedback to search for ideas to improve home plans and designs for future customers. Chastain said, “[They] are bringing different ideas from the customers…and asking how we can alter our plans to…enhance how the home lives for [our customers].” After many years of constructing metro Atlanta homes and working closely with buyers, a trend that the Chafin Communities team commonly sees is the homebuyers’ eagerness to be a part of the building process. Over the last few years, Chastain shared that she has seen less opportunity for consumer involvement and increased customer desire to select home designs, features and more when shopping for their dream home. Chastain said, “The Chafins intend to continue to offer a lot of flexibility within our floor plans and our home designs.” Chafin Communities builds a strong builder-buyer relationship by offering structural customization options, an uncommon feature in the Atlanta market at their price point, as well as three alternative kitchen layouts for each home. Homebuyers are also heavily involved in the home’s design during the building process! A beloved Chafin community, Auburn Station in Barrow County is currently in closeout for its single-family home options and gearing up for a second phase showcasing townhomes. The Canterbury Reserve in Lawrenceville offers homebuyers home locations that back up to private woods with popular floor plan selections and top-rated amenities! Chastain said, “It’s not just your home – it’s how your community lives as well for you and your lifestyle." Coming soon, Chafin Communities is excited to introduce a new lazy river amenity in one of its upcoming communities. Tune in to the full episode above to learn more about Chafin Communities, or visit www.ChafinCommunities.com. A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.   The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest,
Jan 31
20 min
Fortress Builders Brings Stylish Townhome Living to Acworth
Onsite agent Kimberly Johnson with Fortress Builders joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss a new Acworth community, Terraces at Logan Park! Johnson joins show host Carol Morgan and shares details about the builder’s can’t-miss refinance program. A Realtor for 23 years and counting, Johnson provides detailed services tailored to her client’s needs. Over the last 15 years, she has partnered with Fortress Real Estate, the exclusive listing company for Fortress Builders. A local builder and developer in Cobb County, Fortress Builders is a frontrunner in the industry with over 50 years of experience constructing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, active adult developments and master-planned communities. Johnson said, “I’ve been with them for so long because when you find a builder that builds a quality product, and they do what they say they’re going to do…you want to stay with them.” The Fortress team strives to do more than simply build and develop subdivisions for residents in metro Atlanta. The builder aims to curate a community for homeowners to enjoy and thrive in as the years pass. In one of its newest communities, Terraces at Logan Park, Fortress Builders excels at constructing a community filled with thoughtfully designed residences to call home. The new Acworth community draws prospective buyers in with its stellar location, walkability, spacious floor plans, top-notch design appointments and interior features. The standard interior package boasts hardwood flooring across the first floor, quartz countertops with under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, a two-car rear-entrance garage, a vanity suite bathroom featuring three vanities, recessed lighting and much more! The community also showcases a private park with sidewalks and a gazebo, perfect for leisurely strolls. One significant change in buyers’ wish lists that Johnson sees is a request for an at-home workspace as more and more people continue to work from home. Other top attractions include better pricing outside the ITP area, local hotspots and amenities. The Cali floor plan features an office space with a built-in desk, ideal for work-from-home days and homework assignments. Johnson said, “Buyers are also looking for that light and bright color scheme as well!” According to Johnson, now is the time to purchase a new home, especially in Cobb County! With buyers expecting the Fed to shift towards rate cuts in 2024 and 2025, this will bring much-needed relief to home sales. For buyers who don’t want to wait and are looking to purchase now, the Fortress Builders preferred lenders are offering prospective buyers a no-lender fee refinance within five years of your closing date. Terraces at Logan Park is down to its final nine opportunities. Click here to secure your spot in this connected community! Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Fortress Builders, or visit https://BuiltByFortress.com. A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.   The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home buil...
Jan 24
16 min
Traton Homes: Crafting Communities & Building Legacies
Principals Chris and Clif Poston with Traton Homes join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s history, new construction opportunities and market conditions. The Poston Brothers sit down with show host Carol Morgan to discuss staying competitive in the homebuilding industry. In 1971, Traton Homes was founded by Clif and Chris Poston’s father and uncle when the two were developing a community. After the initial hit of the oil embargo, the duo had to build their way out of a surplus of lots. Fifty-three years and 15,000 houses later, the family-owned building company is run by Clif and Chris alongside their father and uncle. Clif Poston said, “It’s been a good ride for us…It’s a good family business environment.” With such a rich company history, Clif remarked that balancing the traditions from 53 years of building with the demands of today can be a challenge. Sticking to their roots and taking a more conservative approach has resulted in over 50 years of success for the builder. Traton Homes began a new chapter a few years ago by opening its first active adult community. Following the tremendous success of the first community and several others, the builder is preparing to celebrate the opening of a few new 55+ communities! The company has also expanded its building region to the Florida Panhandle. Clif Poston said, “It’s kind of a different market down there. It’s been fun getting some [communities] done organically down there.” The company works hard to stay on top of today’s hottest amenity and design trends to encourage prospective buyers to purchase in a Traton Homes community. Chris Poston also shared that the company entered the build-to-rent sector as a seller and a fee builder and met great success! Traton Homes will construct 1,300 homes across build-to-rent and for sale with the new company venture this year. A detached Jewel Box community, Avenbrook recently celebrated its first closings at the end of 2023. Other exciting new additions to the Traton Homes portfolio include Courtyards at Traditions in Cumming, Bluffs at Bells Ferry in Marietta, Townes at South Main and the second phase of East Park Village in Kennesaw,  Riverwalk Place in Gwinnett, Winsome Park in Woodstock, Westpark Place and Old Mill Preserve in Powder Springs and Wilkins Walk in Mableton. In the Florida market, the brothers shared that they found a shortage of homes, and in their Florida division, they hope to fill the gap in the market. The builder is currently working on opportunities in Dade and Walton Counties, with announcements coming soon. Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about Traton Homes or visit www.TratonHomes.com. A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.   The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the 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...
Jan 17
23 min
Blue River Communities: A New Metro Atlanta Home Builder
CEO, President and Partner Greg Duriez with Blue River Communities joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Atlanta’s competitive homebuilding market, industry hurdles and more. Duriez joins hosts Carol Morgan with Denim Marketing and Keisha Hulsey with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty on the All About Real Estate segment. Duriez reflects on the various job opportunities and connections he has formed over three decades that led him to his current role. At the start of his career, he worked with NVR Ryan Homes in the Northeast as an assistant superintendent, site superintendent and, eventually, warranty expert. Duriez also had the opportunity to enter the sales division as a new home sales agent and eventually a sales manager. These consistent career progressions gave Duriez entry into land development and acquisition. Duriez said, “I had some great mentors and coaches along the way at Ryan Homes, Pulte Homes, Century Communities and Davidson Homes!” Blue River Communities is a new homebuilding company connected with Blue River Development. Focused on the Southeast, the home builder constructs homes for the for-sale, build-to-rent and investor markets. The opportunistic company aims to serve the market and its needs. Duriez said, “I’ve always said throughout my career that we don’t create the market. We just serve the market. Blue River Communities is excited to do that!” As a new home builder, Duriez expressed that they are excited to grow the team and provide opportunities for talented individuals looking to create a great culture at a fantastic company. Listen to the end of the episode for how to reach out to Duriez for job opportunities. When strategizing about how to serve the needs of the for-sale and build-to-rent market, Duriez is honored to partner with Brad and Michael Cooper at Blue River Development, continuing a 15-year industry friendship and now a partnership. Gearing up for an exciting first chapter in 2024, Blue River Communities is currently working on projects in Winder, Braselton, Athens, Watkinsville and McDonough, Georgia to meet the needs of these underserved markets. Look for official community announcements later this year. On the build-to-rent side, the new home builder is currently working with partners to deliver homes later this year in the Huntsville, Alabama, Dallas, Texas and Greer, South Carolina markets. Duriez also shared that the home builder is exploring prospects for communities in the Florida panhandle. Tune in to the full interview above to learn more, or visit www.BlueRiverCommunities.com and www.BlueRiverDevelopment.com. A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.   The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the 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.
Jan 10
25 min
Build with Confidence with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
Risk Management Specialist Keisha Hulsey with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to promote the company’s 2-10 warranty package and more! Hulsey joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment. A Georgia native, Hulsey recently celebrated her 25th anniversary with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. A passionate advocate for the homebuilding industry, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. She will also serve on the Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council board this year! For over 43 years, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has been the nation’s leading provider of new home structural warranties, providing 1 in 5 new homes nationwide with its warranty offering. More than a new home insurance provider, the company’s services extend to its resale division, which provides systems and appliance coverage for pre-loved homes, including breakdowns associated with normal wear and tear. Its primary warranty offering, the famous 2-10 structural warranty, covers one year on workmanship items, two years on distribution systems and 10 years of structural coverage. Hulsey said, “We have a full suite of products, so we can customize our program to best fit our customers’ needs whether it’s a builder, remodeler or investor.” One of the main questions Hulsey experiences daily is: Why do home builders need a warranty? The most prominent reason a builder needs a warranty is to help protect its profits on every home constructed. For example, the warranty covers clients against the statute of repose from state to state in case they are held liable for construction defects. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty provides a third-party, well-written warranty contract outlining the available coverages, exclusions, construction performance guidelines, timeframes and more. Hulsey said, “I’m excited to say we just launched our brand-new warranty document on December 1!” The updated document is a testament to the company’s commitment to staying in sync with the industry and providing its clients with a user-friendly contract. Another fantastic benefit of the 2-10 structural warranty is that it transfers the financial liability away from the builder in case of any construction defect. Hulsey also shared that the company can promote quality to prospective homebuyers and enhance a builder’s overall reputation. Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, or visit www.2-10.com. A special thank you to 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. 2-10 is the industry leader in new home warranty administration, with 1 in 5 new US homes enrolled in the 2-10 New Home Warranty Program. Founded and based in Denver, the 2-10 family of companies has covered over 6 million homes with their complete line of warranties, system and appliance Home Service Plans, and risk management products. 2-10 continues to work with thousands of the nation’s finest home builders, real estate professionals, and service contractors. For more information about 2-10, please visit 2-10.com.   The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the 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.
Jan 3
16 min
From Real Estate to Real Impact: Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
CEO Alan Ferguson with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how his team addresses housing affordability in metro Atlanta and spotlight upcoming initiatives. Ferguson joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment. Although Ferguson joined the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity team in July 2022, his previous experience includes 30 years working in various aspects of commercial real estate, real estate financing, commercial financing, equity, investments and much more. Throughout his career, his roles also leaned toward community development, neighborhood revitalization, and neighborhood investment. Ferguson said, “It was destined for me to eventually end up at an organization like Atlanta Habitat for Humanity because throughout my career, I’ve always had this drive to work with people and try to uplift them and their current conditions.” In his current role, Ferguson works with future homeowners up close and personal, partnering with them to achieve homeownership. Founded in 1983, the Atlanta affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 40 years! Across the decades, the organization upheld a strong track record of constructing affordable housing for families across Atlanta, totaling 1,800 homes and serving 6,000 individuals through its various programs, highlighting homebuyer education, financial literacy and more. Ferguson said, “We’ve really jumpstarted a lot of development in neighborhoods and communities that weren’t as popular years ago but now, have become increasingly popular here in the city of Atlanta.” The organization’s success allowed it to expand to serve other locales, including South Fulton County. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity also has two ReStore facilities that enable the team to connect directly with the community and promote recycling and upcycling initiatives. Across its legacy, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has a long list of milestones throughout its 40 years that placed the organization on the map. The most notable was the Blitz Build, which marked the construction of 100 homes to celebrate the 1996 Olympics. Other impressive highlights include the organization’s partnership with The Carter Family and Clark Howard! Tune into the full interview above to learn more about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, or visit Habitat.org. A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the 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.
Dec 27, 2023
24 min
Peachtree Residential: Building Dreams Across Metro Atlanta
Sales Manager Dan Rogers with Peachtree Residential joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s exciting portfolio of new construction projects and what’s on the horizon for 2024. Rogers joins host Carol Morgan on the All About Real Estate segment. Settled in Johns Creek, Rogers has a history of 17 years with Peachtree Residential. Known as the “Builder Who Listens,” Peachtree Residential is a locally owned and operated business and has been active in the metro area for 35 years, providing over 5,000 homes to the ever-changing market. A salve for the constantly rising interest rates, the builder unveiled the Buyer Assurance Program. If a buyer chooses to refinance their Peachtree Residential home in the next five years, the Atlanta-based builder will pay up to $4,000 in closing costs if they refinance with a preferred lender. This, paired with a stellar lineup of inventory homes, creates a can’t-miss opportunity for buyers searching for their dream home. At Arden on Lanier in Forsyth, buyers can unlock the door to a spacious, beautifully designed home just minutes from the shoreline of Lake Lanier. This brand-new community from Peachtree Residential is located on Pilgrim Mill Road, providing homeowners with a sense of being surrounded by the beautiful countryside without losing access to big city amenities. The community will feature 58 homes highlighting top-rated features such as primary suites on the main level, three-car garages as well as basement and slab plans. The community already has two homes under contract and four ready for quick move-in, with four inventory homes under construction! Rogers said, “The model home is already opened and ready for viewing!” Please note that Waterside at River Glen is sold out as of the airing of this episode. In Forsyth, Montebello features one-level and two-story homes with basement and slab options priced from the $600,000s to the $700,000s. Homes showcase three bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, with select home plans placing the primary suite on the main level. The community also enjoys an exceptional amenities package, including a clubhouse, two lighted tennis courts, a pavilion, two lighted pickleball courts, a flex gathering area, grilling activity lawns, a mail center and sprawling green space. Rogers said, “Montebello is a beautiful community with great amenities!” West Village, the newest townhome community from Peachtree Residential, boasts six three-story home opportunities with four end-unit locations. Each home features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and fantastic design appointments throughout. Tune in to the full interview above to learn more, or visit www.PeachtreeResidential.com. A special thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006, podcasting since 2011 and is currently working on strategies for the Google Helpful Content update and ways to incorporate AI into sales and marketing. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will adhere to your specific needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate" segment, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans.
Dec 20, 2023
12 min
Endless Adventures at LEGO© Discovery Center Atlanta
With the holidays still in full swing, the kids on winter break, and some free time from the office, why not burn some energy at the LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta, located in Phipps Plaza? Here's what's going on over the holidays.  The 2023 Holiday Bricktacular is an event filled with joy, creativity, and holiday cheer for the entire family. Taking place now through December 24th, enjoy seasonal LEGO® build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center and much more including the opportunity to: Build a LEGO snowflake in our Master Model Builder Academy and take it home as their holiday gift to you! Meet and greet with life-size LEGO Gingerbread Man. Purchase a holiday cookie in the café that you can decorate yourself. Participate in the Letters to our Master Model Builder program – where you can write a letter to Master Model Builder Elizabeth Baker and see if she builds your idea! Spot the elf, who is hiding somewhere in LEGO Discovery Center. Explore MINILAND, which was just named Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta - Mini City, where exclusive holiday builds are featured throughout This is LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta’s first holiday event since the attraction’s grand reopening in March 2023. Following a $5 million investment, the next-gen attraction and Certified Autism Center (CAC) boasts 35,000 square feet of indoor fun, rain or shine, and allows guests to experience family learning through play activities within ten zones, including building adventures, an interactive ride, 4-D theatre and more! This episode of Around Atlanta was originally recorded on 12/29/2016. On this week’s Around Atlanta edition of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show, co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick are joined by Betsy Whitehead to discuss the adventures to be discovered year-round at Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. Betsy Whitehead is the new Sales and Marketing Coordinator with Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta. She was born in Florida, but considers herself a Georgia native. With a degree in integrated studies combining business management and communications, her skill set includes the understanding of business fundamentals, as well as incorporating originality and imagination into everyday tasks. According to Whitehead, Legoland Discovery Center is focused on creative learning. “It’s like jumping into the biggest box of Lego bricks ever,” said Whitehead. “We are literally the ultimate indoor playground.” One of the best features of Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta is that the fun is meant for all ages. With fifteen attractions, two rides, a 4D cinema and the new exhibit, Pirate Adventure Island, there’s something for everyone. Even adults have their own special night! Every third Thursday of the month (the next one will be January 19) from 7 to 9 p.m., adults are encouraged to come to Legoland for a themed party, building competitions, trivia and more. Pirate Adventure Island is a hands-on sensory attraction that includes a water table with three lanes to build boats then send them off for a race. Also featured within the exhibit is a popular three-story play area with a slide and bridge that crosses over to a pirate ship. Underneath the play area is a treasure chest where participants can go on an all-inclusive treasure hunt.  A volcano table and seating areas are available for kids and parents who need a break from the battles. For a more realistic feel and look, the entire attraction is themed with graphics and pirate Lego pieces hanging from the walls. LEGO© Discovery Center Atlanta is a year-round destination with endless indoor activities. However, around the holidays, the notorious building attraction is the perfect stop for kids who want to celebrate New Year’s without staying up all night. An annual activity (that sells out fast) is the Noon Year’...
Dec 18, 2023
15 min
The Chatham Legacy: 75 Years of Homebuyer Partnerships
Gabe and Myles Chatham with The Chatham Company join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the family’s impressive 75-year legacy and the valuable knowledge that comes with it. The Chatham brothers sit down with host Carol Morgan on the Real Estate Legacy series. The two oldest of three brothers, Gabe and Myles Chatham, continue to build on the Chatham legacy in its 75th year, working personally and professionally to bring the company into the next generation, which will be inherited by 11 grandchildren. Growing up in the business, a regular Saturday for the brothers consisted of visiting job sites with their father and experiencing first-hand the tumultuous changes occurring in the industry. Myles said, “It’s in our blood. We’ve been around it our whole lives [and we love it.] We feel like we’ve gained experience in this business.” The Chatham legacy is comprised of three separate entities. The first, a development company, focuses on building luxury communities in the north Atlanta area. A custom homebuilding business, ChathamBilt Homes was founded by their grandfather, Howard Chatham, and acted as the starting point for the family’s legacy. Finally, The Chatham Company is a brokerage business connected to the family brand that primarily assists with the purchase and sale of homes and partners with buyers to succeed in real estate. A third-generation company, where The Chatham Company stands today was firmly built on the formative years the brothers spent visiting job sites with their father after Sunday church and learning the ins and outs of the business from a formative age. The brothers both commented that continuing the legacy of their father and grandfather and witnessing first-hand the impact their legacy has made makes a world of difference. Gabe said, “Ultimately, we’ve learned over time…that if something is a short-term loss, it’s well worth it…for a long-term perspective of what we do.” Over 75 years, the builder has constructed 6,000 homes and counting in 150 neighborhoods! Turning back the clock to 1948, the Chatham legacy began when Howard Chatham founded his homebuilding business. Then in the mid-1950s, he began what would become the largest real estate company in the Southeast, Northside Realty. Myles said, “There’s no way to count the thousands of folks through the legacy we’ve been able to help on the real estate side as well as but we’re certainly proud of those statistics, stories and families.” Another notable milestone, David Chatham was recently inducted into the Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG) Hall of Fame. In the last few years, the builder was named Southern Living Custom Home Builder of the Year and was also invited to be on the board of directors for the company’s custom builder program. This merely scratches the surface of the company’s seven decades of accolades but is a testament to the ongoing commitment to beautiful, quality construction. Click here to listen to the Legends of Real Estate episode, starring David Chatham! Whether a homebuyer has an architect and home plan ready to go or is starting from scratch, The Chatham Company is prepared to partner with you. The company’s flexibility allows it to assist homebuyers at all stages of construction. A people-oriented company at its core, the brothers emphasized the dedication to providing clients with a home that will best serve their family and life goals. Myles said, “We love spending time with people through this process!” The legacy’s extension to both the homebuilding and brokerage side of the business allows it to emphasize not only how the home will best serve a buyer in this generation but also how best to create value in an ever-changing market and leave something lasting to pass on to the next generation. While it has become more difficult to secure land in the face of changing regulatio...
Dec 13, 2023
25 min
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