Podcast appearances and mentions of todd schnick

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's Eve Party. Enter Legoland at 10 a.m. for several activities, prizes, goodie bags and a huge balloon drop at the strike of no...

The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is the perfect place to enjoy the early bloomings of the upcoming spring season with family and friends. The 2023 festival returns to Blackburn Park in Brookhaven on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The annual Cherry Blossom 5K is Saturday, March 18. Guests will enjoy hundreds of Cherry Blossoms as well as a number of other fun activities. This annual festival features two days of music, over 100 local and regional artists in the Artist Market, the Kidz Zone, Pet World, Classic Car Show, local eats and drinks and FUN for the whole family! Stay tuned for updates on musical performances. Register for the Cherry Blossom 5K at Blackburn Park, benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  Information and registration here: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67390/brookhaven-cherry-blossom-5k Blackburn Park is an ideal setting for spring thanks to 240 Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees being planted in 2014. Since then, the town has gathered yearly to enjoy the beauty of the trees in bloom.  Set on 49 acres of green space and conveniently located off I-285 at the Ashford Dunwoody Exit, Borden said that guests of the festival could park free at one of several locations, then ride the free shuttle to the park, where admission is free. The price tag alone is reason enough to attend. If the weather cooperates, blooming trees will shade guests while strolling to the Children's Village, newly expanded with rides, face painting, superheroes and more. Along the way, they can stop at one of the many booths where local artisans display their handiwork.   Dogs can even participate in the fun at the Pet Parade or the agility course. Check out the classic car show and relax in the calm of a weekend afternoon. To learn more about all the exciting activities at the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, visit Brookhavenga.gov/festival.  ______________________________________________________ This episode of Atlanta Real Esate Forum Radio was recorded on March 16, 2017. Brian Borden, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Brookhaven, joins the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to discuss the return of an annual event at Blackburn Park with co-hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick. Please download and subscribe to all of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcasts on iTunes. If you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. The “Around Atlanta” segment is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact 770-383-3360.  

FMLS President Jeremy Crawford joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the current state of the housing market and the company's pioneering virtual services. Crawford joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A premier Atlanta multiple listing service (MLS), FMLS has over 56,000 brokers and agents using its service. In the last year, the company experienced 15 percent in growth and is now the fourth-largest MLS in the nation, with brokers from every state as well as outside the U.S. Crawford said, “I always love to talk about the stats and talk about the data. What we saw last year really paved the way for 2022.” In a recent publication, Bloomberg shared that Atlanta is posting faster pricing increases than any other metro area market in the nation. Inflation, unemployment down to 2.4 percent and rent increasing by 24 percent year over date are all components that create the number one market for investors. Over 32 percent of homes purchased in last year's third quarter were purchased by investors in place of homeowners. This trend drives up prices and affects home affordability. Compared to 40 other metro areas, investors continue to look at the hot Atlanta housing market. Closing out 2021, the number one problem in the Atlanta market is the lack of inventory. Constraints on new homes, rentals, the new home construction market and a historically low supply present problems for homebuyers entering the market. Previously, the median market time was 25 days with a three-month supply of homes available, creating a healthy, seller-centric market. Currently, there is a one-month inventory with the median market at eight days. “We thought we were going to see a slowdown and it didn't happen,” said Crawford. “The sales price on average is up 30 percent compared to October 2020.” With a large instant buyer market, many Atlanta investors purchase properties in order to renovate or build out portfolios. Build-to-rent is also increasing in popularity and with rent up 20 percent year-over-year, there are plenty of opportunities for investors to profit. Another trend in today's market is the lease-to-own model. Companies lease properties to consumers for two years, and during this time the tenants build a down payment and credit. This allows them to buy the home at the end of the two-year period. Quite a few companies are moving towards this model to allow more tenants to transition from leasing to homeownership and increase home affordability. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on FMLS or visit www.firstmls.com to learn more. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. St. Bourke and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (January/2022) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. 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,

President of St. Bourke Ben Simpson joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the land planning, St. Bourke's history and its contribution to placemaking in metro Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Simpson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Passionate business owner, property developer, community builder and placemaker are just a few things that describe Simpson. With a 25-year track record of leading great project teams and stakeholders, Simpson strives to create vibrant communities and developments for clients. Simpson took on the role of president at St. Bourke after working with Australia's largest residential community builder and diversified property group, Stockland, for 16 years. In his previous role, Simpson was responsible for the design, management and development of a significant property portfolio valued at more than $16 billion, which included 23,000 residential lots across seven major master-planned communities. Before working with Stockland, Simpson held various private and public roles in the real estate industry and contributed to several projects with international and national significance. A professional services business and consultancy agency, St. Bourke specializes in asset management and property development, primarily focusing on residential communities and commercial assets. The developer also has a qualified construction and management team that consists of civil engineers, landscape architects, land planners, market researchers and analysis and business finance experts with over 200 years of combined experience. Simpson said, “Today, our focus is on problem-solving stalled or abandoned communities that were the victim of the downturn.” St. Bourke was founded in 2015 by Drapac Capital Partners to work on all the assets they acquired during the great recession. Drapac is an international property investment firm that expanded to the U.S. in 2011 to acquire undervalued assets. In need of an in-house team to oversee all assets and accompanying stakeholders, Drapac Capital Partners established St. Bourke. Created as a property investment firm, St. Bourke holds a unique position in the real estate industry, assessing the market through an investment lens. As well as creating enduring communities, the property developer seeks to ensure all projects are commercially successful and viable ventures for clients. Simpson said, “It's a really healthy thing for us to do to make sure our first measure of success is it needs to be able to be funded [and] commercially successful… That gives us our license to continue what we're doing.” Tune in to the full interview above for more information on St. Bourke or visit www.StBourke.com to learn more. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. St. Bourke and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing,

President of St. Bourke Ben Simpson joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the land planning, St. Bourke's history and its contribution to placemaking in metro Atlanta and throughout the Southeast. Simpson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Passionate business owner, property developer, community builder and placemaker are just a few things that describe Simpson. With a 25-year track record of leading great project teams and stakeholders, Simpson strives to create vibrant communities and developments for clients. Simpson took on the role of president at St. Bourke after working with Australia's largest residential community builder and diversified property group, Stockland, for 16 years. In his previous role, Simpson was responsible for the design, management and development of a significant property portfolio valued at more than $16 billion, which included 23,000 residential lots across seven major master-planned communities. Before working with Stockland, Simpson held various private and public roles in the real estate industry and contributed to several projects with international and national significance. A professional services business and consultancy agency, St. Bourke specializes in asset management and property development, primarily focusing on residential communities and commercial assets. The developer also has a qualified construction and management team that consists of civil engineers, landscape architects, land planners, market researchers and analysis and business finance experts with over 200 years of combined experience. Simpson said, “Today, our focus is on problem-solving stalled or abandoned communities that were the victim of the downturn.” St. Bourke was founded in 2015 by Drapac Capital Partners to work on all the assets they acquired during the great recession. Drapac is an international property investment firm that expanded to the U.S. in 2011 to acquire undervalued assets. In need of an in-house team to oversee all assets and accompanying stakeholders, Drapac Capital Partners established St. Bourke. Created as a property investment firm, St. Bourke holds a unique position in the real estate industry, assessing the market through an investment lens. As well as creating enduring communities, the property developer seeks to ensure all projects are commercially successful and viable ventures for clients. Simpson said, “It's a really healthy thing for us to do to make sure our first measure of success is it needs to be able to be funded [and] commercially successful… That gives us our license to continue what we're doing.” Tune in to the full interview above for more information on St. Bourke or visit www.StBourke.com to learn more. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. St. Bourke and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment, presented by Denim Marketing,

Vice President of Sales for Smith Douglas Homes Jamie Chastain joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the builder's new metro Atlanta communities. Chastain joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A Georgia native, Chastain started in the industry 24 years ago in general real estate and, in the early 2000s, made the switch to new home sales. Chastain remarks that she feels lucky to have the opportunity to grow her career into a leadership position at Smith Douglas Homes in Atlanta. With a mission to provide a wide range of affordable housing, Smith Douglas Homes has been a prominent metro Atlanta builder for over 40 years. Chastain said, “Quality and affordability are a high focus, and it has been a little challenging this year to keep that vision alive.” When Founder Tom Bradbury launched the company, the Atlanta market mainly consisted of private home builders, now the market is comprised mainly of large public home builders. Today, Smith Douglas Homes continues to build affordable homes for first-time buyers in a highly sought-after market. Whether moving into a first home or downsizing to a smaller product, the builder offers a variety of products, perfect for every type of homebuyer. Currently, Smith Douglas Homes is constructing in 32 active communities stretching across Georgia. Nestled between the cities of Woodstock and Roswell, the townhome community of Concord has been well received. With access to a wide array of vicinities, this community offers residents a constant stream of events, activities and top-rated restaurants and businesses for a vibrant way of life. Crestwood, located near the popular downtown area of Rome, enjoys access to local universities, a colorful roster of local businesses as well as top local medical facilities. The community features two-story and ranch-style homes, ranging from 1,202 to 2,095 square feet of living space. “We are seeing so much growth in all of these communities that have good vicinity to Atlanta…that are further away [but still have great accessibility.]” Currently sold out of its first phase, Hastings Manor in Hampton provides a great environment for residents that speaks to a wide range of interests. The quaint community showcases traditional two-story homes with easy access to nearby green spaces, I-75 and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. “If there's anything COVID and this market have taught us, it's that people are more in tune with how they want their home to live,” said Chastain. “It's really challenged us as builders to ensure that we're thinking strategically through our consumers' eyes.” Tune in to the interview above for more information on Smith Douglas Homes and visit www.SmithDouglas.com to discover upcoming communities. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Smith Douglas Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real E...

Vice President of Sales for Smith Douglas Homes Jamie Chastain joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the builder's new metro Atlanta communities. Chastain joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A Georgia native, Chastain started in the industry 24 years ago in general real estate and, in the early 2000s, made the switch to new home sales. Chastain remarks that she feels lucky to have the opportunity to grow her career into a leadership position at Smith Douglas Homes in Atlanta. With a mission to provide a wide range of affordable housing, Smith Douglas Homes has been a prominent metro Atlanta builder for over 40 years. Chastain said, “Quality and affordability are a high focus, and it has been a little challenging this year to keep that vision alive.” When Founder Tom Bradbury launched the company, the Atlanta market mainly consisted of private home builders, now the market is comprised mainly of large public home builders. Today, Smith Douglas Homes continues to build affordable homes for first-time buyers in a highly sought-after market. Whether moving into a first home or downsizing to a smaller product, the builder offers a variety of products, perfect for every type of homebuyer. Currently, Smith Douglas Homes is constructing in 32 active communities stretching across Georgia. Nestled between the cities of Woodstock and Roswell, the townhome community of Concord has been well received. With access to a wide array of vicinities, this community offers residents a constant stream of events, activities and top-rated restaurants and businesses for a vibrant way of life. Crestwood, located near the popular downtown area of Rome, enjoys access to local universities, a colorful roster of local businesses as well as top local medical facilities. The community features two-story and ranch-style homes, ranging from 1,202 to 2,095 square feet of living space. “We are seeing so much growth in all of these communities that have good vicinity to Atlanta…that are further away [but still have great accessibility.]” Currently sold out of its first phase, Hastings Manor in Hampton provides a great environment for residents that speaks to a wide range of interests. The quaint community showcases traditional two-story homes with easy access to nearby green spaces, I-75 and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. “If there's anything COVID and this market have taught us, it's that people are more in tune with how they want their home to live,” said Chastain. “It's really challenged us as builders to ensure that we're thinking strategically through our consumers' eyes.” Tune in to the interview above for more information on Smith Douglas Homes and visit www.SmithDouglas.com to discover upcoming communities. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Smith Douglas Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real E...

Youth and Millennial Engagement Coordinator Cameron Friend and Farris Watkins, great-niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss The King Center and the great legacy of Dr. King. Friend and Watkins join hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta Segment. With a tremendous legacy to uphold, part of Friend's role as youth and millennial engagement coordinator at The King Center is to find ways to connect upcoming generations with the principal steps towards nonviolence. Established by Coretta Scott King in the year Dr. King was assassinated, The King Center upholds the teachings of the late Civil Rights leader and offers training and education focused on the center's mission. Friend works to find ways to share the story of Dr. King with younger generations looking to help solve challenges throughout the world. Friend shared, “We just want to make sure we're empowering and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary to help them understand the critical issues and learn how to rethink those issues according to the tenants of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Fondly known to her as Uncle ML, Watkins shared how she remembers Dr. King not as a famous historical figure but as her uncle with a servant's heart. She also shared how her family taught her to remember her great uncle's legacy as an honor and sacrifice rather than prestige. Watkins said, “He was a family man first. He cared so much about his family and his church.” While representing the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the existence of The King Center is in thanks to the work of Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late civil rights leader. Mrs. King oversaw the center's work until she died, continuing his teachings for emerging generations. The center is the only international living memorial to the life and legacy of both Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, also housing the crypts of the two historical figures on the museum campus. Friend remarked on the tremendous honor and responsibility surrounding the center's mission to promote and support “The Beloved Community” and the movement of nonviolence. Through the ReThink podcast, Watkins and Friend help to deliver the tools available to listeners in order to have relevant and impactful conversations. In the current culture, these conversations are more important than ever due to prominent societal divisions. Friend said, “People are always trying to find ways, especially young people, to resolve issues.” Tune in to the full interview above for more information on The King Center, the legacy of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King as well as the ReThink podcast, hosted by Farris Watkins and Cameron Friend. To learn more about The King Center, visit www.TheKingCenter.org. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on The King Center, the legacy of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King as well as the ReThink podcast, hosted by Farris Watkins and Cameron Friend. To learn more about The King Center, visit www.TheKingCenter.org. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The King Center and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times.

Youth and Millennial Engagement Coordinator Cameron Friend and Farris Watkins, great-niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss The King Center and the great legacy of Dr. King. Friend and Watkins join hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta Segment. With a tremendous legacy to uphold, part of Friend's role as youth and millennial engagement coordinator at The King Center is to find ways to connect upcoming generations with the principal steps towards nonviolence. Established by Coretta Scott King in the year Dr. King was assassinated, The King Center upholds the teachings of the late Civil Rights leader and offers training and education focused on the center's mission. Friend works to find ways to share the story of Dr. King with younger generations looking to help solve challenges throughout the world. Friend shared, “We just want to make sure we're empowering and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary to help them understand the critical issues and learn how to rethink those issues according to the tenants of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Fondly known to her as Uncle ML, Watkins shared how she remembers Dr. King not as a famous historical figure but as her uncle with a servant's heart. She also shared how her family taught her to remember her great uncle's legacy as an honor and sacrifice rather than prestige. Watkins said, “He was a family man first. He cared so much about his family and his church.” While representing the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the existence of The King Center is in thanks to the work of Coretta Scott King, the wife of the late civil rights leader. Mrs. King oversaw the center's work until she died, continuing his teachings for emerging generations. The center is the only international living memorial to the life and legacy of both Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, also housing the crypts of the two historical figures on the museum campus. Friend remarked on the tremendous honor and responsibility surrounding the center's mission to promote and support “The Beloved Community” and the movement of nonviolence. Through the ReThink podcast, Watkins and Friend help to deliver the tools available to listeners in order to have relevant and impactful conversations. In the current culture, these conversations are more important than ever due to prominent societal divisions. Friend said, “People are always trying to find ways, especially young people, to resolve issues.” Tune in to the full interview above for more information on The King Center, the legacy of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King as well as the ReThink podcast, hosted by Farris Watkins and Cameron Friend. To learn more about The King Center, visit www.TheKingCenter.org. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on The King Center, the legacy of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King as well as the ReThink podcast, hosted by Farris Watkins and Cameron Friend. To learn more about The King Center, visit www.TheKingCenter.org. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. David Weekley Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times.

New Home Sales Consultant and Associate Broker with McKinley Homes Xi Veerkamp joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss her impressive OBIE win as well as recent McKinley Homes developments. Veerkamp joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. After moving to the U.S. to complete her undergraduate degree in 2008, Veerkamp received her M.B.A. in real estate from Georgia State University. In 2018, she joined the McKinley Homes team as a land acquisition analyst and later, became the land acquisition manager before transitioning into her role in new home sales. Although a relatively new company, McKinley Homes is a fast-growing metro Atlanta builder, experiencing nearly 40% growth year over year. With plans to reach 1,000 closings in the Atlanta market as well as expand into other markets, McKinley Homes is celebrating the ground-breaking of a 40-unit luxury condominium development in New York. Not limited to residential projects, the builder also specializes in retail, commercial and custom home construction. Veerkamp said, “I'm very honored to be a part of this team.” In January 2021, Veerkamp closed an astonishing 47 sales, setting her up for a year of continued success. Before she stepped into her role as a new home sales consultant, there was an average of four sales per month. In her first month, she closed on five sales and has since closed an average of 16 sales per month for the new home sales division. Veerkamp credits the products and marketing provided by the McKinley Homes team for her incredible success. Veerkamp shared, “The more you work, the more you get in return in this industry.” To combat the current inventory shortage, McKinley Homes is working to bring more communities to the market while focusing on pricing, location and product to meet buyer needs. In Veerkamp's opinion, regardless of the state of the market, those three components are key to successfully selling homes. A top McKinley Homes community located less than 10 minutes from downtown Woodstock and two miles from I-575, East of Main is virtually sold out but still has opportunities in its sister development! A unique community feature, the McKinley Homes team constructed a shopping center directly in front of the development to offer residents of this 58-unit townhome community great access to nearby retail opportunities. Nearly selling out of its first phase soon after opening, Estates at Starr Creek features single-family homes situated on expansive lots, some surpassing half an acre. Close proximity to downtown Cumming affords residents of this community a central Forsyth County location as well as easy access to local amenities. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on McKinley Homes. To learn more about upcoming communities and discover this award-winning metro area builder, visit www.McKinleyHomes.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. David Weekley Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.

New Home Sales Consultant and Associate Broker with McKinley Homes Xi Veerkamp joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss her impressive OBIE win as well as recent McKinley Homes developments. Veerkamp joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. After moving to the U.S. to complete her undergraduate degree in 2008, Veerkamp received her M.B.A. in real estate from Georgia State University. In 2018, she joined the McKinley Homes team as a land acquisition analyst and later, became the land acquisition manager before transitioning into her role in new home sales. Although a relatively new company, McKinley Homes is a fast-growing metro Atlanta builder, experiencing nearly 40% growth year over year. With plans to reach 1,000 closings in the Atlanta market as well as expand into other markets, McKinley Homes is celebrating the ground-breaking of a 40-unit luxury condominium development in New York. Not limited to residential projects, the builder also specializes in retail, commercial and custom home construction. Veerkamp said, “I'm very honored to be a part of this team.” In January 2021, Veerkamp closed an astonishing 47 sales, setting her up for a year of continued success. Before she stepped into her role as a new home sales consultant, there was an average of four sales per month. In her first month, she closed on five sales and has since closed an average of 16 sales per month for the new home sales division. Veerkamp credits the products and marketing provided by the McKinley Homes team for her incredible success. Veerkamp shared, “The more you work, the more you get in return in this industry.” To combat the current inventory shortage, McKinley Homes is working to bring more communities to the market while focusing on pricing, location and product to meet buyer needs. In Veerkamp's opinion, regardless of the state of the market, those three components are key to successfully selling homes. A top McKinley Homes community located less than 10 minutes from downtown Woodstock and two miles from I-575, East of Main is virtually sold out but still has opportunities in its sister development! A unique community feature, the McKinley Homes team constructed a shopping center directly in front of the development to offer residents of this 58-unit townhome community great access to nearby retail opportunities. Nearly selling out of its first phase soon after opening, Estates at Starr Creek features single-family homes situated on expansive lots, some surpassing half an acre. Close proximity to downtown Cumming affords residents of this community a central Forsyth County location as well as easy access to local amenities. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on McKinley Homes. To learn more about upcoming communities and discover this award-winning metro area builder, visit www.McKinleyHomes.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. David Weekley Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information,

Atlanta Division President Adam Cornett with David Weekley Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the home builder's unique business approach, affordable housing and more. Cornett joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Part of the David Weekley Homes team since 2014 and a previous division president for the Dallas market, Cornett is a recent addition to the Atlanta team. David Weekley Homes is the largest privately-held home builder in the country and Cornett relayed the pride he holds in being a part of a team that focuses on customers and team members first and foremost.  The privately-held builder operates in 19 markets across the country and provides a variety of products from smaller entry-level homes and townhomes to $2 million homes. Cornett said, “We're not just a homebuilding company that's only intention is to build homes.” David Weekley Homes has a unique ownership structure that creates room to care for its team members and participate in the local community. Forty-five years after Founder David Weekley constructed the company, the builder and its philanthropic efforts continue to thrive. The structure of David Weekley homes is incredibly unique among home builders. Shares and profits are split into thirds with three owners --  the Weekley family, The David Weekley Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and the employees.  The company structure ensures a portion of profits and future prosperity returns to the community. And because team members have a vested interest in the company, they grow hand in hand with the company. Nearly 311,000 people nationwide received a hearty Thanksgiving meal, thanks to the partnership of David Weekley Homes and 17 charities across the U.S. Throughout November, the company hosted its seventh annual companywide Thanksgiving Drive, collecting approximately 93,000 pounds of food and more than $110,000 for 17 local nonprofit organizations around the country with help from homeowners, real estate agents, vendors, trade partners and team members. The annual drive is an initiative of the company's CARE program, which allows the extended David Weekley Homes family to live out its purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives. Over the past 20 years, more than $250 million has been donated to worthy causes around the world through company earnings and The David Weekley Family Foundation. In addition, team members have volunteered countless hours with various organizations across the country. Whether it's products and designs or the buyers themselves, Cornett shared that the industry is constantly on the move. “There is always something changing in the industry,” said Cornett. “If somebody is working in homebuilding and they're getting bored, they're simply not paying attention.” Modern farmhouses are a popular emerging trend, reflecting a simple style of architecture not commonly seen in the industry for the past 20 years. Other emerging trends, including increasing land and labor prices, make offering homes at price points that meet all society income levels challenging. To combat this, there are many product trends attempting to bridge the gap and create more affordable housing options. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on David Weekley Homes. To explore homeownership opportunities and learn more about the home builder, visit www.DavidWeekleyHomes.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. David Weekley Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show.

Atlanta Division President Adam Cornett with David Weekley Homes joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the home builder's unique business approach, affordable housing and more. Cornett joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Part of the David Weekley Homes team since 2014 and a previous division president for the Dallas market, Cornett is a recent addition to the Atlanta team. David Weekley Homes is the largest privately-held home builder in the country and Cornett relayed the pride he holds in being a part of a team that focuses on customers and team members first and foremost.  The privately-held builder operates in 19 markets across the country and provides a variety of products from smaller entry-level homes and townhomes to $2 million homes. Cornett said, “We're not just a homebuilding company that's only intention is to build homes.” David Weekley Homes has a unique ownership structure that creates room to care for its team members and participate in the local community. Forty-five years after Founder David Weekley constructed the company, the builder and its philanthropic efforts continue to thrive. The structure of David Weekley homes is incredibly unique among home builders. Shares and profits are split into thirds with three owners --  the Weekley family, The David Weekley Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and the employees.  The company structure ensures a portion of profits and future prosperity returns to the community. And because team members have a vested interest in the company, they grow hand in hand with the company. Nearly 311,000 people nationwide received a hearty Thanksgiving meal, thanks to the partnership of David Weekley Homes and 17 charities across the U.S. Throughout November, the company hosted its seventh annual companywide Thanksgiving Drive, collecting approximately 93,000 pounds of food and more than $110,000 for 17 local nonprofit organizations around the country with help from homeowners, real estate agents, vendors, trade partners and team members. The annual drive is an initiative of the company's CARE program, which allows the extended David Weekley Homes family to live out its purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives. Over the past 20 years, more than $250 million has been donated to worthy causes around the world through company earnings and The David Weekley Family Foundation. In addition, team members have volunteered countless hours with various organizations across the country. Whether it's products and designs or the buyers themselves, Cornett shared that the industry is constantly on the move. “There is always something changing in the industry,” said Cornett. “If somebody is working in homebuilding and they're getting bored, they're simply not paying attention.” Modern farmhouses are a popular emerging trend, reflecting a simple style of architecture not commonly seen in the industry for the past 20 years. Other emerging trends, including increasing land and labor prices, make offering homes at price points that meet all society income levels challenging. To combat this, there are many product trends attempting to bridge the gap and create more affordable housing options. Tune in to the full interview above for more information on David Weekley Homes. To explore homeownership opportunities and learn more about the home builder, visit www.DavidWeekleyHomes.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. David Weekley Homes and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show.

Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce CEO Cindy Williams joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the benefits of joining a local chamber of commerce. Williams joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. After completing her undergraduate program at Piedmont University and MBA at Auburn University, Williams entered the chamber industry and has been an active member for the past 15 years. Currently the CEO of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Williams firmly believes in the chamber's mission, which is “to serve, promote and add value to the businesses of the community.” A chamber of commerce assists local businesses through marketing opportunities, including printed and digital materials, to promote the local economy. Members pay an annual fee to receive access to various resources such as networking events to encourage collaboration among local businesses. The Cartersville Chamber also offers educational classes for business owners requiring assistance with critical operational components such as QuickBooks as well as HR and legal courses. Williams said, “I like for our chamber to really serve the needs of what that businesses want. Our team will really go to work to make that happen.” The Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce has a long list of services offered, but if a business owner approaches with a specific need, Williams and her team work hard to ensure that need is met. Initiatives and legislation set forth by the local government support the local business community of Cartersville and Bartow County and a location off I-75 with seven interchanges also affords fantastic local traffic. Tremendous tourism assets attract many visitors and promote a higher quality of life for new citizens and businesses. “There is a cooperative and collaborative environment in Bartow County that is among the municipalities and local government,” shared Williams. “When you have a core team of people who believe in serving the local business and make the environment right…they are truly pro-business.” While many are unaware of the purpose of a chamber of commerce, these organizations are the invisible helpers working behind the scenes to create positive work environments for local communities. Tune in to the full interview for more information on the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, or visit www.CartersvilleChamber.com. To discover your local chamber of commerce and find membership information, click here. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. 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 th...

Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce CEO Cindy Williams joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share the benefits of joining a local chamber of commerce. Williams joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. After completing her undergraduate program at Piedmont University and MBA at Auburn University, Williams entered the chamber industry and has been an active member for the past 15 years. Currently the CEO of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, Williams firmly believes in the chamber's mission, which is “to serve, promote and add value to the businesses of the community.” A chamber of commerce assists local businesses through marketing opportunities, including printed and digital materials, to promote the local economy. Members pay an annual fee to receive access to various resources such as networking events to encourage collaboration among local businesses. The Cartersville Chamber also offers educational classes for business owners requiring assistance with critical operational components such as QuickBooks as well as HR and legal courses. Williams said, “I like for our chamber to really serve the needs of what that businesses want. Our team will really go to work to make that happen.” The Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce has a long list of services offered, but if a business owner approaches with a specific need, Williams and her team work hard to ensure that need is met. Initiatives and legislation set forth by the local government support the local business community of Cartersville and Bartow County and a location off I-75 with seven interchanges also affords fantastic local traffic. Tremendous tourism assets attract many visitors and promote a higher quality of life for new citizens and businesses. “There is a cooperative and collaborative environment in Bartow County that is among the municipalities and local government,” shared Williams. “When you have a core team of people who believe in serving the local business and make the environment right…they are truly pro-business.” While many are unaware of the purpose of a chamber of commerce, these organizations are the invisible helpers working behind the scenes to create positive work environments for local communities. Tune in to the full interview for more information on the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, or visit www.CartersvilleChamber.com. To discover your local chamber of commerce and find membership information, click here. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. 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.

New American Funding Branch Manager Anthony Holt joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss lender-borrower communication, developing positive builder relationships and more. Holt joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A veteran of the mortgage industry with 23 years of experience, Holt has been with New American Funding, the largest privately held and minority-owned mortgage company in the U.S., for four years. The company has many initiatives making great strides for minority homeownership and is a regular advocate for homebuyers. What sets New American Funding apart from its competitors is the vibrant and diverse company culture. The relatable management team and bottom-up business approach promote the success of the company's lenders in a business where relatability and understanding are key. Consumers tend to shop for interest rates when purchasing a home, but Holt advises asking friends and relatives about their homebuying experiences. A positive interaction between a lender and a homebuyer is key to achieving the goal of homeownership. Holt shared that he reminds his team to work on communication because that is the essential part of the lender and borrower relationship. Holt said, “We talk about being available [but] communication is 90% of it.” The difference between other lenders and New American Funding is the extra effort put in by its employees and the positive, meaningful relationships with its borrowers. Holt ensures every member of his team also has a loan officer assistant to allow more time to connect with agents, structure loans and act as an advocate for borrowers. The organization's app GoGo LO, available for download on the app store and Google Play, allows effortless communication between agents, borrowers and lenders to elevate the lending experience at New American Funding. The app shares buyer updates, credit scores, milestones and more with lenders and agents. New American Funding is constantly innovating and reinventing itself with new processes and products to fit specific homebuyer needs within the industry. In the residential real estate market, the number of homes under construction, as well as home prices, dramatically increased in the past 12 months. In such a tumultuous market, Holt recognizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local builders. Holt shared, “My approach to the builders in my community is, ‘Let me be a partner to help you with the loans you are finding you cannot get to the closing table,'" shared Holt. "We use that as a way to develop [strong] relationships with builders.” For more information about New American Funding, visit the website to view loan products, services and to connect with a loan officer. To learn more about Anthony Holt, click here. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Estate” segment,

New American Funding Branch Manager Anthony Holt joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss lender-borrower communication, developing positive builder relationships and more. Holt joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A veteran of the mortgage industry with 23 years of experience, Holt has been with New American Funding, the largest privately held and minority-owned mortgage company in the U.S., for four years. The company has many initiatives making great strides for minority homeownership and is a regular advocate for homebuyers. What sets New American Funding apart from its competitors is the vibrant and diverse company culture. The relatable management team and bottom-up business approach promote the success of the company's lenders in a business where relatability and understanding are key. Consumers tend to shop for interest rates when purchasing a home, but Holt advises asking friends and relatives about their homebuying experiences. A positive interaction between a lender and a homebuyer is key to achieving the goal of homeownership. Holt shared that he reminds his team to work on communication because that is the essential part of the lender and borrower relationship. Holt said, “We talk about being available [but] communication is 90% of it.” The difference between other lenders and New American Funding is the extra effort put in by its employees and the positive, meaningful relationships with its borrowers. Holt ensures every member of his team also has a loan officer assistant to allow more time to connect with agents, structure loans and act as an advocate for borrowers. The organization's app GoGo LO, available for download on the app store and Google Play, allows effortless communication between agents, borrowers and lenders to elevate the lending experience at New American Funding. The app shares buyer updates, credit scores, milestones and more with lenders and agents. New American Funding is constantly innovating and reinventing itself with new processes and products to fit specific homebuyer needs within the industry. In the residential real estate market, the number of homes under construction, as well as home prices, dramatically increased in the past 12 months. In such a tumultuous market, Holt recognizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local builders. Holt shared, “My approach to the builders in my community is, ‘Let me be a partner to help you with the loans you are finding you cannot get to the closing table,'" shared Holt. "We use that as a way to develop [strong] relationships with builders.” For more information about New American Funding, visit the website to view loan products, services and to connect with a loan officer. To learn more about Anthony Holt, click here. Tune into the full interview below! Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (December/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Atlanta. The Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio “All About Real Esta...

National Online Sales Counselor (OSC) Trainer and Founder of Blue Gypsy, Inc., Leah Fellows joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 2021 Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop results. Fellows joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. With over 16 years of industry experience, Fellows started her career onsite and in 2006, became an online sales counselor. After seeing a lack of education for OSCs and realizing that most builders needed assistance to help successfully adopt an OSC program, Fellows founded Blue Gypsy, Inc., a company dedicated to the training and development of OSCs. “There just weren't enough trainers out there teaching people how to be online sales counselors,” said Fellows. “Currently as a boutique trainer to builders…I only work with about six to eight builders a year…to focus on personalized assistance.” In partnership with Denim Marketing and Melinda Brody and Company, Blue Gypsy, Inc. organized the second annual Homebuyer Mystery Shop to collect data on the follow-up engagement of 50 builders across the country. Online inquiries were submitted with specific information and a question to evaluate a builder's follow-up and the success of its lead follow-up program. The survey analyzed local, regional and national builders while looking at a variety of factors over a 30-day period to see how companies are engaging buyers on a personalized and marketing level. An online sales counselor is a dedicated role on a builder's team that responds to all incoming website contact forms, as well as leads from other advertising sources. These individuals or teams respond to the initial inquiry as well facilitate ongoing engagement with potential homebuyers. In 2020, 58% of builders had OSCs and in 2021, the number of builders adopting an online sales program increased by 2%, a slight improvement. Fellows shared that she was surprised the number was not higher. Fellows shared, “My other surprise was that the actual engagement was lower.” With the dedicated OSC position, there is an expected higher quality of follow-up. However, the survey found a decrease due to several contributing factors. Pandemic complications such as supply chain shortages, land availability and a higher number of buyers led to home builders limiting sales in developing communities to combat the inventory shortage. With more than enough buyers for available homes, homebuyer follow-up can fall by the wayside, negatively impacting customer service and a builder's future reputation. While the housing industry is experiencing a boom in sales, the real estate market historically experiences ebbs and flows. When buyers are experiencing doubts in the face of skyrocketing prices and bidding wars, an OSC can maintain a personalized follow-up to nurture the lead. When the buyer is ready to purchase a home, they are more likely to return to that builder due to the positive follow-up experience. For more information about Blue Gypsy, Inc. and to dig into the full 2021 Homebuyer Mystery Shop Results, tune in to the full interview below and visit www.BlueGypsyInc.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Blue Gypsy, Inc. and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made ...

National Online Sales Counselor (OSC) Trainer and Founder of Blue Gypsy, Inc., Leah Fellows joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 2021 Online Homebuyer Mystery Shop results. Fellows joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. With over 16 years of industry experience, Fellows started her career onsite and in 2006, became an online sales counselor. After seeing a lack of education for OSCs and realizing that most builders needed assistance to help successfully adopt an OSC program, Fellows founded Blue Gypsy, Inc., a company dedicated to the training and development of OSCs. “There just weren't enough trainers out there teaching people how to be online sales counselors,” said Fellows. “Currently as a boutique trainer to builders…I only work with about six to eight builders a year…to focus on personalized assistance.” In partnership with Denim Marketing and Melinda Brody and Company, Blue Gypsy, Inc. organized the second annual Homebuyer Mystery Shop to collect data on the follow-up engagement of 50 builders across the country. Online inquiries were submitted with specific information and a question to evaluate a builder's follow-up and the success of its lead follow-up program. The survey analyzed local, regional and national builders while looking at a variety of factors over a 30-day period to see how companies are engaging buyers on a personalized and marketing level. An online sales counselor is a dedicated role on a builder's team that responds to all incoming website contact forms, as well as leads from other advertising sources. These individuals or teams respond to the initial inquiry as well facilitate ongoing engagement with potential homebuyers. In 2020, 58% of builders had OSCs and in 2021, the number of builders adopting an online sales program increased by 2%, a slight improvement. Fellows shared that she was surprised the number was not higher. Fellows shared, “My other surprise was that the actual engagement was lower.” With the dedicated OSC position, there is an expected higher quality of follow-up. However, the survey found a decrease due to several contributing factors. Pandemic complications such as supply chain shortages, land availability and a higher number of buyers led to home builders limiting sales in developing communities to combat the inventory shortage. With more than enough buyers for available homes, homebuyer follow-up can fall by the wayside, negatively impacting customer service and a builder's future reputation. While the housing industry is experiencing a boom in sales, the real estate market historically experiences ebbs and flows. When buyers are experiencing doubts in the face of skyrocketing prices and bidding wars, an OSC can maintain a personalized follow-up to nurture the lead. When the buyer is ready to purchase a home, they are more likely to return to that builder due to the positive follow-up experience. For more information about Blue Gypsy, Inc. and to dig into the full 2021 Homebuyer Mystery Shop Results, tune in to the full interview below and visit www.BlueGypsyInc.com. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Blue Gypsy, Inc. and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made ...

Darlene McLendon, president and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the rich history of aviation and the museum's exhibits. McLendon joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. In 1987, McLendon served as a radar approach controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. After working in the Chamber of Commerce Industry for nine years, McLendon fell in love with community development and assumed leadership of the Museum of Aviation Foundation two years ago. The museum is attached to the field museum program of the United States Air Force Heritage program. Located south of the main entrance to the Robins Air Force Base, the 50-acre campus is the second-largest air force museum in the United States. Pre-pandemic, the museum was the fourth most visited military museum in the country and in 2019, saw over 600,000 visitors. Free for visitors to explore, the museum features four main hangars across indoor and outdoor exhibits that tell the story and heritage of the United States Air Force. Upon entering the property, an impressive B-1 bomber greets guests as well as the Eagle Building, which houses an F-15 that museumgoers can explore up close! A favorite among young visitors, the Eagle Building also houses an exhibit dedicated to General Robert Scott, a local war hero from Macon, and his legendary P-40 plane. McLendon shared, “Everyone loves seeing that plane and what it means!” The POW-MIA Monument Memorial, housed in the Nugteren Hangar, honors those lost in service of our country while vividly exploring the Vietnam War, a traumatic and sensitive time in United States history. The Century of Flight Hangar is one of the biggest draws of the museum which showcases the SR-71, a plane that holds the world speed record as well as the Global Hall exhibit which tells the story of unmanned aviation and surveillance. On the second floor of the hangar, visitors have access to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, an exhibit honoring Georgia's leaders and their effect on the world of aviation. “It's extremely interesting to see all of the honorees that have been inducted to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame,” said McLendon. “I always encourage people to visit that portion to see these leaders in our state.” The Scott Hangar, in honor of General Scott, showcases a walk-through exhibit honoring the story of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen, the 507th Airborne and the most impressive addition, a B-17 currently in the process of restoration. Along with exhibits that explore the history of aviation, the museum offers educational programs for young visitors to enjoy. The museum's education platform, the STEM Academy, encourages young minds across the country to explore futures in STEM careers. The academy offers virtual tours, programs as well as summer camps for students of all ages. For more information about the Museum of Aviation Foundation, tune in to the full interview below and visit www.MuseumOfAviation.org. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The Museum of Aviation Foundation and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times.

Darlene McLendon, president and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the rich history of aviation and the museum's exhibits. McLendon joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. In 1987, McLendon served as a radar approach controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. After working in the Chamber of Commerce Industry for nine years, McLendon fell in love with community development and assumed leadership of the Museum of Aviation Foundation two years ago. The museum is attached to the field museum program of the United States Air Force Heritage program. Located south of the main entrance to the Robins Air Force Base, the 50-acre campus is the second-largest air force museum in the United States. Pre-pandemic, the museum was the fourth most visited military museum in the country and in 2019, saw over 600,000 visitors. Free for visitors to explore, the museum features four main hangars across indoor and outdoor exhibits that tell the story and heritage of the United States Air Force. Upon entering the property, an impressive B-1 bomber greets guests as well as the Eagle Building, which houses an F-15 that museumgoers can explore up close! A favorite among young visitors, the Eagle Building also houses an exhibit dedicated to General Robert Scott, a local war hero from Macon, and his legendary P-40 plane. McLendon shared, “Everyone loves seeing that plane and what it means!” The POW-MIA Monument Memorial, housed in the Nugteren Hangar, honors those lost in service of our country while vividly exploring the Vietnam War, a traumatic and sensitive time in United States history. The Century of Flight Hangar is one of the biggest draws of the museum which showcases the SR-71, a plane that holds the world speed record as well as the Global Hall exhibit which tells the story of unmanned aviation and surveillance. On the second floor of the hangar, visitors have access to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, an exhibit honoring Georgia's leaders and their effect on the world of aviation. “It's extremely interesting to see all of the honorees that have been inducted to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame,” said McLendon. “I always encourage people to visit that portion to see these leaders in our state.” The Scott Hangar, in honor of General Scott, showcases a walk-through exhibit honoring the story of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen, the 507th Airborne and the most impressive addition, a B-17 currently in the process of restoration. Along with exhibits that explore the history of aviation, the museum offers educational programs for young visitors to enjoy. The museum's education platform, the STEM Academy, encourages young minds across the country to explore futures in STEM careers. The academy offers virtual tours, programs as well as summer camps for students of all ages. For more information about the Museum of Aviation Foundation, tune in to the full interview below and visit www.MuseumOfAviation.org. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The Museum of Aviation Foundation and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times.

Byron Carlock, the U.S. real estate practice leader with PwC, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the results from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Emerging Trends Report. Carlock joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Celebrating 10 years with PwC, Carlock joined the company directly from industry after working for Trammell Crow Company. His previous experience includes serving as Chief Investment Officer with Post Properties and running a series of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) funds. He attended Harding University for his undergraduate program and Yale and Harvard for graduate school. In its 43rd year, PwC partners with ULI to capture the sentiment of industry leaders each fall. The company recently released the ULI Emerging Trend Report to prepare businesses for the coming year. The results from the 2022 ULI Emerging Trends Report reveal an optimistic outlook for the coming year while the industry is in an environment with plenty of equity and demand for most product types. Carlock said, “[ULI] is a great organization for collaborating with developers and friends of the industry.” Contractors, leaders, architects, title companies and lenders gather twice a year and sit on regional and product committees to share ideas to improve cities and neighborhoods throughout the industry. This year's ULI fall conference heavily focused on diversity, inclusion, recruitment and retention to ensure ongoing career progress for industry participants. “We've made great progress in the public real estate companies,” said Carlock. “We still have a lot to do in the construction industry in retaining talent in the leasing and management industries and bringing up a generation of developers that's more diverse.” The report proved the industry is aware of the need for diversity which is a high priority in the talent management strategies of the survey's respondents. More diversification in the industry will shift the focus to the redevelopment of areas that are victims of food, retail and healthcare deserts due to racially biased city planning in the mid-20th century. “We are going to bury those interstates…and try to create a unity where there was division,” said Carlock. “Real estate can be a tool for that.” At the beginning of the pandemic, the real estate industry was healthy. As the crisis continues, the industry is experiencing high demand and a supply-demand imbalance as well as a vision for the development and redevelopment of cities. A large portion of the product available on the market lost its relevance after several industry shifts. There is a need for modern construction standards and more collaborative and team-centered technology for office spaces. As far as environmental considerations, the real estate industry is behind. Many companies are moving towards carbon neutrality, rethinking the ways materials are developed and a space's environmental experience. On the user side, lead certification tremendously affects new tenant consideration. Many prospective buyers and renters do not consider spaces without a high lead certification or a high WELL health-safety rating. Investors are also becoming more discriminant about the buildings in which they invest equity dollars to ensure they finance developments with long-lasting environmental considerations. This information is essential for companies that report their carbon footprint. Along with a demand for space, there is a great need for investment products. REITs offer an opportunity for a dividend-yielding investment with a longstanding relevance in its community. The compatibility in the real estate sector transcends over to non-residential properties such as data centers, life science centers, student housing, self and cold storage. Those boxes transition into investment products that yield a dividend through rental income and are reasonably secure investments backed b...

Byron Carlock, the U.S. real estate practice leader with PwC, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the results from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Emerging Trends Report. Carlock joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Celebrating 10 years with PwC, Carlock joined the company directly from industry after working for Trammell Crow Company. His previous experience includes serving as Chief Investment Officer with Post Properties and running a series of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) funds. He attended Harding University for his undergraduate program and Yale and Harvard for graduate school. In its 43rd year, PwC partners with ULI to capture the sentiment of industry leaders each fall. The company recently released the ULI Emerging Trend Report to prepare businesses for the coming year. The results from the 2022 ULI Emerging Trends Report reveal an optimistic outlook for the coming year while the industry is in an environment with plenty of equity and demand for most product types. Carlock said, “[ULI] is a great organization for collaborating with developers and friends of the industry.” Contractors, leaders, architects, title companies and lenders gather twice a year and sit on regional and product committees to share ideas to improve cities and neighborhoods throughout the industry. This year's ULI fall conference heavily focused on diversity, inclusion, recruitment and retention to ensure ongoing career progress for industry participants. “We've made great progress in the public real estate companies,” said Carlock. “We still have a lot to do in the construction industry in retaining talent in the leasing and management industries and bringing up a generation of developers that's more diverse.” The report proved the industry is aware of the need for diversity which is a high priority in the talent management strategies of the survey's respondents. More diversification in the industry will shift the focus to the redevelopment of areas that are victims of food, retail and healthcare deserts due to racially biased city planning in the mid-20th century. “We are going to bury those interstates…and try to create a unity where there was division,” said Carlock. “Real estate can be a tool for that.” At the beginning of the pandemic, the real estate industry was healthy. As the crisis continues, the industry is experiencing high demand and a supply-demand imbalance as well as a vision for the development and redevelopment of cities. A large portion of the product available on the market lost its relevance after several industry shifts. There is a need for modern construction standards and more collaborative and team-centered technology for office spaces. As far as environmental considerations, the real estate industry is behind. Many companies are moving towards carbon neutrality, rethinking the ways materials are developed and a space's environmental experience. On the user side, lead certification tremendously affects new tenant consideration. Many prospective buyers and renters do not consider spaces without a high lead certification or a high WELL health-safety rating. Investors are also becoming more discriminant about the buildings in which they invest equity dollars to ensure they finance developments with long-lasting environmental considerations. This information is essential for companies that report their carbon footprint. Along with a demand for space, there is a great need for investment products. REITs offer an opportunity for a dividend-yielding investment with a longstanding relevance in its community. The compatibility in the real estate sector transcends over to non-residential properties such as data centers, life science centers, student housing, self and cold storage. Those boxes transition into investment products that yield a dividend through rental income and are reasonably secure investments backed b...

Director of Marketing and Communications with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Adrion Bell joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Georgia Rental Assistance Program. Bell joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is a state agency that manages over 79 programs. From the Georgia Dream Program to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the department offers housing assistance for renters and buyers, as well as historical preservation. Due to the pandemic complications and skyrocketing unemployment rates, the U.S. Treasury released $25 billion for rental assistance across the nation. The state of Georgia received $989 million with strict guidelines from the Treasury on how to administer relief. Candidates must meet certain rental qualifications to ensure funds are directed to those behind on rent or facing eviction. Bell said, “The program is designed to keep people in their homes…and [assist] people who have been hit by the COVID crisis.” With varying rental rates, how long the funds will last is unpredictable, but Bell doubts program funds will run out any time soon. The process judges an applicant's income at the time of application, unemployment and income reductions. The department has also offered retroactive rental assistance as far back as 18 months to keep people in their homes. Landlords can also apply and must show there is an arrearage from one of the tenants as well as get the tenant to turn in an application. If both parties participate, the landlord receives the payment directly. Recently, a program division director spoke with one of metro Atlanta's larger apartment associations to target landlords and encourage them to share the program with tenants. “It eases the burden on both the landlord and tenant,” Bell shared. “On a massive level, [the landlord] stands to lose more.” The Georgia Department of Community Affairs also offers legal services, working with local magistrates and court justices to represent applicants facing eviction in court. With such a large influx of applications over the last year, the department hired 200 processors to ensure all files and documentation are in order. If there is an issue, the processors contact applicants by phone to correct any information. Bell said, “[With] all documentation complete, we usually get payments out within 30 to 60 days.” The program also offers a recertification process if a tenant has received aid previously but is still facing unemployment or eviction. The department will pay a few months in advance if requirements are met to offer a cushion. Marketing for the compensation began in March 2020, using 12% of the budget for hiring, administration and marketing. To date, the department has spent $2 million in marketing efforts, including radio and television ads, paid social media, billboards, email blasts and more. To combat the widespread belief the program was fraudulent, the necessary marketing efforts allowed the department to spread the word about the assistance and ensure potential applicants of its legitimacy. In addition to the $989 million provided by the U.S. Treasury, counties with more than 200,000 residents receive exclusive funding for the district. For the first allocation of $552 million, the department advertised and assisted exclusively in the metro area. The second allotment of $437 million overlaps with county funding per federal guidelines, allowing the department to assist statewide. Another $3 million has been approved through next June to increase outreach outside of Atlanta. To learn more about the Georgia Rental Assistance Program, call 833-827-RENT or visit www.georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!

Director of Marketing and Communications with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Adrion Bell joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Georgia Rental Assistance Program. Bell joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is a state agency that manages over 79 programs. From the Georgia Dream Program to the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the department offers housing assistance for renters and buyers, as well as historical preservation. Due to the pandemic complications and skyrocketing unemployment rates, the U.S. Treasury released $25 billion for rental assistance across the nation. The state of Georgia received $989 million with strict guidelines from the Treasury on how to administer relief. Candidates must meet certain rental qualifications to ensure funds are directed to those behind on rent or facing eviction. Bell said, “The program is designed to keep people in their homes…and [assist] people who have been hit by the COVID crisis.” With varying rental rates, how long the funds will last is unpredictable, but Bell doubts program funds will run out any time soon. The process judges an applicant's income at the time of application, unemployment and income reductions. The department has also offered retroactive rental assistance as far back as 18 months to keep people in their homes. Landlords can also apply and must show there is an arrearage from one of the tenants as well as get the tenant to turn in an application. If both parties participate, the landlord receives the payment directly. Recently, a program division director spoke with one of metro Atlanta's larger apartment associations to target landlords and encourage them to share the program with tenants. “It eases the burden on both the landlord and tenant,” Bell shared. “On a massive level, [the landlord] stands to lose more.” The Georgia Department of Community Affairs also offers legal services, working with local magistrates and court justices to represent applicants facing eviction in court. With such a large influx of applications over the last year, the department hired 200 processors to ensure all files and documentation are in order. If there is an issue, the processors contact applicants by phone to correct any information. Bell said, “[With] all documentation complete, we usually get payments out within 30 to 60 days.” The program also offers a recertification process if a tenant has received aid previously but is still facing unemployment or eviction. The department will pay a few months in advance if requirements are met to offer a cushion. Marketing for the compensation began in March 2020, using 12% of the budget for hiring, administration and marketing. To date, the department has spent $2 million in marketing efforts, including radio and television ads, paid social media, billboards, email blasts and more. To combat the widespread belief the program was fraudulent, the necessary marketing efforts allowed the department to spread the word about the assistance and ensure potential applicants of its legitimacy. In addition to the $989 million provided by the U.S. Treasury, counties with more than 200,000 residents receive exclusive funding for the district. For the first allocation of $552 million, the department advertised and assisted exclusively in the metro area. The second allotment of $437 million overlaps with county funding per federal guidelines, allowing the department to assist statewide. Another $3 million has been approved through next June to increase outreach outside of Atlanta. To learn more about the Georgia Rental Assistance Program, call 833-827-RENT or visit www.georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above!

Co-founder and Owner of The Stitchery in Rome, Stephanie Bradshaw joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss shop services, products and running a small business during a pandemic. Bradshaw joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Carrying two brands of sewing machines, Janome and Baby Lock, The Stitchery has been a small business marvel near downtown Rome for nine years. Classes, events and one-on-one training only scratch the surface of what The Stitchery offers customers. The store supports anything and everything sewing-related. “It all comes together, but there's a lot of wheels in motion,” Bradshaw said. “We offer a lot!” Originally located on Broad Street in downtown Rome, its new location on Central Plaza is still near the hustle and bustle of Rome with more space for classes and an in-house machine repair shop. The purchase of a machine at The Stitchery comes with a complimentary entry-level sewing class. The considerable repertoire of classes includes embroidery, sewing, quilting and the basics. Participants bring their machines to learn essential sewing tasks, such as sewing a button on or taking up a hem. With her experience running a female-owned small business, Bradshaw says the best perk is her independence. After her business partner retired three years ago, she assumed sole partnership and oversaw more aspects of her business, as well as relied on herself more. The past year presented many problems for businesses globally, but 2020 also brought a new generation of people who love to sew. It all began with wanting to lend a hand with mask making, creating a brand-new sewing trend. While this may have died down, the movement transformed into a new hobby during the initial lockdown. From 12- to 65-years-old, new customers explored the world of sewing and quilting. Bradshaw shared she also supports other small embroidery businesses by selling top-of-the-line machines and supplies. While apparel sewing was replaced by fast fashion, creating bags, embroidering shirts and crafting items are taking off thanks to platforms like Pinterest and Etsy. As the industry progresses, so do its tools – rotary blades, rulers and heat-proof pins are more efficient than ever. “When you are making something for somebody, it is truly a gift of love,” Bradshaw said. Bradshaw predicts apparel is on the rise and quilting is more popular than ever! Lockdown brought a greater appreciation for creativity and people yearned for the slow process and mindfulness of sewing and quilting. Recently featured in the University of Georgia Alumni magazine, Bradshaw also received a spotlight in the Bulldog 100 in 2018 and 2019, all incredible honors! She credits grit, determination and her admirable staff and clientele for the increasing success of Rome's modern quilting shop. To visit The Stitchery online and shop the extensive catalog, visit www.TheStitcheryRome.com. Shop fabrics, machines and more on the brand-new app available for Apple and Android and interact on Facebook and Instagram for updates on classes, products and shop news. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The Stitchery and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc.

Co-founder and Owner of The Stitchery in Rome, Stephanie Bradshaw joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss shop services, products and running a small business during a pandemic. Bradshaw joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Carrying two brands of sewing machines, Janome and Baby Lock, The Stitchery has been a small business marvel near downtown Rome for nine years. Classes, events and one-on-one training only scratch the surface of what The Stitchery offers customers. The store supports anything and everything sewing-related. “It all comes together, but there's a lot of wheels in motion,” Bradshaw said. “We offer a lot!” Originally located on Broad Street in downtown Rome, its new location on Central Plaza is still near the hustle and bustle of Rome with more space for classes and an in-house machine repair shop. The purchase of a machine at The Stitchery comes with a complimentary entry-level sewing class. The considerable repertoire of classes includes embroidery, sewing, quilting and the basics. Participants bring their machines to learn essential sewing tasks, such as sewing a button on or taking up a hem. With her experience running a female-owned small business, Bradshaw says the best perk is her independence. After her business partner retired three years ago, she assumed sole partnership and oversaw more aspects of her business, as well as relied on herself more. The past year presented many problems for businesses globally, but 2020 also brought a new generation of people who love to sew. It all began with wanting to lend a hand with mask making, creating a brand-new sewing trend. While this may have died down, the movement transformed into a new hobby during the initial lockdown. From 12- to 65-years-old, new customers explored the world of sewing and quilting. Bradshaw shared she also supports other small embroidery businesses by selling top-of-the-line machines and supplies. While apparel sewing was replaced by fast fashion, creating bags, embroidering shirts and crafting items are taking off thanks to platforms like Pinterest and Etsy. As the industry progresses, so do its tools – rotary blades, rulers and heat-proof pins are more efficient than ever. “When you are making something for somebody, it is truly a gift of love,” Bradshaw said. Bradshaw predicts apparel is on the rise and quilting is more popular than ever! Lockdown brought a greater appreciation for creativity and people yearned for the slow process and mindfulness of sewing and quilting. Recently featured in the University of Georgia Alumni magazine, Bradshaw also received a spotlight in the Bulldog 100 in 2018 and 2019, all incredible honors! She credits grit, determination and her admirable staff and clientele for the increasing success of Rome's modern quilting shop. To visit The Stitchery online and shop the extensive catalog, visit www.TheStitcheryRome.com. Shop fabrics, machines and more on the brand-new app available for Apple and Android and interact on Facebook and Instagram for updates on classes, products and shop news. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. The Stitchery and New American Funding are not associated. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (October/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc.

Branch Manager with New American Funding Oscar Reto joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the lender's programs for self-employed borrowers, his experience in accounting and the current state of the housing market. Reto joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Originally from Peru, Reto has called Charlotte, North Carolina home for the past 21 years and will soon celebrate his fifth anniversary as a lender with New American Funding. A military background has taught him valuable life lessons that are essential within the mortgage industry including adaptability, consistency and trust. His successes in the industry include being named one of the top five Latino lenders by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP) and ranking at No. 13 in the Southeast. Reto credits the team around him and the willingness of New American Funding to partner with borrowers for his success.  “We are helping people achieve their dream,” Reto said. “It sounds simple but it's very meaningful for us.” Reto's degree in accounting and specialty in self-employment lending allows him to service and assist self-employed borrowers who traditionally face challenges from most lenders. The added combination of his experience with tax returns and New American Funding's programs allows him to help clients achieve their dreams of homeownership. Homebuying is an exciting but intimidating process. Reto believes that explaining the course of action to first-time buyers reduces stress and makes all the difference, turning the memory of purchasing a home into a fond and exciting one. His 20 years in the industry means Reto receives many calls from past first-time buyers sharing their positive experiences. In the last couple of years, low-interest rates have spoiled buyers, and as rates begin to reflect normal numbers, now is the perfect time to purchase a home, according to Reto. The housing market will not have the same conditions as it did during the global pandemic and waiting might delay homeownership goals. From Senior Vice President Kelly Allison to assistants and processors, every person at New American Funding is there to solve any potential obstacles when applying for a loan and purchasing a home “We have everyone's hands full, from top to bottom,” Reto said. “The attitude is, let's get this [done] and solve it together.” The lender's many resources, platforms, programs and staff add up to incredible success for borrowers. Reto shared that what drove him to work for New American Funding was the company's personalization. When discussing the lender's services with other Realtors, they are regularly astonished by the programs and services offered to clients. For more information about Oscar Reto, contact him at 704-839-1978, any day at any time! Visit the New American Funding website for more information on lending services and programs or to contact a loan officer. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (November/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information,

Branch Manager with New American Funding Oscar Reto joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the lender's programs for self-employed borrowers, his experience in accounting and the current state of the housing market. Reto joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Originally from Peru, Reto has called Charlotte, North Carolina home for the past 21 years and will soon celebrate his fifth anniversary as a lender with New American Funding. A military background has taught him valuable life lessons that are essential within the mortgage industry including adaptability, consistency and trust. His successes in the industry include being named one of the top five Latino lenders by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP) and ranking at No. 13 in the Southeast. Reto credits the team around him and the willingness of New American Funding to partner with borrowers for his success.  “We are helping people achieve their dream,” Reto said. “It sounds simple but it's very meaningful for us.” Reto's degree in accounting and specialty in self-employment lending allows him to service and assist self-employed borrowers who traditionally face challenges from most lenders. The added combination of his experience with tax returns and New American Funding's programs allows him to help clients achieve their dreams of homeownership. Homebuying is an exciting but intimidating process. Reto believes that explaining the course of action to first-time buyers reduces stress and makes all the difference, turning the memory of purchasing a home into a fond and exciting one. His 20 years in the industry means Reto receives many calls from past first-time buyers sharing their positive experiences. In the last couple of years, low-interest rates have spoiled buyers, and as rates begin to reflect normal numbers, now is the perfect time to purchase a home, according to Reto. The housing market will not have the same conditions as it did during the global pandemic and waiting might delay homeownership goals. From Senior Vice President Kelly Allison to assistants and processors, every person at New American Funding is there to solve any potential obstacles when applying for a loan and purchasing a home “We have everyone's hands full, from top to bottom,” Reto said. “The attitude is, let's get this [done] and solve it together.” The lender's many resources, platforms, programs and staff add up to incredible success for borrowers. Reto shared that what drove him to work for New American Funding was the company's personalization. When discussing the lender's services with other Realtors, they are regularly astonished by the programs and services offered to clients. For more information about Oscar Reto, contact him at 704-839-1978, any day at any time! Visit the New American Funding website for more information on lending services and programs or to contact a loan officer. Never miss an episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio! Subscribe to the podcast here. You can also get a recap of any past episode on the Radio page. Listen to the full interview above! Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. Click here to view the terms and conditions of products mentioned during the show. Corporate office 14511 Myford Rd., Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780. Phone: (800) 450-2010. (October/2021) New American Funding is a family-owned mortgage lender with a servicing portfolio of over 123,000 loans for $30.4 billion, 198 branches, and about 3,100 employees. The company offers several niche loan products and has made Inc. 5000's list of Fastest-Growing Companies in America six times. It has a state-of-the-art career training facility and develops innovative technology, including the GoGo LO mobile application. For more information, visit www.

Greystar Managing Director John Roberson joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Ascent Peachtree, downtown Atlanta's newest unique development. Roberson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A global multifamily rental housing firm, Greystar focuses on rental housing, from first-time apartments to active-adult communities and anywhere in between. The company controls its own assets and specializes in property management for existing owners. Roberson primarily focuses on the development and construction side of things and is specifically responsible for locking in opportunities from the ground up on vertical constructions in the metro Atlanta area. Ascent Peachtree is an unforeseen development within the Atlanta area and is also an idea rarely seen across the country. While most projects start by placing the foundation in the earth, Ascent Peachtree begins 100 feet in the air. The existing structure is a nine-and-a-half-story parking deck built in 2001 by Cousins Properties, owners of several million square feet of space across the city and formerly the Peachtree Center. Originally set to house an office building atop the parking deck, the 9/11 attacks stalled construction, causing the project to remain grounded. The structure sat as a parking deck for 20 years until Greystar purchased the property in 2018 to create a new residential complex out of thin air! In April 2019, the company “broke ground” on the unique project. “It is one of the most complicated projects I have ever worked on,” Roberson said. “Not only from a construction and design standpoint but from a financing standpoint too.” Greystar worked with two separate equity partners and two lenders including Invest Atlanta to provide 70 units of workforce housing to the main population as well as dwellings for every single cohort in metro Atlanta. According to Roberson, the biggest challenge was meshing and conforming the Greystar vision cohesively with the original design of the parking deck. Another obstacle was the lack of control over where to place the front door of the lobby, but luckily, the welcome area faces Peachtree Avenue, now cattycorner to the new hub at the Peachtree Center. Due to rapid changes in design and building regulations over the last 20 years, the Greystar team strategized to ensure visitors have a positive first impression of Ascent Peachtree. On the 12th level, the builder began with a clean slate, constructing units that each feature an unobstructed view of downtown Atlanta. The elevation offers residents a quiet space above the bustling metro area that rapidly transformed from a nine-to-five city to an 18- to 24-hour entertainment hub. There are 345 units including 70 reserved for workforce housing, two-story townhomes with private outdoor terraces and standard studios. Amenities include an elevated pool deck, a state-of-the-art technology package, a workout facility featuring yoga and spin rooms, an amenities deck and a dog park. The development also features a rooftop area 20 stories in the air with an uptown, evening concept. The space boasts a private wine room, soft ambient lighting and seating perfect for evening and resident events. Residents also have ease of travel with a MARTA station and the Peachtree Center just 100 steps from the lobby. Additionally, international travel hub Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is less than 15 minutes from the complex, and nearly any destination in the city is a quick drive away.  “We are truly in the heart of it all,” Roberson said. There was also a swath of open area between the exterior of the deck and the new development, allowing Greystar to include 360 degrees of green space for residents to enjoy. Private patios in townhome units, a dog park on the amenity deck 12 stories in the air and an elevated pool provide lush green space all around.

Greystar Managing Director John Roberson joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Ascent Peachtree, downtown Atlanta's newest unique development. Roberson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. A global multifamily rental housing firm, Greystar focuses on rental housing, from first-time apartments to active-adult communities and anywhere in between. The company controls its own assets and specializes in property management for existing owners. Roberson primarily focuses on the development and construction side of things and is specifically responsible for locking in opportunities from the ground up on vertical constructions in the metro Atlanta area. Ascent Peachtree is an unforeseen development within the Atlanta area and is also an idea rarely seen across the country. While most projects start by placing the foundation in the earth, Ascent Peachtree begins 100 feet in the air. The existing structure is a nine-and-a-half-story parking deck built in 2001 by Cousins Properties, owners of several million square feet of space across the city and formerly the Peachtree Center. Originally set to house an office building atop the parking deck, the 9/11 attacks stalled construction, causing the project to remain grounded. The structure sat as a parking deck for 20 years until Greystar purchased the property in 2018 to create a new residential complex out of thin air! In April 2019, the company “broke ground” on the unique project. “It is one of the most complicated projects I have ever worked on,” Roberson said. “Not only from a construction and design standpoint but from a financing standpoint too.” Greystar worked with two separate equity partners and two lenders including Invest Atlanta to provide 70 units of workforce housing to the main population as well as dwellings for every single cohort in metro Atlanta. According to Roberson, the biggest challenge was meshing and conforming the Greystar vision cohesively with the original design of the parking deck. Another obstacle was the lack of control over where to place the front door of the lobby, but luckily, the welcome area faces Peachtree Avenue, now cattycorner to the new hub at the Peachtree Center. Due to rapid changes in design and building regulations over the last 20 years, the Greystar team strategized to ensure visitors have a positive first impression of Ascent Peachtree. On the 12th level, the builder began with a clean slate, constructing units that each feature an unobstructed view of downtown Atlanta. The elevation offers residents a quiet space above the bustling metro area that rapidly transformed from a nine-to-five city to an 18- to 24-hour entertainment hub. There are 345 units including 70 reserved for workforce housing, two-story townhomes with private outdoor terraces and standard studios. Amenities include an elevated pool deck, a state-of-the-art technology package, a workout facility featuring yoga and spin rooms, an amenities deck and a dog park. The development also features a rooftop area 20 stories in the air with an uptown, evening concept. The space boasts a private wine room, soft ambient lighting and seating perfect for evening and resident events. Residents also have ease of travel with a MARTA station and the Peachtree Center just 100 steps from the lobby. Additionally, international travel hub Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is less than 15 minutes from the complex, and nearly any destination in the city is a quick drive away.  “We are truly in the heart of it all,” Roberson said. There was also a swath of open area between the exterior of the deck and the new development, allowing Greystar to include 360 degrees of green space for residents to enjoy. Private patios in townhome units, a dog park on the amenity deck 12 stories in the air and an elevated pool provide lush green space all around.

Jill Savitt, CEO for the National Center of Civil and Human Rights, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the center's exhibits and the importance of advocating for civil and human rights. Savitt joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Savitt, involved with the museum for the last 10 years, became the CEO of the center two years ago. Before there was a physical building to house the center, Savitt curated the human rights gallery, an exhibit on the top floor that showcases human rights around the globe. “It's such a delight to be able to come to Atlanta for this role. I love it. It's a fantastic city,” said Savitt. "Our museum is really a backbone because [Atlanta] is the birthplace of civil rights and the hometown of Dr. King. We bring all of that storytelling to life in our museum.” The center is both a museum and a civil rights institution that centers around three stories. The first is the story of the U.S. civil rights movement titled “Rolls Down Like Water,” highlighting the narratives of those that many know as well as unknown heroes. “Spark of Conviction,” the human rights gallery, links the civil rights movements of the fifties and sixties to the nonviolent human rights movements throughout the world in an immersive and dynamic experience. From large-scale world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall to Tiananmen Square, the exhibit introduces viewers to the world's human rights defenders taking up the cause of human dignity within their own societies. Through several dynamic installations, the experience defines human rights, its origins and how they are enforced. There are also exhibits that focus on the greatest champions of human rights as well as some of the biggest perpetrators of human rights abuse, many of whom got away with their crimes. The museum's third permanent exhibit centers around the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Named “Voice to the Voiceless,” the gallery is a sacred place to many and offers non-scholars a space to see the papers, handwriting and personal effects of Dr. King. The papers are rotated and showcased based on a particular theme and the current one, “Beloved Community,” allows visitors to see the famed leader's papers discussing the importance of community. Outside of the facility, the center hosts programs for schools K-12 to teach human rights history as well as a program for law enforcement that focuses on the history of human rights, law enforcement's role in history and its responsibility to keep democratic societies healthy. There is also a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Program offered to workforces looking to become more inclusive. There are also smaller programs that focus on LGBTQ+ rights and human trafficking. Savitt said, “Our overarching concern, our mantra, is to help people tap their own power to protect their rights and the world around them.” Equal Dignity at Work consists of seven different modules designed for workplaces to breach crucial topics, including workplace bias, industry trends, diversity and inclusion. The brave conversations allow participants to recognize prejudices and discuss them. The programs do not touch on recruitment, pipelining or nurturing talent but focus on connecting history to the present moment and breaking down barriers. In the United States, the current political atmosphere makes it hard for many to discuss opposing views without leading to a larger argument. These brave conversations promote grace and acknowledge that while people may say unintentionally hurtful things, educating participants on rephrasing questions to keep topics open and calm is beneficial for exposing others to opposing arguments and educating in a healthy and respectful manner. “Workplaces are some of the most integrated places we have and are the perfect places to practice pluralism. It's the place to talk to people who are different than you,

Jill Savitt, CEO for the National Center of Civil and Human Rights, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the center's exhibits and the importance of advocating for civil and human rights. Savitt joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Savitt, involved with the museum for the last 10 years, became the CEO of the center two years ago. Before there was a physical building to house the center, Savitt curated the human rights gallery, an exhibit on the top floor that showcases human rights around the globe. “It's such a delight to be able to come to Atlanta for this role. I love it. It's a fantastic city,” said Savitt. "Our museum is really a backbone because [Atlanta] is the birthplace of civil rights and the hometown of Dr. King. We bring all of that storytelling to life in our museum.” The center is both a museum and a civil rights institution that centers around three stories. The first is the story of the U.S. civil rights movement titled “Rolls Down Like Water,” highlighting the narratives of those that many know as well as unknown heroes. “Spark of Conviction,” the human rights gallery, links the civil rights movements of the fifties and sixties to the nonviolent human rights movements throughout the world in an immersive and dynamic experience. From large-scale world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall to Tiananmen Square, the exhibit introduces viewers to the world's human rights defenders taking up the cause of human dignity within their own societies. Through several dynamic installations, the experience defines human rights, its origins and how they are enforced. There are also exhibits that focus on the greatest champions of human rights as well as some of the biggest perpetrators of human rights abuse, many of whom got away with their crimes. The museum's third permanent exhibit centers around the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Named “Voice to the Voiceless,” the gallery is a sacred place to many and offers non-scholars a space to see the papers, handwriting and personal effects of Dr. King. The papers are rotated and showcased based on a particular theme and the current one, “Beloved Community,” allows visitors to see the famed leader's papers discussing the importance of community. Outside of the facility, the center hosts programs for schools K-12 to teach human rights history as well as a program for law enforcement that focuses on the history of human rights, law enforcement's role in history and its responsibility to keep democratic societies healthy. There is also a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Program offered to workforces looking to become more inclusive. There are also smaller programs that focus on LGBTQ+ rights and human trafficking. Savitt said, “Our overarching concern, our mantra, is to help people tap their own power to protect their rights and the world around them.” Equal Dignity at Work consists of seven different modules designed for workplaces to breach crucial topics, including workplace bias, industry trends, diversity and inclusion. The brave conversations allow participants to recognize prejudices and discuss them. The programs do not touch on recruitment, pipelining or nurturing talent but focus on connecting history to the present moment and breaking down barriers. In the United States, the current political atmosphere makes it hard for many to discuss opposing views without leading to a larger argument. These brave conversations promote grace and acknowledge that while people may say unintentionally hurtful things, educating participants on rephrasing questions to keep topics open and calm is beneficial for exposing others to opposing arguments and educating in a healthy and respectful manner. “Workplaces are some of the most integrated places we have and are the perfect places to practice pluralism. It's the place to talk to people who are different than you,

President of Beacon Management Services Lisa Simmons joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Atlanta-based management firm as well as her numerous hikes across the world to raise money for BlazeSports. Simmons joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Beacon Management Services, a 10-year-old real estate management firm based in Atlanta, manages property throughout the state in virtually every county. The company primarily focuses on homeowner's associations (HOAs), community and condominium associations, mixed-use developments and commercial projects. Currently, outreach from apartments and multi-family developments may soon lead to a new, exciting offering from the company by the end of the year. Atlanta is experiencing a boom in apartment development and Beacon Management Services is incredibly interested in the prospect. The market is great for developers and home builders, and with seasoned managers and services, Beacon Management Services has been able to capitalize on the market's current state. With financial astuteness and organic growth, the company has experienced double-digit growth since its founding in 2011 purely by word-of-mouth. “Our customers are our best form of advertising. They are the ones that give us referrals [and leads] and tell us who to contact,” said Simmons. When a community is in development, Beacon can step in at virtually any point, but it is more beneficial to begin the partnership during construction to review documents with the builder, attorney and team members to guide them towards the best practices and policies for that particular development. The community sales team is a critical component of the process and Beacon Management Services makes it a priority to introduce themselves to the sales team as soon as possible. The eyes and ears of a community, the sales team knows what is happening on the ground, which is very beneficial when Beacon cannot be there in person. Simmons shared, “That kind of intelligence gives us the background and information we need to better serve our clients and developers.” Formerly an onsite salesperson herself, Simmons understands the importance and necessity of the role. The sales team is there to sell homes and is not expected to understand every aspect of an HOA. There are many components to understand in an HOA and Beacon offers training to inform the sales team and attend sales meetings for additional clarity. The main focus is for Beacon to partner with them to sell more homes quickly to satisfy the builder and developer's goals. The relationship between Beacon Management Services and sales teams is an essential partnership. BlazeSports is a legacy organization born out of the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. It serves physically challenged children, youths and veterans by providing them ways to participate and compete in sports. Simmons discovered the exceptional organization three years ago when she was interested in doing a fundraiser in conjunction with her hike across the Grand Canyon. She gravitated towards the organization's mission and, in turn, formed another meaningful partnership. Due to the pandemic's complications, Simmons had to cancel a summit she initially intended to hike in Russia and find a fast replacement. After discovering the Inca Trail in Machu Pichu, she signed up immediately and secured the final spot. Tourism in Peru dwindled to virtually nothing during the pandemic and despite opening the country for tourism, Simmons encountered no one apart from her group while hiking the trail. “I was pleasantly surprised, and it surpassed every expectation,” said Simmons. “Machu Pichu is gorgeous. I can't say enough good things about it.” Depending on the trail's location and altitude, the weather can vary from tropical to freezing temperatures. Another incredible aspect of the hike is the culture and history learned along the way,

President of Beacon Management Services Lisa Simmons joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the Atlanta-based management firm as well as her numerous hikes across the world to raise money for BlazeSports. Simmons joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Beacon Management Services, a 10-year-old real estate management firm based in Atlanta, manages property throughout the state in virtually every county. The company primarily focuses on homeowner's associations (HOAs), community and condominium associations, mixed-use developments and commercial projects. Currently, outreach from apartments and multi-family developments may soon lead to a new, exciting offering from the company by the end of the year. Atlanta is experiencing a boom in apartment development and Beacon Management Services is incredibly interested in the prospect. The market is great for developers and home builders, and with seasoned managers and services, Beacon Management Services has been able to capitalize on the market's current state. With financial astuteness and organic growth, the company has experienced double-digit growth since its founding in 2011 purely by word-of-mouth. “Our customers are our best form of advertising. They are the ones that give us referrals [and leads] and tell us who to contact,” said Simmons. When a community is in development, Beacon can step in at virtually any point, but it is more beneficial to begin the partnership during construction to review documents with the builder, attorney and team members to guide them towards the best practices and policies for that particular development. The community sales team is a critical component of the process and Beacon Management Services makes it a priority to introduce themselves to the sales team as soon as possible. The eyes and ears of a community, the sales team knows what is happening on the ground, which is very beneficial when Beacon cannot be there in person. Simmons shared, “That kind of intelligence gives us the background and information we need to better serve our clients and developers.” Formerly an onsite salesperson herself, Simmons understands the importance and necessity of the role. The sales team is there to sell homes and is not expected to understand every aspect of an HOA. There are many components to understand in an HOA and Beacon offers training to inform the sales team and attend sales meetings for additional clarity. The main focus is for Beacon to partner with them to sell more homes quickly to satisfy the builder and developer's goals. The relationship between Beacon Management Services and sales teams is an essential partnership. BlazeSports is a legacy organization born out of the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. It serves physically challenged children, youths and veterans by providing them ways to participate and compete in sports. Simmons discovered the exceptional organization three years ago when she was interested in doing a fundraiser in conjunction with her hike across the Grand Canyon. She gravitated towards the organization's mission and, in turn, formed another meaningful partnership. Due to the pandemic's complications, Simmons had to cancel a summit she initially intended to hike in Russia and find a fast replacement. After discovering the Inca Trail in Machu Pichu, she signed up immediately and secured the final spot. Tourism in Peru dwindled to virtually nothing during the pandemic and despite opening the country for tourism, Simmons encountered no one apart from her group while hiking the trail. “I was pleasantly surprised, and it surpassed every expectation,” said Simmons. “Machu Pichu is gorgeous. I can't say enough good things about it.” Depending on the trail's location and altitude, the weather can vary from tropical to freezing temperatures. Another incredible aspect of the hike is the culture and history learned along the way,

Partner with Level Craft Construction, Virginia Van Lear joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss operating a female-run business, the pandemic's effects on the construction industry and building inside the perimeter. Van Lear joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Level Craft Construction is a premier custom home builder headed by Van Lear and her business partner, Debbie Hollonbeck, with over 20 years of experience building, designing and renovating homes and commercial spaces inside the perimeter area (ITP). The company works primarily in Brookhaven, Buckhead, Decatur, Midtown, Virginia Highland, Morningside, Kirkwood and Scottdale. “You can come to us with your project, and we will help you every step of the way,” said Van Lear. Level Craft partners with homeowners from building, planning, lot selection and funding while remaining close at hand through every step of the process. As well as residential work, the company works with investors to develop residential properties, expanding and improving the real estate industry in the metro area. When the pandemic began, Van Lear and her team expected all operations to come to a halt, but this has not been the case. Many people working from home have assessed their spaces and found them lacking. Whether there is a lack of beautification, a needed update or the desire for more capacity, many clients feel cramped in homes that were at one time adequate. Level Craft Construction has seen a dramatic increase in additions and outdoor living spaces in the past year and a half. Specializing in large-scale construction projects over $250,000, popular additions like screened-in porches tend to be a part of sizable projects that also includes a master suite and additional rooms. Some homeowners even go as far as starting from scratch. In Atlanta, a current issue is obtaining a building permit earlier than six months before starting a project, which presents problems for homeowners and the Level Craft team, because a lot can happen with pricing during that timeframe. Another issue is the interruption in the flow of products from sources outside of the United States. For example, if roof trusses are needed for a build, there is difficulty obtaining the necessary metal brackets. For HVAC systems, the motherboards to operate the machinery are sourced from China, causing sizable delays. Van Lear said, “What took us five or six months to build now takes us eight or nine months because we're just waiting for product.” It's common to see houses start construction and come to an abrupt halt because of disruptions to the supply chain. Level Craft Construction has been keeping communication open and regularly updating clients to ensure the interruptions don't prevent the homeowner's dream from becoming a reality. Since all of Level Craft's projects are larger-scale, 99% of renovations incorporate a kitchen upgrade for a larger and more functional space. Based in the South, it is common for Level Craft Construction clients to also desire screened-in back porches with room for a wet bar and a Big Green Egg. It is also common for homeowners to request a martini pool or larger family pools. Van Lear shared that the current main pillars of renovations are larger kitchens, outdoor living spaces and additional rooms to provide office space for working from home. Just some of the most common home styles that clients ask for include the commonplace southern farmhouse style, Craftsman bungalows, two-story bungalows and recently, modern prairie styles, a personal favorite of Van Lear. She also shared that the company enjoys the challenge of experimenting with different exteriors, such as stacked stone versus stone veneer. “It's fun for Level Craft to build outside of the box,” shared Van Lear. “It keeps our wheels turning a little bit and keeps us sharp. We always want to learn new things.”

Partner with Level Craft Construction, Virginia Van Lear joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss operating a female-run business, the pandemic's effects on the construction industry and building inside the perimeter. Van Lear joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Level Craft Construction is a premier custom home builder headed by Van Lear and her business partner, Debbie Hollonbeck, with over 20 years of experience building, designing and renovating homes and commercial spaces inside the perimeter area (ITP). The company works primarily in Brookhaven, Buckhead, Decatur, Midtown, Virginia Highland, Morningside, Kirkwood and Scottdale. “You can come to us with your project, and we will help you every step of the way,” said Van Lear. Level Craft partners with homeowners from building, planning, lot selection and funding while remaining close at hand through every step of the process. As well as residential work, the company works with investors to develop residential properties, expanding and improving the real estate industry in the metro area. When the pandemic began, Van Lear and her team expected all operations to come to a halt, but this has not been the case. Many people working from home have assessed their spaces and found them lacking. Whether there is a lack of beautification, a needed update or the desire for more capacity, many clients feel cramped in homes that were at one time adequate. Level Craft Construction has seen a dramatic increase in additions and outdoor living spaces in the past year and a half. Specializing in large-scale construction projects over $250,000, popular additions like screened-in porches tend to be a part of sizable projects that also includes a master suite and additional rooms. Some homeowners even go as far as starting from scratch. In Atlanta, a current issue is obtaining a building permit earlier than six months before starting a project, which presents problems for homeowners and the Level Craft team, because a lot can happen with pricing during that timeframe. Another issue is the interruption in the flow of products from sources outside of the United States. For example, if roof trusses are needed for a build, there is difficulty obtaining the necessary metal brackets. For HVAC systems, the motherboards to operate the machinery are sourced from China, causing sizable delays. Van Lear said, “What took us five or six months to build now takes us eight or nine months because we're just waiting for product.” It's common to see houses start construction and come to an abrupt halt because of disruptions to the supply chain. Level Craft Construction has been keeping communication open and regularly updating clients to ensure the interruptions don't prevent the homeowner's dream from becoming a reality. Since all of Level Craft's projects are larger-scale, 99% of renovations incorporate a kitchen upgrade for a larger and more functional space. Based in the South, it is common for Level Craft Construction clients to also desire screened-in back porches with room for a wet bar and a Big Green Egg. It is also common for homeowners to request a martini pool or larger family pools. Van Lear shared that the current main pillars of renovations are larger kitchens, outdoor living spaces and additional rooms to provide office space for working from home. Just some of the most common home styles that clients ask for include the commonplace southern farmhouse style, Craftsman bungalows, two-story bungalows and recently, modern prairie styles, a personal favorite of Van Lear. She also shared that the company enjoys the challenge of experimenting with different exteriors, such as stacked stone versus stone veneer. “It's fun for Level Craft to build outside of the box,” shared Van Lear. “It keeps our wheels turning a little bit and keeps us sharp. We always want to learn new things.”

Rene Iverson, president of Little Creek Farm Conservancy, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the journey of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Iverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Married for 28 years with three college-aged kids, four cats and one dog, Iverson knows a thing or two about busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists. An Atlanta local long enough to be considered a native, she became aware of Little Creek Farm Conservancy in 2007 when her kids began taking riding lessons. Eventually, she took lessons as well and began volunteering. The rest is history! “I love all animals but being around horses is definitely a grounding experience,” said Iverson. Little Creek Farm Conservancy began informally around 2003 by horse owners at the then-private boarding facility. The group approached Dekalb County with the opportunity to purchase the farm giving the county a unique green space and a private boarding facility in the metro area. The county accepted the offer, transitioning the private facility to a county-owned 501(c)(3) organization. The conservancy is a volunteer-run facility that directs all donations and income to park improvement with the help of five board members and countless helpers. The organization's mission is threefold – fundraising, helping with capital improvements and providing programming for public interaction. Iverson shared that the current challenge is to create and fill Program Director and Executive Director positions and take these tasks off the current board's responsibilities. “Our volunteers are tireless, our horses are loved and we are grateful for the opportunity to do what we can,” said Iverson. The organization has a formal letter of understanding with the county for permission to fundraise and direct funds to the park, oversee a volunteer program and outreach to introduce kids, seniors and school groups to horses. The unique partnership allows the county and conservancy to work together to create initiatives and lesson programs along with stakeholders. Dekalb County owns the facility, land and provides the operational staff. Little Creek Farm Conservancy also has a great relationship with Park Pride, a nonprofit greenspace advocate group in Dekalb County. With benefits such as borrowing tools from the tool bank or organizing a volunteer workday with the help of the park group, the conservancy continues to learn and grow by achieving successes with grants courtesy of the Home Depot Foundation. The Small Change grant supplied the necessary funds to build a park pavilion, a capital improvement that provides accessible walkways for visitors to view the jump arena. Iverson said, “Park Pride is definitely a partner with us, and we have benefitted greatly.” Little Creek Farm Conservancy is currently executing a 2021 Community Building grant to update signage, security features and a build much-needed welcome center for its up-and-coming docent program for visitors and private tours. The conservancy is launching regular programming and moving out of pandemic operations. As an active barn, the green space is not a safe place to wander without the supervision of a guide, and the upcoming docent program will provide fun and collaborative tours for visitors to explore the space. Visiting hours will be posted on the organization's website. Soon, Little Creek Farm Conservancy will release the dates for the fall Hands on Horses event for guests to watch riding demonstrations while learning details about equine behavior, fun facts and more. Horse Fest is a highly anticipated fundraising and community outreach that features riding demonstrations, vendors and kid's activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo. The previous 2019 Horse Fest was the most successful festival yet, but due to pandemic effects in 2020, Little Creek Farm Conservancy hosted an online ...

Rene Iverson, president of Little Creek Farm Conservancy, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the journey of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Iverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Married for 28 years with three college-aged kids, four cats and one dog, Iverson knows a thing or two about busy schedules and never-ending to-do lists. An Atlanta local long enough to be considered a native, she became aware of Little Creek Farm Conservancy in 2007 when her kids began taking riding lessons. Eventually, she took lessons as well and began volunteering. The rest is history! “I love all animals but being around horses is definitely a grounding experience,” said Iverson. Little Creek Farm Conservancy began informally around 2003 by horse owners at the then-private boarding facility. The group approached Dekalb County with the opportunity to purchase the farm giving the county a unique green space and a private boarding facility in the metro area. The county accepted the offer, transitioning the private facility to a county-owned 501(c)(3) organization. The conservancy is a volunteer-run facility that directs all donations and income to park improvement with the help of five board members and countless helpers. The organization's mission is threefold – fundraising, helping with capital improvements and providing programming for public interaction. Iverson shared that the current challenge is to create and fill Program Director and Executive Director positions and take these tasks off the current board's responsibilities. “Our volunteers are tireless, our horses are loved and we are grateful for the opportunity to do what we can,” said Iverson. The organization has a formal letter of understanding with the county for permission to fundraise and direct funds to the park, oversee a volunteer program and outreach to introduce kids, seniors and school groups to horses. The unique partnership allows the county and conservancy to work together to create initiatives and lesson programs along with stakeholders. Dekalb County owns the facility, land and provides the operational staff. Little Creek Farm Conservancy also has a great relationship with Park Pride, a nonprofit greenspace advocate group in Dekalb County. With benefits such as borrowing tools from the tool bank or organizing a volunteer workday with the help of the park group, the conservancy continues to learn and grow by achieving successes with grants courtesy of the Home Depot Foundation. The Small Change grant supplied the necessary funds to build a park pavilion, a capital improvement that provides accessible walkways for visitors to view the jump arena. Iverson said, “Park Pride is definitely a partner with us, and we have benefitted greatly.” Little Creek Farm Conservancy is currently executing a 2021 Community Building grant to update signage, security features and a build much-needed welcome center for its up-and-coming docent program for visitors and private tours. The conservancy is launching regular programming and moving out of pandemic operations. As an active barn, the green space is not a safe place to wander without the supervision of a guide, and the upcoming docent program will provide fun and collaborative tours for visitors to explore the space. Visiting hours will be posted on the organization's website. Soon, Little Creek Farm Conservancy will release the dates for the fall Hands on Horses event for guests to watch riding demonstrations while learning details about equine behavior, fun facts and more. Horse Fest is a highly anticipated fundraising and community outreach that features riding demonstrations, vendors and kid's activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo. The previous 2019 Horse Fest was the most successful festival yet, but due to pandemic effects in 2020, Little Creek Farm Conservancy hosted an online ...

Jim Jacobi, President of Parkland Communities Inc. and Parkland Residential, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss new build-to-rent properties and the goal to satisfy the industry's “missing middle.” Jacobi joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment and hints at exciting 2022 projects. Jacobi runs a number of companies in the new home space including Parkland Communities, a multi-faceted real estate development firm:  Parkland Communities, a build to rent company and Alliance Engineering + Planning that focuses on engineering and surveying. Jacobi is a titan within the Atlanta real estate industry and with his recent expansion into build to rent has become an industry pioneer. This year has already been a bountiful year for both Jacobi and Parkland Communities Inc. with the incredible success of Sweetwater Springs and 1,900 lots currently in the works including almost 1,000 lots in active process and 917 attached to future communities. “We are really looking forward to 2022. It's going to be a really good year for us,” said Jacobi. A current exciting endeavor for the company is the move towards build-to-rent properties that is essential for consumers searching for affordable accommodation in the ongoing housing inferno. Otherwise known as the “missing middle,” the lack of affordable housing on the market has proved to be an increasing issue as home inventories continue to decrease. Parkland Residential focuses on satisfying the “missing middle” market and Jacobi's first build-to-rent venture was Sweetwater Springs in Lawrenceville. The unique stacked townhouse product featured at Sweetwater Springs allows the company to build affordable units while increasing the number of entry-level products available on the market. The product features a one-car garage, hard-surfaced cabinets, stone countertops, LED lighting and LVP flooring in all the main rooms. The company mainly focused on providing luxury upgrades in contrast to the current trend of using builder-grade finishes. Another trend in build-to-rent properties is to decrease the square footage of the product to increase the number of units.  Jacobi states, “We've gone larger. We have a three-bedroom townhouse that is 1,958 square feet and a two-bedroom townhouse that is 1,630 square feet,” said Jacobi. “I wanted to really give good livability in these units.” The Lawrenceville development proved very successful after all 58 units were fully preleased within 90 days of completing construction on the first building. The unexpected response raised the rent by 10% and set the precedent for Parkland Residential and future build-to-rent properties. By December or January, Jacobi shares that the goal is to complete construction, move residents in and stabilize the rent for the community. Build-to-rent was an unpopular approach to real estate in 2018 when the idea of Sweetwater Springs first came about. Three years later, build-to-rent has gained rapid popularity as the pandemic continues to have drastic effects on the real estate market. Moving forward, Parkland Residential's goal is to launch build-to-rent products in a much more substantial manner to match market demand. “The response really proves the surplus of demand that exists for missing middle housing. Before we opened, we had a waiting list of 50 people. Today, we are fully leased and have a waiting list of over 200 people,” shared Jacobi. “We're very encouraged that our product and our pricing to market is spot on.” The current industry trend is seeing is buyers and renters trading in urban environments for suburbia. Jacobi shared that after the initial pandemic lockdown, Sweetwater Springs gained three residents from New York City through virtual tours and leasing. The trend already existed, but the pandemic acted as a force magnifier and caused the trend to escalate, leading to the current strong housing demand.

Jim Jacobi, President of Parkland Communities Inc. and Parkland Residential, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss new build-to-rent properties and the goal to satisfy the industry's “missing middle.” Jacobi joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment and hints at exciting 2022 projects. Jacobi runs a number of companies in the new home space including Parkland Communities, a multi-faceted real estate development firm:  Parkland Communities, a build to rent company and Alliance Engineering + Planning that focuses on engineering and surveying. Jacobi is a titan within the Atlanta real estate industry and with his recent expansion into build to rent has become an industry pioneer. This year has already been a bountiful year for both Jacobi and Parkland Communities Inc. with the incredible success of Sweetwater Springs and 1,900 lots currently in the works including almost 1,000 lots in active process and 917 attached to future communities. “We are really looking forward to 2022. It's going to be a really good year for us,” said Jacobi. A current exciting endeavor for the company is the move towards build-to-rent properties that is essential for consumers searching for affordable accommodation in the ongoing housing inferno. Otherwise known as the “missing middle,” the lack of affordable housing on the market has proved to be an increasing issue as home inventories continue to decrease. Parkland Residential focuses on satisfying the “missing middle” market and Jacobi's first build-to-rent venture was Sweetwater Springs in Lawrenceville. The unique stacked townhouse product featured at Sweetwater Springs allows the company to build affordable units while increasing the number of entry-level products available on the market. The product features a one-car garage, hard-surfaced cabinets, stone countertops, LED lighting and LVP flooring in all the main rooms. The company mainly focused on providing luxury upgrades in contrast to the current trend of using builder-grade finishes. Another trend in build-to-rent properties is to decrease the square footage of the product to increase the number of units.  Jacobi states, “We've gone larger. We have a three-bedroom townhouse that is 1,958 square feet and a two-bedroom townhouse that is 1,630 square feet,” said Jacobi. “I wanted to really give good livability in these units.” The Lawrenceville development proved very successful after all 58 units were fully preleased within 90 days of completing construction on the first building. The unexpected response raised the rent by 10% and set the precedent for Parkland Residential and future build-to-rent properties. By December or January, Jacobi shares that the goal is to complete construction, move residents in and stabilize the rent for the community. Build-to-rent was an unpopular approach to real estate in 2018 when the idea of Sweetwater Springs first came about. Three years later, build-to-rent has gained rapid popularity as the pandemic continues to have drastic effects on the real estate market. Moving forward, Parkland Residential's goal is to launch build-to-rent products in a much more substantial manner to match market demand. “The response really proves the surplus of demand that exists for missing middle housing. Before we opened, we had a waiting list of 50 people. Today, we are fully leased and have a waiting list of over 200 people,” shared Jacobi. “We're very encouraged that our product and our pricing to market is spot on.” The current industry trend is seeing is buyers and renters trading in urban environments for suburbia. Jacobi shared that after the initial pandemic lockdown, Sweetwater Springs gained three residents from New York City through virtual tours and leasing. The trend already existed, but the pandemic acted as a force magnifier and caused the trend to escalate, leading to the current strong housing demand.

Eric Glick, regional sales manager with New American Funding, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show to discuss the new FICO score program, updated FHA regulations and millennial homebuyers. Glick joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. New American Funding is a home loan and mortgage assistance company founded in 2002 that offers a variety of products and services to meet the needs of all clients, serve the community and partner with homebuyers to achieve homeownership. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) recently updated its guidelines regarding student loans, reducing monthly payments by 50 percent. For example, if a potential homebuyer pays a 1% monthly payment on a $100,000 loan, the $1,000 payment is reduced to $500 per month. This change is an enormous benefit to millennial homebuyers because, depending on student loan statuses, by increasing opportunities for homeownership and housing opportunities, the needs of a homebuyer and their families are more easily met, increasing the homeownership rate amongst millennials. A FICO credit score is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a home or applying for a loan. This credit score is a daily aspect of life and determines if a consumer can invest in a car or apply for a credit card. Whether or not a home buyer receives a higher or lower interest rate also depends on the health of their FICO score. Different algorithms determine whether a FICO score is healthy or not. If a buyer purchases a television on credit, a simple algorithm determines whether the buyer is a good investment. In these situations, the score tends to be higher. If a buyer purchased a higher-ticket item such as a home, the algorithm is more strenuous, and scores tend to be lower. Many believe that there is one universal score, but it the score actually varies depending on what someone attempts to purchase. New American Funding's new ‘no FICO score' credit program works with potential homebuyers with zero credit. The program came out of the old-school belief that all debt is bad debt which has led to a lack of credit amongst recent generations. Preaching the downfalls of bad credit and debt leads to zero credit-building opportunities and having credit is typically necessary for a home purchase. “If [they] have no credit score, we will open some opportunities for them to get approved for a home loan where in the past, that may have not been an opportunity,” said Glick. “Now we can help people with no credit score.” A good versus bad FICO score depends on the loan program and what a buyer intends to purchase. A universally approved FICO score is in the upper 700s, but New American Funding has helped clients with scores as low as 600 to become homeowners. The new no FICO score program opens opportunities for folks with zero credit to one day become a homeowner. “Unfortunately, in some situations, not having credit can actually be a hindrance on you and your family,” revealed Glick. “If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to your New American Funding loan officer and they can give you some tips about how to improve your situation.” New American funding is a fantastic resource for potential buyers to educate themselves on credit and partner with them on the road to loan approval. The company's customizable approach ensures every type of homebuyer will find a way to achieve their dream. Glick shared that when he successfully partners with homebuyers to realize their dreams of homeownership, he considers it a significant success. To him, a happy homeowner who previously believed homeownership was impossible is a gratifying accomplishment to witness. To connect with Eric Glick, you can reach him at eric.glick@nafinc.com, by phone at 912-308-5931, or through his website www.theglickteam.com. To learn more about New American Funding's programs, loans and mortgage assistance, visit their website.

Eric Glick, regional sales manager with New American Funding, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show to discuss the new FICO score program, updated FHA regulations and millennial homebuyers. Glick joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. New American Funding is a home loan and mortgage assistance company founded in 2002 that offers a variety of products and services to meet the needs of all clients, serve the community and partner with homebuyers to achieve homeownership, The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) recently updated its guidelines regarding student loans, reducing monthly payments by 50 percent. For example, if a potential homebuyer pays a 1% monthly payment on a $100,000 loan, the $1,000 payment is reduced to $500 per month. This change is an enormous benefit to millennial homebuyers because, depending on student loan statuses, by increasing opportunities for homeownership and housing opportunities, the needs of a homebuyer and their families are more easily met, increasing the homeownership rate amongst millennials. A FICO credit score is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a home or applying for a loan. This credit score is a daily aspect of life and determines if a consumer can invest in a car or apply for a credit card. Whether or not a home buyer receives a higher or lower interest rate also depends on the health of their FICO score. Different algorithms determine whether a FICO score is healthy or not. If a buyer purchases a television on credit, a simple algorithm determines whether the buyer is a good investment. In these situations, the score tends to be higher. If a buyer purchased a higher-ticket item such as a home, the algorithm is more strenuous, and scores tend to be lower. Many believe that there is one universal score, but it the score actually varies depending on what someone attempts to purchase. New American Funding's new ‘no FICO score' credit program works with potential homebuyers with zero credit. The program came out of the old-school belief that all debt is bad debt which has led to a lack of credit amongst recent generations. Preaching the downfalls of bad credit and debt leads to zero credit-building opportunities and having credit is typically necessary for a home purchase. “If [they] have no credit score, we will open some opportunities for them to get approved for a home loan where in the past, that may have not been an opportunity,” said Glick. “Now we can help people with no credit score.” A good versus bad FICO score depends on the loan program and what a buyer intends to purchase. A universally approved FICO score is in the upper 700s, but New American Funding has helped clients with scores as low as 600 to become homeowners. The new no FICO score program opens opportunities for folks with zero credit to one day become a homeowner. “Unfortunately, in some situations, not having credit can actually be a hindrance on you and your family,” revealed Glick. “If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to your New American Funding loan officer and they can give you some tips about how to improve your situation.” New American funding is a fantastic resource for potential buyers to educate themselves on credit and partner with them on the road to loan approval. The company's customizable approach ensures every type of homebuyer will find a way to achieve their dream. Glick shared that when he successfully partners with homebuyers to realize their dreams of homeownership, he considers it a significant success. To him, a happy homeowner who previously believed homeownership was impossible is a gratifying accomplishment to witness. To connect with Eric Glick, you can reach him at eric.glick@nafinc.com, by phone at 912-308-5931, or through his website www.theglickteam.com. To learn more about New American Funding's programs, loans and mortgage assistance, visit their website.

Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge, Andy Litvak, partner and Abe Kannof, associate with Nelson Mullins, join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 1300 development. They discuss the importance of affordable housing in metro Atlanta with hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Founded 24 years ago, City of Refuge has serviced the west side of Atlanta for the past 19 years. The organization provides wrap-around services for those who find themselves in difficult situations. A one-stop-shop, services include housing, medical, dental, mental health, vision, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, homeownership and job placement. With workforce training and an innovation hub, the organization provides a rich roster of classes focusing on auto technician training, culinary arts, personal fitness training, hospitality, customer service, security personnel and recently, the cybersecurity and coding academy. The goal is to equip the 500 annual participants in the vocational training programs to find employment in metro Atlanta and secure a livable wage, which is currently at $19 per hour. With nonprofit partners across the city, including high schools, vo-tech schools, churches and police departments, they are able to teach soft skills and critical life skills. Currently, the organization receives referrals from organizations across metro Atlanta, exceeding their capacity. Recently, 300 applicants applied for the 45 spots available in the cybersecurity academy. City of Refuge refocused the process to allow for quicker organization of upcoming classes to assist in the large number of applications. “Everybody that comes to us comes from someplace of brokenness in life,” shared Deel. “Helping them figure out not just how to get a job but how to keep that job and how to move forward in a successful manner.” A crucial aspect of securing employment is finding safe and affordable housing. With a partner like Nelson Mullins providing pro bono legal services, City of Refuge can identify apartments and hotels and transform them into affordable and safe spaces. Affordable housing near the City of Refuge campus provides convenience for program participants to settle while having easy access to organization services. Nelson Mullins is a full-service law firm that provides a full suite of legal services to various businesses and clients. There are 25 offices open on the eastern seaboard, but the company considers the southeastern United States home. Litvak and Kannof work within the commercial real estate practice along with 45 to 50 attorneys, focusing exclusively on commercial real estate transactions. The firm has been working with City of Refuge for the past five years. The 1300 Project is a culmination of efforts and recognition of the acute need for affordable housing in Atlanta, becoming the first foundational housing project on Atlanta's Westside. The project came out of years of discussion and strategic brainstorming to expand the City of Refuge campus, creating a ripple effect to demonstrate the affordable real estate potential on the Westside. Litvak shared that the multigenerational project of City of Refuge is a consistent effort Nelson Mullins hopes to carry on. “We really view ourselves as a spoke on [the] wheel. We have particular resources and particular areas of expertise on the legal side and the real estate side,” said Litvak. "That's where you're really going to start to see inertia and momentum when it comes to moving things forward as it relates to affordable housing on the Westside.” The challenging situation on Atlanta's Westside makes developing new real estate is not an easy feat to accomplish. There is an elevation in real estate prices, and investments occurring within the neighborhood are more concerned with a return on investment versus focusing on the struggling residents.

Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge, Andy Litvak, partner and Abe Kannof, associate with Nelson Mullins, join the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the 1300 development. They discuss the importance of affordable housing in metro Atlanta with hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. Founded 24 years ago, City of Refuge has serviced the west side of Atlanta for the past 19 years. The organization provides wrap-around services for those who find themselves in difficult situations. A one-stop-shop, services include housing, medical, dental, mental health, vision, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, homeownership and job placement. With workforce training and an innovation hub, the organization provides a rich roster of classes focusing on auto technician training, culinary arts, personal fitness training, hospitality, customer service, security personnel and recently, the cybersecurity and coding academy. The goal is to equip the 500 annual participants in the vocational training programs to find employment in metro Atlanta and secure a livable wage, which is currently at $19 per hour. With nonprofit partners across the city, including high schools, vo-tech schools, churches and police departments, they are able to teach soft skills and critical life skills. Currently, the organization receives referrals from organizations across metro Atlanta, exceeding their capacity. Recently, 300 applicants applied for the 45 spots available in the cybersecurity academy. City of Refuge refocused the process to allow for quicker organization of upcoming classes to assist in the large number of applications. “Everybody that comes to us comes from someplace of brokenness in life,” shared Deel. “Helping them figure out not just how to get a job but how to keep that job and how to move forward in a successful manner.” A crucial aspect of securing employment is finding safe and affordable housing. With a partner like Nelson Mullins providing pro bono legal services, City of Refuge can identify apartments and hotels and transform them into affordable and safe spaces. Affordable housing near the City of Refuge campus provides convenience for program participants to settle while having easy access to organization services. Nelson Mullins is a full-service law firm that provides a full suite of legal services to various businesses and clients. There are 25 offices open on the eastern seaboard, but the company considers the southeastern United States home. Litvak and Kannof work within the commercial real estate practice along with 45 to 50 attorneys, focusing exclusively on commercial real estate transactions. The firm has been working with City of Refuge for the past five years. The 1300 Project is a culmination of efforts and recognition of the acute need for affordable housing in Atlanta, becoming the first foundational housing project on Atlanta's Westside. The project came out of years of discussion and strategic brainstorming to expand the City of Refuge campus, creating a ripple effect to demonstrate the affordable real estate potential on the Westside. Litvak shared that the multigenerational project of City of Refuge is a consistent effort Nelson Mullins hopes to carry on. “We really view ourselves as a spoke on [the] wheel. We have particular resources and particular areas of expertise on the legal side and the real estate side,” said Litvak. "That's where you're really going to start to see inertia and momentum when it comes to moving things forward as it relates to affordable housing on the Westside.” The challenging situation on Atlanta's Westside makes developing new real estate is not an easy feat to accomplish. There is an elevation in real estate prices, and investments occurring within the neighborhood are more concerned with a return on investment versus focusing on the struggling residents.

Rob Halverson, CEO of Portman Architects, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss adaptive reuse as well as changing and restoring the architectural face of Atlanta. Halverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Halverson, originally from New York, relocated to Atlanta after working for the largely influential architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He has been a resident of Atlanta for the past 15 years with wife and daughter. Originally a designer with Portman Architects, Halverson recently celebrated two years as CEO of the company. Portman Architects designs spaces to positively impact and affect the creativity, productivity and well-being of the occupants. Based in Atlanta with an additional office in Shanghai, Portman Architects services several markets across the country. By prioritizing clients of the firm and developer partners, Portman Architects sets itself apart from other firms in the metro Atlanta area. The company prides itself on working collectively to meet client needs and improve the architectural integrity of projects. “It's not necessarily one voice. It's everyone working together to find the right balance and right solutions for our clients,” said Halverson. In 1965, before it was Hotel Indigo, the building that houses the renowned hotel was an office space designed by Mr. Portman. An incredible deal in terms of design and adaptive reuse, Portman purchased space at 50% occupancy, moved all office occupants up and converted the lower half into a hotel. The development was Mr. Portman's final project. Adaptive reuse is a process very similar to new construction in terms of design and methodology. The potential of the space, as well as ideas, are regularly discovered. By updating a structure and changing the use, code changes and occupancy are essential elements to understand. Understanding what can transform and what must remain stationary is critical. With an existing structure, reviewing the framework and its history is vital before making changes. When Portman Architects renews an older building, the goal is to make the process seamless and for the construction to appear naturally incorporated into the landscape versus as an added element. Portman Architects believes the process and finished product should be clean, seamless and exceptional. With cities and buildings constantly changing, the contexts of spaces change just as rapidly. Halverson shared that it is exciting to see the faces of young professionals experiencing the process of adaptive reuse on a construction site. He also revealed that he particularly enjoys mentorship and seeing young professionals learn and grow. Another important aspect of adaptive reuse is to reinvent space rather than waste it. The process empowers architects to make great strides to keep a development's integrity and historical significance, elevating the property and its return to the community. Portman Architects believes in giving properties the extra piece it needs to be a building with a story versus just a beautiful construction. Portman Architects is currently working on South Tower, a Banyan Street property located within the Peachtree Center, originally designed by Mr. Portman. The project is a partnership between Portman Architects and the Peachtree Center to transform the architectural face of downtown Atlanta. Much like how New York repurposed its downtown to include more residential properties, downtown Atlanta is in the process of transitioning into a 24-hour active district. This change will elevate all other businesses within the neighborhood. Halverson predicts it will lead a considerable revitalization in downtown Atlanta. An immense shift also occurring is Atlanta office spaces as they incorporate more outdoor areas. A hybrid model of reducing the number of days in the office while keeping the square footage is growing in popularity after the past year ...

Rob Halverson, CEO of Portman Architects, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss adaptive reuse as well as changing and restoring the architectural face of Atlanta. Halverson joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the All About Real Estate segment. Halverson, originally from New York, relocated to Atlanta after working for the largely influential architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He has been a resident of Atlanta for the past 15 years with wife and daughter. Originally a designer with Portman Architects, Halverson recently celebrated two years as CEO of the company. Portman Architects designs spaces to positively impact and affect the creativity, productivity and well-being of the occupants. Based in Atlanta with an additional office in Shanghai, Portman Architects services several markets across the country. By prioritizing clients of the firm and developer partners, Portman Architects sets itself apart from other firms in the metro Atlanta area. The company prides itself on working collectively to meet client needs and improve the architectural integrity of projects. “It's not necessarily one voice. It's everyone working together to find the right balance and right solutions for our clients,” said Halverson. In 1965, before it was Hotel Indigo, the building that houses the renowned hotel was an office space designed by Mr. Portman. An incredible deal in terms of design and adaptive reuse, Portman purchased space at 50% occupancy, moved all office occupants up and converted the lower half into a hotel. The development was Mr. Portman's final project. Adaptive reuse is a process very similar to new construction in terms of design and methodology. The potential of the space, as well as ideas, are regularly discovered. By updating a structure and changing the use, code changes and occupancy are essential elements to understand. Understanding what can transform and what must remain stationary is critical. With an existing structure, reviewing the framework and its history is vital before making changes. When Portman Architects renews an older building, the goal is to make the process seamless and for the construction to appear naturally incorporated into the landscape versus as an added element. Portman Architects believes the process and finished product should be clean, seamless and exceptional. With cities and buildings constantly changing, the contexts of spaces change just as rapidly. Halverson shared that it is exciting to see the faces of young professionals experiencing the process of adaptive reuse on a construction site. He also revealed that he particularly enjoys mentorship and seeing young professionals learn and grow. Another important aspect of adaptive reuse is to reinvent space rather than waste it. The process empowers architects to make great strides to keep a development's integrity and historical significance, elevating the property and its return to the community. Portman Architects believes in giving properties the extra piece it needs to be a building with a story versus just a beautiful construction. Portman Architects is currently working on South Tower, a Banyan Street property located within the Peachtree Center, originally designed by Mr. Portman. The project is a partnership between Portman Architects and the Peachtree Center to transform the architectural face of downtown Atlanta. Much like how New York repurposed its downtown to include more residential properties, downtown Atlanta is in the process of transitioning into a 24-hour active district. This change will elevate all other businesses within the neighborhood. Halverson predicts it will lead a considerable revitalization in downtown Atlanta. An immense shift also occurring is Atlanta office spaces as they incorporate more outdoor areas. A hybrid model of reducing the number of days in the office while keeping the square footage is growing in popularity after the past year ...

Karen Kelly, director of exhibits and education at the Children's Museum of Atlanta, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss educating children on the power of play and upcoming exciting displays. Kelly joins hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick for the Around Atlanta segment. The mission of the Children's Museum of Atlanta is to inspire and educate children on the power of play -- something Kelly feels is very important for today's generations of children. Focusing on children from zero to third grade, the museum offers children the freedom and initiative to learn and play in tandem with parents and adult caregivers. Exhibits throughout the museum allow children to participate in hands-on activities and stimulate their brains while learning new skills in a fun and interactive environment. For example, “Step Up to Science,” a program courtesy of The Cognizant Foundation teaches children cause and effect. The current exhibit, “Force in Motion,” focuses on how things happen, what pushes them and how to act on them. Exciting interactions include a racetrack for kids to build and test racecars and a display to design rockets for the wind tunnel. “This is all about open-ended experimentation,” said Kelly. “There is no one result or one path so kids can try and see if they can make it better, see what went wrong and see what happens again.” One of Kelly's favorite exhibits is the augmented reality flow wall that demonstrates air and fluid dynamics. Kids use magnets to build a dam and see the result of obstructions in the water. Open-ended play is an integrated mix of technology and hands-on, creating the best way to teach children. All museum activities incorporate hands-on elements so kids can learn with both their eyes and hands. The diner exhibit is perfect for all children as each age group has a specialized experience. A two-year-old that is learning role play will take the food order of a guardian. A third grader however will focus on using math to determine the order total for a different experience tailored to their education. The museum works in tandem with Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards to design exhibits such as this one. The museum can inform visiting teachers how the interaction meets their curriculum standards while also keeping it fun. The fantastic permanent collection is “Fundamentally Food.” Featuring farm-to-table interactive play, this popular section teaches children the various stages of food production, from milking a cow to shopping in a grocery store. The important exhibit teaches children the path of food production and helps them develop a healthy relationship with nourishment. “Leaping into Learning” features a backyard pond setting for kids to “fish” and focus on early science learning. A featured climber allows them to learn the importance of a safe-danger space; the idea of a space far enough from watching eyes to experience independence but close enough for guardians to keep a watchful eye. The “Gateway to the World” features two-story climbers that teach safe-danger space and the difference between left and right while climbing. A staging area hosts storytimes and science experiments every hour on the hour, constantly debuting new shows. The arts section boasts sand tables and painting on the wall. A giant ball machine features six simple machines for every complicated one with different access points to play and receive different outcomes. The museum takes measures to ensure children are always safe and requires visitors two and up to wear facial coverings. Each day has two visiting periods with a cleaning period in-between to sanitize exhibits. Opening September 18, the Rube Goldberg exhibit is on loan from the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh until January. Goldberg is a cartoon artist renowned for drawing crazy machines. In his lifetime, he produced over 50,000 cartoons. Kids can experience real-life creations of his drawings and c...

In this week's #NewBusinessMindset, professional writer and creative thinker Tommy Housworth talks to co-host Todd Schnick and me about the importance of telling your story as a tool that humanizes, creates connections and allows an opening. Going further, he helps us see that our whole lives are improvised – a story!       Lessons… Read More » The post Tommy Housworth: Improvising Your Life and Telling Your Story appeared first on Gareth J Young.

Lessons Learned on the Radio Reading this via email? Click here to LISTEN NOW! After a little over six months running A New Business Mindset as an Internet radio show, I thought it was time to take a break from the regular interview schedule and reflect with my co-host, Todd Schnick, on lessons learned. We… Read More » The post Lessons Learned on the Radio appeared first on Gareth J Young.