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This week’s edition of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show features interviews with David Ellis, the President of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA), and Lauren McNulty, the director of marketing with Simon Malls. In addition, the show includes a Deal of the Day from Home South Communities, a popular northeast Atlanta home builder.
David Ellis is on hand to discuss the state of the Atlanta housing market at the year’s halfway point. Both starts and new home sales numbers are continuing to improve throughout metro Atlanta. In 2013, the market saw around 15,000 home sales, and it is expected to hit between 18,000 and 20,000 sales by the end of this year.
While there are still some areas that are on a slow path to recovery, many parts of metro Atlanta have returned to vibrant, thriving communities that are seeing tremendous growth. This includes the northern arc of Forsyth, Gwinnett, North Fulton and Cobb counties. As a testament to this growth, Gwinnett County is once again the largest new home market in the state. In addition, the intown market inside of I-285 is also seeing tremendous growth and revitalization.
In his interview, David stresses that as the market continues to grow and strengthen, now is the perfect time for potential buyers to become homeowners. The economy is stabilizing, interest rates are low, home prices are rising and growing consumer sentiment indicates that making larger purchases, such as buying a home, is once again a safe investment.
In addition to discussing the current state of the housing market, David explains the purpose of the GAHBA in his interview. This local trade association works with the housing and construction industry by offering training programs, providing members with networking opportunities, advocating for the industry and more. As the real estate industry has grown, HBA membership has also started growing again, making it a great time to be a part of this association.
The HBA provides members with an opportunity to meet other industry professionals, network, grow their business, ask questions and learn. In addition, there are multiple councils that meet the needs of everyone in the industry, whether you’re a woman in building, a marketing professional or an active adult builder. No matter how you’re involved in the real estate industry, the GAHBA offers a way for to be engaged and find your niche.
GAHBA also has several upcoming events that are geared towards both members and home buyers. The association is hosting a first-time buyer’s seminar in July that will walk participants through the process of what it’s like to purchase a new home. In September, the GAHBA is hosting its Rio Vendor Showcase, which is a fun way for members to network and see the many new products and services that are available in the industry.
To learn more about the Atlanta housing market or the purpose of the GAHBA, listen to the full podcast above. You can also learn more by contacting the Greater Atlanta HBA at 770-938-9900 or www.AtlantaHomeBuilders.com.
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Today’s Deal of the Day features incentives from Home South Communities that are available for both home buyers and real estate agents. When any buyer purchases a home at Ivy Creek Manor using Home South’s preferred lender during the month of July, they will receive up to $10,000 to use towards closing costs, upgrades or the total cost of the home. In addition, a $2,000 agent bonus is available for any contract written on a home at Ivy Creek Manor this month.
At Ivy Creek Manor, buyers will find 33 single-family home sites and nine distinct floor plans that are priced from the $250,000s. These homes include 2,500 to more than 3,400 square feet of living space and a wide selection of upgrades and design options, such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, lighting packages, hardwood flooring and more.
The Ivy Creek Manor community has an excellent location that is just minutes away from I-985, the Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier Islands, Bogan Park and much more. In addition, the community is located in the top-ranked Mill Creek school cluster.
To learn more about the incentives currently being offered by Home South Communities at Ivy Creek Manor, call Susan at 678-322-7460 or Ivy at 404-613-3373. You can also visit www.HomeSouthCommunities.com for more information.
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The second guest on the July Fourth edition of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show is Lauren McNulty, director of marketing with Simon Malls in Atlanta. She is on hand to talk about the renovations at both Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza, as well as the community-favorite events that each of these shopping centers hosts.
Lenox Square Mall just wrapped up a renovation that added three new restaurants to the front of the property. The new dining options are The Cheesecake Factory, True Food Kitchen and Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar, which all opened in June. In addition, the front entrance has been redone to include a two-story glass entrance, and the mall’s food court has been updated to the Lenox Fashion Café, which now includes a Chipotle and Freshii. The mall has also seen the addition of a brand new, two-story Nike store that includes incredible features, such as bleachers for siding, recycled gym floors for the flooring and a stunning Swarovski crystal basketball hoop.
Lenox Square is also home to a legendary Fourth of July event that boasts one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southeast. As an Atlanta tradition for 55 years, the event includes great musical entertainment from about 6 until 9:40 p.m. when the fireworks begin.
Located just across Peachtree Road is Phipps Plaza, the city’s most upscale shopping destination. The shopping center is currently undergoing its own cosmetic renovations that are designed to improve the customer experience. Upgrades to the property include new lighting, paint, railing and more.
Phipps is also home to one of the city’s most time-honored holiday traditions – taking photos with the Phipps Santa Claus. This Santa is seen by appointment only, and the reservation site launches in early summer. This tradition that is done by families from all over metro Atlanta usually sells out within a day or two of the site launch every year, making a reservation to see this Santa one of the hottest commodities in town during the holiday season.
For more information on Simon Malls and how they’re currently updating the customer experience while always staying community-oriented, listen to the full podcast. To learn more information about both Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square Mall, from the stores and restaurants available to community events, be sure to visit www.Simon.com.
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For information on how you can be a guest on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, call 770-383-3360.
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