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Housing markets are constantly evolving, and success often comes down to adapting to changing conditions. While today’s environment looks different than it did just a few years ago, builders who understand local demand and make strategic decisions continue to find ways to grow. On this week’s episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, Host Carol Morgan welcomes Geoff Deckelbaum, principal of SRP Lending, to discuss why disciplined planning and private lending continue to help builders and investors succeed in today’s Atlanta housing market.
Private Lending Creates Opportunities in a Changing Market
As traditional banks tighten lending standards, private lenders are giving qualified builders and investors another path to financing. Atlanta-based SRP Lending evaluates each project individually, helping clients move forward when conventional financing may not be the right fit.
That relationship-driven approach allows experienced builders and investors to pursue projects that make sense for today’s market while maintaining sound underwriting standards.
Demand Still Exists for the Right Product
Many large production builders continue navigating slower sales and growing inventory, while buyer demand remains strong in established neighborhoods. Smaller builders are capitalizing on that demand by purchasing vacant lots or older homes and replacing them with new construction or thoughtfully renovated homes.
“The opportunity is to go into a market where you can see that there’s pent-up demand,” Deckelbaum said. “If you deliver the right product, there are buyers for it.”
Those trends reflect changing buyer preferences. Homebuyers increasingly seek move-in-ready homes and are willing to pay a premium for updated properties that don’t require immediate renovations or repairs.
Let the Market Determine the Price
Successful projects begin with the market, not the budget. Builders must first determine what buyers are willing to pay in a neighborhood, then evaluate whether construction costs support a profitable investment. Comparable sales, future competition and local demand should shape every project before construction begins.
“You can’t price your end product based on your cost,” Deckelbaum said. “The market dictates your sales price.”
By understanding both current inventory and upcoming competition, builders can better position their homes to sell while protecting their margins.
Affordability Remains Front & Center
Affordability continues to influence nearly every segment of the housing market, especially for first-time buyers. While Atlanta remains more affordable than many major metropolitan areas, the gap has narrowed considerably, which makes attainable housing increasingly important. Smaller builders often cannot offer the financing incentives available through national builders, so competitive pricing becomes one of their greatest advantages. Efficient floor plans, practical finish selections and thoughtful budgeting can help deliver quality homes at attainable price points.
Pricing Realistically Protects Profitability
Homes are taking longer to sell than they did just a few years ago, making carrying costs an increasingly important consideration for builders and investors. Interest payments, maintenance expenses and extended market time can quickly reduce profits. Pricing appropriately from day one not only improves the likelihood of a faster sale but also helps avoid the perception that something is wrong with the home after extended time on the market.
“If you overprice it when you first list a house, buyers are almost going to penalize you until you drop the price below where you should have initially priced it,” Deckelbaum said.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Market conditions are expected to remain relatively stable through the rest of 2026. If inflation eases and consumer confidence improves, lower interest rates could help accelerate housing demand in 2027. Until then, builders who understand local demand, price projects realistically and deliver move-in-ready homes will be best positioned for success. Even in a challenging market, thoughtful planning and disciplined execution continue to create opportunities.
For more information about SRP Lending’s financing solutions, visit www.SRPLending.com.
About SRP Lending
SRP Lending is a leading private money lender providing quick, flexible, and straightforward loan options for builders and contractors. With a customer-centric approach, SRP Lending prioritizes efficiency, flexibility and customer control over the lending process, offering an effective alternative to traditional bank financing. For more information, contact SRP Lending at 678-592-7176 or visit www.SRPLending.com.
Podcast Thanks
Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot’s Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts.
