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Tad Braswell, principal of Southwyck Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast for the All About Real Estate segment to discuss upcoming Southwyck Homes developments. Braswell shares how he incorporates his landscape architecture background into home and community designs with hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick.
An Atlanta native, Braswell attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in landscape architecture. He practiced design and worked with various design firms, developers and builders over the last 20 years before starting a new venture which would eventually become Southwyck Homes.
Being a new builder in this industry is challenging but even more so during a global pandemic when things are constantly changing. Fluctuating prices on materials and houses present problems for a company that is very customer-focused.
“We build a quality home with very well-thought-out floor plans,” Braswell said. “We are not a custom builder, but we are semi-custom in our thought and emphasis on design and outdoor space.”
Southwyck Homes experienced exponential growth in the past two years, going from building 15 homes in a single year to 70 homes so far in 2021. The builder focuses on two types of homes – active adult (residents 55 and older) and boutique homes. Currently, four different active-adult communities are in development, as well as finishing a boutique home community that has been in the works for 20 years.
Current trends Southwyk Homes is focusing on incorporating into its builds are large gathering rooms, big kitchens and outdoor spaces — a prominent movement in the home design industry.
Vickery, a boutique home community, started development 20 years ago when Braswell worked with Pam Sessions and Hedgewood Homes on the beginning phases of engineering for the project. This project has now come full circle for Braswell as he is building in it! Located in Cumming, this mixed-use development is unique because lot sizes vary allowing for a diverse selection of single-family homes.
In Milton, Southwyck Homes is developing Crossroads, a mixed-use neighborhood initially zoned and started by another builder in 2004. This is an exciting project because it’s a walkable community located across the street from retailers, which is uncommon in this region and, like Vickery, each house is unique. This is not age-restricted, but it is ideal for the active-adult homebuyer.
The Artisan at Victory, part of the active-adult bungalow collection, is comprised of age-restricted homes in Acworth. The Artisan collection acts as a flagship in the homebuilding industry, demonstrating what Southwyck Homes can offer as a new home building company. Placed in an RD3 zoning category, The Artisan at Victory features large front porches which differentiate it from competitors.
Braswell particularly enjoys capitalizing on his degree by building out beautiful green spaces. In the 40-lot development for The Artisan at Victory, the neighborhood includes access to ponds, a community garden and a park. Adding amenities and green spaces such as these add a great deal to the surrounding area. Communal spaces are essential for active-adult communities because they promote gathering and camaraderie.
“One of the things that give us an advantage is my background in landscape development,” Braswell said. “Finding deals, finding lots on the ground, focusing on the market around it, what the property offers and working with the landscape to make sure it all ties together.”
Another active-adult community currently in the works is Artisan at Cooks Farm in Woodstock, which is set for completion in two months. Sharing the lots with another developer, Southwyck Homes is responsible for half of the project. There are 67 lots available with amenities such as a clubhouse, a community garden and a pool.
More Southwyck Homes communities currently in development include Nestledown Farm in Cumming near Lake Lanier and Overlook at Old Atlanta in Johns Creek.
To learn more about Southwyck Homes and upcoming projects, visit www.southwyckhomes.com. Listen to the full interview above for more details!
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Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, License #22564. NMLS ID #6606. Subject to borrower and property qualifications. Not all applicants will qualify. New American Funding and Southwyck Homes 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. (August/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 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.
