Atlanta Chapter October Meeting!
Deals require more creativity and persistence. High borrowing costs and cautious investors are driving repeated revisions to financing, design and deal structures. Due diligence remains a hurdle, and some builders are pursuing smaller projects to manage uncertainty.
- Leasing remains a bright spot. Members reported strong activity across warehouse, retail and restaurant space, with some office activity as well. Leasing prices are rising, and businesses continue to seek sites for their own operations.
- Construction costs continue to pressure budgets. FGA Roofing reported annual roofing material increases averaging 5–8%, with 2027 pricing still pending.
- Municipal and regulatory challenges are affecting execution. Members highlighted difficulties with local approvals, enforcement and environmental requirements, reinforcing the value of early due diligence and experienced advisers.
- SBA financing offers options worth exploring. Regions Bank highlighted programs supporting real estate acquisitions, ownership transitions, construction and international trade, including fixed-rate financing options.
- Security and emergency preparedness deserve earlier attention. Members emphasized budgeting for security before an incident occurs and developing emergency response plans, particularly for senior living properties. Data centers represent a security growth opportunity.
- Ownership and capital structures are evolving. Members are seeing more voting and non-voting ownership arrangements, generational wealth transfers, debt restructuring and friends-and-family investment offerings.
- Responsive service and relationships remain competitive advantages. Answering calls, following through, showing up in person and connecting clients with trusted resources continue to generate business.
- Technology and expansion are priorities for 2027. Ackerman & Co. plans to test AI-assisted prospecting. RPN is implementing Attio and broader automation while exploring expansion into Fort Worth, Cleveland and Mississippi.
- Targeted opportunities remain despite caution. Members reported conservation easement closings, Buckhead multifamily activity, land transactions and experiential development projects. An investor is seeking an older shopping center at a 6% cap rate, with a goal of closing before year-end.
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