About Dunwoody reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 20??-current | View Entire Issue (July 26, 2013)
Perimeter Business A monthly section focusing on biuinejj in the Reporter News papers communities Builders, buyers running out of roofs By Dan Whisenhunt There's a sharp increase in the amount of homebuilders applying for construction permits, data from Perimeter area cities and Buckhead show. Builders are responding to a growing need for inventory in a market that's become increasingly competitive. They're finding that keeping up with the demand isn't as easy as it was five years ago. "This is exactly the kind of problem I want to deal with," Dunwoody homebuilder Bill Grant said. The number of single family home permits issued for the first six months of 2013 are striking compared with 2012 fig ures. Sandy Springs reported the best numbers for 2012, with 158 permits issued. So far this year the city has issued 66. Buckhead has shown the most dramatic improvement. In 2012 there were 29 permits issued. So far this year, there have been 60. "The new construction market is on fire right now," said Randy Glazer, owner of Glazer Design and Construction. "In the last four months every single one of my projects went under contract, before they were even built, and I'm seeing the same thing from all my friends that are builders." While the lack of homes on the market is keeping build ers busy, the lack of inventory is creating problems for buy ers. Patricia Sklar and her husband have been looking for a home in Buckhead or Brookhaven, but so far haven't had any luck. Homes she's liked go off the market almost as soon as they get there. Sklar said she came close to buying one home, but the deal fell apart when she discovered the home needed $100,000 worth of repairs. "We haven't been able to buy anything because we've CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Q & A: Perimeter retailers - Page 8 Matt Hagan, Re gency Centers' senior leasing agent, says a burgeoning daytime population, com bined with wealthy residents, is a recipe for success for Perim eter area businesses. Business openings - Page 11 If you are looking for outside help in teaching your teenag er to drive, or are just looking for a fresh, new haircut, two lo cal companies can meet your needs. Phil Mosier Randy Glazer, left, president of Glazer Design and Construction, discusses a bonus room project with Rolando Contreras at a residence in the Tiller Walk subdivision of Sandy Springs.
