What does it take to build in today’s housing market? A lot of adaptability! Chris and Clif Poston, principals of Traton Homes, join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Traton Homes’ steady transition into the Florida housing market and Traton University, an internal training program recently opened to the public to share industry insights.

Traton University

Chris Poston started Traton University with Traton Homes’ VP of Construction, Bob Hupp, as a method for training employees on emerging technology, trends and other topics related to residential construction. In March, the program launched publicly with a blog on insights from the Synovus Bank 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast. His second installment covered residential development growth in Georgia and Florida, which together account for 40% of growth in the Southeast.

Balancing Design with Affordability

Clif Poston emphasizes that a neighborhood’s size plays a major role in its design and affordability. Traton first approaches a potential development from an economic viewpoint, asking “What product line is achievable here?” and “How many lots can reasonably fit here within that product line?” Geographical concerns are assessed next, followed by potential amenity offerings.

“It’s an economic trade-off and every deal is independent,” said Clif Poston. “We try to find that perfect blend and it takes a collaborative effort between different parts of the company to get that done.”

Expansion into Florida

“The market itself seems to be such a growing place to be, and so we did some build-to-rent homes down there for one of our partners,” said Clif Poston. “It gave us a good jumping-off platform to get immersed in the subculture down there and meet everybody. We’ve closed on several new projects and have several more that we’re hoping to close on in the next six or eight months.”

Traton Homes just expanded its reach into Florida’s Panhandle with neighborhoods in Tallahassee and Panama City, Fla. Clif Poston describes building in Florida as a “total inverse” of Georgia due to its unique topography and weather conditions. In Florida, all homes must be built four feet above ground to account for groundwater.

What products are Traton Homes building in Florida? The builder’s active adult floor plans have been very successful, specifically the ranch-story homes with zero-step entry. It is also building townhomes and some luxury, higher-end homes. Traton is pleased to announce that Pearl Place in Blue Mountain Beach, Fla., will offer walkability to the beach and spacious floor plans. These homes will be pool standard with 12-foot ceilings on the first floor and five to six bedrooms on 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Davis Landing in Panama City is another luxurious choice, featuring nine lots with deep-water dock access and 30 interior lots.

“We’re trying to be more reactive to what the buyers want and give them that next level of design,” said Clif Poston. “While we’re using a little bit of our Atlanta product, we are trying to make it design-driven enough to really fit the specific submarkets and what the buyers want down there.”

Chris Poston points out several differences between Traton’s active adult buyers and single-family home buyers and how it’s pivoting to accommodate both. He explains that lower-priced point homes are more competitive, while active adult buyers often pay in cash and can afford a more expensive product. Other elements that Traton considers for its single-family home target group include incentives to draw in first-time buyers, convenient locations and favorable school districts. Active adult buyers are often less concerned about location but instead prioritize amenities and community engagement.

Chris Poston said, “They want a nice house and want all the stuff in it, but at the end of the day, there is a price we pay making sure we’re putting all the features to attract them to those single-family houses.”

The Long View of Housing Economy Trends

Chris Poston said, “There’s going to be a need for houses and lots, you just have to make sure you’re making good decisions for the long term, not just what’s hitting you right now.”

While population growth fuels the need for housing and interest rates fluctuate, Chris Poston encourages buyers to look at the bigger picture. Long-term interest rates are actually lower than the historical average right now. Traton Homes is also strategically building within under-supplied markets in Georgia and Florida in hopes of balancing the months of supply (MOS) equilibrium.

Despite fluctuating interest rates and a growing population driving the demand for housing, Chris Poston encourages homebuyers to focus on the long-term outlook. Currently, long-term interest rates are below the historical average. To help balance the market, Traton Homes is strategically building in under-supplied markets in Georgia and Florida.

Tune into the full episode to learn more about Traton University and where Traton Homes is building next. For more information about Traton Homes, visit www.TratonHomes.com.

About Traton Homes

Founded 54 years ago, family-owned Traton Homes is one of metro Atlanta’s most established and innovative homebuilding companies and is expanding its footprint along the Florida panhandle. The award-winning firm is known for combining traditional building practices with a passion for the latest systems and styles to create some of Greater Atlanta and the Florida panhandle’s most sought-after full-featured townhomes, single-family homes and active lifestyle communities. Traton blends beautifully crafted design with top-quality building materials to create homes and communities with enduring appeal, offering exceptional value.

Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, Traton Homes offers “Altogether More” to homeowners, including more experience, more impressive architecture, more outstanding features and more rewarding lifestyles in more desirable locations. For more information about Traton Homes, call 770-427-9064 or visit www.TratonHomes.com. The builder’s corporate office and design center are located at 720 Kennesaw Avenue in Marietta, Georgia.

Podcast Thanks

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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.