Hard Truth from Atlanta Home Builders: ‘We Can’t Build What People Need’
In this episode of North Fulton Voices, Nancy Diamond and Kathy Swahn of the North Fulton Improvement Network sit down with Corey Deal of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Jordon Tench of O’Dwyer Properties for a candid conversation about the rising costs, regulations, and resistance that are holding back housing in North Fulton and beyond.
Corey and Jordon pull back the curtain on how zoning delays, impact fees, and well-meaning but counterproductive regulations are creating a perfect storm—one that’s pushing out local builders and making it nearly impossible to deliver housing that everyday workers can afford.
They talk about what’s changed since the Great Recession, why even flat growth is a win in today’s market, and how good intentions at the local government level often result in bad policy outcomes. This conversation highlights the growing disconnect between the homes our communities need and what builders are actually able to deliver.
If you’ve ever wondered why new homes seem unaffordable, why it takes years to break ground, or why builders keep leaving certain areas behind, this episode will provide the answers.
North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.
Key Takeaways from this Episode
North Fulton remains critically undersupplied, with housing inventory well below what’s considered a balanced market.
Costs to build have soared, and new regulations alone are adding $100,000 or more to the price of a typical single-family home.
Permitting and development timelines now stretch up to seven years, a delay that favors large national builders and edges out smaller, local firms.
Local governments often want the jobs that growth brings but resist the new rooftops needed to house that workforce.
Square footage minimums, density restrictions, and tree ordinances contribute to affordability challenges, especially for entry-level housing.
Both guests call for earlier collaboration with builders, more flexible zoning, and a willingness to rethink what affordability actually means.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Voices
00:59 Introducing the Guests, Corey Deal and Jordon Tench
01:25 Housing Market Data Overview
02:28 Corey Deal: Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association
03:43 Jordon Tench: O’Dwyer Properties
06:06 Challenges in Home Building
06:40 Impact of Regulations and Tariffs
11:50 Zoning and Permitting Issues
20:25 Investor Uncertainty and Market Differences
21:49 Challenges with Municipalities and Staff Turnover
22:45 Building Trust and Advocacy Efforts
24:42 Development Guide and Housing Affordability
27:08 Impact Fees and Legislative Actions
31:30 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Density
35:42 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Corey Deal, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association
Corey Deal, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association
Corey Deal is the Executive Officer of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association is a not-for-profit professional trade association founded in 1945, dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the home building industry as a vital economic force in the Atlanta area. It is one of over 800 local home builder associations in the United States and is affiliated with both the Home Builders Association of Georgia and the National Association of Home Builders. The association’s membership includes builders, remodelers, developers, trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, real estate companies, and professional service providers of all sizes.
The organization focuses on advocacy, education, networking, and community service, working to ensure an economically viable building environment and to promote public policy solutions that benefit both the housing industry and the community. It provides its members with valuable services and products aimed at increasing profitability, professionalism, and consumer value. The association also offers educational programs, certification opportunities, and supports charitable initiatives such as HomeAid Atlanta, which helps build and renovate housing for homeless families and individuals in Georgia.
Jordon Tench, O’Dwyer Properties
Jordon Tench, O’Dwyer Properties
Jordon Tench is the Land Development Manager of O’Dwyer Properties.
O’Dwyer Properties, operating as O’Dwyer Homes, is a local, family-owned and operated certified professional home builder based in Atlanta. Founded in 1992 by Dan O’Dwyer, the company has built more than 2,300 new homes and communities throughout the Atlanta area, maintaining a strong reputation for quality construction, energy efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
O’Dwyer Homes distinguishes itself by offering personalized, semi-custom homes and townhomes, with architectural styles including craftsman, traditional, and farmhouse exteriors paired with spacious, open-concept interiors. TThe company is recognized as Atlanta’s only local Energy Star-certified new home builder, ensuring its homes meet rigorous standards for energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.
O’Dwyer Properties is committed to delivering value and quality, providing a one-year builder warranty on materials and workmanship, as well as a ten-year structural warranty. The company is actively involved in industry organizations and community initiatives, with its leadership earning accolades such as “Builder of the Year” from the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and “Builder Captain of the Year” from HomeAid Atlanta.