From Dirt Work to Move-In Day!

 

Our inaugural 2026 COHBA Sales & Marketing Council New Construction Bus Tour gave Realtors and industry professionals a behind-the-scenes look at four stages of the homebuilding process. Realtors who attended also earned three elective Continuing Education (CE) credit hours, making the day both an educational and professional development opportunity.

 

A special thank you to Integrity Fine Homes, Crabtree Homes, Hoffman Homes, McCaleb Homes, and our event sponsor, Flat Branch Home Loans, for making this experience possible.

 

Our first stop was Integrity Fine Homes, where Shelly Reynolds-McSparrin shared the story behind her seven-lot development in Piedmont. What many don't see is the perseverance required before construction even begins. After seven years of navigating municipal approvals and neighboring property challenges, the development is finally nearing the permitting stage. Once approved, each home is expected to take approximately ten months to complete.

 

Next, Crabtree Homes showcased the framing and rough-in mechanical phase, where attendees gained a deeper understanding of structural components, bearing walls, and how plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems are coordinated throughout the home. Discussions also included slab construction and the use of soft-cut joints designed to help minimize concrete cracking. From this phase, homes typically require another six to seven months to reach completion.

 

At Hoffman Homes, participants explored the drywall stage—the exciting point where buyers begin making many of their personal design selections, including flooring, tile, paint colors, countertops, lighting, and fixtures. Hoffman Homes' in-house design team guides buyers through every selection, helping them create a cohesive design while staying within budget.

 

Our final stop was McCaleb Homes, where attendees toured a completed home and learned about the company's detailed quality control process. Before every home is delivered, McCaleb conducts thorough inspections of cabinetry, paint, trim, walls, and finishes to ensure the highest standards are met. They also shared the many design options available to buyers and explained that most of their homes are completed within seven to nine months.

 

The New Construction Bus Tour continues to be one of the Sales & Marketing Council's signature educational events, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, coordination, and dedication required to bring a new home from concept to completion.

What made this event especially valuable wasn't just seeing homes under construction—it was hearing directly from the builders about the real-world challenges, timelines, decisions, and craftsmanship involved at every stage of the process. That firsthand perspective is what makes the New Construction Bus Tour such a valuable educational experience and why it continues to be one of the Sales & Marketing Council's signature events.