In late 2013, we announced the launch of a new Traton Homes company, Nellie Poston Custom Homes. Named after Nellie Clifford Poston, mother of Traton Homes’ founders Bill and Milburn Poston, Nellie Poston Custom Homes offers a variety of luxurious home opportunities that range from beautiful custom market homes to a “Build on Your Own Homesite” program.
We recently sat down with Ralph Reilly, vice president of Nellie Poston Custom Homes, to learn a little more about him and his outlook on custom home building and the 2014 metro Atlanta housing market.
How did you get involved with residential construction and how long have you been involved in the metro Atlanta housing market?
Ralph: I began working in the residential real estate market when I lived in Boulder, Colo. and 33 years later I still love what I do, taking a family’s vision and building their home. My experience in metro Atlanta prior to Nellie Poston Custom Homes includes working with John Wieland Homes (project management and builder), Haven Properties (vice president of construction and COO) and Waterford Homes (COO). Between my time with Haven Properties and Waterford Homes, I have more than 17 years of custom home building experience.
What do you enjoy most about custom home building?
Ralph: I really enjoy being able to take a buyer’s vision and bring it to reality. By the time a buyer is building a custom home, they have probably owned two to three homes and have a specific idea of what they want. Working in the custom home building industry, you always have the opportunity to build something new and unique because every home buyer’s vision/style is different.
Why Vice President of Nellie Poston Custom Homes?
Ralph: I knew Eric Price (COO of Traton Homes) from my days at John Wieland, and Nellie Poston Custom Homes is a great opportunity to work with not only Eric, but the Poston family. With the launch of Nellie Poston Custom Homes, I get to enjoy the challenge of starting a new division and working with a great team to build something very special.
What are you most excited about entering the 2014 housing market?
Ralph: During the housing market crash, many of the buyers looking for homes in the mid-$800,00s to $1.5 million disappeared, but they are now reentering the market and that makes our timing for this venture perfect. By starting in The River Club, we have the opportunity to offer buyers a custom home building experience at a more affordable price in a sought-after location.
Of all of the luxury features available with custom home building, what are some of your personal favorites?
Ralph: I love working with our designers and custom cabinet company to create truly great kitchens with beautiful cabinetry and appliances. Kitchens become the heart of the home, especially for families, and it is great to design a space that everyone will enjoy. I also enjoy creating memory points and working with Roger Caldwell of Caldwell-Cline Architects to design great future plans and elevations.
What is one of your favorite locations to build in metro Atlanta?
Ralph: We are currently building in The River Club in Suwanee and I personally think it is the finest golf community in Atlanta. The community is very high-end with extraordinary architectural details and landscape features. Of course, as a country club it features unparalleled amenities including an 18-hole golf course designed by Hall of Fame legend, Greg Norman.
Outside of custom home building, what are some of your hobbies?
Ralph: Golf is one of my absolute favorite hobbies. I have my golf clubs with me all the time. I also enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family.
Nellie Poston Custom Homes is currently building two luxury homes at The River Club in Suwanee, as well as in Brookhaven and Vinings. For more information on available homes from Nellie Poston Custom Homes and Ralph, call 770-427-9064 or visit www.npcustomhomes.com.
