Follow the Money: Investment, Financing, and Site Selection Trends for Residential Opportunities

Discover how lenders and investors are adapting structuring deals, managing risk, and determining how to get today's deals penciled

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  Ryan Reyes

  Ryan Reyes serves as the CEO and Managing Partner of Argyle Real Estate Capital, which he founded in 2022. Prior to Argyle, Ryan served as the Chief Investment Officer for the US Division of a Switzerland-based, international real estate company with over $5B AUM where he also sat on the Global Acquisition Committee. Over the last three years, Ryan led the US investment team and acquired over $1.5B of apartments. Ryan began his real estate career with an investment company specializing in residential real estate where he held various roles in acquisitions and construction management to spearhead the company’s growth from $50M to $1B during his 7-year tenure. Prior to his real estate career, Ryan served as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security's Special Operations Group. Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa, where he also served as captain of the NCAA swim team.

  Argyle Real Estate Capital

  CEO, Managing Partner

  Ryan Reyes

  CEO, Managing Partner

  Argyle Real Estate Capital

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  Nicole Brickhouse

  Nicole is the Managing Director of Capital Markets & Multifamily Portfolio Management where she manages the firm’s debt originations, manages the existing book of borrowings, and oversees various entity-level facilities. Within the Portfolio Management team, Nicole helps align capital strategy, liquidity planning, and portfolio-wide performance across the firm’s multifamily platform. Nicole joined CRC in April of 2024 and previously worked as a capital markets broker at W&D and HFF where she sourced, marketed, and closed real estate debt and equity transactions for all property types. She is also very involved in industry organizations. She is the immediate past President of the DC Real Estate Group, a member of NAREIM’s Asset Management Committee, and is actively involved in NMHC, ICSC, and other locally focused organizations.

  Continental Realty Corporation

  Managing Director, Capital Markets & Multifamily

  Nicole Brickhouse

  Managing Director, Capital Markets & Multifamily

  Continental Realty Corporation

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  Allen Tate

  Allen Tate is a Partner at Windermere Insurance Group, a real estate focused insurance brokerage started in 2012, where he is responsible for the brokering, placement, strategy, and advisory of insurance products and risk management services for real estate owners, developers, and general contractors nationwide. Windermere’s Real Estate Practice advises some of the most active multifamily development and acquisition companies in the nation. Its team of industry-specialized personnel has an ever-evolving expertise in the market trends, product availability and strategic placement of complex builders risk, construction liability, and coverage solutions for operating multifamily assets and portfolios around the country. This dedicated focus has given them a proven edge in their industry and has grown a privately owned business into a top 1% nationally ranked insurance brokerage and recipient of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America 2025 “Best Practices” award.

  Windermere Insurance Group

  Partner

  Allen Tate

  Partner

  Windermere Insurance Group

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  Chip Sykes

  Chip Sykes is a Managing Director with JLL’s debt and equity placement group focused primarily on mixed use and multi-housing assets. Chip has nearly 25 years of experience in commercial real estate finance including mortgage banking, lending, equity placement, restructuring, etc. Mr. Sykes joined HFF’s Atlanta office in October 2011, was absorbed into JLL upon JLL’s acquisition of HFF in 2019 and now splits time between Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA. Prior to JLL/HFF, Chip was a founding member of Cantor Fitzgerald’s commercial real estate platform. During the GFC he was an Asset Manager with TriMont Real Estate Advisors and Gramercy Capital where he resolved problem bridge loans, mezzanine and equity investments. Mr. Sykes began his commercial real estate finance career with Credit Suisse as a commercial mortgage underwriter in Atlanta and was eventually promoted to the firm’s North American headquarters in New York City where he focused on large loans.

  JLL

  Managing Director, Capital Markets

  Chip Sykes

  Managing Director, Capital Markets

  JLL

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  Alan McMahon

  Alan McMahon joined The Beach Company in 2004 after working in the Capital Management Groups of First Union and Wachovia. He holds a Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Finance from the College of Charleston and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. Alan’s first role at The Beach Company was as an Asset Management Analyst where he underwrote potential acquisitions and helped analyze and determine short term and long term strategies for portfolio assets. In 2011, he joined the Development Team and has assisted the company’s expansion into numerous Southeastern markets such as Greenville, SC, Chattanooga, TN, and Wilmington, NC. Alan has over twenty-one years of experience in Asset Management and Real Estate Development across various sectors including residential, office, retail, and industrial. In his current position as Director of Development, he helps set and implement The Beach Company’s development strategies and guides the Development team as they take each project through the site development process from initial site identification and feasibility through entitlement, permitting, construction and stabilization. Alan is a member of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Policy Committee, a Rising Leader in the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, graduate of the Leadership Charleston Class of 2015, a volunteer youth sports coach, and has previously served on the Wando High School STEM Advisory Board and volunteered with Junior Achievement.

  The Beach Company

  Director, Development

  Moderator

  Alan McMahon

  Director, Development

  The Beach Company

Building Affordability: Investment, Operations, Development & Policy Solutions for Charleston’s Housing Future

How public-private partnerships, zoning reforms, creative financing and development trends are shaping the next wave of affordable and workforce housing across the region

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  Geona Shaw Johnson

  Since 1997, Geona Shaw Johnson has been employed with the City of Charleston in various capacities. Ms. Shaw Johnson served in the City of Charleston’s Department of Housing and Community Development as the Enterprise Community Coordinator, the Deputy Director for Community Development and now as the Chief Director of Housing and Community Development. In her capacity, Ms. Shaw Johnson has leveraged millions of dollars in private, foundation and federal funding to support the preservation and creation of affordable and work force housing, the enhancement and creation of small business, the redevelopment of Brownfield properties and enhanced collaborations with for-profit and non-profit housing developers and community stakeholders. The Department of Housing and Community Development, where Ms. Shaw Johnson now serves as the Department Director, promotes Initiatives that lend to the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes, the creation and renovation of rental housing, the provision of first-time homeownership opportunities and enhanced economic opportunity for low wealth communities. Prior to joining the City of Charleston, Ms. Shaw Johnson was employed in the banking and investment industry for seven years. Ms. Shaw Johnson is a graduate of Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. Current and former board and organizational affiliations include Board of Directors, SC Association of Community Economic Development, Trident United Way and the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation. Established nonprofits known as the Homeless to Hope Center, Inc., the Greater Charleston Empowerment Corporation and the Charleston Redevelopment Corporation. Served in an advisory capacity for the development of the Harbour House. Participated on the Statewide Environmental Justice Committee, the Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina Community Advisory Board. Ms. Johnson is married to Lt. Colonel Charles K. Johnson and has two wonderful young adults that she adores. She believes her success comes from a strong belief in God, a commitment to excellence and strong family values imparted to her by her parents.

  City of Charleston

  Director, Housing and Community Development

  Geona Shaw Johnson

  Director, Housing and Community Development

  City of Charleston

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  Tammy Carvajal

  Tammy Carvajal has been in the multifamily industry for 32 years. Tammy has been based in Charleston, SC since 1998. She has a portfolio of communities in the Carolinas with Ginkgo Residential. Through her years of experience, Tammy has experience overseeing a variety of asset types from Class A, lease-ups, new developement, value-add repositions, senoir, and affordable. While her current portfolio is in the Carolinas, Tammy has operating experience throughout the southeast and mid-west. She holds a SC Property Manager License, member of Charleston Apartment Association, National Apartment Association, National Association of Realtors, and Institute of Real Estate Management. She holds a CAM designation through NAA and CPM® certification through IREM. She sat on the Charleston Apartment Association Board multiple years, served as the former Charleston Apartment Association President, and now sits on the executive board of the South Carolina Apartment Association Board.

  Ginkgo Residential

  Regional Operations Manager

  Tammy Carvajal

  Regional Operations Manager

  Ginkgo Residential

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  Ray Nix

  Ray is a seasoned real estate development executive with national experience transforming distressed neighborhoods into affordable, mixed-income communities of choice. As Founder and Principal of Nix Development Company, LLC, he has led the strategic planning, financing, and delivery of more than 2,200 affordable housing units, representing over $315 million in total development value. Ray’s work is grounded in a disciplined, community-centric development philosophy that begins with inclusive planning and extends through long-term asset stewardship. He brings comprehensive expertise across every phase of the development lifecycle, including master planning, financial structuring, public and private capital assembly, resident relocation, and complex move-management logistics. Throughout his career, Ray has partnered with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faith- based institutions, non-profit organizations, public housing authorities, and market-rate developers, to deliver projects that balance financial performance with lasting community impact. Ray is a distinguished alumnus of The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and a Master of City and Regional Planning. He is a graduate of Amazon’s inaugural Housing Equity Accelerator Fellowship cohort and a founding board member of the 13th Man Foundation. A lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Raymond is also a devoted husband and the proud father of two.

  Nix Development

  Founder

  Ray Nix

  Founder

  Nix Development

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  Jordan Jones

  Principal - Carolinas

  The Integral Group

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  Matt Davis

  Founded in 1995 by architect Matt Davis, Davis Architecture has evolved from a residential-focused practice into a full-service firm serving both commercial and residential clients throughout the Southeast. Over the past three decades, the firm has built a reputation for design excellence, client collaboration, and thoughtful project delivery. Headquartered in Columbia, Davis Architecture has strategically expanded its regional presence in recent years with additional offices in Charleston and Edisto Island, positioning the firm to better serve clients across diverse markets and project types.

  Davis Architecture

  Founder & President

  Matt Davis

  Founder & President

  Davis Architecture

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  Megan Stevens

  Megan Finch Stevens focuses her practice on commercial real estate and corporate law. With approximately 15 years of experience, Megan advises buyers, sellers, and developers on their commercial real estate needs. Megan is experienced in drafting contracts, master deeds, and easements as well as handling negotiations, reviewing title and due diligence, and preparing leases. She also assists corporate clients with entity formation, structuring, and creation of corporate governance documents. Megan has served as a leader within the South Carolina Bar, helping to set policy as a member of its House of Delegates. She currently serves as the vice chair of the Mount Pleasant Board of Zoning Appeals.

  Parker Poe

  Counsel

  Moderator

  Megan Stevens

  Counsel

  Parker Poe

From Blueprint to Blockbuster: Delivering High-Performing Multifamily & Mixed-Use Projects

Charleston's multifamily break down what it takes to build, lease, and sustain successful communities in 2026 and beyond

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  Barb O'Steen

  Barb O’Steen is senior director of real estate for Greystar overseeing the Greystar Development Group portfolio in the Carolinas. Barb works directly with the team supporting the development process from land control through lease up and disposition. A multifamily professional since 1992, Barb joined Greystar in 2009 as an RPM and was most recently responsible for the third-party South Carolina portfolio oversight, before transitioning to the Conventional Owned Assets team. During her career, Barb has worked with some of the industry’s most highly respected firms including Summit Properties, Trammell Crow Residential Services and Archstone. Her expertise includes new construction, repositioning and renovations, with experience in mixed-use development and in all classes of assets from A+ to C. During her career, Barb has operated in all major markets in the Southeast, as well as Virginia/Washington, DC, Florida, New Jersey, and New York. Barb previously served as a vice president at Kettler, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of communities in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Barb is a past President of the Triangle Apartment Association and is a member of the National Apartment Association serving on the Global Outreach committee as Vice Chair in 2024 and Chair in 2025. In 2015 Barb graduated from the NAA’s Leadership Lyceum program, a program designed to identify and mentor the future leadership of the National Apartment Association.

  Greystar

  Senior Director, Real Estate

  Barb O'Steen

  Senior Director, Real Estate

  Greystar

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  McFaddin Blanding

  McFaddin Blanding serves as the President for Orange Capital Advisors (OCA), an apartment development firm owned by the Evans Management Group based in Orangeburg, SC. OCA is a sister company to CF Evans, a general contractor that has been in operation for 80 years. Together with Johnny Evans, Blanding launched OCA in 2013. Since that time, OCA has built or started 2,950 units with a total Project Cost of $498M and $185M in total Equity raised (predominately via a club-style, high-net-worth model). All projects have been located within the Carolinas and developed with a small development team led by Blanding. Prior to OCA, Blanding served as an Acquisition and Development Manager for Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, the family office for the Milliken textile family. There, he sourced existing investment and proposed development opportunities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. These investments were mostly in Joint Venture arrangements with various Sponsor Partners and required underwriting the terms of the partnership terms as much as the underlying assets. Blanding began his career as a Civil Engineer and was once a partner in the design firm Burns, Blanding, and Robinson. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Citadel and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of South Carolina. Blanding has also served as a part-time adjunct professor in Clemson University’s Master of Real Estate and Development program.

  Orange Capital Advisors

  President

  McFaddin Blanding

  President

  Orange Capital Advisors

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  Jim Jervis

  Director, Acquisitions

  Hillpointe

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  Megan Kornegay

  Megan Kornegay is the Owner and President of Level Five Designs, which she founded in 2014. She leads the firm’s creative vision and strategic growth, partnering with multifamily and mixed-use developers across the South East. With 17 years of experience in multifamily design, Megan blends brand strategy with innovation to create purposeful, high-performing spaces that elevate the resident experience and strengthen client brands. Her diverse portfolio spans luxury, attainable, and urban infill multifamily projects. Megan sets each project’s design direction and fosters collaboration within her team, positioning Level Five Designs at the forefront of shaping the next generation of multifamily environments.

  Level 5 Designs

  Owner & President

  Megan Kornegay

  Owner & President

  Level 5 Designs

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  Seth Clark

  Seth Clark is an Executive Vice President and Principal at Bridge Commercial, a regionally focused commercial real estate firm headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. He represents clients in the acquisition and disposition of land and income-producing properties, with more than $1 billion in completed transaction volume. Seth brings extensive development experience across master-planned communities, resorts, brownfields, and urban infill sites, working on projects throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Known for his analytical, data-driven approach, Seth works with developers, public-sector entities, institutional owners, and private capital to provide advisory and brokerage services that maximize land value and guide complex projects from concept through execution. His team at Bridge Commercial serves as the exclusive broker for the award-winning Nexton development in Summerville, a 5,000-acre master-planned community entitled for 10,000 residences and 6 million square feet of commercial space.

  Bridge Commercial

  EVP

  Seth Clark

  EVP

  Bridge Commercial

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  Jim Sewell

  Jim Sewell serves as a Senior Managing Director for Investment Sales out of the Charleston, SC office. Jim has more than 25 years of multifamily sales experience in the Southeast, with a track record that includes over $6 billion in transactions across all risk spectrums. He specializes in the Carolinas and coastal Georgia markets, leveraging his extensive knowledge in multifamily site selection, development, and dispositions. His experience spans the entire multifamily industry, making him an asset in guiding clients through every stage of the process. Prior to joining Berkadia, Sewell was a part of CBRE’s Southeast Multifamily Team where they focused on covering South Carolina and the Southeast coastal regions. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and the American Economic Association.

  Berkadia

  Senior Managing Director, Investment Sales

  Moderator

  Jim Sewell

  Senior Managing Director, Investment Sales

  Berkadia

Remarks From The Podium

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  Hannah Gurtis

  Gurtis has nine years of experience in the banking industry, all with United Bank. She began her career as a college intern in United’s Morgantown, West Virginia Market and returned after graduation as a universal banker. She then advanced to an analyst role in the Credit department and then to commercial portfolio manager. During this time, Gurtis was also chosen for United’s competitive four-year Leadership Development Program, contributing to several projects across the Bank, including United’s 2020 acquisition of Charleston-based Carolina Financial Corporation, the parent company of CresCom Bank. Her work on this initiative earned her a promotion to senior portfolio manager and led to her relocation to the Bank’s new Charleston Market. In 2023, Gurtis was promoted to assistant vice president and commercial banker, the position she held prior to becoming market president. Her leadership and contributions to the Charleston community have been recognized with recent accolades such as Charleston Business Magazine’s 2025 Best and Brightest 35 and Under awards. Gurtis is actively engaged in the Charleston community, preferring to give back through hands-on service. She teaches Sunday School at Seacoast Church and participates in several local business organizations, including the Urban Land Institute, the Carolina Contractors Association, and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. She graduated with honors from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a double-major in economics and business administration, where she also competed on the women’s varsity soccer and golf teams. Gurtis is currently completing her final year at the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking.

  United Bank

  Charleston Market President

  Hannah Gurtis

  Charleston Market President

  United Bank