Opposite anecdote: I walked into a model home, talked to the builder, chose a plot of land in the community, chose a floor plan with the options I wanted and had a brand new house built on it within 6 months.
Ironically, this was in metro Atlanta as well. I'd note that it was for reno work (roof and some deck) rather than new build.
I'd hope the new build market is a little more professional.
Although I saw a couple strip-to-frame-and-rebuild houses worked on and then failed code (word on the street was improper framing nailing, ouch) near another house in Kirkwood, so I guess there's dipshits the world over.
I did that twice…
Both times in metro Atlanta.