Clearly Georgia

by Clearly Georgia

Welcome to Clearly Georgia, the podcast where host Deborah Morton brings you up close and personal with Atlanta's movers and shakers. Dive into the business world, get the latest on real estate, catch up on current news, and hear inspiring stories from professionals who are shaping the city's future. Whether you're a business owner, looking to buy or sell a home, or simply interested in what's happening in Atlanta, this podc ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Empowering Change: Tennis, Real Estate, and Community Impact in Atlanta

    Empowering Change: Tennis, Real Estate, and Community Impact in Atlanta

    Introduction: The host shares their passion for playing tennis and involvement with a non-profit tennis organization dedicated to spreading the game among the gay, lesbian, and transgender youth in Atlanta. Discussion on the significance of the organization, which also supports Lost-n-Found Youth, a charity aiding homeless LGBTQ youth. Charity and Community Work: Insights into the work of Lost-n-Found Youth, which provides housing, job placement, mentorship, and life skills training to displaced LGBTQ youth. The host reflects on the impact and fulfillment of contributing to these causes, particularly through their tennis organization, which donates funds annually. Career Transitions and Real Estate: The host shares their journey from aspiring attorney to a career in real estate, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between passion and practicality. Discussion on the path to becoming a real estate agent, including the influence of friends and the realization of innate skills in customer service and contract understanding. The Value of Experience: A look at how diverse professional backgrounds contribute to success in real estate, whether it's in hospitality, teaching, broadcasting, or marketing. Emphasis on the importance of hard work, discipline, and continuous learning in the industry, regardless of past careers. Mentorship and Growth: The significance of mentorship and team environments in real estate, especially for new agents. Personal anecdotes from the host and guests about their experiences on real estate teams and the accelerated learning and growth that comes from such collaborations. Educating the Next Generation: Discussion on the current state of real estate education, including the potential for college degrees in real estate and the need for a balance between comprehensive education and practical experience. Success Stories: The hosts and guests share success stories from their careers, emphasizing the importance of client communication, trust-building, and the personal satisfaction of guiding others to success. Closing Remarks: The host encourages listeners to engage with the show by liking, subscribing, and following on various platforms. They express anticipation for future episodes and ongoing discussions. Remember to tune in, subscribe, and join us next time for more insightful discussions and personal stories from the world of tennis and real estate!

  • Real Estate EV Trends and Personal New Year's Resolutions

    Real Estate EV Trends and Personal New Year's Resolutions

    EV Chargers in Suburban Homes: Discussion about the increasing necessity of having electric vehicle chargers in home garages. Buyers are actively looking for homes with pre-installed chargers or at least the capability to install them. Gardening and Composting Trends: A shift towards gardening and composting in suburban areas, including community gardens and terraced gardening in homes. Shared Community Spaces: Mention of community gardens and shared pool spaces. Discussion about apps that allow for sharing amenities like pools, akin to Airbnb. Energy Efficiency in Homes: Focus on energy-efficient features like new windows and insulation. Buyers are showing more interest in energy efficiency due to economic changes. Smart Home Features: Enthusiasm for smart appliances and home automation. Ideas about smart lighting for homes and scent diffusers that can be controlled remotely. Robot Vacuums and Home Cleanliness: Positive experiences with robot vacuums in maintaining cleanliness, especially in homes with pets. Advanced Kitchen Appliances: Trends in kitchen appliances, including Wi-Fi-enabled stoves and refrigerators that can reorder groceries. New Year's Resolutions and Habit Formation:Discussion about personal resolutions, including joining a high-intensity interval training gym. Strategies for successful habit formation, like the "12 Week Year" concept and habit stacking. The importance of setting achievable goals and rewarding oneself. Final Thoughts: Emphasis on the importance of finding what works for each individual, whether in fitness, home maintenance, or energy efficiency. Closing: Encouragement for listeners to follow, like, and subscribe on YouTube and other podcast platforms.

  • Unlocking Atlanta's Secrets: Real Estate Agents Share Insider Tips

    Unlocking Atlanta's Secrets: Real Estate Agents Share Insider Tips

    Welcome to another episode of the Clearly Georgia Podcast, where we explore the dynamic real estate market of Atlanta. In this episode, we bring together a panel of seasoned real estate experts to share their insights and insider tips. Here's what we covered: Introduction:Host introduces the topic and panelists. Brief overview of Atlanta's real estate landscape. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:Discuss the airport's efficiency and impact on the local real estate market. Personal anecdotes from panelists about traveling experiences. MARTA Transportation:How MARTA influences property values and lifestyle in Atlanta. Advantages of MARTA for residents and visitors. Parking and Accessibility in Atlanta:Insights into parking options and their convenience in different parts of the city. Tips for navigating Atlanta's traffic and parking. Real Estate Industry Developments:An in-depth look at the recent lawsuit involving the National Association of Realtors and the Department of Justice. Discussion on the importance of transparency in real estate transactions. Role of Real Estate Agents:The importance of real estate agents in guiding significant financial decisions. The impact of home ownership on building generational wealth. Listener Questions:The panel answers questions submitted by listeners. Tips and advice for potential buyers and sellers in Atlanta. Closing Remarks:Summary of key points discussed in the episode. Information on how to reach the panelists for further advice or services. Connect with Us: Follow us on social media for more updates and upcoming episodes. Visit our website for more information on Atlanta real estate. Thank You: Special thanks to our panelists for their insights and time. Appreciation for our listeners for tuning in and participating in the discussion. Remember to subscribe to the Clearly Georgia Podcast for more insights into Atlanta's real estate market!

  • Navigating the Current Real Estate Market: Insights and Advice

    Navigating the Current Real Estate Market: Insights and Advice

    Introduction: In this episode, we delve into various aspects of real estate, covering everything from budgets and credit scores to down payments and the importance of choosing the right lender. Key Topics Discussed: Market Trends: A look back at how the real estate market exploded unexpectedly in 2020, continued through 2021 and into early 2022. The discussion highlights the influx of new lenders and real estate agents, and the impact of market saturation. Choosing a Good Lender: Emphasis on the importance of working with experienced and reputable lenders. The conversation explores the pitfalls of online lending and the value of personalized service. Importance of Relationships: The role of relationships in real estate, particularly between lender, realtor, and consumer. Discussion on how effective collaboration can lead to better outcomes for clients. Supreme Rescue Service: An anecdote about a service that steps in when other lenders fail close to closing dates, highlighting the importance of working with reliable and competent professionals. Negotiating Deals: Insights into the negotiation process, stressing the importance of lender and realtor collaboration to secure the best deals for clients, especially in terms of closing costs and financing options. Understanding Buy Downs: A detailed explanation of buydowns, particularly the 2 1 temporary buy down, and its relevance in the current high-interest rate environment. First-Time Homebuyers: Advice for first-time buyers on understanding home prices, financing options, and the importance of making informed decisions. Financial Consultation: The value of financial consultation in real estate decisions and the long-term impact of buying a home on personal finances. Equity and Homeownership: The benefits of homeownership, particularly in building equity, compared to renting. Financial Planning and Real Estate: A discussion on the challenge of saving money and how homeownership can be an effective financial strategy. Conclusion: The episode wraps up by stressing the significance of making well-informed decisions in real estate and the potential of homeownership to positively impact one's financial future.

  • The Perfect Loan Candidate: How Much Do You Really Need to Buy a House?

    The Perfect Loan Candidate: How Much Do You Really Need to Buy a House?

    Key Topics Discussed: Down Payment Realities:Cale's Insight: With $10,000 saved, buyers won't be turned away. There are multiple programs and creative financing options available. Luke's Perspective: A common misconception is needing a huge down payment (like $50,000). It's more about preserving savings for the buyer. Risks of Large Down Payments:Deborah's Advice: Avoid putting all savings into the down payment. An emergency fund is crucial for unexpected expenses. Morgan's Viewpoint: Maintaining a healthy financial balance is key for clients. Unpredictable Interest Rates:Cale's Observation: Even experts can't always predict interest rates accurately. Recent trends showed unexpected drops. Luke's Addition: Factors like election years and seasonality can influence interest rates. Diverse Market Dynamics:Morgan's Analysis: Housing markets vary greatly. For instance, Atlanta's market is booming, unlike some others. Current Market Trends:Deborah's Overview: Post-pandemic, the market is more balanced. Homes take longer to sell but negotiations between buyers and sellers are healthier. Dealing with Debt in Homeownership:Luke's Strategy: Prioritize paying off high-interest debts (like credit card debts) over holding onto a low-interest mortgage. The Bottom Line:Cale's Recommendation: Engage with a lender early to understand your financial situation. Professional guidance is crucial in complex housing markets.