Atlanta Real Estate Forum

For home builders, the first impression often occurs long before a prospect steps into a model home—it happens online. Yet new data shows that many digital inquiries are still met with slow responses, inconsistent follow-up or silence altogether. Leah Fellows, president of Blue Gypsy, Inc., and Ben Marks, president of Melinda Brody & Co., join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss what the 2026 Online Home Buyer Mystery Shop reveals about follow-up speed and missed opportunities in today’s buying environment.

Now in its sixth year, the study continues to reveal a cr...

As temperatures fluctuate across metro Atlanta, homeowners may notice more pest activity as rodents and insects seek warmth and shelter. Neil Bloyd, director of learning and technical services with Northwest Exterminating, joins host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how homeowners can proactively prepare their homes for winter pests while planning ahead for spring insect activity.

Winter Pest Prevention Starts With Exclusion

Rodents are the primary concern during late fall and winter, as mice can squeeze through openings “as small as a dime” and rats through openings “the size of a q...

Homebuying isn’t one size fits all, and your mortgage shouldn’t be either. Kimberly Nehiley, senior loan officer at Supreme Lending, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss nontraditional loan options and creative strategies every Atlanta homebuyer should know.

Why Homebuyers Need a Mortgage Expert

Buying a home is often the most significant financial decision a person will make, and the process can feel overwhelming. Supreme Lending goes beyond traditional loan origination to help clients evaluate cash flow, debt and long-term financial goals.

Nehiley said, “It’s u...

Communities that endure rarely happen by accident. They are shaped by intentional design and a deep understanding of place. Lew Oliver, founder and principal of Lew Oliver, Inc., joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share his perspective on traditional neighborhood development and the long-term value of thoughtful planning.

What does “timeless” really mean in today’s housing market?

For Oliver, timeless design is not rooted in architectural trends or short-term market appeal. Instead, it is a disciplined approach that places the town — not the individual building — at the center of...

Jay Knight, managing member of Templar Development and co-founder and chair of the Georgia Residential Land Development Council (GRLDC), joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Georgia’s housing challenges, including affordability, land-use policy and strategies to support first-time homebuyers.

Housing Affordability Challenges

Knight said, “70% of Georgians who would like to buy a house cannot afford one.”

Affordability remains a central concern across Georgia. Rising construction costs, high interest rates and restrictive zoning have constrained the supply of homes for first-time buyers. Knight highlights one municipality where...

If helping aging parents plan their next chapter feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Hilary Walker, founder and CEO of Atlanta Seniors Real Estate, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss practical strategies for guiding older adults and their families through transitions into age-appropriate housing.

Five Years Early, Not Five Minutes Too Late

Walker emphasizes the importance of early planning. A crisis, such as a fall, hospitalization or cognitive decline, makes transitions significantly harder. She encourages older adults to proactively outline their wishes, designate key decision-makers and ensure vi...

Behind every great community is a mentor who showed someone the way. David Schmit, founder of Schmit & Associates, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss why thoughtful design and collaboration matter in today’s housing market.

Designing Walkable Neighborhoods People Love

If given the chance to design his dream community anywhere, Schmit says he’d choose “a hillside in Italy.” He values close, human-scaled communities that feel personal to residents.

“We used to design everything around the car,” he says. “But magic happens when scale shifts from the car t...

Skip Hulsey, founder of Lagom Development, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss his company’s unique approach to homebuilding, centered on the philosophy of Lagom—a Swedish word meaning “just the right amount.”

The Lagom Philosophy

For Hulsey, it’s not just about building smaller houses; it’s a mission to restore affordability, promote energy efficiency and revitalize community connections through thoughtful, human-scaled design.

He witnessed firsthand how the COVID-era surge in valuations (up to 60% in the Atlanta market) combined with tripling interest rates pushed homeownershi...

Jim Chapman, president of Jim Chapman Construction Group (JCCG), joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the company’s newest division, Chapco Design Build, and how this strategic expansion broadens JCCG’s scope to include commercial and amenity construction.

Expanding Services Through Strategic Growth

JCCG established Chapco Design Build to strengthen its ability to deliver turnkey services for clients. The division grew out of JCCG’s internal need for amenity management and took shape after the company brought on seasoned commercial construction professional Jay Kiger. Before joining full-time, Kiger...

Lynn McKee, director of the Master of Science in commercial real estate program at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the forces fueling Atlanta’s growth, the pervasive challenges of housing affordability and how education is preparing the next generation of real estate leaders.

What’s Growing Atlanta

While many look to shiny new towers or popular leisure spots, McKee emphasizes that Atlanta’s enduring success stems from three fundamental, often non-obvious assets that drive business and demand:<...

Tammie Ross, builder and general contractor with Residence by Ross, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share her unconventional journey from homebuyer to home builder, her fight to break barriers as a woman in construction and the story behind her empowering new book, Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings.

Overcoming “No” with “Not”

Ross has spent her career proving that education and passion can open doors that once seemed closed. As a licensed general contractor and home builder, she brings a level of precision and professionalism to the building industry...

Great design starts with the details, and a few details make a bigger impact than the right window treatments. Ashley Sasher, owner and franchisee of Bloomin’ Blinds, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how the company’s custom window treatments blend beauty and practicality to deliver stylish, long-term comfort.

Fashion Meets Function

Bloomin’ Blinds offers design and installation services for blinds, shades and shutters. What really sets the company apart is its on-site repair service, which makes it a go-to resource for homeowners and Realtors.

When i...

John Ryan, chief marketing officer at Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS), joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to unpack the current state of Georgia’s housing market, from affordability and inventory to interest rates and buyer behavior.

Is Atlanta’s Housing Market Playing Monopoly?

When asked to compare today’s housing market to a board game, Ryan described it as “a mashup” of Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders and The Game of Life. He explains that Monopoly represents the capital-driven side of real estate, where those with equity or access to funds h...

The Great Recession changed the way many builders, developers and investors approached financing. As banks tighten their grip, private lenders offer a more competitive and personalized approach. Mark Whitmire, corporate strategist with SRP Lending, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how SRP Lending is positioned in today’s market and why more builders and developers are turning to private lenders as interest rates rise.

Principal-to-Principal Lending

One of the biggest advantages of private lending, according to Whitmire, is the direct relationship between the borrower and lender.

...

The Atlanta housing market continues to shift, shaped by migration trends, job growth, supply dynamics and affordability challenges. Cara Lavender, senior research manager with John Burns Research and Consulting, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the factors shaping today’s housing market and her predictions for 2026.

Is Atlanta’s growth slowing?

A recent headline suggested that Atlanta’s migration-fueled growth streak had ended. Lavender disagrees, explaining that the city’s growth is smaller post-pandemic, yet still increasing.

“While the migration into Atlanta has undoubtedly slowed, and we’re...

When it comes to housing, some counties are scrambling to keep pace with growth. Gwinnett County is charting its own path, actively shaping how development happens and who it serves. Matthew Elder, division director with the Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how the county is rethinking housing policy to make room for more diverse, attainable options.

What Does “Attainable Housing” Really Mean?

Elder explains that Gwinnett County’s vision for attainable housing rests on three key principles:

Chief Development Officer Jacob Vallo and Chief Housing Officer Alan Ferguson from DeKalb County join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how DeKalb County is investing in housing and economic development that will boost the lives of its residents.

How is DeKalb County shifting its focus toward housing and economic development?

Under the leadership of CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson, DeKalb County is experiencing a strategic reinvestment phase. With 13 municipalities and several unincorporated areas, she recognized the need for a sharper focus on housing and development.

The...

Have a pair of jeans that no longer fit? Give them a second life and recycle them! Julie Eno, VP of customer insights at Henry®, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Henry®’s unique UltraTouch insulation, made entirely from recycled denim!

How does denim insulation stand out against other alternative insulations on the market?

Denim insulation has been around for several decades, but not as a readily available product to consumers. Through a key partnership that eventually led to the acquisition of denim insulation, Henry® has transformed it fr...

A tuition-free charter school built by a mortgage company? Bet you haven’t heard of that before! Gina Spearman, market leader at Movement Mortgage, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the new Movement School in South Fulton County and what she expects from interest rates through the end of 2025.

What is the Movement School in South Fulton?

Movement Mortgage is proud to offer tuition-free education through its nonprofit Movement Foundation. The first six schools opened near Movement Mortgage’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Each Movement School pres...

A tuition-free charter school built by a mortgage company? Bet you haven’t heard of that before! Gina Spearman, market leader at Movement Mortgage, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss the new Movement School in South Fulton County and what she expects from interest rates through the end of 2025.

What is the Movement School in South Fulton?

Movement Mortgage is proud to offer tuition-free education through its nonprofit Movement Foundation. The first six schools opened near Movement Mortgage’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Each Movement School pres...

It’s time to party! Jennifer Landers, community director at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes is celebrating its fifth anniversary with five special events through the end of this year.

5 Years, 5 Special Events

“Our residents find any excuse for a good party, whether it’s something that’s planned through our lifestyle director or just a casual get-together,” said Landers. “They love to just have fun and enjoy each other’s company.”

In celebration of i...

What does it take to build in today’s housing market? A lot of adaptability! Chris and Clif Poston, principals of Traton Homes, join Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss Traton Homes’ steady transition into the Florida housing market and Traton University, an internal training program recently opened to the public to share industry insights.

Traton University

Chris Poston started Traton University with Traton Homes’ VP of Construction, Bob Hupp, as a method for training employees on emerging technology, trends and other topics related to residential construction. In March...

How can individuals “move the needle” on their careers and achieve higher performance at work? Farrell Middleton, president of The Bell Curve of Life, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how his new book, A Performer/A Environment, presents working professionals with the tools they need to make meaningful growth in the workplace.

The 20-60-20 Principle

In A Performer/A Environment, Middleton dives into the “bell curve” pattern that comprises working professionals. The upper category of workers makes up 20%, then 60% is in the middle and 20% are in the l...

What does the Atlanta housing market have in common with Back to the Future, The Hangover and The Hunger Games? Todd Emerson, general manager at Harry Norman, REALTORS®, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how the market is returning to fundamentals, paying for the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and pushing homebuyers into a “feast or famine” outlook on for-sale inventory.

Moving Forward After the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on the real estate industry, creating new challenges for home builders, Realtors and homebuyers to na...

Van Hardimon, president of 3384 Residential, Inc. and Van Hardimon Homes, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss how infill development supports housing affordability in metro Atlanta.

3384 Residential

3384 Residential delivers a comprehensive approach to residential construction across metro Atlanta, managing both for-profit and non-profit projects. From initial rezoning and land disturbance to entitlements, easements, vertical construction, dispositions and warranties, the company provides stakeholders and financial partners with a meticulously organized development schedule and consistent support.

Hardimon said, “Our development partners can focus on what they do best, wh...