Deborah Morton of The Agency Atlanta joins Dave Baker for a wide-ranging conversation on Inside Georgia Real Estate, breaking down the distinctions that every Georgia homeowner, buyer, and seller should understand.

In this episode:

- Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor vs. Broker: What the titles actually mean in Georgia, why the Realtor trademark matters, and how the Georgia Association of Realtors' code of ethics raises the bar.

- Designations & Training: Deborah explains her Seller Representation Specialist (SRS) and Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) designations and why ongoing education protects consumers.

- Why Licensing Standards Should Be Higher: Deborah advocates for stronger pre-licensing education, especially around contracts that Georgia agents use every day.

- The Market Today: Rising inventory, mortgage rate volatility, affordability pressure, and average days on market climbing from under 30 to 40-70 depending on the community.

- Caller Q&A: Richard in Cumming asks about the role of the broker and the escalation process when issues arise in a transaction.

- A Cautionary Tale: How an agent using the wrong termination form cost a buyer their earnest money - and why oversight matters.

- Squatters in Georgia: New 2025 legislation finally gives law enforcement authority to remove unlawful squatters, plus a real story from a recent closing.

- HOA Reform: Georgia's new requirement that HOAs register annually with the state, what it means for small and self-managed associations, and the balance between property values and homeowner autonomy.

- Permits & Renovations: Susan in North Druid Hills asks about adding an in-law suite coffee bar - Deborah and Dave talk permits, plumbers, electricians, and why multi-generational living is the most requested feature in today's market.

Connect with us:

Website: InsideGeorgiaRealEstate.com

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Weekly Buyer (and Seller) Webinar: Thursday at 6:15 PM - register at InsideGeorgiaRealEstate.com

Have a question for Deborah? Send a message through InsideGeorgiaRealEstate.com - she answers them all.