Deborah Morton sat down with Shelley Winter, host of the Shelley Winter Show, for a rare role reversal on Inside Georgia Real Estate, turning the microphone on the man who once co-hosted her podcast himself.

Key Takeaways

• Shelley grew up in Harlem's first African American co-op building and calls it the foundation of his belief in community.
• He funded his first baseball glove by selling greeting cards door to door in his own apartment building.
• A detour into TV sales with Fox brought him to Atlanta, where he stayed because he found the work more creative in radio.
• He accidentally launched his broadcasting career after pitching public radio station WCLK on how to sell airtime, then landed a sports talk slot that became his true calling.
• Both of his parents passed away exactly one year apart on the same calendar date, despite being separated for most of his life.
• He credits Atlanta's diversity and slower pace, plus lower cost of living compared with New York, for why he never left.

From Sales to the Airwaves

Shelley traces his path from Syracuse advertising student to Ebony and Emerge magazine ad sales, then to a Fox television sales training program that eventually relocated him to Atlanta. He found TV sales uncreative, but fell for the city and pivoted into radio advertising at WCLK, a public station tied to a local college.

That pivot led to an unplanned on air debut. When the Atlanta Hawks needed a weekly community affairs show to use up leftover budget, Shelley and broadcaster Rose Scott filled the slot, which grew into a full sports talk show and eventually his own program.

Why He Stayed in Atlanta

Shelley describes his first Atlanta apartment near Chastain Park as a culture shock in the best way, saying the sound of birds in the morning replaced the honking horns of his New York upbringing. He points to Atlanta's lower rents, growing entertainment districts in cities like Woodstock, Kennesaw and Mableton, and a steady wave of transplants from the Northeast drawn by the value.

A Personal Note From Shelley

Reflecting on his late parents, Shelley shared a wry take on their unusual timing: "My mom is furious up in heaven that he showed up a year later on the same day. She is cursing every single day."

What Listeners Can Expect

Shelley remains a fixture on the Georgia speaking circuit, from Rotary Club lunches in Conyers to community festivals, driven by what he calls a genuine love of meeting new people. He hinted he might consider a run for local office in 2028 if his radio career ever changes course, though he says it would be more about testing his ideas than seeking influence.

Catch more conversations like this one on Inside Georgia Real Estate with Deborah Morton, airing as a podcast every Saturday, and watch full episodes anytime at youtube.com/@insidegeorgiarealestate.

On this episode of Inside Georgia Real Estate, host Deborah Morton sits down with Keri Smith of Choice Home Warranty to tackle a common question from buyers and sellers across Georgia. With rising costs and more uncertainty in the market, understanding how home warranties work can help homeowners make smarter financial decisions.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Real Estate

• Most homeowners face a system or appliance failure within the first year.
• About 10 percent of new homeowners file a claim within 30 days of closing.
• Usage spikes to 55 percent within the first six months.
• Home warranties often provide the most value for HVAC systems and appliances.
• Higher-tier plans typically offer better coverage and fewer out-of-pocket costs.
• Offering a warranty can make a listing more attractive and reduce post-closing disputes.

What This Means for Homebuyers

Homebuyers often assume newer homes come with fewer risks, but increased wear during recent years has changed that. Systems and appliances have been used more heavily, and many are not built to last as long as older models.

A home warranty can help offset unexpected repair costs early in ownership. As Keri Smith notes, “Our purpose is to help people save money,” especially during that first year when expenses can add up quickly.

What Sellers Need to Know

With more inventory on the market, sellers are facing stronger competition. Adding a home warranty to a listing can give buyers added confidence, especially when comparing resale homes to new construction.

It can also help limit disputes after closing. Even in a buyer-beware state like Georgia, offering a warranty shows good faith and can reduce the chance of issues escalating later.

Impact on Homeowners

For current homeowners, a warranty can still be purchased after closing. Many people wait until something breaks, but having coverage in place can make repairs more predictable and manageable.

Keri shared a personal example: “We’ve already had three claims. It saved us over $4,000.” While not everything is covered, the potential savings can be significant when used correctly.

Practical Takeaway

Home warranties are not a one-size solution, but they can be a strong financial tool when expectations are clear and the right plan is selected. Buyers should review coverage details carefully, and sellers should consider using warranties as a strategic advantage.

Before deciding, ask your agent or warranty representative what is covered, what is not, and how claims are handled. A little clarity upfront can prevent frustration later.

Listen to all episodes at Inside Georgia Real Estate on YouTube

Host Deborah Morton of Inside Georgia Real Estate and managing partner of The Agency Atlanta sits down with returning guest Martine Nedou of Acclara Lending, powered by Barrett Financial, to break down what buyers are really facing in today's mortgage market. From rate locks to seller concessions to hidden closing costs, this episode pulls back the curtain on the financing side of buying a home.

What You'll Learn

• Why mortgage rates bouncing between six and seven percent is creating shock for pre-qualified buyers, and how it's fueling a rise in contract terminations (roughly one in three in 2026)
• The real difference between what you think you can afford and what the numbers actually show once taxes, insurance, and HOA fees enter the picture
• How rate locks work, when to lock (usually within 30 days of closing), and why locking protects you from rising rates
• The broker advantage: how working with a broker means you can switch wholesale lenders to capture a lower rate if the market shifts
• Why shopping endlessly during your contingency period can waste time and delay your closing
• How seller concessions and rate buydowns work, and how to calculate whether a buydown is actually worth the cost
• Myth busting: you do not need 20 percent down, but putting more down eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Creative financing solutions, including gift funds, seasoning requirements, and using home equity to help family members buy
• A full breakdown of closing costs: origination fees, appraisal fees, attorney costs, title insurance (lender vs. optional owner's), taxes, and insurance
• Why the day of the month you close affects your cash to close
• How your lender and agent working as a team creates the most affordable package for you

Key Takeaways

• Rate is not everything. Fees, buydown value, and refinance plans all matter when comparing lenders.
• Communication between your lender, agent, and attorney can save a deal when surprises surface during underwriting.
• Talk to a lender up front so you know your true budget, monthly payment, and cash needs before you shop.

Notable Quotes

• "Money sitting is money losing." Martine Nedou
• "If you're just shopping on rate alone, you're missing out on the nuance of what happens behind the scenes." Deborah Morton

Connect

• Reach Martine Nedou: martine@barrettfinancial.com
• Message Deborah through InsideGeorgiaRealEstate.com
• Follow the show on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

Deborah Morton and Martine Nedou are not tax or legal professionals. Always consult a qualified tax advisor or attorney for guidance on your specific situation.