Market Shakers

What exactly is coming to the Fifth Street Bridge? On this episode of Walk & Talk, Destination Augusta gives us a look at plans for Forge Augusta including a rock wall, zipline, elevated ropes course, and more coming to the bridge.

Could rising oil prices put even more pressure on mortgage rates? In Episode 3 of our Market Update, we look at lessons from the 1980s, today’s housing affordability, and why limited inventory remains one of the biggest issues facing the U.S. housing market heading into 2027.

Buying or selling a home can affect your health insurance more than you might think, especially when you move to a new county or state. Peter Menk from HealthMarkets explains why updating your coverage could even help you save money.

What does the AI boom have to do with your mortgage rate? In Episode 2 of our Market Update, we break down how big tech, data centers, and increased borrowing are putting pressure on interest rates—and why the next 12–24 months could bring major changes for the housing market.

Take a look inside Augusta's first tiny home community designed to support young adults aging out of foster care with housing, counseling, life skills, and workforce training. It's more than a place to live—it's a community built to help them finish strong.

Why are mortgage rates still so high—and what could finally bring them down? In Episode 1 of our Market Update, we break down three major forces affecting rates right now, how housing affordability compares historically, and what the current AI boom could mean for the housing market heading into 2027.

In this episode, Matt Kelly talks with Bernadette Kelliher about Habitat Augusta’s evolving mission, the success of Build the Band, and the importance of creating opportunities for working families to become homeowners. A great conversation about where Augusta is headed next.

Thinking about building a custom home on your own land but don't know where to start? In this episode, we sit down with Vance Perkins to break down the entire new home construction process — from buying raw land to moving into your dream house. Vance walks us through everything you need to know before building a custom home in Georgia or South Carolina, including how to perk test land before...

In this episode, Gene Martin breaks down his journey from customer service to running a growing real estate investment business, sharing honest insights on flipping homes, managing risk, and building a team. It’s a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to succeed in today’s market. Tune in and listen to the full podcast episode now.

Augusta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the city’s biggest traditions, bringing thousands of people downtown every year to celebrate Irish heritage and community. In this episode, Matt Kelly sits down with Irish American Heritage Society President Jason Scherer to talk about the history of the parade, the stories behind it, and what makes this event so special in Augusta.

We’re back with Season 3, Episode 6 diving into why local leadership impacts your everyday life more than anything happening at the federal level. We sit down with Cheney Eldridge, the economic development director for Columbia County, we talk real projects, real decisions, and what’s actually shaping your community behind the scenes.

In Season 3, Episode 5, we sit down with Matt LaMarsh to break down what “slow” actually means in today’s market. Homes are still selling, but buyer expectations have shifted, luxury inventory is sitting longer, and tear-downs north of Atlanta are reshaping entire neighborhoods.

Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, joins us to talk about what’s fueling Augusta’s momentum—from major employers and manufacturing to youth apprenticeship programs and future projects. It’s a real, behind-the-scenes look at how local leadership and smart development impact jobs, housing, and the community’s future.

County Manager Scott D. Johnson joins the show to talk about Columbia County’s biggest projects on the horizon—from the $50B data center buildout to infrastructure upgrades, hurricane response, and long-term plans that could reshape local taxes. It’s a transparent, inside look at how the county is preparing for 2026 and beyond.

In this episode we sit down with Mayor Britton Williams of North Augusta to answer a crucial question: how does local development impact your real estate value? From downtown revitalization to trolley lines, tourism efforts, apartment growth, and city infrastructure, this episode breaks down the real drivers of home value and community growth—not federal interest rates, but the choices made right...

We’re kicking off a brand-new Community Event Spotlight ahead of Season 3 with something truly Augusta — the 48th Annual Summerville Tour of Homes! 🏡

Jackson Drumgoole the founder of Bridge Builder Community, a grassroots initiative transforming the lives of 18–24-year-olds through housing, mentorship, and purpose-driven support. This is what real investment in our future looks like. #youthdevelopment #tinyhomes #communityimpact

Kim Evans, leader of the Boys & Girls Club of Augusta, shares how the organization is shaping generations, responding to crisis, and preparing kids for real-life success. From hurricanes to homework help, this is an inspiring look into the mission that’s changing lives in Augusta.  #communityimpact #youthsupport #augustapodcast

James Gay and Mark Halvorsen from Movement Mortgage dive into why chasing perfect mortgage rates can backfire, how the bond market affects your rate, and why building a strong relationship with your lender is more important than ever. Real advice for buyers, not just numbers. #mortgagemarket #homeownership #buysmart

Trey Nixon shares his raw journey from flipping a $25k house in a rough neighborhood to owning hundreds of rentals, building five businesses, and giving back through affordable housing and local partnerships in Augusta, GA. This episode dives deep into Airbnb, laundromats, multifamily deals, and the mindset that built it all. #realestateinvesting #airbnbbusiness #augustageorgia

Justin Freishtat shares how he went from selling door-to-door to developing a $4B waterfront project and launching a private equity fund. In this episode, he and Matt dive deep into capital raising, organic brand growth, and why real relationships still matter in business. #realestatedevelopment #entrepreneurship #brandbuilding

Luxury agent Heather Shepherd opens up about how Houston’s real estate scene survived Hurricane Harvey and what buyers, sellers, and investors can learn from it. With real stories, expert tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at working in high-end real estate post-disaster, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery markets. #houstonrealestate #luxuryhomes #disasterrecovery

In the final episode of our "Meet the Team" miniseries, we sit down with Preston Myhand—student, basketball fanatic, and full-time real estate agent—who’s already making a name for himself in Georgia’s competitive property market. From million-dollar land sales to first-time homebuyers, Preston shares his journey, mindset, and what’s next. #realestate #youngentrepreneur #landdevelopment

We sit down with 22-year-old Gabe Croley, a new face on the Matt Kelly Group, who's already hitting the ground running. From Georgia grad to real estate rookie making serious strides, Gabe opens up about his journey, the grind, and the goals he's chasing in 2025.  #realestatepodcast #youngprofessionals #georgiarealtor

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Hunter Long, a rookie real estate agent who's eager to make his mark. From setting big goals to navigating the local market, Hunter shares what excites him about this new chapter and how he’s preparing to serve clients with a fresh perspective.