Episode Highlights:

1. Holiday Preparations & Kids’ Holiday Trends

• The hosts discuss gearing up for the holiday season while trying to decode their kids’ evolving wish lists.
• They highlight a surprising phenomenon: Starbucks drinks, notably the “pink drink,” have become status symbols among school-aged children.
• Céline and Chris share their homemade café solution: using a moka pot, sugar-free syrups, and dairy alternatives to create trendy, budget-friendly beverages right at home.

2. DIY Savings and Personal Projects

• Céline reveals how learning to do her own acrylic nails saves money and keeps her style fresh.
• This DIY approach also helps curtail their kids’ nail-biting by providing pretty, short acrylics they’re reluctant to ruin.

3. Holiday Décor Trends for 2024-2025

• Sustainable, nature-inspired décor: using real tree trimmings, dried orange garlands, and wooden ornaments.
• Rich jewel tones, metallics, and vintage-inspired ornaments pair well with handcrafted elements.
• Maximalist glam and statement lighting—twinkling fairy lights, bold candle arrangements—are popular ways to add warmth and personality to your holiday spaces.

4. Family Holiday Traditions

• Advent wreath traditions: candle-lighting, daily readings, and quality family dinners without screens.
• Cozy fires, homemade hot chocolates, and a cherished nutcracker collection add sentiment and continuity across the years.
• Supporting Toys for Tots and engaging in charitable giving emphasize the true spirit of the season.

5. Community & Real Estate Insights

• A look at potential school consolidations (e.g., Spalding Drive Charter Elementary) and how changes in school zones could impact property values.
• Discussion on educational vouchers and scholarships, and how schooling choices intersect with real estate decisions.

6. Real Estate Market Update & Service Levels

• Comparing the “Sellect Simply List” (limited assistance) option with full-service listings that include professional photography, video tours, and robust marketing campaigns.
• A recent client’s success story: switching to full-service marketing led to more showings, multiple offers, and a swift sale.
• Addressing transparency in commissions and the value of buyer’s agents post-NAR settlement. Buyers and sellers should understand their contracts and ensure they receive the expertise they need.

Looking Ahead

• Next episode: Tips on prepping your home for the spring market.
• Spotlighting Georgia’s best post-holiday events to kick off the new year in style.

Connect & Follow

• Visit sellectrealty.com for show notes, photos, and videos (note the double “L” in Sellect).
• Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Leave a review and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
• Check out our YouTube channel for video episodes and behind-the-scenes content.
• Share your holiday décor stories and real estate questions for future episodes.

Tune in Next Time:

• More holiday tips, home preparation strategies, local community news, and unique insights into Georgia living!

Welcome to Episode 11 of Georgia Living! Join Chris and Céline as they explore the heart of East Cobb, North Fulton, and Cherokee communities in this packed episode filled with family stories, local insights, and real estate updates.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Thanksgiving Reflections: A quiet holiday at home and unique family traditions like milestone trips for the kids.

• Coping with Loss: Navigating the sudden passing of a neighbor and tips for discussing grief with children, along with local resources in East Cobb.

• Real Estate Market Snapshot: Updates on Metro Atlanta and East Cobb, highlighting median prices, inventory changes, and upcoming listings.

• Holiday Highlights: Christmas tree recycling tips, a family-friendly Tree Keeper Scavenger Hunt, and environmental benefits of tree recycling.

• Local Flavor: Reviews of East Cobb Avenue spots like Super Chix and previews of upcoming openings, including Tengku Sushi Elevation.

• Southern Gift Ideas: Atlanta-inspired cookbooks perfect for the holiday season.

• Personal Reflections: The challenges and rewards of building a real estate career and what’s next for Sellect Realty and the podcast in 2025.

Explore More:

• Listen Now:

  • Apple Podcasts

  • Spotify

  • YouTube

• Local Resources:

  • Cobb County Grief Resources

  • Christmas Tree Recycling Program Details

  • Tree Keeper Scavenger Hunt Info

Visit us at www.sellectrealty.com

In this lively and informative episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline Evans explore major topics impacting Metro Atlanta, with a special focus on community development, sustainable living, and family updates. Here’s what we covered:

Highlights

• Family DIY Projects

  • Updates on home improvement adventures, including painting, stair banister upgrades, and energy-saving window films.
  • Discussion about the charm of older homes and balancing sustainability with preservation.

• Greenhouse Development in Marietta

  • Beazer Homes’ groundbreaking 591-home community featuring townhomes, ranch-style homes, and zero-energy-ready houses.
  • The preservation of unique site features like a historic cemetery and a lake, along with pocket parks and trails.

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

  • A hot local debate about adding secondary housing units in Cobb County.
  • Pros: Housing affordability and multi-generational living solutions.
  • Cons: Potential impact on neighborhood character, parking, and infrastructure.

• Cobb County Stormwater Projects

  • $3 million allocated to stormwater system improvements, using federal COVID relief funds.
  • The significance of upgrading aging infrastructure after the floods of 2021.

• Affordable Housing Challenges in Atlanta

  • Centennial Yards’ decision to pay fees instead of building affordable units sparks criticism.
  • Discussion on whether inclusionary zoning policies need reform to better serve community needs.

• Mixed-Use Districts & Campus 244 in Dunwoody

  • How projects like Campus 244 are reshaping suburban landscapes with live-work-play models.
  • Pros and cons of urbanization in traditionally suburban areas.

• HGTV Smart Home in Marietta

  • Chris’ tour of the HGTV Smart Home, a tech-forward renovation blending charm with modern convenience.
  • Features like remote-controlled curtains, vertically adjustable wardrobes, and Samsung Frame TVs.

• Would you live in a zero-energy-ready community like Greenhouse?
• What’s your stance on ADUs in suburban neighborhoods?
• Should developers be allowed to pay fees instead of providing affordable housing?
• How do you feel about mixed-use developments in the suburbs?

• Follow Us:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • YouTube

• Contact Us:

  • Share your thoughts on social media or leave a comment on YouTube!

We’ll dive into the holiday season with local events, home decorating tips, and a special guest from the East Cobb community.

Thank you for joining Georgia Living! Don’t forget to leave us a review and share the podcast with your network. Until next time, stay connected, stay curious, and always stay Georgia.

Chris and Céline return with updates on local events, election news, and essential home maintenance tasks to prepare for the winter season. From Veterans Day preparations in Roswell and Marietta to practical advice for maintaining your home’s warmth and efficiency, this episode dives into community events and tips to get ready for the colder months.

Highlights:

1. Veterans Day in Roswell and Marietta:
   • Chris and Céline share their involvement in local Veterans Day events, including a flag sponsorship at Roswell City Hall and their plans to join the Daughters of the American Revolution float in Marietta Square.
2. Election Day in Georgia:
   • Chris and Celine discuss the latest absentee ballot updates and high voter turnout in Cobb County, emphasizing the importance of making informed voting decisions.
3. Local Wildlife Conservation:
   • Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources recently downgraded the red-cockaded woodpecker from endangered to threatened, marking a major win for conservation efforts in Georgia.
4. Winter Home Maintenance Tips:
   • Essential seasonal tips to prepare for winter, including:
     • Regular HVAC filter changes
     • Weather-stripping doors and windows to reduce drafts
     • Reversing ceiling fans for winter mode
     • Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
     • Cleaning gutters and dryer lint traps
     • Scheduling chimney and fireplace cleanings for safe winter use.
5. Atlanta Real Estate Market Update:
   • Chris provides insights on inventory trends, including a 50% increase in available homes compared to last year and potential benefits for buyers due to slower market activity in the winter months.
   • Discusses home pricing stability and the impact of winter holidays on real estate transactions, noting how buyers can find favorable deals during the season.
6. Planning for a Move:
   • Advice on timing a sale or purchase with the market's seasonal trends, including how sellers and buyers can leverage lower January prices.

Mentioned Resources:

• From the Ground Up: How Two Millennial High School Sweethearts Created a Multi-million Dollar Real Estate Investment Portfolio from Scratch, and You Can, Too - Chris and Celine's book on real estate investment, available on Amazon and Audible.
• FTGU Guides - Annual Maintenance Checklist

Join Chris and Céline as they bring an exciting Town Hall episode. This week, they’re joined by special guests Reid Moore, a commercial real estate expert with TOA Commercial, and Rob Doerr, a trusted lender with E Home Loan Advisors. They dive into everything from local happenings and community updates to sharing some of the most spine-tingling "real estate nightmares" just in time for Halloween!

00:00 – Introduction & Life Recap
Chris and Céline recap their past week, which was full of seasonal events: pumpkin picking, chaperoning school events, and attending Pope High School’s homecoming game. They share their appreciation for the vibrant community spirit and local activities leading up to Halloween.

05:00 – Spotlight on Canton, GA with Reid Moore
Chris and Céline introduce Reid Moore, who talks about his journey growing up in Georgia, his commercial real estate career, and his passion for outdoor life in Canton. Reid shares insights into Canton’s growth, the local real estate market trends, and his love for community-centered green spaces and small businesses.

15:00 – The Mortgage Minute with Rob Doerr
Rob provides an update on current mortgage rates, some practical advice on refinancing strategies, and how recent trends impact homebuyers. He also discusses rate locks and how adjusting homeowners' insurance could offer savings. Plus, tips on whether to pay points on a loan if refinancing in the near future.

20:00 – Real Estate Nightmares
Just in time for Halloween, Chris, Céline, Reid, and Rob share eerie and unsettling real estate experiences:

• Haunted Houses: Reid recalls chilling encounters with a haunted rental property and other strange happenings.
• Strange Discoveries: Chris recounts a shocking story of a property linked to a notorious news event.
• Buyer Blunders: Rob shares a cautionary tale of a buyer who spent their down payment right before closing.

35:00 – Commercial Real Estate Insights
Reid explains some challenges in commercial real estate, such as properties with “dark leases” and the difficulties of leasing to specific tenant types. He discusses how these situations differ from residential real estate and the importance of matching the right tenant with the property.

45:00 – Natural Disasters and Real Estate Recovery
Reid shares his recent volunteer work in North Carolina, where he helped rebuild communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. He discusses the importance of resilience and support in times of crisis and how natural disasters can significantly impact real estate and local economies.

• Céline’s Event Recap: A busy week in the Evans household as they engage with community events and fall festivities.
• Haunted House Stories: From strange puddles to items mysteriously moving, spooky tales abound in Georgia real estate.
• Real Estate Nightmares: Laughs and lessons about the challenges that both buyers and agents face in unusual situations.
• Community & Giving Back: Reid’s commitment to helping hurricane-stricken communities highlights the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.

Tune in for details on upcoming community events in Canton, Woodstock, and Marietta. Whether it’s live music, food festivals, or family-friendly outdoor events, there’s something for everyone this season!

Listen and Subscribe:
Catch every episode of Georgia Living and stay updated on local happenings, real estate tips, and more! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube for video episodes.

Explore more about Canton, Georgia, and the North Metro Atlanta area with every episode, covering local events, community highlights, and real estate trends tailored for you. Visit SellectRealty.com for additional resources and guest information.

🎙 Welcome to the Georgia Living Podcast!
In this cozy fall episode, Chris and Céline are excited to chat about Georgia's unpredictable weather, the joys of seasonal changes, and the upcoming fall festivities 🎃🍂. They also share tips on surviving asynchronous school days and provide helpful real estate advice as the winter market approaches 🏡.

Seasonal Changes and Local Events

• The first 45-degree day is here, and Chris breaks out his Cape Cod hoodie 🧥—but is it "fake fall"?
• Georgia’s weather can be tricky! Enjoy the cooler days now, as warm temperatures are coming back next week ☀️.
• Fall Events You Won’t Want to Miss:
  • 🕯️ Life in the Cemetery (Kennesaw City Cemetery), October 25-27
  • 🎃 Acworth’s "Safer Win" Halloween Event, October 31
  • 🌽 Scarecrows on Main (Downtown Woodstock), all of October
  • 🍁 Marietta Harvest Fest and Scarecrows in the Square, October 19

Family Time and Asynchronous School Days

• Balancing work and family during Cobb County's half days and asynchronous learning is no small feat! Céline shares her meditation techniques for staying calm in the chaos 🧘‍♀️.
• Funny family moments, like playing music loud to cover up sibling squabbles 🎶, add some light to the hectic days. Parents, you're not alone—hang in there! 💪

🏡 Real Estate Updates and Tips

• Winter Market Insights: While the real estate market typically slows down during the winter, there are still opportunities for sellers and buyers alike. Chris shares key strategies for pricing homes during the colder months ❄️.
• Seller Tips: Make sure your home is clean, smells fresh, and has cozy vibes when showing it to potential buyers! Especially if you have pets 🐾—presentation is everything.
• Avoid "Chasing the Bottom": Chris explains how to avoid pricing mistakes in a declining market and the importance of staying ahead of the curve 📉.

Community Vibes

• Georgia's small-town charm comes alive in October! From historical tours to community scarecrow contests, there's something for everyone this fall 👻🍂.
• Enjoy events like Acworth's Halloween Jamboree or the local tradition of Scarecrows on Main. Céline reflects on how lucky we are to be in such a tight-knit community 🏘️.

• 🕯️ Life in the Cemetery (Kennesaw City Cemetery) – October 25-27
• 🎃 Acworth’s Safer Win Event – October 31
• 🍂 Marietta Harvest Fest – October 19

Chris and Céline discuss exciting real estate opportunities, including a potential investment portfolio coming to market in early 2025. Thinking about buying or selling? Reach out to Sellect Realty for guidance! 💼📞

Ready to find your dream home or need help selling your property? Visit SellectRealty.com for all your home search needs, or give us a call at 770-509-0265 to speak directly with our team. We're here to guide you every step of the way! 🏡🔑

Thanks for Tuning In!
We hope you enjoyed this week's episode! 🎧 Join us next week for more local events and real estate tips to help you make the most of living in Georgia. Stay connected with us through social media or visit our website for updates. Until next time! 👋