Georgia Living

By: Chris and Céline Evans
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to the Georgia Living Podcast, where we explore everything that makes our great state a true home. Joining you are hosts Dr. Céline Higgins Evans and Chris, both proud Georgians with deep roots in the area. Dr. Higgins Evans is an Atlanta native, born in the former Paces Ferry Hospital. She spent her early years in Smyrna and later moved to East Cobb, where she grew up. She is an alumnus of Campbell High School’s International Baccalaureate program. Céline earned both her BA in Biology and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, making her a "double dawg." Chris, on the other hand, moved to Georgia when he was 11 and settled in West Cobb. He is a graduate of Osborne High School and later earned a BBA in Finance from UGA's Terry College of Business. Chris and Céline, who were high school sweethearts, are the second generation running Sellect Realty, a residential real estate brokerage based in East Cobb. Founded by Céline’s parents in 2007, the brokerage has been serving the Metro Atlanta area with dedication. Chris joined the family business in 2010, followed by Céline in 2016, continuing the legacy of community-focused real estate service.
    2024
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Episodes
  • Holiday Traditions and Family Fun in Cobb

    Holiday Traditions and Family Fun in Cobb
    Nov 12 2024
    Your Guide to Real Estate and Holiday Happenings in Cobb County Welcome back to Georgia Living, your go-to podcast for all things happening in Cobb County and tips for navigating the real estate market! In today’s episode, we dive into the festive holiday events around Cobb County, along with some key insights into the real estate trends in this thriving area. Episode Highlights 1. Veterans Day Parade and Fall Foliage in Marietta We kick off this episode with a recap of Cobb County’s recent Veterans Day Parade in Marietta. With beautiful fall foliage creating a stunning backdrop, it’s a reminder of why this area is so beloved by residents. The scenic surroundings add to the appeal for anyone looking to buy a home in Marietta, where community and tradition are truly valued. 2. Recent Eats Around Cobb County: We share our recent dining experiences, including the blackened grouper sandwich at McCray’s Tavern in West Village and a Japanese meal with oyakodon and curry udon at Yakitori Jinbei in Smyrna. Local dining scenes like this add to the lifestyle appeal of Cobb County, making it a hotspot for homebuyers seeking convenience and culinary variety close to home. 3. Upcoming Holiday Events in Cobb County Thanksgiving Runs: Participate in the Acworth Turkey Chase or the Gobble Jog at Marietta Square for some festive exercise, a great way to feel connected to the community while supporting local causes.Tree Lightings: Don’t miss the Battery Atlanta Tree Lighting on November 30 and the Marietta City Tree Lighting on December 5. These events draw large crowds and highlight the area’s strong community spirit.Holiday Light Displays: Lights of LIFE at Life University: Open from November 25 through December 31, this local favorite is perfect for families and adds to the unique charm of Cobb County.Christmas Wonderland at Jim R. Miller Park and Lights of Joy in Kennesaw: Drive through these beautiful light displays and feel the magic of the holiday season. These festive spots reflect the family-friendly atmosphere that makes real estate in Cobb County so sought after.World of Illumination at Six Flags White Water: Running from November 15 through December 29, this immersive drive-through light show offers holiday entertainment for all ages. 4. Marietta’s Real Estate Market Trends for the Holidays With holiday festivities boosting the local appeal, we discuss the current real estate trends in Marietta and surrounding areas. The holiday season is a time when serious buyers are looking to make moves before the end of the year, making it a prime time for sellers to capitalize on the increased interest.Homes in Marietta and nearby East Cobb continue to attract families drawn to the high-quality schools, robust dining scene, and strong sense of community. 5. Holiday Shopping and Artisan Markets Support local artisans and find unique gifts at holiday markets such as the Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show at St. Ann’s and the Holiday Artisan Market at Cobb County Civic Center. These events not only offer holiday shopping opportunities but also showcase the creativity and community spirit of Cobb County, another reason it’s such a desirable place to live. 6. Real Estate Tip: Why the Holidays Can Be a Great Time to Buy or Sell in Cobb County We discuss why holiday real estate transactions can be beneficial, including reduced competition and serious buyers who are motivated to close. In Cobb County, holiday events and family gatherings showcase the area’s appeal and can be a unique advantage for sellers.Additionally, buyers can take advantage of lower interest rates and potentially find homes with festive charm that underscores why Cobb County real estate is so inviting. Community Feature: Christmas Tree Fundraiser at First Baptist Church Marietta We wrap up with a special segment on the Christmas Tree Fundraiser at St Ann Catholic Church, where Chris ran the event for nine years. Events like these are part of what makes Cobb County’s real estate market so unique—it's not just about finding a home; it's about joining a vibrant, caring community that values traditions and connections. Real Estate Insights: Cobb County’s Market Appeal As we explore the holiday events and local attractions, it’s clear why Cobb County remains one of the top areas for real estate in Georgia. From Marietta Square to Kennesaw and East Cobb, each community offers distinct features that draw in new residents, including top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and a robust local economy. These neighborhoods are ideal for families and young professionals alike, with easy access to Atlanta and a strong sense of community that is felt throughout the holiday season.
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    59 mins
  • Ep. 8: Vote, Honor, Winterize!

    Ep. 8: Vote, Honor, Winterize!
    Nov 5 2024

    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
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    47 mins
  • Ep. 7: Real Estate Nightmares with Reid Moore

    Ep. 7: Real Estate Nightmares with Reid Moore
    Oct 29 2024

    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!

    Key Segments:

    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.

    Episode Highlights:
    • 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.
    Community Announcements:

    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.
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    56 mins

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