• Ep. 18: Community & Contracts, Cell Phones in School to Negotiation Tips
    Feb 18 2025

    In this episode, Celine and Chris Evans kick off with a behind-the-scenes look at podcast recording challenges and microphone mishaps. They share local updates from Cobb County—including winter break chaos, community events, and a deep dive into Marietta Middle School’s innovative phone pouch initiative to improve student focus. The pair then spotlight the Marietta Kiwanis, upcoming library and plant sales, and a fun “Touch-A-Truck” event for families. Wrapping things up, Celine and Chris pivot into real estate topics, covering negotiations, changes in how broker commissions work, and strategies to keep communication and deals running smoothly. Finally, they mention their own book, From the Ground Up, for anyone interested in long-term real estate investing.

    Timestamps:

    • [00:00] Intro & mic troubleshooting
    • [00:01:21] Episode intro with Celine and Chris Evans
    • [00:02:00] Winter break, sick kids, and juggling family life
    • [00:03:00] Georgia’s unpredictable weather and “polar vortex” talk
    • [00:04:00] Visit to Marietta Kiwanis and the new student phone pouch policy
    • [00:10:00] Addressing parent concerns about phone usage in schools
    • [00:15:00] Civics groups, volunteering, and community involvement
    • [00:22:00] Upcoming Cobb County events: 4-H plant sale, library sale, Georgia Food & Wine Festival, and Touch-A-Truck
    • [00:31:00] Transition to real estate: negotiating offers, due diligence, and writing clear contracts
    • [00:45:00] How buyer-broker commissions and new rules affect negotiations
    • [01:06:10] Outro and mention of From the Ground Up book

    Key Takeaways:

    • Community: Marietta Kiwanis does extensive service work, such as flag placements and school initiatives.
    • Schools: Marietta Middle School’s “phone pouch” pilot program significantly reduces classroom distractions.
    • Real Estate Tips: Negotiating in good faith (and with good data) helps buyers and sellers find common ground more efficiently.
    • Local Fun: Georgia Food & Wine Festival, library book sale, 4-H plant sale, and the Touch-A-Truck family event are all coming soon.
    • Personal Finance: Celine and Chris’s book, From the Ground Up, shares strategies for long-term real estate investing.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 17: Simply List - The Best Flat Fee Listing Service in Georgia
    Feb 13 2025

    Thinking about selling your home but don’t want to pay high commissions? In this episode of Georgia Living, we break down how Simply List is changing the game with a low flat-fee listing service that gets your home on the market while keeping more money in your pocket.

    🏡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    ✔️ How Simply List works and why sellers are ditching traditional commissions

    ✔️ The difference between transaction brokerage and full-service representation

    ✔️ What to expect when selling with Simply List in Georgia MLS & FMLS

    ✔️ Market trends and what buyers are looking for right now

    ✔️ The latest on mortgage rates and financing options

    💰 Ready to sell your home and keep more of your money?

    👉 Learn more about Simply List: https://www.simplylistatlanta.com

    👉 Need full-service real estate expertise? Visit Sellect Realty: https://www.sellectrealty.com

    🎙️ Listen to the Georgia Living Podcast for More Real Estate & Community Updates!

    📲 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/georgia-living/id1769261203

    🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FfL7wwORnc3ryTUS9J3Jx?si=71a1292b915540af

    📺 Watch More on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDAeVOtyT2ARiDrRmhGXZOQ

    📍 Serving Cobb County, North Fulton, and Cherokee Counties in Metro Atlanta.

    💬 Have questions about selling, buying, or the Georgia market? Drop them in the comments!

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more updates on real estate, community news, and market trends!

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Ep. 16: The Official Numbers for 2024
    Feb 4 2025

    🌞 East Cobb Real Estate Update & Local Events 🏡 | Georgia Living Podcast 🎙️ Ep. 16

    Hey, East Cobb! We're Chris and Céline Evans, your go-to real estate team and hosts of the Georgia Living podcast! 🎧

    In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest East Cobb and metro Atlanta real estate market trends 📊, including:
    ✅ Homes for sale up 59.9% in Cobb County!
    ✅ Cherokee County leading with 9.6% growth in home values.
    ✅ Tips for pricing your home to compete in today’s market.

    Plus, we chat about fake spring in Georgia 🌸, upcoming family-friendly events, free tax prep locations across Cobb, and...the story of how Scarlett’s paper corsage became legendary! 💐👗

    🎧 Available on:
    👉 Apple Podcasts
    👉 Spotify
    👉 YouTube Channel

    👀 Highlights:
    0:39 Real estate trends in East Cobb & Cherokee
    6:22 Tax aid locations in Cobb County
    10:03 How to price your home right for 2025
    25:44 Family updates, daddy-daughter dances, and paper corsages!

    💬 Comment below: Have you noticed more homes for sale in your neighborhood? What local events are you excited about this month? We'd love to hear from you!

    Don't forget to like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and share the show with friends in East Cobb and beyond!

    #EastCobbRealEstate #MetroAtlantaHomes #GeorgiaLivingPodcast #CherokeeCountyGA #HomeBuyingTips #SpringInGeorgia

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    59 mins
  • Ep. 15: House Hunting in 2025 – Smart Moves for East Cobb Buyers
    Jan 28 2025

    In this episode of Georgia Living, Celine, Chris and Rob Doerr from Equity Home Loan Advisors dive into key topics for East Cobb homeowners and future buyers, including updates on mortgage rates, homestead exemptions, and tips for navigating the real estate market in 2025. 🏡✨

    We discuss how Cobb County's floating homestead exemption impacts your property taxes, creative solutions for buyers and sellers in today’s market, and why waiting for interest rates to drop might cost you more in the long run. Plus, hear about the latest trends in local real estate and the upcoming town hall meetings you don't want to miss!

    Links and Resources:
    • Sellect Realty: https://sellectrealty.com
    • Rob Doerr | Equity Home Loan Advisors: Call/Text: 404-771-0341 | https://ehla.com
    • Town Hall Information: https://eastcobbnews.com/cupids-upcoming-community-meetings-include-ne-cobb-location/

    💡 Don’t miss our insight on:

    • Why East Cobb remains a top location for families and professionals
    • Market strategies for buyers and sellers in a shifting landscape
    • Key factors that determine property taxes across metro Atlanta counties

    🔔 Subscribe for weekly updates on the real estate market and community insights:

    • 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Georgia Living Podcast
    • 🎧 Listen on Spotify: Georgia Living Podcast
    • 📺 Watch on YouTube: Georgia Living Podcast

    💬 Have questions about real estate in East Cobb? Drop a comment or reach out to us directly through SellectRealty.com.

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    54 mins
  • Ep. 14: Snow, Sweat Equity, and Home Stories
    Jan 17 2025

    In this packed episode, Chris and Céline Evans take you through the highs and lows of the past week, sharing laughs, local insights, and practical advice for homeowners and buyers navigating today’s market.

    Highlights include:

    • 🌨️ Winter Storm Kora Recap: Snow in Georgia? Hear about Chris and Céline’s snowy adventures, including ATV sledding and storm prep tips to keep your home safe.
    • 🏠 Real Estate in 2025: Why buying a fixer-upper could be your smartest move this year. Discover what the Evans have done to their 1979 saltbox home to blend history, charm, and practicality.
    • 🔨 DIY Inspiration: Learn how to create a unique and personal home on a budget, from constellation ceilings to locally inspired staircases.
    • 📈 Spring Selling Tips: Get ready for the spring market with budget-friendly upgrades, staging advice, and expert insights to maximize your home’s value.
    • 🏀 Community Updates: Explore local events, including Cobb County’s adult sports leagues and the latest neighborhood happenings.

    👉 Why Listen? Whether you’re navigating the real estate market, renovating your home, or just curious about life in Georgia, this episode has something for everyone. Packed with personal stories and actionable advice, it’s a must-listen for homeowners and buyers alike!

    🎧 Subscribe & Share!

    • Apple Podcasts: Listen here
    • Spotify: Tune in

    Don’t forget to follow us on YouTube: Watch full episodes here

    🎙️ Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
    Have questions or want to connect? Visit SellectRealty.com or reach out on Facebook!

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Ep. 13: Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Trends - 2025 Real Estate Starts Here
    Jan 8 2025

    🎙️ Georgia Living Podcast: Wrapping Up the Holidays & Real Estate Insights for 2025

    Join Chris and Céline Evans as they return to the mic for the latest episode of the Georgia Living Podcast! This week, we’re talking about:

    ✅ Wrapping up the holidays and getting back into the swing of things
    ✅ Upcoming January events in Cobb County and beyond
    ✅ A deep dive into December 2024 real estate stats and what to expect in 2025

    From funny family stories to practical real estate tips, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss our candid chat about market trends and how they impact buyers and sellers in Metro Atlanta.

    📺 Watch on YouTube
    Catch the full episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDAeVOtyT2ARiDrRmhGXZOQ

    💻 Read More
    For detailed market stats and more insights, visit: https://sellectrealty.com

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Let us know your favorite holiday moment or what you're looking forward to in 2025.

    #GeorgiaLiving #RealEstate #HolidayRecap #MetroAtlanta #CobbCounty #CherokeeCounty #NewYear #HomeBuying #RealEstateTips

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep. 12: Holiday Prep, Kids’ Trends, and Home Values
    Dec 20 2024

    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!
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    58 mins
  • Ep. 11: From Wreaths to Real Estate
    Dec 11 2024
    Georgia Living Episode 11 Show Notes

    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

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    49 mins