In this episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline Evans announce that the podcast is officially moving to a bi-weekly format as spring business picks up and client demand continues to increase. They share how busy the start of 2026 has already become, with buyer consults, seller consults, rentals turning over, and multiple homes in motion.

They also highlight a new listing in Dallas, Georgia at 208 Oliver Overlook, a refreshed five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath craftsman-style home on a half-acre corner lot. Chris and Céline talk about what made this house stand out, including the finished basement, new roof, serviced systems, updated finishes, custom laundry room, fresh paint, new carpet, and a color palette that gives the home warmth and character.

The episode also includes a family recap of their trip to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, where they attended a conference weekend and enjoyed the resort, indoor water park, and family-friendly atmosphere. They also give a proud shoutout to James for becoming Georgia State Society Children of the American Revolution Registrar.

From there, the conversation turns to March events around Metro Atlanta and Cobb County, including:

• Northside St. Patrick's Day Festival in Sandy Springs

• All 4 Kids Children's Consignment Sale

• Georgia Food + Wine Festival

• East Cobb Renaissance Faire

• Square Screenings on the Marietta Square

Chris and Céline then close with a substantial Metro Atlanta real estate market update, discussing February 2026 preliminary data, long-term appreciation trends, inventory growth, buyer leverage, concessions returning to the market, and what sellers, buyers, and investors should be watching as 2026 unfolds.

Northside St. Patrick's Day Festival https://northsidestpatricks.com

All 4 Kids Children's Consignment Sale https://www.marietta.com/all-4-kids-childrens-consignment-sale

Georgia Food + Wine Festival https://www.marietta.com/georgia-food-and-wine-festival

East Cobb Renaissance Faire https://www.eastcobb.com/renaissance-faire/

Square Screenings https://www.marietta.com/square-screenings

Two weeks of cold weather in Georgia brought plenty of warnings, preparation, and a whole lot of anticipation. In Episode 50 of the Georgia Living Podcast, Chris and Céline Evans break down what really happened across Marietta and Cobb County, why some areas were hit harder than others, and how Southern winters create their own unique challenges.

This episode dives into homeowner tips for preventing frozen pipes, why winter water damage is such a headache, and how a little preparation can save thousands. They also highlight local community events, seasonal traditions, and reflect on real estate as a tool for building long-term family legacy.

If you live in Metro Atlanta or just want a grounded, local take on weather, homes, and community life, this episode is for you.

• Georgia winter weather and cold snaps

• Frozen pipe prevention and home maintenance

• Water damage risks during freezing temperatures

• Marietta and Cobb County community updates

• Real estate as a long-term family asset

• Articles are available on Sellectrealty.com

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share the episode with someone who loves Georgia living as much as you do.

A big cold snap rolled through Metro Atlanta and reminded everyone why "a little prep" can turn into a lot of peace of mind. We break down the storm recap, what we did to prepare, and which items mattered most (portable generator, battery backup, lighting, and keeping supplies in one place). We also talk about how differently outages can hit depending on where you live—and why it pays to plan even if your power company is usually rock-solid.

Next, community news: scholarship season is open with the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, and we share why these opportunities matter (including options beyond traditional college paths). We also discuss big changes around the Cumberland area: the Cobb Galleria Centre / convention campus upgrades and what that could mean for traffic, hotels, restaurants, and the broader local economy.

Finally, we go deep on home inspections in Georgia: due diligence windows, scheduling realities, what "visible/minimally invasive" really means, the add-on tests buyers commonly consider (radon, sewer scope, septic), and the inspection issues most likely to lead to renegotiation. If you're buying or selling, this is a must-listen for setting expectations and avoiding surprises.

00:00 Intro: storm recap + community updates + real estate focus 00:01 Ice storm context + why the Southeast gets tricky with freeze/thaw 00:01 Technical note: possible audio-only episode 00:01 Prep recap + 2014 storm memory + generator "return line" memes 00:03 Power outage story: generator setup, oil lamps, fireplace, quick restoration 00:05 Friends' outages elsewhere (Dahlonega/Dawsonville) + why prep is worth it 00:06 Portable vs whole-house generator + reliability shoutout to Cobb EMC 00:08 "Emergency list" idea + storm guide reference (Sellect site) 00:09 What mattered: generator + Jackery battery backup + staying connected 00:09 What is a Jackery? Battery banks + pricing changes + keeping batteries healthy 00:12 What we didn't need (but had ready): cots/blankets + attic cleanup benefit 00:13 Online school logistics + storm timing + managing three kids at once 00:14 If you only had 60 minutes to prep: flashlight + power first 00:15 Organizing emergency gear into bins (food/water + power/light)

00:16 Community news: scholarships (Kiwanis) 00:17 Cumberland area transformation: convention campus refresh + why it matters 00:21 CID + tourism discussion + walkability/safety pitch vs Buckhead/downtown 00:23 What's already done + what's coming next (entry, ballroom, courtyard, parking)

00:26 Marietta Square update: the "Goldstein Gap" and Ted's conversation 00:31 Home inspections in Georgia: due diligence + "buyer beware" framing 00:32 What inspections cover (visible areas) + what they don't (moving furniture, invasive checks) 00:34 Seller disclosure vs buyer responsibility; final walkthrough perspective 00:36 Due diligence timing + scheduling reality (reports, turnaround, buffers) 00:40 Add-on tests: radon, air quality; what inspectors typically evaluate 00:43 Radon basics + mitigation overview + cost discussion 00:46 Choosing an inspector: solo vs company + sample reports 01:00 Best practice: attend the end of the inspection + how to use findings in negotiation

• In Georgia winters, the freeze/thaw + humidity combo can create real ice problems fast.

• The "winning" prep stack: light + power + heat plan + communication plan.

• Battery backups (Jackery-style) are useful, but don't let them sit depleted—keep them maintained.

• Scholarship opportunities exist beyond "typical" paths; vocational-focused support matters too.

• The Cumberland / convention campus refresh could quietly shift traffic patterns and weekend activity.

• A home inspection is minimally invasive by design—set expectations and plan your walkthroughs.

• Due diligence is about timing: schedule inspections immediately, and leave buffer days for review + negotiation.

• Inspection renegotiations most often revolve around safety + deferred maintenance + big-ticket systems.

Sellectrealty.com

MariettaKiwanis.org/scholarships

Cobbconvention.com/where-it-all-comes-together

Georgia might be staring down a rare snow day, so we're leaning into it with a list of fun, very Georgia ways to make the most of it. We also share a little "winter reset" energy from our house purge (yes, The Purge… with alarms).

Then we shift into local news: Kiwanis Club of Marietta scholarship applications are open right now, HOA reform is gaining momentum at the Capitol, Acworth just opened its first community theater, and Marietta Square's Piastra is transforming into a community-driven grocery and cafe called Asher & Rose.

We wrap with a real estate segment that explains what "full service" actually looks like today, why strategy matters, and how we help buyers and sellers navigate timelines, inspections, negotiations, and risk without surprises.

Chapters

00:00 Intro 00:01 The Purge: winter reset, clearing clutter, sanity restored 00:07 Snow Day in Georgia: 5 favorites 00:07 Dirty snowman (pine needles and sweetgums included) 00:09 Suburban snow tubing (boat rope + 4x4 vibes) 00:11 The plastic bag boot hack (extend playtime, keep feet dry) 00:13 Snow cream recipe debate 00:14 Chris's "best in the world" hot cocoa setup 00:16 Local news: Kiwanis scholarships open 00:18 Local news: HOA reform and SB 406 discussion 00:21 Local news: Acworth's first community theater 00:23 Local news: Piastra becomes Asher & Rose 00:25 Real estate: what full service really means (buyers + sellers) 00:43 Wrap-up + subscribe Links and resources mentioned Marietta Kiwanis Foundation Scholarships (open now, closes March 15, 2026) Georgia HOA reform bill text (SB 406) Piastra transforming into Asher & Rose (reopening Jan 26, 2026) Acworth grand opening: Rena Henton Theatre (Roberts School Community and Education Center)

Quick show-note add-ons (from the episode) Snow cream (the "clean snow only" version): 1 cup clean snow + 2 to 3 tbsp sugar + 1/2 tbsp vanilla + 2 to 3 tbsp milk/cream. Mix gently. Eat immediately.

Chris's snow day hot cocoa vibe: Dark cocoa mix + whole milk + homemade vanilla syrup + whipped cream + marshmallows + crushed candy cane (optional drizzle if you want to go wild).

Marietta Kiwanis Scholarships: https://mariettakiwanis.org/scholarships

Atlanta Magazine (Asher & Rose): https://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/piastra-transforms-into-a-community%E2%80%91driven-grocery-called-asher-rose/

Sell or Buy a house ➡ sellectrealty.com Sell your house DIY ➡ simplylistatlanta.com Buy or Sell the city block ➡ toacommercial.com

In Episode 47 of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline Evans cover a wide mix of family milestones, community highlights, and local news shaping life here in Cobb County and beyond.

The episode opens with a family update, including the completion of a go-kart project and a meaningful service milestone: collecting 46.5 pounds of pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. It's a reminder that small efforts, done consistently, really do add up.

From there, the conversation turns toward America 250, the upcoming semiquincentennial of the United States. Georgia drivers can now participate in the celebration through a newly released commemorative license plate, available statewide beginning January 1, 2026. We talk about what the plate represents, how long it will be available, and why this anniversary matters locally as much as nationally.

We also touch on what's happening around town and how community involvement, history, and civic pride continue to shape the places we live and invest in.

As always, Georgia Living is about more than headlines. It's about understanding the stories behind them—and how they connect to everyday life in our communities.

00:00 – Welcome & intro 02:15 – Family update: go-kart project complete 05:40 – 46.5 lbs of pop tabs collected for Ronald McDonald House 10:30 – America 250 explained 14:00 – Georgia's new America 250 license plate 20:10 – Why local history and civic moments still matter 27:00 – Closing thoughts & looking ahead

In this first episode of 2026, Chris and Céline Evans kick off the new year with family updates, local events, and a deep dive into Metro Atlanta real estate market trends.

They break down December 2025 market data across Cobb County, Cherokee County, and the greater FMLS area, explaining what price stability, rising inventory, and longer days on market actually mean for buyers and sellers heading into spring.

The conversation then shifts to a detailed explanation of Simply List—how it works, who it's for, how it differs from flat-fee MLS services, and why more homeowners are choosing flexible, lower-cost options without sacrificing MLS exposure.

This episode is part market update, part education, and part real-world strategy for navigating real estate in a post-2020 market.

00:00 – Welcome to 2026 & Georgia Living 01:00 – Kids back to school & holiday reset 03:40 – Ellijay trip, sunsets, and New Year traditions 04:40 – Go-kart saga and weekend projects 06:00 – Greenhouse reset & Japanese kitchen gardening 09:20 – Raising adventurous eaters (and fish talk) 11:25 – December 2025 market overview begins 12:10 – Median prices: Metro Atlanta, Cobb, Cherokee 13:45 – Why prices didn't crash (and won't) 16:00 – 2008 vs today's housing market 18:20 – Negotiation power, concessions, and buyer strategy 20:40 – Inventory levels and months of supply explained 22:00 – Days on market and what "healthy" inventory means 25:00 – Pending vs closed sales trends 27:40 – List-to-sale price ratios & concessions reality 29:00 – Seller pricing mistakes in today's market 33:50 – Why spring 2026 could bring a listing surge 34:10 – What Simply List is (and is not) 36:00 – With Help vs Without Help explained 39:30 – Who Simply List works best for 42:15 – Photography, lockboxes, signs & add-ons 47:30 – Cost savings compared to full service 50:10 – 2025 Simply List performance numbers 53:20 – Why Simply List is not a "true flat fee" 56:30 – Canceling, expiring, or withdrawing listings 1:00:00 – Are you a call center? DOJ & commission changes 1:02:15 – Timing, MLS exposure, and seller control 1:05:45 – Final thoughts for sellers heading into 2026

Step away from the serious stuff and join us for a lighthearted holiday special on Georgia Living 🎄

In this short bonus episode, Chris and Céline go head-to-head in a friendly game of holiday trivia covering everything from Christmas traditions and classic movies to surprising song origins and local holiday favorites right here in Metro Atlanta.

No real estate deep dives, no heavy market talk. Just laughs, fun facts, and a festive break as we head into the holidays and close out the year.

Perfect for a quick listen while wrapping gifts, driving around town, or taking a breather during the busy season.

• Why eggnog used to be called milk punch 🥴

• The surprising origins of Jingle Bells

• Christmas tree traditions from Europe

• Local holiday moments around Marietta

• A few friendly disagreements and plenty of laughs

🎄 Thanks for spending part of your holiday season with us. We'll see you in the new year.

The holidays are in full swing on Georgia Living. Chris and Céline share family updates, explain the difference between a Yankee Swap and a White Elephant gift exchange, and break down Victorian-inspired decorating tips that make entertaining easier year-round.

They also cover East Cobb local news, including a zoning variance update, mail theft at the East Cobb Post Office, winter water main breaks, and practical cold-weather homeowner tips. The episode wraps with a clear real estate and mortgage market update, discussing interest rates, affordability, and why long-term homeownership still matters.

Please subscribe and share for local insights in Cobb and Cherokee Counties!

The holidays are in full swing and the Evans home is buzzing again. Céline and Clare have returned from Japan, the kids are all in on Christmas mode, and Chris has officially learned how to weld — a dangerous new skill put to use as the family's go-kart project enters its final stretch.

But today's episode doesn't stop at holiday fun. We dig into a packed slate of local news shaping Cobb, Cherokee, and North Fulton, with context only a community-rooted show can deliver.

• Céline and Clare return from Japan

• The kids are deep in the holiday season

• Chris survives Welding 101 (and nearly burns his eyeballs off — learn why)

• The go-kart project is almost ready to roll

• Wildman's Civil War Surplus Store in Kennesaw ordered closed pending a full forensic accounting of the late Dent Myers' estate. The long-controversial shop is now sealed, with court-appointed oversight and no return date in sight.

• Cobb CFO Bill Volckmann promoted to Deputy County Manager, stepping into the role as Jimmy Gisi retires after 35 years of service.

• Roswell elects a new mayor: Former state representative Mary Robichaux defeats incumbent Kurt Wilson in a runoff focused on transparency, jobs, and intentional growth.

• Andy Gaines of the Strand Theatre wins the Governor's Award for the Arts & Humanities, marking another major achievement for Marietta's cultural district.

• Cobb County sewer overflow explained: What happened, how it was cleaned, and why it does not affect drinking water.

• Marvel pulls major film production out of Georgia, shifting work overseas and raising new questions about the state's future as the "Hollywood of the South."

Chris breaks down the data in depth, including:

• Inventory levels not seen since the early 2010s

• Sales cut nearly in half month-over-month

• Buyers negotiating an average of 5.2% off original list price

• Why sellers must price with precision

• How secondary and tertiary markets respond differently to economic pressure

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about our local economy, this episode brings the clarity and context you won't find on national news.

Sellect Realty — https://sellectrealty.com

Simply List Atlanta — https://simplylistatlanta.com

This week, Chris and Céline recap a deeply meaningful Veterans Day weekend, including a surprise Quilt of Valor presentation to Victor Higgins, the Veterans Day Parade in Marietta, and the Field of Flags installation in Roswell. They shift into Thanksgiving mode—sharing New England vs. Southern holiday traditions, fun childhood memories, why Chris wants a giant cornucopia, and the great debate of "dine-out or dine-at-home." The episode wraps with a rapid-fire winter home-maintenance checklist to prepare for freezing temperatures. A warm, lighthearted, and very American episode.

🇺🇸🦃 Links:

• Quilt of Valor Foundation: https://www.qovf.org

• Marietta Daily Journal: https://www.mdjonline.com

• Roswell City Hall: https://www.roswellgov.com • Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.): https://www.nscar.org • DAR National Society: https://www.dar.org Local Thanksgiving Dining Options Mentioned: (Reservations strongly recommended.) • Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center – Thanksgiving Brunch https://www.hilton.com • Mac's Chophouse – Marietta Square https://macschophouse.com • Johnny's / Moxie / Johnny & Max Italian Concepts (Check local listing for final Thanksgiving menu.) Thanksgiving Events: • MUST Ministries Gobble Jog (10K, 5K, 1K, Tot Trot – Marietta Square) https://www.mustministries.org/gobble-jog Senior Community Event: • Freeman Poole Senior Center Thanksgiving Luncheon https://www.cobbcounty.org/senior-services

• Sellect Realty — https://sellectrealty.com • Simply List Atlanta — https://simplylistatlanta.com