Georgia Living

In Episode 52 of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline Evans share a little family life, a little community news, and a real look at today's Metro Atlanta real estate market. They open with stories from home, including the kids' beacon testing, bedtime battles, and a recent push toward healthier habits through better sleep and simpler food choices. From there, they cover several local stories making waves around East Cobb and beyond, including the upcoming closure of Dance Stop Studios after 52 years, the debate over expanded paid parking in downtown Roswell, a major new housing proposal near Shirley Franklin Park, and the Atlanta Hawks' canceled Magic City promotion. The episode also highlights a few upcoming community events, including shows at The Strand and volunteer opportunities with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. To close things out, Chris gives a practical update on the current real estate market: whether the market is picking up, what kinds of homes are selling, how long transactions are taking, and why pricing and preparation still matter more than ever. The episode ends with a fun new segment where listeners get to know Chris and Céline a little better. 00:00 Welcome to Georgia Living 00:14 Life lately: beacon testing, sleep, and healthy habits 05:30 Why the Evans family is focusing on better food choices 06:35 Dance Stop Studios closing after 52 years 08:22 Downtown Roswell paid parking debate 12:40 New housing proposal near Shirley Franklin Park 14:40 Atlanta Hawks cancel Magic City night 16:25 Upcoming local events and community happenings 16:50 The Strand in Marietta 20:56 Sweep the Hooch with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper 23:10 Real estate update: is the market picking up? 27:05 What is selling and how long homes are taking to close 29:28 Are cash buyers still dominating? 32:13 New segment: Get to Know the Hosts 33:02 How Chris and Céline met 34:39 What still surprises them about each other 36:27 What people may be surprised to know about Chris 38:48 Early bird or night owl? 40:17 Céline's funniest sleep habit 41:15 Real estate services and where they work 42:02 Why they do the podcast 42:34 See you next time

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. Links Mentioned 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. 🔑 Topics Covered 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 ⭐️ Support the Show 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. Chapters 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 Key takeaways 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. Links 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. ⏱️ Episode Chapters (YouTube / Spotify) 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. What You'll Hear 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. In This Episode: 🎄 Family & Holiday Update • 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 🗞 Local News You Should Know • 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." 🏡 Real Estate Market Update: A Dramatic November Slowdown 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. Listen & Subscribe Presented By: 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

Halloween collided with a home football game, Kiwanis topped up the diaper drive, we discovered Smyrna's North Cooper Lake Park (kid-friendly bike skills loops!), and we unpack Cobb 101 + SPLOST basics. We also share why Santa at Phipps is an ATL tradition worth booking early, and we cover October's market snapshot for Cobb & Cherokee with practical winter strategies for buyers and sellers. Chapters 00:00 — Cold open: Halloween hits different this year (Pope home game) 03:01 — Community heartbeat: Kiwanis diaper drive update 05:00 — Local Spotlight: North Cooper Lake Park (skills loops, playground, pavilion info) 15:26 — Cobb 101 graduation: what we learned about county services & efficiency 20:30 — Public services night: libraries, UGA Extension, waste & senior services 35:05 — SPLOST 101: what that extra penny funds 38:34 — Family tradition: Santa at Phipps (book early) 46:03 — Buckhead eats near Phipps (quick rundown) 48:59 — October market snapshot (Cobb & Cherokee: listings, pendings, price trends) 52:00 — Winter strategy: pricing where buyers are, turnkey prep, rate buydowns 1:02:40 — Programming note: Japan trip & holiday timing; reviews help the show Show notes (resources & links) North Cooper Lake Park (Smyrna): City page with amenities & pavilion reservation phone (678) 631-5395 — Park page. Bonus overview with photos of the MTB skills area — Atlanta Area Parks profile. Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy: official info & application timeline — Cobb County page. SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax): what it is and what it funds — Cobb County SPLOST hub. UGA Extension (Cobb County): programs, contacts, and location — Extension office. Santa at Phipps (appointment-only): official site for pre-registration, schedule, and contact — santaatphipps.com Cobb Diaper Day (community diaper drive): event, donate, and drop-off details — cobbdiaperday.com. Links to us: Sellect Realty: sellectrealty.com Simply List: simplylistatlanta.com

In this episode of Georgia Living, Céline and Chris shine a light on Woodland Cove in Woodstock, a peaceful swim and tennis community of mostly single-story homes built by Pulte in 2014–2015. We cover what to know about HOAs, typical rental caps, and how communities like this fit into today's downsizing trend without age-restricted deed rules. We also run through upcoming Veterans Day plans, including the Marietta Veterans Day Parade and the Acworth ceremony, and share why this year is personal for our family. Big thanks to everyone who helped with Cobb County's Diaper Day drive. Your donations will go straight to local families who need them. To round it out, we hit a few fall favorites around Cherokee and Cobb, from trails and restaurants near downtown Woodstock to end-of-month holiday kickoffs like the Battery tree lighting. If you are tracking listings or curious about market rhythm heading into late fall, we have you covered. Chapters 00:00 Intro and show preview 01:05 Woodland Cove neighborhood spotlight (Woodstock) 06:30 HOA basics, rental caps, and covenants to review 12:10 Veterans Day preview: Marietta parade and Acworth ceremony 18:35 Cobb Diaper Day thank-you 20:00 Fall fun near downtown Woodstock: trails, markets, breweries 25:45 Late-November kickoff: Battery Atlanta tree lighting 28:20 What's new at Sellect Realty and Simply List 31:00 Wrap and how to connect Links mentioned Sellect Realty: https://sellectrealty.com Simply List: https://simplylistatlanta.com

In this episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline catch up after a busy week filled with conference chaos, cooler fall weather, and opening weekend for hunting season. They share laughs from family moments on the road (including a diaper emergency in Savannah!) before diving into community efforts like the Cobb Diaper Day drive — helping local families in need with donations through Sellect Realty. Next, they turn their spotlight to the world's busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International — tracing its fascinating roots from a racetrack and Coca-Cola connection to the aviation powerhouse it is today. They also discuss the cities surrounding the airport, from revitalized College Park and historic East Point to Peachtree City's unique golf-cart lifestyle. Then it's back to business with a market update: mortgage rates dipping, buyer activity returning, and what sellers need to know about pricing and home condition in today's market. Rob Doerr of E Home Loan Advisors shares rate data and insights that set the stage for a strong finish to the year. Finally, Chris and Céline unveil major updates to SimplyListAtlanta.com, their Georgia-based DIY brokerage platform. Learn how sellers can now choose their level of support, from With Help to Without Help, use the all-new dashboard, and take advantage of professional photography and custom signage — all from a locally owned company that keeps your dollars in the community. 📦 Support Cobb Diaper Day Donate through the Kiwanis Club of Marietta's Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C1XJ00GEO3CM/ref=cm_go_nav_hz Or drop off at Sellect Realty, 4180 Providence Rd, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30062 before 2:00 on October 28th, 2025. 🗓️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Fall Weekend Recap 02:00 – Cobb Diaper Day & Savannah Road Trip Story 05:15 – Community Spotlight: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport 11:00 – Surrounding Cities with Easy Airport Access 17:00 – Market Update: Mortgage Rates, Builder Confidence & Buyer Activity 25:00 – What Sellers Need to Know: Pricing, Repairs & Negotiations 27:00 – Lender Shoutout: Rob Doerr, E Home Loan Advisors 28:00 – Investor Insights: The Evans Report & Rental Growth 30:00 – Simply List Atlanta: Updates, New Dashboard & Service Levels 45:00 – Georgia Law, Signs, and Working with a Real Broker 53:00 – Website Upgrades & What's Coming Next 01:00:00 – Closing Notes & Calls to Action Links Mentioned: 🏡 SimplyListAtlanta.com 🏠 SellectRealty.com

In this episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline dive into a mix of family stories, community updates, and local history. From Japanese school sports day to pest control tips, genealogy surprises, and a deep look at the city of Kennesaw, this episode connects life, learning, and community in the heart of Cobb County. The pair share laughter over field day traditions, offer practical advice for keeping your home bug-free, and highlight the incredible work being done by the Center for Family Resources to combat homelessness in Cobb County. Plus, they take listeners through Kennesaw's fascinating past—from its roots as "Big Shanty" to its growth as a thriving college town—and wrap up with upcoming local events like Cobb Diaper Day and Taste of Kennesaw. Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro and Welcome 01:00 — Family Segment: Japanese School Sports Day ("Undokai") traditions and cultural connections 06:00 — Pest Control Talk: Real-life experience and 5 tips to keep bugs out 12:00 — Home Projects: Art, framing, and family collaboration 13:00 — Genealogy Corner: Céline's surprising connection to The Sound of Music actor Daniel Truhitte (Rolf) 17:00 — AI in Genealogy: How technology is uncovering forgotten stories 18:00 — Community Focus: Homelessness in Cobb County and the work of the Center for Family Resources 24:30 — Volunteer Opportunities: Point-in-Time count and housing partnerships 26:00 — DAR Fielding Lewis Chapter project: Building "Chad's Bracket" wagons for children's hospitals 27:00 — Community Events: • Cobb Diaper Day (Oct 28) – Donate via Amazon Wishlist • Movie Night on the Square – The Goonies (Oct 24) • Taste of Kennesaw – Downtown Kennesaw (Nov 1) 29:00 — City Spotlight: History and Growth of Kennesaw, Georgia • From "Big Shanty" to "Kennesaw" • The Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War roots • KSU's explosive growth to Georgia's 3rd largest university • Parks, gardens, and community hubs like Swift Cantrell and Smith-Gilbert Gardens • Depot Park Amphitheater and Big Shanty Festival 40:00 — Controversial Landmark: The Wildman's Civil War Surplus store discussion 45:00 — Reflections on Kennesaw's mix of history, progress, and community spirit 47:00 — Mall Memories and how retail spaces are changing 49:00 — Closing Thoughts: Kennesaw as a hub for families, education, and local life Links Mentioned: Donate to the Cobb Diaper Day Drive → Amazon Wishlist Learn about the Center for Family Resources → thecfr.org

In this episode of the Georgia Living Podcast, Chris and Céline Evans welcome fall in Georgia with a mix of family updates, community news, and an in-depth look at the Cobb and Cherokee County real-estate markets. They talk about mountain biking at Sope Creek and Blankets Creek, the latest zoning and school updates, and local community events including: Cobb Diaper Day Drive: Donate diapers to local families in need via the Amazon Wishlist here: 👉 Order Diapers for Cobb Diaper Day Drive We CARE Veterans Fair at the Cobb Civic Center Kennesaw Cemetery Tours: Preserving history and honoring those who built our community Mortgage expert Rob Doerr (E Home Loan Advisors) joins to explain what the recent Fed rate drop actually means for buyers and sellers. Chris and Céline wrap with September housing stats, why Cherokee County prices remain strong, and how to leverage rate buy-downs and lease contingencies for smarter home-buying. 👉 Learn more about real-estate services at SimplyListAtlanta.com and SellectRealty.com 🎧 Follow and review to support local real estate, community, and family conversations from right here in Georgia. 🕓 Episode Chapters & Timeline: 00:00 – Listing update & roofing story 01:15 – Intro – Georgia fall weather returns 03:20 – Mountain biking with Sope Creek Composite Team 06:00 – Trails, training, and getting kids outside 09:00 – Youth sports culture & team support 12:00 – Family updates (DAR Today Podcast & Kiwanis service) 13:30 – Zoning & development news (Villa Rica Rd, Corner Rd, Vineyard Way) 17:00 – Cobb County SAT scores & graduation rates 21:20 – Community events (We CARE Veterans Fair, Kennesaw Cemetery Tours) 26:15 – Cobb Diaper Day Drive – How to help Amazon Wishlist Link 30:15 – Mortgage market update with Rob Doerr (E Home Loan Advisors) 35:00 – Creative financing & rate buy-down strategies 40:00 – Buyer vs. seller leverage today 50:00 – September housing stats (Cobb & Cherokee County) 57:30 – Traffic & urban growth discussion 1:04:00 – Market supply, pricing trends, and inventory 1:10:00 – Negotiation tips & pricing mindset 1:12:40 – Long-term real-estate wealth strategy 1:13:30 – From the Ground Up book discussion 1:15:00 – Céline's genealogy story on property ownership 1:17:00 – Closing & community wrap-up

If you love Marietta, this episode is for you. In Episode 36 of Georgia Living Podcast, we're celebrating everything that makes our hometown shine — from community leaders and local events to history and lifestyle. We'll take you inside the Strand Theatre's 90th anniversary, revisit Marietta's role in the Great Locomotive Chase, and share some practical October homeowner tips you can use right now. You'll also hear what's happening in the real estate market, plus fun fall break ideas — sunsets, Starlink satellites, and apple orchards in Ellijay. This one's packed with Marietta pride, a little history, and a lot of heart. Tune in and see why living here is something special. 👉 Follow Georgia Living Podcast for more stories, events, and real estate updates across Marietta, Cobb County, and beyond. 🎧 www.sellectrealty.com 📺 www.youtube.com/@eastcobbevans

This week on Georgia Living, we're celebrating Constitution Week and the freedoms it represents. We take you to the heart of Marietta Square, where a reproduction Liberty Bell—cast by London's legendary Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the same makers of the original Liberty Bell and Big Ben—has stood since the Bicentennial of 1976. We'll share the fascinating history of the foundry, the story of how the bell came to Marietta, and invite you to the Constitution Week bell-ringing ceremony happening this Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in Glover Park. Also in this episode: Flag display rules for homeowners — what the U.S. Flag Code says about proper care, display, and retirement. Georgia history spotlight: George Walton, one of Georgia's signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his home, Meadow Garden, in Augusta. Cobb County headlines: Cherokee Street widening, Strand Theatre's 90th anniversary, a new memorial pathway honoring Rev. Nelson Price, and more. Local school news: CCSD investigates educators' social media posts after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Statewide outlook: Georgia sets a record $26.3 billion in new investments and 23,300 new jobs, keeping the state ranked #1 for business. 📍 Whether you're reflecting on our founding ideals, stopping by the bell in the Square, or brushing up on local headlines, this episode connects history with what's happening now in Cobb and across Georgia.

From weeping statues to an elevator that "opens" onto a Civil War ward—this Halloween episode takes you inside Cobb County's most haunted corners with rich storytelling, real history, and can't-miss October events. We count down the Top 10 Haunted Places in Cobb (Kennesaw House, St. James' Mary Meinert, Concord Covered Bridge, Brawner Hall, the Old Mill, and more), then bring it home with a practical Real Estate Corner: The 5 Scariest Home Repairs—and how to prevent them (frozen pipes, pinhole leaks, water heaters, HVAC, furnaces). It's equal parts goosebumps and good sense. In this episode: Headlines: Cobb cold case ID (Veronica Jane Miller) + Cobb Veterans Memorial funding update What's On (date-ordered): Fright Fest, Scarecrows on Main, Chalktoberfest, Life in the Cemetery tours, Nightmare on Main 5K, William Root House Flashlight Tours, Safe-O-Ween Feature: Storytelling countdown of Cobb's most haunted sites—history first, hauntings second Real Estate Corner: Prevent expensive "house horror" before it strikes—smart, doable tips you can act on today Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 02:00 Headlines 10:00 What's On + Community (chronological) 16:00 The 10 Most Haunted in Cobb County — Storytelling Edition 38:00 Listener Shoutouts 42:00 Real Estate Corner: 5 Scariest Home Repairs (Prevention Guide) 52:00 Wrap & CTA Friendly reminder: Explore with respect. Follow posted hours and stick to official tours and museum programs.