Georgia Living

Chris and Céline Evans

Discover the heart and history of our hometown in each episode of Georgia Living. We shine a light on the stories, events, and landscapes that make our community truly one-of-a-kind. From local legends and hidden landmarks to exciting festivals and community gatherings, every installment offers fresh insights into what makes our corner of the world special. Whether you're a long-time resident eager to learn more or a newcomer ready to dive in, tune in and celebrate the people, places, and spirit that shape our shared home.

  1. 3D AGO

    53. Feelings Aren't Facts. Real Estate Advice + Savannah Travel Guide

    In this episode of the Georgia Living Podcast, Chris and Céline recap their recent family trip to Savannah during St. Patrick's Day, share what it's really like traveling with kids, and highlight must-see spots like Forsyth Park and River Street. They also dive into what's happening around Cobb County this spring, from local festivals to community events, and wrap up with a real estate segment focused on navigating today's market. Chris breaks down why "feelings aren't facts" in real estate and explains how buyers and sellers can better approach negotiations in a shifting market. If you're thinking about moving, investing, or just want to stay connected to what's happening in Metro Atlanta, this episode is for you. 👉 Subscribe for local insights, real estate advice, and community updates. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Intro – "#1 podcast in Cobb County (according to my mom)" 01:00 Family update + busy real estate season 02:00 Meet Tippett the macaw (special guest) 05:00 Community updates + spring in Georgia 06:00 Pollen season in Metro Atlanta 07:00 April events in Cobb County 13:00 Savannah trip recap begins 14:30 Travel logistics + Airbnb tips 18:00 Family routines + food habits 20:00 St. Patrick's Day in Savannah 22:00 AI-generated walking tour with kids 24:00 Savannah history + city design 25:00 River Street experience 27:00 Is Savannah worth visiting? 28:00 Real estate segment begins 30:00 Spring market trends explained 33:00 How negotiations really work 36:00 "Feelings aren't facts" in real estate 41:00 Industry challenges + agent perspective 45:00 Why communication matters in deals 48:00 How to choose the right agent 52:00 Wrap up + what's next 📍 Community Events Mentioned Acworth Art Fest Caffeine & Octane Kennesaw Art Hatch Spring Festival Big Shanty Festival Cobb County Job Fair First Friday Concert Series Marietta Gardeners Club Plant Sale Taste of Marietta

    53 min
  2. APR 8

    52. Healthy Habits, Local News, and Real Estate in Metro Atlanta

    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

    43 min
  3. MAR 7

    51. We're Going Bi-Weekly: March Events, New Listing, and Market Update

    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

    46 min
  4. FEB 2

    49. Why Home Inspections Matter

    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

    1h 8m
  5. JAN 23

    48. Impending Doom and Free Money (snow + scholarships)

    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

    44 min
  6. JAN 21

    47. Around the Community and America 250

    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

    57 min
  7. JAN 9

    46. December 2025 Market Performance and How Simply List Really Works

    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

    1h 18m
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Discover the heart and history of our hometown in each episode of Georgia Living. We shine a light on the stories, events, and landscapes that make our community truly one-of-a-kind. From local legends and hidden landmarks to exciting festivals and community gatherings, every installment offers fresh insights into what makes our corner of the world special. Whether you're a long-time resident eager to learn more or a newcomer ready to dive in, tune in and celebrate the people, places, and spirit that shape our shared home.