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!

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

In this lively and informative episode of Georgia Living, Chris and Céline Evans explore major topics impacting Metro Atlanta, with a special focus on community development, sustainable living, and family updates. Here’s what we covered:

Highlights

• Family DIY Projects

  • Updates on home improvement adventures, including painting, stair banister upgrades, and energy-saving window films.
  • Discussion about the charm of older homes and balancing sustainability with preservation.

• Greenhouse Development in Marietta

  • Beazer Homes’ groundbreaking 591-home community featuring townhomes, ranch-style homes, and zero-energy-ready houses.
  • The preservation of unique site features like a historic cemetery and a lake, along with pocket parks and trails.

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

  • A hot local debate about adding secondary housing units in Cobb County.
  • Pros: Housing affordability and multi-generational living solutions.
  • Cons: Potential impact on neighborhood character, parking, and infrastructure.

• Cobb County Stormwater Projects

  • $3 million allocated to stormwater system improvements, using federal COVID relief funds.
  • The significance of upgrading aging infrastructure after the floods of 2021.

• Affordable Housing Challenges in Atlanta

  • Centennial Yards’ decision to pay fees instead of building affordable units sparks criticism.
  • Discussion on whether inclusionary zoning policies need reform to better serve community needs.

• Mixed-Use Districts & Campus 244 in Dunwoody

  • How projects like Campus 244 are reshaping suburban landscapes with live-work-play models.
  • Pros and cons of urbanization in traditionally suburban areas.

• HGTV Smart Home in Marietta

  • Chris’ tour of the HGTV Smart Home, a tech-forward renovation blending charm with modern convenience.
  • Features like remote-controlled curtains, vertically adjustable wardrobes, and Samsung Frame TVs.

• Would you live in a zero-energy-ready community like Greenhouse?
• What’s your stance on ADUs in suburban neighborhoods?
• Should developers be allowed to pay fees instead of providing affordable housing?
• How do you feel about mixed-use developments in the suburbs?

• Follow Us:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • YouTube

• Contact Us:

  • Share your thoughts on social media or leave a comment on YouTube!

We’ll dive into the holiday season with local events, home decorating tips, and a special guest from the East Cobb community.

Thank you for joining Georgia Living! Don’t forget to leave us a review and share the podcast with your network. Until next time, stay connected, stay curious, and always stay Georgia.