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Georgia Living

Georgia Living

By: Chris and Céline Evans
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 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.2024-2025 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 50. Cold Snaps, Frozen Pipes, and January's Real Estate Market Update

    50. Cold Snaps, Frozen Pipes, and January's Real Estate Market Update
    Feb 4 2026

    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.
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    57 mins
  • 49. Why Home Inspections Matter

    49. Why Home Inspections Matter
    Feb 2 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 48. Impending Doom and Free Money (snow + scholarships)

    48. Impending Doom and Free Money (snow + scholarships)
    Jan 23 2026

    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
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    44 mins
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