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.

🎄 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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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