In this special episode, host Judy Jernigan walks you through exactly what to prioritize when getting your home ready to sell in Atlanta’s competitive market. With clarity and strategy, she shares the 4 categories that matter most, so you don’t waste time or money on things that won’t move the needle.

Whether you’re thinking about listing this season or next year, this episode offers an easy-to-follow checklist that will help you boost home buyer appeal, eliminate overwhelm, and walk into your home sale with confidence.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Judy Jernigan is a top 5% Atlanta REALTOR® and the team-lead of Sage and Grace Realty Group. With a background in broadcast media, project management, and education, she combines expert marketing with calm, strategic guidance to help homeowners sell faster and smarter. Judy is a licensed real estate broker in both Georgia and North Carolina and serves the Brookhaven, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and North Atlanta areas.

Selling your home is a major life event. Who do you know looking for a strategy that honors the financial, logistical, AND emotional side of every move? Judy is here to help - simply book a chat.

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In this episode you’ll discover:

• The 4 big categories that matter most when preparing your home
• Low-cost updates with high ROI, especially for curb appeal
• Why lighting and cleanliness can make or break a showing
• Pro tips for choosing paint colors and finishes
• How to create emotional connection through staging
• What to remove, fix, or lock up before showings

Why This Matters for Home Sellers:

Most homeowners know their home needs to “look good” to sell, but they’re not always sure where to start. With hundreds of client consultations under her belt, Judy breaks down the prep process into manageable steps that maximize buyer impact without overspending. This episode can save you time, money, and uncertainty.

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Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find the sage advice they need.

In this episode of How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace, Judy Jernigan sits down with her home seller clients Meera and Robert, Judy recently helped them sell their home for nearly 101% of list price and she got it sold three times faster than the neighborhood average.

They walk through every key moment, from smart prep decisions (like stretching the carpets and painting a single bathroom) to pricing strategy, open house turnout, and what it felt like when the first potential home buyer backed out of their contract, and how having a signed backup contract made the experience much less stressful. They also share behind-the-scenes insights about how Judy uses spreadsheets, staging, and clear communication to help all her home sellers navigate inspections, buyer psychology, and fast-moving timelines with confidence.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Selling your home is a major life event. If you're looking for a strategy that honors the financial, logistical, AND emotional side of your move, Judy is here to help - simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How pricing strategically (not emotionally) helped attract 5 offers in the first week
• The small prep steps that made a huge visual impact
• Why one freshly painted bathroom mattered more than repainting the whole house
• What to do when a buyer gets cold feet, and why a backup agreement is always smart
• What an inspection report really means and how to stay calm
• Why communication and marketing strategy matters most in today’s market
• Judy’s advice for home sellers preparing 6 weeks - or 6 months - before they move

Why This Matters for Home Sellers:

This episode is packed with lessons for anyone thinking about selling. Whether you're still living in the home, or moving out first and then selling, Judy and her seller-clients show how strategic planning and seller-focused guidance lead to smoother closings and stronger results.

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

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Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find the sage advice they need.

Selling your long-time home is emotional and strategic. In this special episode, host Judy Jernigan sits down with her real-life clients, Jim and Karen McColgan, who sold their Atlanta home 18x faster than the neighborhood average, for 101% of list price, and achieved the highest sale ever recorded in their neighborhood.

From early planning to smart pre-listing steps, hear what really made the difference in their results. This candid conversation covers what worked, what didn’t, and why their 18-month prep timeline set them up for a smooth, stress-free, and wildly successful sale.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Selling your home is a major life event. If you're looking for a strategy that honors the financial, logistical, AND emotional side of your move, Judy is here to help - simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guest:

Jim and Karen McColgan are recent Sandy Springs / Brookhaven / Atlanta home sellers who partnered with Judy Jernigan and the Sage and Grace team to prepare, market, and sell their home with confidence. Jim brings a background in commercial appraisal, while Karen prioritized emotional clarity and walk-away goals. Their thoughtful approach, paired with strategic staging and inspections, made their sale a model of preparation and success.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How early planning led to less stress and better results
• Why Jim and Karen chose to get a pre-listing home inspection
• How staging, window washing, and simple fixes made a big impact
• Pricing strategy and the power of an open house
• Why depersonalization helped buyers connect emotionally
• What a service-minded Realtor really does behind the scenes
• The emotional side of leaving a long-time home
• How this sale reached 101% of list price, highest in the community

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Youtube

Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find the sage advice they need.

Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start? In this episode of How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace, Judy is joined by Sage & Grace teammate Kristy Kadolph to tackle frequent questions homeowners ask of their agents when preparing to sell.

From “What’s my home worth?” to “How much do I need to fix?” Kristy and Judy break down the most common concerns, and share smart answers that help home sellers make confident decisions.

Whether you're months away from listing or just starting to explore your options, this episode is packed with clarity, insight, and strategy.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Selling your home is a major life event. If you're looking for a strategy that honors the financial, logistical, AND emotional side of your move, Judy is here to help - simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guest and Co-Host:

Kristy Kadolph is a REALTOR® with Sage and Grace Realty Group. A former special education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Kristy uses her background in behavior science, communication, and education to guide home buyers and sellers with clarity and precision. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, two children, and rescue dog. She loves trying new Atlanta restaurants, practicing yoga, and tackling interior design DIY projects.

Instagram: @kristykadolphrealtorLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-kadolph/

In this episode you’ll discover:

• What home sellers frequently ask their Realtors when listing
• Why “What’s my home worth?” isn’t the only question that matters
• The importance of clarity and communication in choosing an agent
• How smart strategy builds confidence (and protects equity)
• What sellers will want to understand about timing, prep, and pricing
• Why experience and trust matter more than ever

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

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Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find the sage advice they need.

The thought of selling your Brookhaven home is exciting, but the reality of a house bursting at the seams can feel paralyzing. A cluttered house doesn’t just slow down your move - it can cost you money on the sale. If you're an Atlanta-area homeowner, know that you don’t have to do it alone.

In this episode of How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace, top Atlanta Realtor Judy Jernigan sits down with Steve Holcombe of Castle Estate Sales to reveal how a professional estate sale can help you declutter, generate cash, and get your home market-ready. With over 40 years of experience, Steve shares a masterclass on turning a lifetime of belongings into a seamless, profitable transition. This episode will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Sell your Atlanta home faster, for top dollar, and with less hassle. Schedule a real estate listing consultation with show host Judy Jernigan now, or simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guests:

Steve Holcombe is the owner of Castle Estate Sales, a full-service estate liquidation company based in Georgia. Along with his wife Deanna, Steve brings decades of experience in antiques, marketing, and senior-level corporate roles to every sale. Known for professionalism, empathy, and results, Castle Estate Sales has earned a reputation for turning even the most overwhelming clutter into smooth, successful sales that help families move forward.

📍 Find Steve on EstateSales.net under Castle Estate Sales

🔍 Facebook: Castle Estate Sales by Steve & Deanna

In this episode you’ll discover:

• The key difference between a yard sale and a profitable estate sale.
• Simple steps to prep your home for a successful sale (without doing all the work yourself).
• The critical red flags to watch for when hiring an estate sale company.
• The exact questions you must ask before signing any contract.
• Why the timing of your sale can make or break your listing strategy.
• How an estate sale can directly help fund your next move.

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Youtube

Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance.

You may be photo-ready, but is your home photo-ready? In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by Casey McClintic, founder of Urban Marketing Edge, to explore why careful, well-prepared photography and video are critical to selling your home faster and for more money.

From lighting tips to the four-item rule, Casey shares practical, behind-the-lens advice to help home sellers create an emotional connection with home buyers and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re listing soon or prepping for the future, this episode is your home’s marketing preparations masterclass.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Sell your Atlanta home faster, for top dollar, and with less hassle. Schedule a real estate listing consultation with show host Judy Jernigan now, or simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guests:

Casey McClintic is a professional real estate photographer and marketer and the founder of Urban Marketing Edge, a full-service marketing company serving Atlanta’s top real estate professionals. With years of experience crafting impactful visual stories, Casey helps home sellers and your agent maximize market exposure through scroll-stopping imagery and strategic video.

Website: urbanmarketingedge.com

Instagram: @caseymclintic

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• The 3-10 second scroll rule, and how to win the click
• Lighting, decluttering, and the “four-item rule” for last minute adjustments
• How unprofessional photos can reduce offers or increase days on market, even future value
• What to do tonight to prep for a photoshoot

Why This Matters for Home Sellers:

First impressions happen online. In a world where home buyers scroll listings in seconds, your photos are either drawing them in, or sending them away. This episode gives home sellers the insights and checklist they need to make sure their property for sale is putting its best foot forward and attracting serious home buyers quickly.

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

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Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance.

Clarification on 3-2-1 Buydowns

A standard 3-2-1 buydown always follows the same structure:

Year 1: Interest rate is reduced by 3% from the note rate

Year 2: Reduced by 2%

Year 3: Reduced by 1%

Year 4 onward: Returns to the full note rate

The percentages themselves don’t vary — that’s why it’s called a 3-2-1. What does vary is the cost of the buydown, which depends on the loan amount, current market rates, and the buyer’s qualifications. It’s an excellent tool for helping buyers ease into payments, with the flexibility to refinance if rates drop before the buydown period ends.

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Brookhaven and the greater Atlanta, Georgia area is booming with new development - and smart home sellers know how to leverage it. Two experts in this episode join host Judy Jernigan to share key insights that affect home values in Atlanta's hottest neighborhoods and all areas seeing growth. Which, let's face it, is just about everywhere.

Judy interviews Geoff Smith, local mortgage advisor and economic development pro, to discuss how new development, walkability, and major commercial investments are reshaping local landscapes in Brookhaven, in Atlanta, and beyond. Plus, home loan lender Martene Nadeau breaks down how temporary interest rate buydowns are helping home sellers attract more homebuyers and create stronger home sales contracts.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Sell your Atlanta home faster, for top dollar, and with less hassle. Schedule a real estate listing consultation with show host Judy Jernigan now, or simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guests:

Geoff Smith is an experienced mortgage advisor who understands the connection between neighborhood growth and home values. He is a Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer in the Roswell, Georgia Branch of Assurance Financial servicing all of North Metro Atlanta.

Martene Nadeau is a mortgage loan officer known for her client-first approach. Martene helps both home buyers and home sellers navigate changing interest rates through tools like temporary buydowns and seller-paid incentives that create win-win outcomes.

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

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Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance.

Vacant and empty homes can be hard to sell unless you know how to make them shine. In this episode of How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace, Judy is joined by staging expert Krisztina Bell, founder of No Vacancy Home Staging. Judy and Krisztina talk strategy for both luxury and everyday listings, share budget-friendly updates that make a big difference, and cover what staging teams really do behind the scenes. If you’re selling an empty home, this episode is packed with smart advice to help you work with a Realtor - connect with host Judy Jernigan today about your next move.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

Sell your Atlanta home faster, for top dollar, and with less hassle. Schedule a real estate listing consultation with show host Judy Jernigan now, or simply book a chat.

• Website
• Get Your Home Valuation
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Featured Guest: Krisztina Bell is the founder of No Vacancy Home Staging, one of Atlanta’s leading staging companies for vacant homes. With 20+ years in the business and an art and design background, Krisztina and her team have helped transform thousands of listings into homes buyers fall in love with. Her work has been featured on HGTV, in The New York Times, and in Realtor Magazine. She also educates real estate agents and homeowners through her continuing education classes and industry talks.

Website: https://novacancy-atl.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisztinabell/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@krisztinabell

In this episode you’ll learn about about:

• Why vacant homes need staging to avoid feeling cold or confusing
• Budget-friendly updates sellers can make for a big return (paint, hardware, fixtures)
• Why lighter colors, warm lighting, and defined zones matter
• How staging can improve appraisal value and increase price per square foot

Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Youtube

Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance.