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.

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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

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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

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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
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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.

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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:

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

Selling a home is not just emotional, logistical, and financial, it is also a legal transaction with serious implications if not handled correctly. In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by real estate attorney and president of Ganek law firm, Mark Seib, to break down what Atlanta homeowners need to know to avoid legal mistakes that can delay - or even derail, their home sale.

From required disclosures to title issues and inspection negotiations, this episode helps you protect your deal and your equity.

Connect with Judy Jernigan

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

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

Featured Guest:

Mark Seib is President of Ganek, a real estate law firm serving Georgia since 1978. Mark has decades of experience guiding home buyers, sellers, builders, and developers through residential and commercial closings. He also teaches CE courses to agents and serves on the board of Georgia’s Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association.

Website: ganekpc.com

In this episode you’ll learn about about:

• What home sellers are legally required to disclose in Georgia
• The most common legal mistakes that delay closings
• Why disorganized paperwork can derail your deal
• Tips to handle repairs during the due diligence period
• What counts as a “latent defect” and why it matters
• Tips for home sellers to properly fill out the Seller’s Disclosure form
• How title issues are discovered and cleared
• How tax proration and title insurance protect both parties
• What happens if a seller wants to back out of the deal

Why This Matters for Home Sellers:

Legal issues are one of the most common deal-killers in real estate. Failing to disclose properly, ignoring title red flags, or miscommunicating what stays with the home can delay closing or spark lawsuits. Understanding what’s required - and where you have room to negotiate - helps you work with your REALTOR, sell confidently, avoid stress, and stay in control.

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

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

Use the promo code: SAGE15 on servescape.com to get 15% off or click this link: https://servescape.com/discount/Sage15 🌿

First impressions matter more than most home sellers realize. In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by licensed landscape architect and ServScape founder Mario Cambardella to explore the psychology and strategy behind curb appeal. From simple fixes to full landscape redesigns, you’ll learn how to create a welcoming exterior that makes home buyers form a bond, before they ever step inside.

When thinking about selling a property in the next few months or even years down the line, this episode gives you the tools to start planning now.

Connect with Judy

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

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

Featured Guest:

Mario Cambardella is the founder and CEO of ServeScape, Atlanta’s first online landscape marketplace. A licensed landscape architect, entrepreneur, and former Director of Urban Agriculture for the City of Atlanta, Mario helps homeowners elevate curb appeal with thoughtfully designed, locally sourced landscapes.

Website: servescape.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servescape/

In this episode we talk about:

• The emotional and psychological power of curb appeal
• Common landscaping mistakes that hurt first impressions
• Why planning ahead makes a difference in resale value
• Quick curb appeal upgrades when you're short on time
• How to match plants and layout to your home’s architecture

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

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