Explore every episode of the podcast How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Successful Real Estate Sales
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What New Development and Rate Buydowns Mean for Sellers | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Ep 16 | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:20:32 | |
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. ___ 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. 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: Leave the podcast a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Don’t Sell Empty: How Staging Creates Value | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Ep 15 | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:54:07 | |
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. 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:
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| Architectural & Design Strategies to Maximize Home Resale | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 6 | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:15:29 | |
Thinking about making updates before selling your home? Before you pick up a paintbrush or call a contractor, hear from two of Atlanta’s most respected design and renovation professionals - Chris McKinley of BSPK Home and Jeffrey Bruce Baker of Jeffrey Bruce Baker Designs - to reveal what really makes a home more appealing (and valuable) to homebuyers. Their expert insights will help you avoid costly missteps and invest in changes that pay off. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Discover what architectural and design elements truly boost your home's appeal and value, and learn practical tips to ensure a strong return on investment from your home improvements. 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. Featured Experts: Chris McKinley, owner of BSPK Home, a premier Atlanta home builder and renovator known for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Jeffrey Bruce Baker, founder of Jeffrey Bruce Baker Designs, an esteemed architect and interior designer renowned for creating timeless, impactful spaces. In this episode we talk about:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| What to Look for in a Powerful Marketing Strategy | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 5 | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:17:36 | |
Home sellers aiming for top dollar need more than just a "For Sale" sign; they need a comprehensive marketing strategy. In this episode, Judy Jernigan sits down with Casey McClintic of Urban Marketing Edge to unpack the secrets of effective real estate marketing, including professional photography, videography, social media strategies, and targeted advertising that attracts the right buyers faster. Learn how to ensure your home stands out in Atlanta’s competitive real estate market and why choosing the right real estate agent makes all the difference, and ways to help you do just that. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover expert marketing tactics to showcase your home, attract ideal buyers, and achieve a quicker sale at top value. 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. Featured Guest: Casey McClintic, Owner of Urban Marketing Edge, specializes in high-impact real estate marketing. Casey provides innovative strategies to maximize home visibility and appeal, ensuring homeowners get optimal exposure to motivated buyers.
In this episode we talk about:
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| Get Top Dollar Using Incentives & Buyer Credits | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 4 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:22:17 | |
Boost homebuyer interest instantly. Offering seller concessions isn't just generous—it's strategic, and it can attract more homebuyers, speed up closings, and put more money in your pocket. In this episode, you'll learn buyer incentives that pay off, how concessions can actually benefit home sellers, key insights on different loan types, and smart negotiation tactics to ensure a smooth, profitable sale of your Atlanta home. Sell smarter, profit more! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover exactly what seller concessions are, how they can benefit both homebuyers and home sellers, and strategies for using them to ensure your home sells quickly, for top dollar, and with minimal stress. 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. Meet Our Guest: Geoff Smith, Branch Manager at Assurance Financial - Geoff brings deep expertise in mortgage lending and extensive experience guiding homeowners and homebuyers through the financial complexities of real estate transactions. Connect with Geoff:
Key Topics Covered:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review —your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Stage Your House While Living In It | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 3 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:34:16 | |
Effective home staging goes beyond basic decluttering—it's about creating irresistible appeal that draws buyers in and secures top-dollar offers. Tune in to learn how to stage your occupied Atlanta home using your existing furnishings, insider tips for making each room memorable, and the key staging strategies proven to attract buyers faster and elevate your selling price. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Learn the practical steps of occupied home staging, from decluttering and pre-packing to strategic decorating, enhancing lighting, and staging tips specifically for families and pet owners. 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. Meet Our Guest: Krisztina Bell, founder of No Vacancy Home Staging, brings 20+ years of expertise, transforming Atlanta homes to attract buyers and top offers. Her work has been showcased by HGTV, Realtor Magazine, and the New York Times. Key Topics Covered:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Google—your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Buy Before You Sell Stress-Free Strategies | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 2 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:37:35 | |
Buying a home and selling a home simultaneously doesn't have to be overwhelming - there are proven financial strategies to help you move into your dream home without stress or costly mistakes. This episode reveals creative financing options, niche lending programs, and powerful strategies to seamlessly transition from one home to the next, even if your cash is tied up in your current property. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover niche lending programs, bridge financing options, and how to make competitive, contingency-free offers when buying your next home before selling your current one. 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. Featured Expert: Derek White is a mortgage loan originator who specializes in helping homeowners navigate buy-before-you-sell programs. With extensive experience, Derek evaluates multiple lenders like Calque, UpEquity, HomeLight, and Knock to match clients with the best financial solutions. Email: thebuybeforeyousellguy@gmail.com Phone: 678 778 2921 Read more about the costs associated with Buy Before You Sell Programs In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: Selling and buying homes simultaneously can be complicated. Understanding niche lending options helps Atlanta homeowners secure their dream home, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate financial logistics with confidence. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Pre-Listing Inspections For Faster Real Estate Sales | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 1 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:38:14 | |
A pre-listing home inspection can be the difference between getting multiple offers or none at all, potentially saving you thousands and helping your Atlanta home sell faster. In this episode, you'll discover why smart homeowners invest in pre-listing inspections, how to address issues upfront, and practical tips to maximize your home's market value. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Discover how pre-listing inspections can help you avoid costly surprises, strategically price your home, and streamline your sales experience for a smoother, faster closing. 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. Featured Experts: Roland LeClair, Adam Goldner, and Patrick Jones from Pelorus Home Inspections & Environmental Research Group. Roland brings over 15 years and 10,000+ inspections of experience, specializing in building systems and environmental science. Adam’s background in carpentry and high-end residential construction provides critical insights into home quality. Patrick, a licensed REALTOR® and certified inspector, uniquely bridges the gap between sellers and inspectors, ensuring maximum value for homeowners. In this episode we talk about:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Avoid Legal Pitfalls When Selling Your Home | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Ep 14 | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:19:05 | |
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. 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:
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: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Curb Appeal that Pays Off | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Ep 13 | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:17:46 | |
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. 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:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| 104% Fast: Sellers Share Exactly What Worked | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage and Grace: Ep 12 | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:22:49 | |
In this special case study episode, top Atlanta real estate agent Judy Jernigan sits down with her home seller clients Jessica and David Rossi to break down the exact smart, strategic choices that led to an incredible outcome: seven offers in 36 hours, a final sale at 104.3% of list price, selling 8 times faster than the area average, ,and a strong backup offer secured. Closing was smooth sailing. These savvy home sellers share the exact steps you and Judy can replicate with your own home. From picking the right updates (like new paint and carpet) to choosing not to renovate the kitchen, this episode walks through the real decision-making process behind a fast, smooth, top-dollar home sale. 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. Featured Guest: Jessica and David Rossi are recent home sellers who partnered with Judy and the Sage & Grace Realty Group to prepare, price, and list their Atlanta-area home. Their strategic choices, teamwork, and openness to guidance led to one of the highest-performing listings in the neighborhood. In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: Hearing directly from homeowners who just went through a sale gives you an inside look at what works and what doesn’t. If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and actionable insights to prepare the smart way. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Boost Buyer Confidence with a Home Warranty | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 11 | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:23:02 | |
A home warranty doesn’t just protect appliances - it can protect your entire deal. In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by Keri Smith, a home warranty expert to break down what home warranties really cover, how they differ from homeowners insurance, and how offering one can be a powerful negotiating tool when selling your home. 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. Featured Guest: Keri Smith, Your Warranty Gal, is a home warranty industry veteran and wealth of knowledge. She currently serves as the business development and real estate marketing representative for Choice Home Warranty, helping both homeowners and agents navigate the fine print with confidence. Instagram & Facebook: @yourwarrantygal Email: ksmith@chwpro.com In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: Homebuyers are comparing your listing to new construction. Offering a home warranty can boost their confidence, protect your bottom line during negotiations, and reduce post-inspection surprises. Even better - many policies can be started with no upfront cost during your listing period and transferred to the home buyer at closing. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| Tax Tips When Selling Real Estate | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 10 | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:25:22 | |
Selling your home can bring big financial gains, but it can also bring a big tax bill if you’re not prepared. In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by tax strategist Alysha Harvey of Distinct Tax Consulting to share smart, proactive tax tips for home sellers. From capital gains to 1031 exchanges to inherited property rules, this is the real-world guidance every Atlanta homeowner needs before selling. 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. Featured Guest: Alysha Harvey is the founder and CEO of Distinct Tax Consulting Group and a nationally recognized tax strategist, accounting expert, and business consultant. She is the best-selling author of multiple books and the voice behind TaxAdviZHER. Alysha specializes in helping individuals and businesses make smart, tax-savvy decisions and is known for turning complex topics into clear strategies. Website: https://www.distincttax.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taxadvizher/ Instagram - http://instagram.com/taxadvizher Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@taxadvizher Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TaxAdvizHER/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@taxadvizher In this episode we talk about:
Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| The Psychology of Staging a Home While Living in It | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 9 | 21 May 2025 | 00:23:25 | |
Selling your home while living in it doesn’t have to be chaotic. In this episode, Judy Jernigan is joined by Karla Giltner of Currie Rose Interiors to explore the emotional and visual impact of occupied home staging. From layout tips to lighting, Karla shares how to make your space feel cohesive, inviting, and market-ready, often using what you already own. Whether you’re listing soon or months away, this episode is filled with practical tips to help you prepare with less stress and stronger results. 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. Featured Guest: Karla Giltner is the owner of Currie Rose Interiors, an Atlanta-based staging and interior design firm known for transforming lived-in homes into spaces buyers connect with emotionally. A master-level accredited home stager with a background in interior architecture, Karla blends design expertise with real-life practicality. Website: currieroseinteriors.com Instagram: @currieroseinteriors In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: First impressions are emotional; and that emotion drives offers. Whether it's clutter, color, or layout, how a home feels can be the deciding factor for buyers. Occupied home staging helps sellers keep daily life intact while maximizing presentation, speeding up the sale, and increasing sale price. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| What Buyers Wish Sellers Knew Before Showings | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 8 | 07 May 2025 | 00:31:38 | |
What do cockroaches, moldy showers, and a mysterious bottle of champagne in the fridge have in common? They’ve all shaped real home buyer reactions during showings. In this episode, Judy sits down with fellow Sage & Grace agent Kristy Kadolph to unpack the surprising—and sometimes cringe-worthy—moments that can make or break a sale. You’ll hear true stories, practical advice, and what home sellers should do to make their homes feel welcoming, show-ready, and impossible to forget for all the right reasons. 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. Featured Guest: Kristy Kadolph is a Realtor with Sage and Grace Realty Group. With a deep understanding of buyer psychology and years of experience showing homes throughout Atlanta, Kristy knows exactly what makes a home resonate with home buyers - and what turns them off. More about Kristy: https://sageandgracere.com/agent/kristy-kadolph Instagram: @kristykadolphrealtor Email: kristy@clareorealestate.com In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: Home Buyers are making emotional decisions fast - and your home’s showing experience can make or break the offer. Whether you’re prepping a vacant property or living in the home during showings, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how buyers actually think. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||
| What Home Sellers Need to Know About Title Insurance | How to Sell Your Atlanta Home with Sage & Grace: Ep 7 | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:13:01 | |
Selling your home takes more than finding a buyer, it takes protecting your sale from hidden risks. In this episode, Judy Jernigan sits down with real estate attorney Kirsten Howard from GSH Attorneys to break down everything homeowners need to know about title insurance. Learn how this often-misunderstood policy protects your home sale, how to avoid closing delays, and what to prepare before listing your home. 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. Featured Expert: Kirsten Howard is a partner at Goggins, Stutzman, Hudson, Wilson & Mize (GSH Attorneys) in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in residential real estate transactions and title insurance, helping homeowners, home buyers, and home mortgage lenders navigate closings with confidence. Website: gshattorneys.com Email: khoward@gshattorneys.com Number: (404) 207-1620 Title Insurance Handout (FREE DOWNLOAD): https://tinyurl.com/SGtitleinsurance In this episode we talk about:
Why This Matters for Home Sellers: Title insurance protects you from costly legal issues and makes your property more attractive to cautious home buyers. Understanding it now can prevent last-minute surprises, keep your sale on track, and save you thousands down the road. Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen on: Leave a 5-star review - your support helps more Atlanta homeowners find expert guidance. | |||