Homeownership | Maria Sims Group Blog

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

There’s something magical about the first Friday of every month in Downtown Canton, GA—the streets come alive with music, food, shopping, and a vibrant community spirit. First Fridays is a beloved tradition that brings locals and visitors together for an evening of fun, entertainment, and small-town charm.

What Is First Friday?

Inspired by the Explore Canton GA event page (see here), First Friday is a free, family-friendly event held on the first Friday of each month from 6 PM to 9 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Downtown Canton transforms into a lively hub with:
1. Live music from local bands and performers
2. Food trucks & restaurant specials (perfect for dinner out!)
3. Local vendors & artisans selling handmade goods
4. Kid-friendly activities like face painting and games
5. Special themes (seasonal events, holiday celebrations, and more)
Why You Should Go
Support Local B. ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, ellijay, renovations, restaurants, fall, ball ground, buying, decor, homeownership, staging, festivals, upgrades, budget, farmers markets, home ownership, nightlife, parks, pros and cons, selling, brunch, pool, porch decor, recipes, tiny homes, waleska

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Maria Sims

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

Selling your home can be stressful, but home staging is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers, increase offers, and speed up the sale. Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate agent, understanding the power of staging can make all the difference.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This involves:

Decluttering & depersonalizing (so buyers can envision themselves living there)

Furniture arrangement & decor updates (to highlight the home’s best features)

Minor repairs & cosmetic upgrades (like fresh paint or updated lighting)

Neutralizing bold colors & styles (to appeal to a broader audience)

Why Home Staging Matters
Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than unstaged ones. Here’s why:
Creates a Strong First Impression – Buyers decide within seconds? ...

georgia, local, canton, home, seasonal, events, real estate, summer, outdoor, food, woodstock, north georgia, entertainment, jasper, kids, blue ridge, renovations, decor, homeownership, staging, upgrades, budget, home ownership, nightlife, parks, selling

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 / by Maria Sims

The Wild, Wonderful Ride of Owning Your First House

You’ve done it. After all the late-night scrolling through listings, the whirlwind of house tours, and signing your name so many times your hand went numb, you’re finally holding the keys to your very own place. It’s yours. That feeling? Pure magic.
But here’s what no one really tells you: buying your first home is just the start of the story. The real adventure begins when you walk through that door—and realize you’re in charge of everything now.
The First Night: A Mix of Joy and Chaos
That first night hits different. Maybe you’ve got a single chair and an air mattress, or maybe you’re eating takeout on the floor because the couch hasn’t arrived yet. Every sound is new, every corner feels unfamiliar, but there’s this buzz of excitement because—this is home. Imperfect, a little messy, and 100% yours.
DIY Wins (and Fails)
You’ll find yourself Googling things you never thought about before—like how to reli ...

home, real estate, homeownership, home ownership

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 / by Maria Sims

It is Always a Good Time to Clean Your Gutters

As a new homeowner or an existing one, you’re probably learning that maintaining a house comes with a long to-do list. One task that might not be top of mind but is incredibly important is cleaning your gutters. It’s easy to overlook, but regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Here are a few reasons why cleaning your gutters should be one of your regular home maintenance habits:
Prevent Water Damage to Your Home
Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home by directing rainwater away from its structure. When gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt, or other debris, they can’t function properly. Water may overflow, seeping into your roof, walls, and even down to your home’s foundation. This excess moisture can lead to roof leaks, mold growth, and structural issues that require expensive repairs. For a new homeowner, the last thing you want is water damage that could have been easily avoided. By making gutter cleanin! ...

home, real estate, outdoor, seasonal, homeownership

Wednesday, September 4, 2024 / by Maria Sims

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

As summer turns into fall, owning a home with amazing views of the mountains is a top perk of living in the North Georgia. Check out these homes with porches and views that will have you enjoying the scenery year round.

1205 Cherry Lake Drive
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
2 Bed | 2 Bath $534,900
Picture your morning spent cozied up in a chair on your back deck overlooking miles of mountain views while the sunrise paints the trees in beautiful colors and then imagine enjoying your private hot tub soaking a long day of adventures away while watching the sunlight fade over the layers of mountain scenery into a beautiful star-twinkling sky. If you have dreamed of a home or vacation spot like that, welcome to Misty Mountain Ridge. This cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath cabin will meet all your needs for the perfect mountain home or getaway spot. A true log cabin with metal roof, custom firepit area, spacious screened-in front porch, open rear deck, and lower hot tub deck provide plenty of spaces to take ; ...

georgia, home, real estate, north georgia, outdoor, seasonal, blue ridge, ellijay, jasper, homeownership, fall

Homeownership | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

The Wild, Wonderful Ride of Owning Your First House

It is Always a Good Time to Clean Your Gutters

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

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Homeownership | Maria Sims Group Blog

First Friday in Downtown Canton, GA: A Monthly Celebration of Community and Fun

Beyond Cleaning: The Smart Seller's Guide to Staging That Actually Works

The Wild, Wonderful Ride of Owning Your First House

It is Always a Good Time to Clean Your Gutters

Homes in North Georgia With Breathtaking Fall Mountain Views

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