Greetings!
I hope you had a fun and relaxing Memorial Day. John and I very much enjoyed participating in the 250th Cabrini Route pilgrimage on Monday. It was energizing to take part, in our own small way, in this National anniversary celebration.
Now it is time to transition to SCHOOL IS OUT! With summer here, there will be many more children out on bicycles and enjoying activities around town, so please take a little extra care on the local roads.
If you have projects or chores you need help with this summer, you might ask around your neighborhood for local high school students looking to earn some extra spending money during break. There are also many wonderful summer programs available through Crooked River State Park, both local libraries, and other community organizations offering arts, crafts, and participatory events throughout the season. We truly live in a wonderful area with so many great resources.
I will be home and available throughout the summer if you have any questions or real estate needs I can assist with. No major trips planned for us until the holidays. In the meantime, I need to spend some quality time in the garden. Weeds wait for no one!
Best regards,
Cathy
If you are looking for some FUN THINGS GOING ON:
Event by Coastal Camden Art League
2006 Osborne Rd, St. Marys, GA
The Community Art Center will host a first Friday Artist Reception on June 5th from 5-8pm in honor of Artist of the Month of June, Patty Bush!!! Refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public so everyone is invited! Come meet Patty Bush and your local artists and invite your friends too!!! We’re located at 2006 Osborne Rd in St. Marys.
Event by Coastal Camden Art League
2006 Osborne Rd, St. Marys, GA
You will make a few small tiles and 1 large tile. All supplies included $35. Call Terry Muse 912.464.4146 to register.
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Do you want to walk along side the dinosaurs? Join us for an interactive dinosaur experience inside the TRRLS Mobile Dome on Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:00AM!
Registration is required and will begin May 20th.
Please visit the trrls.org/calendar or scan the QR code to register. Spots are limited.
Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Our Summer Session of Book Buddies will start with an Orientation on Tuesday, June 2nd at 4:30PM! This is mandatory for all buddies!!
Book Buddies pairs a teen volunteer with an emerging/struggling reader weekly to improve Lexile level and reading comprehension.
All buddies are required to have a completed application online. Big Buddies also need a non-parent recommendation to volunteer for this program.
This session is a shorten session but we ask all buddies to be able to commit for the entire program.
Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.
Event by St. Marys Public Library
100 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, GA, United States, Georgia 31558
Georgia Farm Bureau will be at the St. Marys Public Library to read a story and help everyone build a pine cone bird feeder to take home.
Event by St. Marys Aquatic Center
301 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, GA, United States, Georgia 31558
Get movin' in the water with us!
Join us at St. Marys Aquatic Center for a fun and energizing Water Aerobics class on June 1st from 8:00–8:45 AM!
Move, stretch, and feel your best! Senior water aerobics uses the natural resistance of water to improve balance, strength, and mobility—all while being easy on knees, hips, and backs. No swimming skills required, just a willingness to move and enjoy the water!
Only $10
Preferred to preregister: 912-673-8118
aquaticstaff@stmarysga.gov
10% discount with St. Marys or Military ID
Make a splash. Move your body. Bring a friend!
Event by Leaf & Ledger
660 E. King ave, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Grab your favorite item and join us for a fun night of creativity, conversation, and sparkle! Bring a book, Kindle case, chapstick, journal, phone case, tumbler, notebook, or any item you'd like to bedazzle, and we'll provide the rhinestones, glue, and supplies.
Your ticket includes:
Access to all bedazzling supplies
Rhinestones and embellishments
Glue and crafting materials
A fun, beginner-friendly crafting experience
And a make your own dirty soda bar .
June 6th, 2026
6:00 PM
Leaf & Ledger | 660 E. King Ave, Kingsland, GA
Please bring the item you'd like to decorate. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early!
Come create something sparkly and make a night of it with fellow book lovers and creatives.
Event by Visit St. Marys GA and St. Marys Georgia Mainstreet
St. Marys Waterfront Park
Try out the Route for the St. Marys Tabby Trail (Multi-Use & Bike Trail) to get outside on National Trails Day! This is a SELF-GUIDED ride that you can begin at your leisure. *Paths are still in progress along the route.*
It's a 22-mile roundtrip bike and multi-use path from St. Marys Waterfront Park to Crooked River State Park. Comfort stations are located at Sweetwater Park on Pt. Peter Road and at the McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins on Ga Spur 40 (across from the Stimson Gate of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay). Restrooms and a Bike Repair Station are located at the St. Marys Waterfront Park. You can find the route map at VisitStmarys.com in the Maps & Documents Tab (documents) and a cue sheet at the St. Marys Welcome Center at 400 Osborne Street, St. Marys Ga. We also expect to have free goodies for National Trails Day participants that stop in the welcome center on June 6th!
Event by Camden County Public Library
1410 GA Highway 40 E, Kingsland, GA, United States, Georgia 31548
Join us for a morning of building and fun on Friday, June 5th!
Please call the library with any questions (912)729-3741.
Event by Culture Driven and 912 Auto Spa
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Pull up to Kingsland Cars & Coffee June 6 to get your fix
We had to Cancel our May Edition due to weather and we don’t plan on canceling this next one
Mark your calendar and pull up with the gang
Let’s crank up this Summer Edition of C&C
Right behind Tropical Smoothie in Kingsland
Location, Time and Date:
1670 GA Hwy 40 East, Kingsland, GA
9am to 12pm June 6, 2026
Event by Saltwater Performing Arts
124 Industrial Park Dr, St Marys, GA 31558-4424, United States
The College Audition Edge
This intensive camp prepares high school students for the college audition process across all performing arts disciplines. Students will explore different types of performing arts programs, including conservatories, universities, and public and private colleges, and learn what each looks for in an applicant.
Participants will gain practical guidance on college applications, résumés, repertoire lists, portfolios, reels, and self-tapes, as well as audition etiquette, professional behavior, and attire. The camp also covers academic expectations, time management, standardized testing, scholarships, financial aid, and what to expect in a college performing arts program and beyond.
The week concludes with a mock college audition concert. Parents are invited to attend the final session, ask questions, and gain insight into the pathway toward performing arts in college and as a career.
June 1-5
1 pm - 3 pm
Pigmental Studios
Grades: High School
COST: $125 (See website for scholarship details)
Event by National Rarities
13249 City Square Dr. #115, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Barnett Jewelers
13249 City Square Dr. #115, Jacksonville, FL 32218
June 2, 2026 | 10:00AM - 5:00PM
June 3, 2026 | 10:00AM - 5:00PM
June 4, 2026 | 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Book appointment here:
https://NationalRaritesEventBuyingAppointment.as.me/barne...
*Appointment not required but recommended
Immediate payment! We buy gold, coins, fine jewelry, fine art, diamonds, sterling silver, watches, and other rarities.
About The Event:
Sell us your valuables! Our team of Estate Buying Specialists will meet with you and give you an honest and fair evaluation of your valuables. If you choose to sell, we will offer you immediate payment on the spot. We buy gold, coins and currency, fine jewelry, fine art, sterling silver, watches, and other rarities. Don't miss this opportunity to sell your valuables! This is a walk in event. Appointment not needed.
See below for more details.
Immediate payment.
This is a walk in event.
NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY.
WHAT WE’RE BUYING
FINE JEWELRY -
Any Age & Any Style
Gold, Silver and Platinum Jewelry
Broken or Damaged Jewelry
Designer Jewelry
DIAMONDS -
Loose & Mounted
Damaged
Any Size, Color, Styles
COINS & CURRENCY -
Gold & Silver Coins
Bullion & Bars
Old Paper Money
Coin Collections
WATCHES -
Wrist Watches & Pocket Watches
Rolex, Breitling, Patek, Omega, Tag
Elgin, Waltham, Illinois, Hamilton, etc.
Any Condition
SCRAP GOLD & SILVER -
Gold, Silver & Platinum
Dental Gold
Old Mountings
Class Rings & Fraternal Pins
STERLING SILVER -
Flatware & Serving Pieces
Jewelry (Turquoise, Southwestern, etc.)
Candlesticks & Candelabras
~We do buy solid silver - NO silver plate - We can help carry~
FINE ART & LUXURY GOODS -
Original Art By Known Artists
Designer Handbags (Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc.)
Pens (Montblanc, Montegrappa, etc.)
~We do not buy china or glassware~
RARITIES -
Military Memorabilia (Uniforms, Daggers, Swords, etc.)
Pre-1950 Advertising & Toys
Old Photos (Tintypes, daguerreotypes, etc.)
Autographs
IMMEDIATE PAYMENT
CALL US AT 888-787-1112 if you have any questions!
Event by Rollin' With My Gnomies Board Games & Cafe
Rollin' With My Gnomies Board Games & Cafe
We are all about building COMMUNITY! We have had so many people wanting to find new people to play games with so we are creating weekly Board Game Meetups!
Come meet some new friends or bring your crew to meet up and play board games! Learn a new game or teach one of your favorites!
As always, $5 table fee per person for ages 13+ (12 and under AND all members are free!) Bring your appetite and grab some dinner and milk teas or coffee while you are here! (No outside food or drinks)
June 2026
REAL ESTATE NEWS
Brought to you by Cathy Holman
Licensed in Florida and Georgia.
Seller Concessions Explained: Why Buyers Are Asking – and What Sellers Should Know
In today’s market, flexibility can make a big difference. One term you may hear more often is seller concessions – when a seller agrees to help cover certain buyer costs as part of the deal.
For buyers, concessions can make a purchase more manageable. For sellers, they can be a smart way to attract serious offers without immediately lowering the asking price.
What Are Seller Concessions?
A seller concession is a financial incentive negotiated into the purchase agreement. Common examples include:Closing cost credits: The seller helps cover costs like lender fees, title fees, escrow fees, or prepaid taxes and insurance.
Repair credits: Instead of making repairs before closing, the seller offers the buyer a credit to handle them later.
Rate buydown assistance: The seller contributes toward upfront costs that may help lower the buyer’s mortgage rate.
Home warranty coverage: The seller pays for a warranty to give the buyer extra peace of mind during the first year.
Why Buyers Ask for Them
Buying a home comes with a lot of upfront expenses: down payment, closing costs, inspections, moving costs, and sometimes immediate repairs.
A seller concession can reduce how much money the buyer needs to bring to the closing table. That can be especially helpful when the buyer can afford the monthly payment but feels stretched by the upfront costs.
Why Sellers Might Say Yes
At first, a concession may sound like giving money away. But in many cases, it’s simply another negotiation tool.
Instead of lowering the price, a seller may offer a credit that solves a specific buyer concern. For example, if the home needs minor repairs or the buyer is worried about closing costs, a concession can help keep the deal moving.
Sometimes, a concession may even be more valuable to a buyer than a small price reduction because it helps with cash needed right now.
Concession or Price Reduction?
A price reduction lowers the sale price and may slightly reduce the buyer’s monthly payment.
A seller concession keeps the price the same but helps with upfront costs.
Both can be useful, but they solve different problems. The right strategy depends on what is actually holding the buyer back.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
Concessions are not unlimited. Lenders often have rules about how much a seller can contribute. Buyers should always check with their lender before making an offer that includes concessions.
Sellers should look at the full offer, not just the concession request. A buyer asking for help with closing costs may still be strong if they have solid financing, a reasonable timeline, and clean terms.
When Concessions Can Help
Seller concessions can be useful when:
A buyer needs help with closing costs
An inspection reveals repairs
The seller prefers offering a credit instead of completing work
The home has been on the market longer than expected
Similar homes are competing for buyer attention
Concessions are not about one side “winning.” They’re about finding a workable path to closing.
If you’re buying or selling, let’s talk through whether seller concessions make sense for your situation. A smart strategy can help keep the deal moving – and protect your bottom line.
How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Cranking the AC
When summer heat rolls in, it’s tempting to turn the air conditioning way down and call it a day. But that can mean higher energy bills – and it may not even solve the problem if your home is letting heat in.
The good news? A few simple changes can help your home feel cooler and more comfortable without relying only on the AC.
Block Heat Before It Gets In
Sunlight can warm up a room fast, especially through south- and west-facing windows. Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest part of the day. Thermal curtains or window film can also help in rooms that always seem to overheat.
Use Fans the Smart Way
Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they do help you feel cooler. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in summer to push air downward. Just remember to turn them off when you leave – fans cool people, not rooms.
In the evening, if it’s cooler outside than inside, use a box fan near a window to bring fresh air in or push warm air out.
Help Your AC Work Better
If you do use AC, make sure it isn’t working harder than it needs to be. Replace or clean the filter, keep vents open and unblocked, and consider a seasonal tune-up if the system hasn’t been serviced recently.
A programmable or smart thermostat can also help manage temperatures when you’re sleeping or away.
Cut Down on Indoor Heat
Ovens, dryers, dishwashers, and even old lightbulbs can add heat. On very hot days, use the microwave, grill, air fryer, or no-cook meals instead of the oven. Run larger appliances in the evening when possible, and switch to LED bulbs to reduce heat and save energy.
Seal Small Leaks
Cool air can escape through gaps around doors, windows, and older weatherstripping. Simple fixes like caulking, door sweeps, and new weatherstripping can help keep cool air inside and hot air out.
Add Shade Outside
Outdoor shade helps stop heat before it reaches your windows. Umbrellas, awnings, pergolas, tall potted plants, or well-placed trees can make patios and indoor rooms more comfortable. Bonus: shade and greenery can also boost curb appeal.
Keeping your home cool doesn’t have to mean running the AC nonstop. With better shade, smart airflow, simple sealing, and a few habit changes, you can make your home more comfortable while helping manage energy costs.
Whether you’re enjoying your home this summer or thinking about resale someday, comfort matters – and small improvements can make a big difference.
QUESTIONS? VISIT HolmanSellHomes.com
Cathy Holman Gold Key Certification
Watson Realty Corp
717-801-5900
912-882-5658
cathy@holmansellhomes.com
HolmanSellHomes.com