Debbie Donaldson's Blog Posts

Leadership Is Temporary. Stewardship Is Lasting.Every July, more than 46,000 Rotary clubs around the world participate in a tradition known as "Pass the Gavel."It's a simple ceremony.One leader's

What Landowners Ask: How Do I Know What My Land Is Worth?One of the most common questions landowners ask is, "How do I know what my land is worth?"It sounds like a simple question, but the answer is

The Best Time to Prepare Your Home for Sale Is Before You Need to SellOne of the most common questions I hear is:"What should I do to get my home ready to sell?"It's a great question, but I often

The SCOOP: More Choices, More Balance, and What It Means for HomeownersIf you've been following real estate headlines lately, you've probably seen stories about home prices softening in some markets

What Freedom Looks Like in a Small TownAs we celebrate Independence Day this month, I've been thinking about freedom.Not the kind that makes headlines. The quieter kind.The freedom to choose where

The Blessings Bag Project: Small Bags, Big ImpactSome community projects stay with you long after the event itself is over.The Blessings Bag Project is one of those for me.At first glance, the

Outdoor Living Spaces: Enjoy Them Now, Benefit From Them LaterOne thing I’ve noticed over the past few years is that people are spending more intentional time outdoors at home.Not necessarily

The Home Inspection: The Step That Makes Almost Everyone NervousWhether you’re buying a home or preparing to sell one, there’s one part of the process that tends to make almost everyone

The SCOOP: Why Data Centers Are Suddenly Part of the Conversation in Henry CountyIf you’ve spent any time following local development conversations lately, you’ve probably heard the

Social Media Pages That Help Me Stay Connected to Henry CountyThere’s something comforting about feeling connected to the community around you.Not just knowing where the new restaurant opened

Preparing Your Home to Sell Without Losing Your Mind (Where to Start)At some point, the thought crosses your mind:“Maybe it’s time to sell.”And almost immediately, it’s

7 Steps Every Home Buyer Faces (Even If You Need to Sell First)There’s a moment every home buyer reaches—sometimes before they even start—where everything feels a little

The SCOOP: McDonough Parkway Extension and What It Means for Getting Around TownIf you travel the McDonough Parkway between Highway 155 and Industrial Boulevard, you’ve probably noticed some

One of my favorite parts of living and working here in McDonough and across Henry County is discovering the places that make this community feel like home. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had

How to Start Preparing Your Home to Sell in McDonough and Henry CountyMany homeowners begin thinking about selling long before they actually put their home on the market.Whether you're planning a

New Construction vs Resale Homes: Which Is Right for You?One of the most common questions buyers ask when they begin exploring homes in Henry County is whether they should purchase new construction

The SCOOP: Henry County Aquatic Center Coming to McDonoughIf you’ve driven through parts of McDonough recently, you may have noticed activity that signals something new is on the way for local

Restaurants in McDonough, GA That Treat You Like FamilyLiving in McDonough is about more than beautiful neighborhoods and convenient access to Atlanta — it’s about the people who make

How to Start Planning a Move (Even If You’re Not Ready Yet)Sometimes the thought of moving doesn’t start with a big decision.It starts quietly.A small moment.A passing thought.A

How to Prepare Your Home to Sell This Spring in McDonough & Henry CountySpring is one of the most active times of year in our local real estate market. If you’ve been thinking about

Is Spring a Good Time to Buy a Home in Henry County?Spring is one of the busiest seasons in real estate—and if you’ve been thinking about buying a home in McDonough, Locust Grove,,

Is Spring a Good Time to Buy a Home in McDonough & Henry County?Spring always brings a fresh sense of energy to our local real estate market here in McDonough and throughout Henry County.The

Debbie Donaldson Honored with Georgia REALTORS® Good Neighbor AwardCommunity service has always been a meaningful part of life in Henry County. That commitment was recently recognized when local

🚧 The SCOOP: What’s Happening on Airline Road Near Rogers Road in McDonough?If you’ve driven near the intersection of Airline Road and Rogers Road in McDonough recently, you may have

Quick Seasonal Home Checklist: Simple Spring Maintenance for Your HomeAs the seasons start to shift here in Henry County, I always find myself looking around my own home and thinking, “What

🏡 This Week in McDonough: March 2–8, 2026 | Local Life, Events & Hometown MomentsLiving in McDonough is made up of small, meaningful moments that turn a place into home.From the sounds

How to Prepare Your Home to Sell Without Losing Your Mind (A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide for Sellers in McDonough & Henry County)Selling a home can feel overwhelming before it even begins.There

 A Quick Start-of-Year Home Check1. Walk the Outside of Your HomeTake a few minutes to step outside and walk around your home.Look for anything that may have shifted during colder weather or

A move is about so much more than real estate—it’s about lifestyle, timing, and what’s next in your life. One of the resources I love sharing with my clients is our Real Estate ;

What’s Really Happening in McDonough, Hampton, Locust Grove & Stockbridge?By Debbie Donaldson, REALTOR®Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia PropertiesA quick snapshot of the Henry

I’m often asked what’s being built, changed, or planned around McDonough—new businesses, road projects, construction sites, and other updates people notice as they go about their

This week I heard a speaker named Andrea Boyd, author of the book Please Don’t Kick My Ladder, and her message has stayed with me in a way I didn’t expect.The core idea of the book is

How to Brighten Up a Neutral Color Scheme in Your HomeI’ve always loved a good neutral color scheme. It’s clean, timeless, and makes a home feel open and welcoming. Many of my clients

This Week’s Welcome Dip in Mortgage Rates … and a Surge in ApplicationsHello, friends! It’s been a week full of encouraging developments in the mortgage world, and I couldn't wait

WalletHub recently ranked the top U.S. cities for retirees based on affordability, activities, quality of life, and healthcare.Orlando, FL took the #1 spot.Scottsdale, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; Miami,;

Recently, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published an article reporting a 2.5% decrease in home values across Metro Atlanta. Like many of you, I live here too—in zip code 30252 in McDonough,

If you’ve been craving a peaceful escape—somewhere to unplug, unwind, and breathe in the beauty of nature—you’re going to love this week’s featured listing.Welcome to

Whether you’re selling your home or preparing to buy, the home inspection is one of the most critical steps in the real estate journey. It can feel a little nerve-wracking, but with the right

As someone who loves good food made with heart and skill, I've discovered some fantastic family-owned restaurants in McDonough, Georgia. Here are nine of my favorites, each offering a unique dining

Is Homeownership Right for You? Weighing the Pros and ConsBuying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you'll ever make. For many, it’s a dream come true&mdash

How to Price Your Home to Sell Fast Without Losing MoneyOne of the biggest questions homeowners face when selling is: "How do I price my home right?" Price it too high, and buyers may overlook it.

Negotiating Like a Pro: Get the Best Deal Without OverpayingBuying a home is a big financial decision, and no one wants to overpay. The good news? You don’t have to. With the right negotiation

What First-Time Buyers Wish They Knew Before They StartedBuying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel overwhelming. After helping countless first-time buyers

Should You Sell? Signs It’s Time to MoveSelling your home is a big decision, and if you're anything like most homeowners I’ve worked with, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is now

How to Find a Home That Fits Your Life and FutureBuying a home isn’t just about square footage or a great kitchen—it’s about choosing a place that truly fits your lifestyle now and

Mortgage Rates Are Easing: What This Means for Homebuyers in 2025If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home but feeling uncertain about mortgage rates, here’s some encouraging news&mdash

7 Fun and Free Activities for Families in McDonough, GALooking for something fun to do with the family that won’t break the bank? I’ve got you covered! McDonough has some amazing free

Have you ever walked into a house and just knew it was the one? That feeling of "this is home" doesn’t come from just four walls and a roof—it comes from the little details that make a

If you're thinking about buying a home, you've probably heard that your mortgage interest rate can make a big difference in your monthly payments. Even a small change in your rate can impact how

Wondering if Now is the Right Time to Buy or Sell? Let’s Break It Down. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove, Jackson,

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Did you know that homeowners have a much higher net worth than

Thinking About Buying a Home in McDonough, GA? Here’s What You Need to Know! Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not

Winter can be a beautiful time to sell your home, but without the right preparation, your property might not make the best first impression. A well-maintained winter landscape helps buyers see the

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling timelines, to-do lists, and the pressure to get the best price. The good news? A few simple strategies can make your home

Selling your home can be an emotional and overwhelming process, but with the right preparation, you can make it manageable and even enjoyable. As someone who has gone through this journey myself and

Our lifestyle and real estate plans are constantly evolving. This guide will ensure you're getting the most from your current home and will also help you discover what you may want to improve on in

This beautiful water front property on Wesley Lake in the sought after Moorings community is the perfect location to build your new dream home. Johns Creek flows through the back of the property

Come see this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home listed for $368,000.;

Buying a home is a major financial decision, and it requires careful preparation to ensure you make the right choice. Here are five ways to prepare to buy a home:Determine your budget: Before you

Seven ways to prepare your home to sell at the highest possible price:Declutter and depersonalize: Remove personal items and clutter to create a more spacious and neutral environment that allows

It is with honor and gratitude that I serve members of the armed forces who have served us all in a multitude of ways.Members and veterans of the military hold a special place in my heart. Both my

Serving people who want to sell, buy or invent in real estate makes my heart sing with joy. Ensuring I give superior service requires constant education. The Sellers Representative Specialist

We're busting the 20% down payment myth here. See differences between Conventional, FHA and VA loans. Then check with an expert like David Morris at Prosperity Home Mortgage to see what the best