DEL.ICIO.USThe Search
A cozy place between adventures
For the AJC
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Our house hunters
Steve and Karen Foley married in May and began their house-hunt soon after. Steve, an Atlanta native and geologist with Mactec Engineering, and Karen, a transplant from Saxonburg, Pa, and the general manager of Athletic Club Northeast, wanted an intown neighborhood and an older home with charm and character. They were looking for a three-bedroom, two-bath house with enough storage for their adventure racing gear and a big backyard for their Newfoundland/Chow mix, Guinness.
The process
Karen knew Joan Kaplan of the Chuck and Marshall Group, Re/Max Metro Atlanta from the Athletic Club Northeast. “I knew how she was always working for her clients and in her neighborhood” from other club members, Karen recalls. “I knew hands-down that we had to go with her.” She and Steve were pleased with her choice. “Joan was great about worrying about what we wanted, what would suit our lifestyle, rather than just selling a house,” Karen says. Kaplan’s research, her knowledge of the neighborhoods, responsiveness and the dynamic of the whole Chuck and Marshall Group team means that both Steve and Karen would recommend Kaplan “all day and all night,” Karen laughs. “Joan is the best.”
Choice #1: Great renovation
Listed at $339,000, this 1947 three-bedroom, two-bath two-story A-frame was renovated this year. “They did a total renovation and did a really nice job,” Steve says. The downstairs had an open floor plan and the renovators had kept period details. Located in Kirkwood, the house also had a big front porch, a flat backyard and a partial basement for all of Steve and Karen’s canoes, bikes, camping equipment … and more.
Choice #2: Big screened porch
Another complete renovation in Kirkwood, this four-bedroom, three-bath 1920 bungalow listed for $384,900. It not only had a cozy side porch that opened off the living room, but also a large screened porch just off the family room and overlooking the backyard. Both Steve and Karen thought Guinness would like the big backyard, and they appreciated the attention to detail in the renovation, including a beautiful stained glass window downstairs and a large master suite that reflected the home’s architectural origins.
Choice #3: Roomy basement
This 1927 three-bedroom, three-bath (left) had been completely renovated and was spacious and bright. It had the big backyard that Guinness needed, and a second lot that was also for sale. The two together listed for $389,900. “It was absolutely beautiful inside, and had a roomy basement that was big enough to store everything and have activities down there as well,” Karen says. Also located in Kirkwood, its newly added second story boasted a large master bedroom and bath.
Which house did they choose?
House No. 2. “When we saw it, we thought this can’t be for real,” Karen laughs. “The renovation, downstairs, upstairs, backyard, basement, the neighborhood!” Steve agrees, and adds that the home’s all-new systems, top-of-the-line appliances and newer roof made living in an older home much easier. “And in the renovation, they kept the charm and character of the original house,” Steve says. “They did a great job.” Both love the kitchen and the flow that allows guests to mingle in the kitchen, vintage dining room and onto the back porch. After spending a day unpacking boxes and working, Karen loves the old-fashioned tub in the master bath. And Guinness? He’s getting a kick out of the big backyard and all of those Kirkwood squirrels he can chase.