DEL.ICIO.USThe Search
Couple discovers new side of city
For the AJC
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Our house hunters:
Brian McGonegal and Bryan Shealer lived in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur before Brian’s job with Allianz Insurance moved him, Bryan and their dogs — Murphy, a chow mix, and Abby, a black Labrador mix — to Minneapolis for three years. They enjoyed exploring a new city, but they were pleased when they had the chance to move back to Atlanta and Bryan was able to get his previous job as an international student adviser at Georgia Tech. The two love to entertain, and Bryan loves to cook and garden, so their new place had to accommodate those interests. Both knew the city and, since one of their hobbies is looking at houses, they had a good idea of what they wanted. First, “intown,” Brian said, “close to the Oakhurst area.” Second, “a neighborhood feel,” Bryan added.
Courtesy: Brian McGonegal and Bryan Shealer
Home seekers Brian McGonegal and Bryan Shealer
The process:
They had known Lance Deen, an associate broker with Cross-Town Realty, when they lived in Atlanta before; in fact, Deen had listed their house when they relocated. “We kept in touch, and we knew that he knew us well enough to know what we were looking for,” Brian said. “Lance is very good at catering to exactly what you want.” They also found him to be wonderfully laid-back and flexible, a style that suited them perfectly. But his laid-back demeanor didn’t mean that he couldn’t be tough when necessary; Deen also fought for them. “When we had issues, he owned them,” Bryan said. “He really protected our interests.”
Choice #1: Vintage charm
Originally listed at $369,900, this three-bedroom, three-bath bungalow in Atlanta’s historic Cabbagetown neighborhood looked vintage, but it was actually built in 2007. Its open floor plan made it grand for entertaining, and the backyard had plenty of room for Abby and Murphy. Bryan and Brian also liked the large closets that are rare in an actual historic home.
Choice #2: On the westside
The couple was interested in seeing areas of Atlanta that had developed since they’d lived here, so Deen took them to the up-and-coming westside to see this three-bedroom, 2 1/2- bath traditional in the Hills Park subdivision. Built in 2005 and originally listed for $348,900, the house had been nicely updated. “It was a really beautiful home, with a good amount of space,” Bryan recalled, adding that they were both intrigued by the area. Brian liked the size of the lot, which would be great for Murphy and Abby.
Choice #3: Great neighbors
This completely renovated two-bedroom, two-bath cottage in Decatur’s McDonough-Adams-Kings Highway (MAK) Historic District was built in 1945 and was originally listed at $415,000. “It was a beautiful home that had been beautifully renovated,” Bryan said, “and we had good friends who lived right next door.” The renovations created the open floor plan the two wanted, but also kept the period details and charm.
Which house did they choose?
No. 1. “We walked into the house and said, if we had built a house, this would be it,” Brian said, laughing. Cabbagetown hadn’t been on their original list, but Brian had always been intrigued by the neighborhood and had just read an article about Cabbagetown in Southern Living. “I equate it to Oakhurst, the way Oakhurst was when I first moved there,” Brian explained. “The neighborhood has a real eclectic group of people, and it’s quirky. It’s exciting to be a part of it.” Bryan likes its vibe as a well-established neighborhood, and both say that Cabbagetown’s boisterous Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-off and Festival — held every November — confirmed that this is the right place for them. And the house is great, too. “We have the look and charm of an old house, but we have all the amenities of a new house,” Brian said, including a state-of-the-art kitchen and a floor plan ideal for entertaining. Their first big celebration — Thanksgiving — was a big success, and they had guests through most of December. Next? Just waiting for spring to spend more time on their front porch and to expand their entertaining area into that spacious backyard.