"I decided it was time to find my own space, and the housing market is good for buyers right now," says Vy Bui, 25, a consultant. "At work, I am focused on details and planning, but in my personal life, I am not much of a planner. My house hunting was very random." With a rare weekend at home coming up, Bui e-mailed her Realtor and suggested they drive around and look at a few places. "I knew a condo would be right for my lifestyle, and while I wanted something new, I was open to seeing whatever was available in my price range. I looked in Buckhead but hated the traffic. Smyrna and Vinings had everything to offer, but with less traffic and more convenience."

Finding her home: "The area we drove through had a lot of single family homes, so I was surprised to see condos there. My Realtor said they were apartments that had been completely rebuilt. It was our last stop for the day so I was ready for anything. We walked through a couple of the units, but the minute I walked into this one, it was love at first sight. It had everything I wanted at a great price. Within a week, we had signed the contract and I was in my new home by the end of the month."

CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO/Special (ENLARGE)

Vy Bui fell in love with her three-bedroom condo at The Madison @ Village Green as soon as she walked in.

Getting there Take I-75 north to I-285 west. Take Exit 18 (Paces Ferry Road) Turn right. Turn right on Atlanta Road, left on W. Spring Street, left on King Street, then right on Stephens Street. The Madison is on the right.

What it's like: Bui bought a three-bedroom, two-bath unit. It's all one level and has a deck overlooking the woods behind the community. Granite countertops, cherry cabinets and double crown moldings were a few of the upgrades she really likes. "The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet. I can probably put a twin bed in there," she laughs. "The other condos I looked at in the same price point had nothing compared to what The Madison was offering."

Getting to know the neighbors: "I love attending the resident parties hosted by the management group. It's a great opportunity to meet everybody."

The Madison @ Village Green

Address: 1400 Madison Lane, Smyrna

County: Cobb

Information: 770-390-9900; Capital City Venture Homes

Price range: $165,000-$210,000

Standard features: tile showers with frameless glass doors, walk-in closets, sunroom and deck.

Amenities: Pool, clubhouse, fitness center, walking trail, sand volleyball and gazebos.

Number of units: 104

Square footage: 1,200-1,500 square feet.

Association fee: $150-$165/month; includes amenities, exterior maintenance, liability insurance, water, sewer, garbage, termite bond, reserve fund

Broker: Realty Professionals

Builder: Capital City Venture Homes LLC.

Schools: Brown Elementary, Campbell Middle, Campbell High

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