Name: Mark and Paige Huff, and their children, T.J., 17; Halle, 16; and Hannah, 14
The home: A home built in 2001 with six bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths
Where: Johns Creek, Country Club of the South
Why they sold: To move to Sandy Springs. "We were at a point where we said, 'We want to find our dream home. What does everybody want in it? What would be ideal for all of us?' " Paige said. In addition to the inside-the-Perimeter location, they wanted a property with room for them to add amenities including a tennis court.
Time on market: 249 days
Original price: $1.69 million
Sale price: $1.29 million
What it took: The family first tried to sell their custom-built home in 2007. After a year, they took it off the market and leased the house for 21/2 years. In 2011, they relisted the home with Sue Marshall of Atlanta Fine Homes/Sotheby's International Realty. Since the home was vacant, a key step was staging the property. "I visited some homes the staging company had staged to make sure the quality of furnishings would go well with our house, and it went beautifully," Paige said. "I think there's a lot to be said for that, especially on a high-end home, if you have a company that can stage it with the proper high-quality furnishings and artwork. I think it really made the house look its best."
In the luxury marketplace, a home not only shows better occupied, but the seller has the ability, through the home manager, to keep the home in pristine condition, Marshall said.
The home’s abundant amenities, such as hardwoods and stone floors, master on the main, bathrooms attached to each bedroom, and the level of high-quality fixtures helped the home stand out among luxury properties. The floor plan also included the ability to walk out from the main level, instead of the basement, to the pool. French doors lead to the covered patio and pool/hot tub.
When they dropped the price below $1.5 million, the Huffs noticed more buyers showing interest. The home sold in October 2012.
“If you’re set on Country Club of the South, then you’re not going to look anywhere else. People wait around to find the right thing in Country Club of the South,” Paige said. “It was just waiting for the right person. When they came along, they loved it. They appreciate the quality. It was a great fit in the location that they wanted.”
Potential stumbling block: The Huffs had two prior contracts fall through because the buyers were unable to secure financing.
Seller's hint: Remember that the selling price is going to be what the market will bear, not what you have invested in the home. "The years we spent there are priceless. That's what I told a lot of people. Just remember the good times and consider the priceless memories you had in your house, and it was all worth it," Paige said. "That has really helped me. I have had to repeat it to myself over and over again."
About the Author
