Location counts, but home needs to flow, inside and out

A practical person, Rachel had done a lot of research when she turned to an old Coca-Cola colleague, Scott Eaves, an associate broker with Chapman Hall Realtors. Scott came from a customer service background at Coca-Cola, Rachel says, and those qualities and skills carried over into his real estate business. "Scott is very attentive," Rachel says. "And I learned a lot." Over six months, the two toured more than 70 properties, some twice, Rachel says, adding that "Scott was very patient. He cared that I was making the right decision. He wasn't just trying to sell me a house." Patience was important for them both: Rachel found several houses that she liked, but a surprising appraisal on one and a good home inspector who turned up some issues on others put those properties out of the running. "Scott and I have talked about writing a book about our adventure," Rachel laughs.

House #1: "Massive" back yard

Close to Historic Roswell and Georgia 400, this three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath traditional was built in 1970 and located in Roswell's Bainbridge subdivision. "I loved the back yard," Rachel says. "It was massive." It featured a brick patio and brick fire pit, and while it was big, its landscaping was simple enough for Rachel to manage. She thought about putting in a bocce ball court, and there was also plenty of room for a pool. It listed for $214,000.

House #2: Plenty of room

Originally listed for $225,000 and located in Roswell's Barrington Farms neighborhood, this four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath traditional had lots of room. Rachel liked the room off the family room that could be used as an office, "so I'd still have four bedrooms." She also liked the corner lot, the patio deck that overlooked a large and private back yard, and the kitchen. It also had a fireplace, which was another cozy plus.

House #3: Tranquil screened porch

This three-bedroom, three-bath split level traditional was located in Roswell's Pine Needles neighborhood. Built in 1979, it originally listed for $219,000. "The screened in porch was just a dream," Rachel says, adding that the beautifully landscaped yard was another lovely attribute. She also liked the office with the built-in shelves and the proximity to her Dunwoody office. "I wouldn't have to change my commuting or shopping habits," she says.

The choice

No. 2. "It gave me pretty much everything I wanted," Rachel smiles. Although the kitchen isn't perfect, it has a great flow and is open to the breakfast area which opens onto her deck, ideal for guests to hang out and visit with the cook.

Her family is in town for Easter weekend, and she's delighted that they will all have their own bedrooms. "This is the first time no one's having to sleep on the couch," she laughs. Since she moved in, she's undertaken a couple of major projects, including renovation of both the master and guest bathroom upstairs.

"The upstairs hallway bathroom has to be my favorite part of the house," she says, adding that she got tips from her contractor and even helped to do the work. "He was trying to pull some electrical wiring through, but he couldn't get his hand into the wall," she laughs, "So I did it. And you really know the house is yours when you've had your hand all up in the wall."