Teacher Karen Ehmer ended up just 3 miles from her previous residence when she purchased a condo in Sterling of Dunwoody. Ehmer, 44, chatted about her first home.
Q: How long did you look?
A: Not as long as I probably should have. I got the go-ahead to start looking from my financial guy and I just happened to pass by Sterling on my way home from work and I thought, "Well, that looks like a nice place to start."
Q: What did you like about the location?
A: It was still in the Dunwoody area and easy access to the malls. I grew up around here so I know this area really well. It's also really close to the interstate so I don't have to battle traffic getting to work. Driving through Dunwoody from my old house tended to slow me down a little bit, so I don't have that problem.
Q: How long does it take you to get to work?
A: About 15-20 minutes to Decatur.
Q: What did you want in a home?
A: I wanted it to feel like not just a small apartment. My living area is really big, and I have a lot of family in the Dunwoody area, and I like the idea that I can invite them over and we won't feel crowded.
Q: What other interior features appealed to you?
A: I loved the hardwood floors and the columns. I love to cook, and this kitchen has a lot of cabinet and counter space. This is probably the best kitchen (I saw) at my price point. I wanted to bring my mother's dining room table. At the other places I looked at there was no way it would fit. I walked in and it was perfect.
Q: Were you able to negotiate on the price?
A: I was able to negotiate a little bit off the reduced price and then I got closing costs paid. It's nice to have a Realtor (she worked with Brandy Huff with Re/Max Greater Atlanta) who can say, "Yes, that's a good request, or no, you can't go that low on the price, they're going to laugh at you."
Q: Why are you glad you purchased when you did?
A: Anytime the mortgage company called and said, "I need a copy of this," I was available to run and get them copies of whatever they wanted (because of her summertime schedule). Teaching, you just don't have time to put into it (during the school year).
At a glance
Karen Ehmer’s condo has two bedrooms, two baths and about 1,490 square feet of livable space. She purchased it in July.
Sterling of Dunwoody
Address: 2300 Peachford Road, Atlanta 30338
County: DeKalb
Information: 770-458- 2804, www.tpghomes.net
Price range: $145,900-$254,900
Homes: 240
Square footage: 937-1,648
Standard features: Crown molding, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances
Amenities: Covered parking, pool, outdoor fireplace and grill, fitness center, club room
Homeowners fees: $178-$313 a month, depending on the size of the unit (initiation fee is two times the monthly fee)
Developer: Jolly Development Corp.
Builder: The Providence Group
Broker: The Marketing Directors
Schools: Chestnut Elementary, Peachtree Middle, Dunwoody High
More on schools: schools.ajchomefinder.com
Getting there
Take I-85 north to I-275 west to Exit 30 (North Peachtree Road). Turn right onto North Peachtree Road, and left onto Peachford Road. Sterling will be on the right.
For sale
$145,900: 2300 Peachford Road, Unit 3303, Dunwoody 30338. A one-bedroom, one-bath townhome with hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances.
$214,900: 2300 Peachford Road, Unit 2208, Dunwoody 30338. A two-bedroom, two-bath townhome with hardwood floors and a covered balcony.
Recent sales
$252,900: 2300 Peachford Road, Unit 3206, Dunwoody 30338. A three-bedroom, two-bath townhome; covered balcony; features such as granite countertops.
$215,000: 2300 Peachford Road, Unit 2111, Dunwoody 30338. A two-bedroom, two-bath townhome with hardwood floors and granite countertops.
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