The Search
Larry and Michelle Shutts left behind a rural 100-year-old home that was on the National Register of Historic Places when they moved from Maryland to Atlanta for their jobs in fine art conservation and restoration.
The couple desired an older home inside the perimeter that would help them avoid the hour-plus commute each way they faced from Maryland to Washington, D.C. They rented and then decided to buy in DeKalb County’s Huntley Hills neighborhood. It offers a two-minute commute to their jobs at the Atlanta Art Conservation Center, an affiliate of the High Museum of Art, and the small elementary school they envisioned for their children.
But they had to determine which home in Huntley Hills was best for them and their kids, 4-year-old Hudson and 1-year-old Bristol Violet.
No. 1
Updates throughout, with pool
The sellers of this five-bedroom, three-bath housee on Admiral Drive spent $55,000 for a complete renovation of the “wonderfully big” home, said Michelle, 40. Another surprising feature was the finished two-car garage – a rarity among some of the homes they saw on the market and it was in spotless condition, Larry said. The two-story home, built in 1965, was listed for $257,500. But the backyard had an in-ground pool, which the couple had to consider because of their small children.
No. 2
’60s split level
The four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath home on Seaman Circle was all brick with a split-level floor plan. Hardwood floors, crown molding and a fireplace were among the traditional details inside. The kitchen offered a view to the family room. The home, built in 1964, was listed for $265,000. It had a fenced backyard, but it was smaller than others they had seen and had a steep front yard. The couple also would have to invest in some renovations.
No. 3
Big changes, busy street
The four-bedroom, three-bath home on North Peachtree Road also had been updated with new cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. The roof on the four-sided brick home also was new, along with the tile floors and shower surround in the bathrooms. “They did such a good job of renovating it,” Michelle said. The home, built in 1968 and originally listed for $219,000, had a separate dining room and a sunken living room that could work for the playroom. There was a two-tiered back deck, but the home was on one of the busier streets in the neighborhood.
The Choice
No. 3. The couple waited a couple of months and watched the price drop on the North Peachtree Road home before taking a look at it. The home’s size provided enough rooms for their family to visit from the north. They put in an offer for less than the asking price the next day. The sellers negotiated on the price and also fixed problems that arose during the inspection, from plumbing and electrical issues to new sliding glass doors. “It was basically move in and do nothing,” said Larry, 38. Added Michelle: “Which was really nice because our 100-year-old house was move in and fix everything.” They closed on the home in mid-December.
Michelle and Larry Shutts were assisted by Karen Smyth with Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road.
About the Author
