For his next home purchase, Don Bodnar wanted the best of location and a layout for entertaining. He focused on properties walking distance to shops, restaurants, a gym and MARTA, but desired space to host get-togethers during the holidays and other times of the year.
“I wanted more space to have a larger dining room table to entertain,” said Bodnar, 37, who works for Merrill Lynch.
Bodnar decided to rent his three-bedroom house and search for a place with a more spacious dining area, at least two bedrooms, bigger closets, a garage and amenities such as a pool. Cynthia Goodman with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage assisted him in his search, which included these three options.
No. 1
Abundant amenities
A two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath townhome on Ashford Creek Avenue was an end unit with a two-car garage. The unit boasted stainless steel appliances, granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. He didn’t like the textured walls in the dining room and would need to redo the custom-painted walls. The gated Ashford Creek neighborhood had a pool, fitness area, clubhouse and lake, which the townhome overlooked. The Atlanta townhome, built in 2006, was listed for $295,000.
No. 2
Right in the Brookhaven action
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo on Dresden Drive, was above a restaurant in the Village Place Brookhaven development. The location also was about 4 miles to his Buckhead office and around the corner from his previous Brookhaven home. “It was right in the heart of things,” he said. The finishes were nice, but wondered if a townhome setting was a better option for him than a condo. The unit, built in 2007, was listed for $249,000.
No. 3
Perimeter Mall area
A two-bedroom, two-and-ha-alf bath townhome on Dogwood Alley had fixtures with a modern look along with Carrara marble kitchen countertops, dark hardwood floors and gray tile. The master bathroom was spacious enough for a soaking tub and shower, and the closet boasted built-ins with drawers. The Gramercy community also had a pool; the unit had a two-car garage. The townhome, built in 2007, was listed for $274,900.
The Choice
No. 3. “We looked at a lot of places and the market was moving quicker. Other places had offers already on them,” he said. “I felt this was the right one and this was where I wanted to be.” His offer on the townhome was accepted around St. Patrick’s Day. “I was at one of the festivals with friends and I got the text that my offer had been accepted. I was like all right, time to celebrate,” he said. And he closed in May, on Cinco de Mayo. Now, his dining area holds a table with eight chairs, ready for entertaining.
