First-Time Homebuyer
Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward and Grant Park neighborhoods competed with the northwest Atlanta area in Aisha Mohammed’s search.
Although in-town neighborhoods were closer to her job at Emory University and Georgia State University, which she attends, a condo off I-75 and Northside Parkway and near the Chattahoochee River won out. Mohammed, 27, chatted about her short sale purchase.
Q: How did the location appeal to you?
A: I wanted to still be in the city, but not particularly downtown or even Midtown. I loved the fact that this is a culturally diverse area, and I like the age range of people that are here. I see a lot of young professionals here. I’m also in close vicinity to the Buckhead area, so there’s a lot of trendy restaurants.
Q: What was special to you about this condo?
A: What really, really turned me on about this condo is the kitchen and bathroom and the private patio. There’s new black appliances, and it has cherry wood for the cabinet space and there’s a wine cabinet that’s already built in, and I like the light fixtures in the ceiling. I’m kind of in love with my bathroom right now. I love the fact that it has this beautiful marble fixture to it. I love the feeling that I have when I walk into the bathroom.
Q: Since it was a short sale, where the negotiations stressful?
A: It was actually pretty easy because there weren’t any other bids on the table. I’m still kind of stunned by the price ($51,900). The fact that you can get an awesome deal in an upscale area lets you know what kind of housing market and economy we’re working with.
Q: Did it take a long time to hear back?
A: It took a while. I put my bid down the beginning of June. I did not receive my contract until Dec. 13.
Q: Are you a patient person?
A: Well, here’s the thing. I was kind of in the crunch for the last two months because my lease was up. Luckily I had negotiated with my landlord to extend my lease so I wouldn’t be without a place to live. I have a very persistent personality. When I see something I really like, I’m going to go for it, no matter what obstacle I have to face. I tried to be patient and diligent.
Q: What are tips for buyers?
A: Before you embark on getting a home, understand what kind of sale you’re getting involved in. My main thing was learning the difference between a short sale, foreclosure and a regular sale.
Make sure you have all your documents. I have a type-A personality. I got a folder and I kept everything in my folder. I labeled all my sheets with my lender and with my real estate agent. That way, if they say they didn’t receive something, I could go back and check.
Q: What’s it like to finally be in your own condo?
A: I used to always say to myself when I was younger, wouldn’t it be cool to own a condominium in my mid-20s? I feel like I am embarking on one of my bucket lists.
At a Glance
Aisha Mohammed’s condo, built in 1991, in the Atlanta’s River West community, has one bedroom, one bath and about 900 square feet. She purchased it in February, assisted by Ashley Goodrich with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Properties in the River West community, which has 213 condos and townhomes, range from $34,900-$165,000.
