First-Time Homebuyer
Jason Thompson’s busy professional life, as an orthopedic technologist, required a move-in ready condo convenient to Resurgens Orthopaedics locations and metro Atlanta hospitals.
Thompson, 36, chatted about his purchase in 5300 Lofts, a Chamblee community.
Q: How long were you thinking about buying a place, and how long did you look?
A: It took me a few years actually. I looked for about four months.
Q: Did you view a lot of properties?
A: I did. I looked in the Castleberry area (in downtown Atlanta). I looked over by Inman Park. And I looked in Chamblee a couple of times. I looked at homes around the area where I work at, on the north side, and also homes on the south side. But what I was finding was in my price range was more of the condo atmosphere, and so I wanted to make sure that I had everything that I needed, especially for work, when I looked at this place.
Q: What’s an example of what you saw on the market?
A: I would come across a good deal, $50,000 for a loft and it would be 1,100 square feet, two bedrooms. But yet the hallways would be narrow and or you would see fire trucks passing by every five minutes downtown. It would be the perfect buy, but I don’t want an ambulance riding by at 2 in the morning.
Q: Did you have a checklist of what you wanted?
A: I wanted to be close to work. I wanted to have everything I needed nearby – gas stations and grocery stores and markets. The [MARTA] train being a few blocks away is very convenient for me (for getting to downtown Atlanta).
Q: As you looked at condos, what questions came up?
A: I was impressed that the homeowner’s association was in good shape when it comes to finances. A lot of them that I was looking at … their HOAs were in trouble (the HOA fees are 23 cents per square foot).
Q: What impressed you about the condo you chose?
A: It had things that I really like a lot – a stainless steel refrigerator, microwave and stove, a real spacious bar to entertain. It came with a washer and dryer. It had everything that I needed.
Q: What is a tip for other buyers?
A: Make sure that the property is a good investment. Obviously the price needs to be right. Make sure that you understand in the condo world what type of things you’re investing in (such as the HOAs). Spend a lot of time there before you make a purchase. Walk around. See your neighbors.
At a Glance
Jason Thompson’s new condo in 5300 Lofts in Chamblee has one bedroom, one bath and about 701 square feet. He moved in during September. The studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units in 5300 Lofts range from $63,900-$147,900.
