Brian Anderson focused on finding as much space as possible in metro Atlanta for himself, his wife Toshia and their nine children, ages 19 to 1.
Making the move from the Chicago area started a couple of years ago. During the lengthy process, Anderson looked at about 200 homes and placed contracts on four before finally purchasing in Gwinnett County.
Why Atlanta?
Anderson, who lived in Illinois his entire life, relocated for his job, which is based in Covington.
“My mind was centered around, if I’m going to move and relocate and take this job, I’m going to get as close to my dream house as possible,” he said.
He was intrigued by the lower cost of living and property taxes in Georgia, seeing brick executive-style homes with basements and nearly 1-acre lots priced under $500,000.
“Three-quarters acre is a lot for a northerner like myself. Looking at a 6,000-square-foot home on a basement being finished, I just thought it was amazing,” he said.
Putting down roots
The Andersons, who had a home built in 2003 in Illinois, desired a home the same age or newer. The couple briefly looked at homes on multiple acres, including a 15-acre property, for themselves and their children (Nita, 19; BJ, 16; Ryan, 11; Corie, 9; Vicki, 8; Brianna, 7; Morgan, 6; Brooke, 5; and Sam, 1). Their search included homes in: Covington, Conyers and Social Circle to the east; Canton, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Braselton, Hoschton and Alpharetta in the northern suburbs; and south to Peachtree City.
“I was like a kid in a candy store,” he said.
After putting offers on a couple of homes and the deals falling through due to inspection and appraisal issues, the Andersons were about to give up and stay in Illinois. Then their real estate agent, Brenda Shaw with Harry Norman, Realtors Intown, called and she said found “the perfect house” in Dacula but they needed to move quick. Brian Anderson viewed it that afternoon. “My wife was driving back and asking if she should turn around. I said, ‘No need to turn around, this is it.’ I knew it when I walked in the front door and looked at the backyard.”
The Gwinnett County home also had eight bedrooms, a finished basement, and office and about 7,300 square feet, compared to their 2,280-square-foot home in Illinois. Homes in the neighborhood are listed from the $300,000s-$500,000s.
The backyard had a pool, basketball court and batting cage, which appealed to his older kids, who play baseball and softball. The neighborhood, Apalachee Farms-The Oaks, also has a pool and tennis courts and youth sports teams. “The amenities were just amazing,” said Anderson.
Plus, the school bus stops right in front of the house. “It doesn’t get any better than that,” said Anderson, who moved in during October 2012.
Relocation tip
Make sure your moving “homework” includes researching schools - to narrow down the location - and interviewing potential real estate agents. “Find a Realtor who is going to be honest with you,” he said.
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