First-Time Homebuyer
Marquitta White desired to invest back in the area after earning her undergraduate degree in biology from Clark Atlanta University in 2007. Although she is pursuing her Ph.D. in human genetics from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., White maintained the Atlanta connection by buying a condo across the street from Clark Atlanta.
White, 26, chatted about her condo in The Washington at Historic Westside Village, and how its proximity to MARTA was crucial to her frequent travels to Tennessee.
Q: Why did you choose to buy near your alma mater?
A: I’m originally from D.C., but Atlanta has a special place in my heart. I really believe that the West End and Vine City is an important area. I just really wanted to contribute to continued growth in that area of the city.
Q: What important amenities did this complex have?
A: I really like the security. It’s a gated community. It had a pool and a gym and a business center. What I really like about my condo is that right outside is the Ashby MARTA station. The Megabus stop is at the MARTA Civic Center station. I get on the bus to Nashville when I have thesis committee meetings, meetings with my mentor or to work in the lab at school. So it works really well.
Q: When you’re at home, what areas and restaurants do you enjoy?
A: I really like being close to downtown. It’s right across the street from Busy Bee Café, which is known for its soul food. And it’s about 5 to 10 minutes away from Little Five Points. I take MARTA out to Buckhead to go to Lenox.
Q: What are some of your favorite features inside the condo?
A: I have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors. I have ceramic tile in the walk-in shower, and tile surround around the Jacuzzi tub. I have brand new Berber carpet. I have all new appliances.
Q: As you moved through the process, when did you feel most frustrated?
A: The financing part of the process. I’m a graduate student, so they pay me a stipend but not necessarily a salary. We had to work with the lending agent so they understood it’s not a loan or a scholarship, it is a wage. Once that was done, everything moved pretty smoothly after that.
Q: Did you receive any additional financial assistance?
A: There are a lot of incentives now for that area of Atlanta. I got about $40,000 in down-payment assistance (through programs coordinated by the Atlanta Housing Authority and Vine City). I did have to attend a first-time homebuyer’s class; it actually was very helpful.
Q: What did you learn that can serve as a tip for other buyers?
A: I learned how to make an income-to-debt sheet to make sure that you’re not overextending yourself. When you’re looking at your finances, take into consideration how much you’ve been approved for, but just know that the bank may not have taken into account all your debts. That is how much the bank is willing to give you. That may not be how much you can pay every month.
Q: Since moving in, what’s a personal touch you’ve made?
A: I chose a slate gray for the walls, and I have white furniture and dark colored hardwood floors in the living room. Then I have one accent wall that is actually a very pretty orange color, so it ties into the modern feel of the place.
At a Glance
Marquitta White’s condo, built in 2007 in The Washington at Historic Westside Village, has two bedrooms, two baths and about 1,100 square feet. She purchased it in September, assisted by Keyla Berry with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Condos range from $89,900-$159,900.
