At a glance
Ramona Cathey’s townhome, built in 1952 in Atlanta’s Lakemoore Colony, has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and about 1,200 square feet. She purchased it in March. She was assisted by Tom Hlass with Keller Williams Realty in her sale and Bill Traylor with Harry Norman, Realtors in her purchase. Units in Lakemoore Colony range from $185,000-$200,000.
Ramona Cathey lived in her first home, in Lawrenceville, for 36 years, until she agreed to her daughters’ request to move closer to them in the Buckhead area. When Cathey’s home sold faster than expected, she had to act quickly.
Cathey, 63, chatted about the renovated two-bedroom townhome she purchased in Lakemoore Colony in north Buckhead, which is less than a mile away from her family.
Q: What was your mindset about selling?
A: I thought, I'll go ahead and list it. Then the first people that seriously looked at it put an offer in. I think I was in denial. The inspection came and went. The appraisal came back what I had listed it for. By this time, the closing date was being set. It had only been a few days. I called my kids and said, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to have to move."
Q: Why do you think the home sold so quickly?
A: The (buyers) said it was because it had so much curb appeal. It had a lot of established trees and shrubs.
Q: Were you able to find a new place right away?
A: My son-in-law had a (storage) pod sent to the house. They loaded the pod. My daughter and son-in-law wanted me in a safe and happy place. I stayed with my daughters for about eight weeks.
Q: Were you familiar with Lakemoore Colony?
A: My daughter had lived in a different condo (in the same complex). I used to have to go to her place all the time. I thought, "This place is really well kept." I think that's what kept pulling me back there. I call it hidden in the residential area of Buckhead. I look out at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. I looked on the website (for Lakemoore Colony). It was listed on the home page.
Q: What features made this unit stand out?
A: After looking at many, this was definitely a great choice. It had hardwood floors. It had been painted. It had a new HVAC system and a new hot water heater. It had been revamped pretty well. It did have a washer and dryer.
Q: How did you downsize your possessions?
A: I just kind of divvied the bedroom furniture and belongings to the girls. I just had to stack stuff on the driveway for Goodwill to pick up.
Q: Was it an emotional move?
A: Oh my gosh, when it all first happened, I don't think that I was emotional because there was too much adrenaline going. It's like swimming — you have to stay above the water or you would drown. Once the house was cleared and I had cleaned … it was like, whoa. It was pretty traumatic. Then even after I went to (my daughter's) house, knowing that it was the best thing that I could do, and I still felt happy and good about everything else, I could just in a split second burst into tears. It was awful.
Q: But how has the move changed your lifestyle?
A: That part's really nice. My granddaughter (6-year-old Bowen Frances) can spend the night even on a school night because I'm in her school zone.
Q: What’s something you bought for your new place?
A: I had an old antique sofa. I got rid of it and bought a new sofa. From Ikea, believe it or not.
Q: What tip do you give senior buyers?
A: First of all, (consider) location. If you've got the location down, then go with your gut and what draws you back to a place once you look at it.
