Amanda Curley was ready to buy a home, after living in a townhome in Brookhaven, and as the search started, her boyfriend, Stephen Gubelman, recognized the benefit of homeownership as well.
“It was just a big decision that I was a little hesitant to do at first,” said Gubelman, 28, a manufacturer’s representative broker in the food service and janitorial services industry. “After really kind of thinking about it and looking at rentals and realizing what could happen with purchasing, I decided that it would be a great idea for both of us to do it together.”
The couple wanted a backyard for their two dogs, a garage instead of a carport and dual vanities in the master bathroom. After finding their home, Gubelman proposed to Curley, 28, safety specialist with the American Red Cross. The couple, who plan to wed in May 2014, considered these three homes, working with Angie Niemann and Kent Sobolewski of Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services.
No. 1 -- Newer foreclosure
A four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home on Victoria Street in Brookhaven was a large two-story with two front porches. Detailed moldings, a double-sided dining room fireplace and stainless steel appliances stood out. The master suite boasted a built-in entertainment center and another fireplace. The home, built in 2005, was listed for $359,000.
No. 2 -- Higher price
A three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home on Mitchell Cove in Brookhaven’s Ashton Square neighborhood was move-in ready. The roof, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and water heater had been recently replaced. The kitchen had granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and there was a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. The backyard, however, wasn’t fenced in, which they desired. The home, built in 1990, was listed for $379,900.
No. 3 -- Great backyard
A three-bedroom, two-bath home on Cold Spring Lane in Brookhaven’s Sexton Woods neighborhood had a big flat backyard with a deck and fire pit. The kitchen was outfitted with subway tile backsplash, granite countertops, and a new cooktop and oven. In the master bathroom, there was a marble vanity. Plus, it had a finished basement. There already were multiple offers on the home, which was built in 1957 and listed for $285,000.
The Choice -- No. 2.
They first joined others making an offer on No.3, but their bid wasn’t accepted. As soon as they lost that home, Gubelman’s father recommended that they think about what type of space they’ll need beyond one or two years. They decided on their home because it had a master bedroom, a room for an office and space for children down the road. They closed on the home in late December 2012, after the seller agreed to repair rotted wood on the deck. Adds Stephen: “We made a decision to spend a little bit more to get an updated house rather than spending a little bit less and having to update it ourselves.”
