Jerry and Susan McNally loved the home they sold earlier this year – within a week – but desired to find another house for their family before they retired and downsized.
They believe their efforts to renovate the kitchen and basement as well as paint and re-carpet their previous home contributed to the quick sell. Assisted by Matt Hester with Re/Max Greater Atlanta's Matt Hester & Associates, they purchased a home in Marietta’s Charrington neighborhood, which offered amenities such as a pool for their children, 13-year-old Jonathan and 11-year-old Matthew, and their 15-year-old niece, Caroline.
Three homes in the neighborhood stood out.
No. 1
Family friendly floor plan
The six-bedroom, 5 1/2-bath brick traditional home on Hadfield Court boasted a big advantage, with a bedroom on the main level for guests such as their mothers. The home was built in 1996 and originally listed for $585,000. The full basement was finished with a kitchen and bedroom, creating an in-law suite. In the main-level kitchen, there were stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, plus a butler’s pantry that was much larger than the pantry in their previous home, Susan said.
No. 2
Close to neighborhood amenities
The five-bedroom, six-bath home on Charrwood Court was next to the neighborhood tennis courts and pool. The two-story traditional offered updates such as heated tile floors in the master bathroom and a built-in bar, exercise/playroom, bedroom, full bath and family room in the finished basement. The home didn’t have the exact layout they were seeking but it still had large bedrooms and a kitchen that opened to a family room with a fireplace. It was built in 1998 and originally listed for $589,900.
No. 3
Cul-de-sac setting
Another six-bedroom, 5 1/2-bath home on Hadfield Drive offered finished basement with a kitchen, media room, bedroom and bath. The master suite was unique, featuring a two-sided fireplace and sitting area. The kitchen opened to the great room. The home, built in 1998, needed more updates than other homes they considered. But originally listed for $499,000, it was the cheapest of the three.
The Choice
No. 1. “The minute we walked in it, it just felt like our home,” said Susan, 45, a substitute teacher. Once they found the house, they decided to put theirs on the market. “We were ready to call the whole thing off if it (their offer being accepted) hadn’t worked out,” said Jerry, 46, an attorney. They moved in at the end of August. Now, one of their favorite places is the back deck overlooking the private fenced yard.