By Carolyn Crist
For the AJC
Kendrick and Emerald Jones decided to buy a house when they found out Emerald was pregnant with their second child. The couple searched in Fulton, Cobb and Douglas counties and found a new home in Brookmont: The Meadows, which features a playground, eight tennis courts, a pool and a basketball court. Emerald, 28, talked about the four-bedroom home built by Kerley Family Homes that she and Kendrick, 28, a human resources manager, bought in Douglasville.
Q: Why did you decide to buy?
A: Our family was growing, and we needed more space. We felt that if we were paying a certain amount of money for an apartment, we should save it and put that money toward a home. It would be a better choice for our finances.
Q: What were your priorities?
A: We wanted access to the interstate (I-20), a variety of nearby restaurants and stores, a nice neighborhood with a new construction home, community amenities, a porch, a backyard and space in between the houses.
Q: How did you find this home?
A: We did a lot of research before we spoke with Donna (Mungin at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers) and were familiar with the area. When we heard there were new properties being built here, we decided to check out the neighborhood.
Q: How have you decorated?
A: We turned the dining area into a sitting area with floor lamps, which I call the "red velvet room." The rooms have different matching color schemes, with key lime and nature-themed colors in the living room and sitting room, grays in the bedrooms, and pink and purple in the girls' rooms.
Q: What is the neighborhood like?
A: It's family-friendly and involved. I'm the chairperson of the events committee. Kendrick is on the cleaning committee, which keeps our neighborhood looking good. Kamora and Kayla have friends in the neighborhood, and I love our neighbors, especially some who helped me during my pregnancy.
Q: What’s a tip for first-time buyers?
A: Do research on your own but have a Realtor who knows the game. Donna asked questions about aspects I didn't consider, such as school districts, neighborhood features, and distance to stores and medical facilities.
At a Glance
Kendrick and Emerald Jones’ home, built in 2014, has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,200 square feet. Homes in Brookmont: The Meadows, a Douglasville community, range from the mid- to high-$100,000s.
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