Sam Abbott took key steps to find his first home.
He got pre-approved for a mortgage and met with his real estate agent, Derek Scheidt of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, to discuss his likes and dislikes. Listings for Atlanta condos that matched his criteria quickly showed him that for his budget of $150,000 and below, he might need to sacrifice on size.
Abbott, who lived in Kennesaw while earning his MBA from Kennesaw State University and is originally from Columbus, viewed about 10 Atlanta condos – including these one-bedroom properties.
“I knew I definitely wanted to be within the city limits because I just love the Atlanta atmosphere. I love the convenience of city life,” said Abbott, 25, a marketing specialist at UPS.
No. 1
Outstanding view
A one-bedroom, one-bath condo in Twelve Centennial Park on West Peachtree Street was walking distance to shops and restaurants in downtown Atlanta. Although he originally didn’t want to look at high rises, the scenery from the unit made him consider those complexes. “It had an amazing view of Atlanta,” he said. But expenses for the unit, such as the $240 a month homeowner’s association (HOA) fee, and $10-a-day visitor parking, could add up and keep guests from coming over, he thought. The unit, built in 2007, was listed for $135,000.
No. 2
Atlantic Station foreclosure
A one-bedroom, one-bath condo in the Art Foundry, on 17th Street, appeared larger than other condos. “Immediately I liked the layout of it,” he said. “I could visualize my current furniture being in that space. That was a plus for me.” But the HOA fees were higher, at about $350 a month. Living in Atlantic Station meant he could walk to shops, restaurants, the movie theater and grocery store. The condo, built in 2004, was listed for $104,900.
No. 3
Near MARTA
A one-bedroom, one-bath condo in the Cosmopolitan was in move-in ready condition. The condo was in the Lindbergh area (outside of downtown Atlanta), near shopping and nightlife in Buckhead and Midtown, with those views as well. The building was located near a MARTA station and accessible to I-75 and Ga. 400. But closer to home, he said, the parking space felt too far from the 8th-floor unit. Homeowner’s association fees were $254 a month for the building. The condo, built in 2009, was listed for $124,900.
The Choice
No. 2. He put an offer on No. 3, but was outbid. “Once I saw this unit realized I may not have to settle as much as I thought,” he said. “Atlantic Station is a great area. My complex is among other condos, townhouses and apartment complexes. You still get a little of the Intown feel and homey neighborhood style.” He moved in during July 2013 and replaced the carpet and paint. “It’s important not to rush into a purchase. I went into the process thinking I would fall in love with and find a place much sooner than I actually did, but I am glad because ultimately it worked out for me. I love where I am now,” he said.
About the Author
