Sarai Stevenson’s dad encouraged her to buy her first home after she and her family rented in Snellville for two years and became attached to the schools. The four-bedroom home allowed her children, Kendall, 9; Kameron, 5; and Kensley, 3, to remain in Gwinnett County’s Brookwood school district.
Stevenson, a community manager, chatted about buying her split-level home, and what she and her husband, Dorian Beard, experienced in the search.
Q: Why is it better to buy a home instead of renting?
A: Cost, No. 1. We were renting a home, and it was almost $1,400 a month for a two-bedroom, three-bathroom, and it was less than 2,000 square feet. We bought a house that was four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths and over 2,000 square feet, and it is still less than it would be to rent a home, and it is yours. If I want to paint my wall purple, nobody is going to charge me for it.
Q: What were your priorities going into the house search?
A: School district was the biggest thing for me. I wanted my kids to go to Brookwood Elementary, Crews Middle School and Brookwood High School (based on the academic performance of students in the Brookwood cluster). Neighborhood and commute was No. 2. I work in Dunwoody. I didn't want one that made my commute longer. I want them each to have their own room. I wanted to have a big backyard or a big front yard, because they are kids and they want to play. I really wanted a cul-de-sac.
Q: What particular interior features were you looking for?
A: I wanted four bedrooms and two baths. A larger kitchen would have been a dream come true, but you have to weigh your options sometimes. So the kitchen is actually smaller, but we have a living room and a dining room now. We used to just have the kitchen and the living room. I don't have a basement, and I am from Baltimore, so I am accustomed to having a basement. Not having a basement, but having an enclosed patio and a family room, I can work with that. This house has a larger backyard, one that is fenced in, and it came with a play set.
Q: Describe the search process for getting your home.
A: When I went home to visit my family, my dad said, "Hey, I think you should buy a home. It is time." As soon as he said it, I started looking. I found a bunch of homes, but by the time I got back — I was only gone for a week — all of the homes were sold. Looking within the budget I had was difficult. I didn't want to spend over $200,000. The house would be in a good neighborhood, but it would be really outdated. Then our Realtor told me that the home (one she had considered previously) was back on the market. I got off of work early. I came in, I walked around and I made the offer that day.
Q: Describe the character of your home.
A: Vintage, but also a little modern. There is this spot that I call my Spanish quarters. There is a wrought iron gate, and when you open it, there is this little patio in the front. In the summertime, it is beautiful because there are flowers.
Q: What is your favorite part of your home?
A: I like my enclosed patio a lot. We had my son's fifth birthday in this house. We had food, drinks and movies on the patio.
At a Glance
Sarai Stevenson and Dorian Beard’s home, built in 1968, has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. They closed in July 2015, assisted by Melanie Carawan with Harry Norman, Realtors. The average price of a home in their area of Snellville is $152,000.
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