Emily Mikkelson thought buying a house was “crazy” until she learned she could be approved for a loan. Then the search was on, with Tanya Mendleson of Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services, to find an intown home in the low $100,000s with room for her art studio and visiting family.
Mikkelson, 32, general manager of Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown, chatted about buying in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown area.
Q: Why did you decide to purchase a home?
A: I have two sisters and my dad. They’re all spread around south Georgia. We lost our mom about three years ago. I moved (from Apalachicola, Fla.) to Atlanta to start all over again. I have lots of nephews and I could never (host) Thanksgiving. My sister kept saying, “Buy a house.” I kept telling her, “No no, no, no. I can’t buy a house, that’s a crazy thing I would never be able to do.” Finally one day I went to see if I could get pre-approved. The lenders said you have to have a job for two years. The day of my application was the two-year anniversary at Flying Biscuit Cafe. It was just serendipitous.
Q: How long did it take to find this house?
A: It took about two months or so. This particular house, I fell in love with when we first looked at it. It’s right at the cusp of Reynoldstown and Cabbagetown. I can walk everywhere and to the Beltline, and I’m in love with the Beltline. I knew in my heart that this house was home.
Q: What did it take to get the house?
A: We made an offer the very next day. Tanya called and said, “They’ve got a cash offer. I’m so sorry.” It was not my house apparently. I cried.
Q: How did the house end up being yours?
A: We started looking again. Then one day Tanya called up and said, “Remember that house?” The cash offer fell through. We that day made the offer. About a month later, the keys were in my hand. It was really up and down and scary, but it’s so crazy.
Q: What’s a favorite room?
A: It’s the main reason I needed a three bedroom. I needed to convert one into a studio. I had an art studio at the Metropolitan Business and Artist District. But it was difficult for me to afford paint supplies and studio rent and my rent at my apartment. I can wake up in the morning, walk down the hallway and paint in my studio. My mortgage happened to be less expensive than the rent of a studio and a house.
Q: What other features did you want?
A: I definitely wanted hardwood floors. I needed a yard for my dog (Izzie). I wanted a rose bush in my front yard, which I knew I could plant but it’s funny because this house happened to have one.
Q: What condition was the home in?
A: This house had been completely refurbished. Everyone who comes to my house goes, “Oh my gosh, this is the best bathroom.” They retiled the shower and it’s amazing. They turned a piece of antique furniture into a sink. It’s the centerpiece of the bathroom.
Q: How did your family help with the move?
A: My family is amazing. One brother-in-law built a coffee table for me. My other brother-in-law and sister bought a couch. My dad built this thing in the studio to put my paint supplies. We’re going to have a family fence-building day.
At a Glance
Emily Mikkelson’s home, built in 1993 in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown community, has three bedrooms, one bath and about 1,080 square feet. She purchased it in July. Homes in Reynoldstown range from the $120,000s-$340,000s.
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