Brett and Ashli Boyd were busy this time last year, searching for a home and planning a wedding at the same time. The East Paulding High School sweethearts wanted to step into a house as soon as they were married in fall 2014 so they wouldn’t waste money on rent.
Brett, 24, a new construction plumber at Randal Lowe Plumbing, and Ashli, 23, a hair stylist and office worker, saved money for a down payment and closed on the Dallas home before their wedding. Ashli talked about the four-bedroom house they purchased, working with Ellen Hill of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.
Q: Why did you decide to buy?
A: We wanted to jump in and start owning a home immediately.
Q: What were your priorities?
A: We looked for a home with a fenced-in backyard and room to grow so we can have kids. We wanted it to be move-in ready and didn’t look for fixer uppers. Brett didn’t want a split-level house, which we ended up getting, and I wanted a big front porch, which we didn’t get, so there was some give and take.
Q: How did you find this home?
A: We had a contract on another house, but it fell through at inspection time, literally. A pipe busted and flooded the whole house. We were so bummed, but it would have required some major reconstruction and had an unfinished basement and steep driveway. Our agent, Ellen, knew what we were looking for and held our hand along the way. This was 2 miles away from the other home, and we scooped it up after it was on the market a few days.
Q: What do you love about the home?
A: The backyard and the downstairs area, where Brett has a “man cave” where he can hang out and play games. There’s an extra room that I eventually want to turn into an at-home hair salon.
Q: What have you added?
A: Brett’s mom has an eye for decorating and helped us create a clean and classic look with grays, blues and yellows. The dining room is painted a navy blue and looks regal with high ceilings and cutouts. It may be one of my favorite rooms.
Q: What’s a tip for first-time buyers?
A: Keep it business. When you start getting attached and emotional, it rocks your world when something doesn’t go well. When you’re looking at homes, put yourself in the place but don’t get your heart set on the house. We were upset about the first house, but we’re so happy with this house now.
At a Glance
Brett and Ashli Boyd’s home, built in 1999, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 1,500 square feet. Homes in Dallas’ Saddlebrook Farms range from the mid- to high $100,000s.
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