When Sandersville resident Lauren McDavid moved to the Atlanta area in 2013, she traded a population of around 6,000 for one of nearly 5.5 million. But that wasn’t the only number that got bigger. The rent for her one-bedroom Buckhead apartment kept going up and up.
McDavid shared her frustration with family friend and Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International agent Kim Boyd, who urged her to consider buying her first home. McDavid, retail manager of the home and children’s departments at Dillard’s in Perimeter Mall, chatted about buying a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at Vinings Vineyard in Cobb County.
Q. What made you choose a condo at Vinings Vineyard?
A: It seemed to have the biggest amount of space for the least amount of money, for one. I wanted two bedrooms for the extra space and an open layout. I also have a balcony with a storage closet. What also stood out were all the safety features (including cards to enter various areas).
Q. What kind of amenities does Vinings Vineyard offer?
A: They have a saltwater swimming pool and a small workout facility. There's a pet walk you can use, and they keep it well maintained. Everyone has an assigned parking spot in the parking deck that has a personal storage area with it. The homeowners' association (HOA) includes grounds maintenance. Trash is also covered, and there are trash chutes on every floor. But the best part is that gas is included, and my condo has a gas fireplace. I'm gone most of the day at work, so I can come home at night, flip a switch and my fireplace automatically lights up. That really saves on my heating bill.
Q. What surprised you about the home buying process?
A: Just learning about how the whole buying process works. Like the financial side of things, not just the more glamorous part where you go around looking at different homes. There are so many things to go through, like the inspection process and getting a loan.
Q. Have you enjoyed getting to know more about the Vinings area?
A: I like going to Vinings Jubilee. They have everything from Ann Taylor Loft to Banana Republic. Paces & Vine is a favorite restaurant; it has a quaint, fun atmosphere. I can actually walk from my condo to Marlow's and Publix if I want. On top of that, Cumberland Mall is just a few traffic lights away.
At a Glance
Lauren McDavid’s condo, built in 2002, has two bedrooms and two baths and about 1,400 square feet. She purchased it in September 2015. Condominiums/townhomes in the area range from the $175,000s to $250,000s. Cumberland Mall and the Silver Comet Trail are nearby.
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