Ann McElroy plans to retire this fall and wanted to buy her first home while remaining in the Decatur area, where she has rented for more than 30 years.
One floor, two bedrooms and covered parking were key items on her list, but McElroy had to determine if any were worth sacrificing as she looked at the options.
McElroy, who has worked for Norfolk Southern Railway for 37 years, checked out these DeKalb County condos, with her agent, Melanie Carawan of Harry Norman, Realtors.
No. 1
Convenient setting
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo on Oakridge Circle in Decatur had the right location near stores on LaVista Road and features including a fireplace. When she viewed the condo, she saw it needed some updates, and she had to consider if she wanted to pay the asking price plus spend more to make changes. The condo, built in 1984, was listed for $134,900.
No. 2
Cozy with closet space
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo on Clairmont Road in Decatur boasted new carpet, paint and appliances. She liked that the unit was in a smaller complex. Inside, it offered walk-in closets in both bedrooms plus another closet. No steps were required to enter into the unit, but there was no immediate covered parking. The condo, built in 1982, was listed for $125,000.
No. 3
Renovated unit
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo on Weatherstone Drive in Atlanta had a couple of steps to navigate at the entrance, but once inside, she liked the hardwood floors and new appliances. Other updates included a new water heater, lighting, paint and carpet. The condo, built in 1985, was listed for $110,000.
The Choice
No. 2. The extra closet space and Decatur location sold McElroy. Also, the assigned parking spot is about 10 steps from a covered area, which includes her front door. When she visited the staged condo, McElroy remembers telling her agent, “You know, Melanie, I think this is where I’m supposed to live. I think the Lord led me here.” But she still felt a little overwhelmed and said she was thankful to have her agent walk her through every step of the process. Her first offer was accepted, and she purchased the condo in March 2013. “I didn’t think I’d be able to afford something inside the perimeter and I love the area,” she said. “I wanted to be where I was familiar with the area and the stores and the doctors.” For other buyers who are retiring, she advises not going in over your head and taking on a debt you can’t pay. But she was glad that she didn’t have to buy a fixer-upper. “For me, it was just what I felt like I would need. It’s very spacious for me and it’s very nice,” she said. “I’m glad I made that decision.”
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