Names: Nick and Jenna Johnson. Nick, 28, works for global finance at The Coca-Cola Co.; Jenna, 27, blogs at postcard-envy.com
The home: A two-bedroom, two-bath condo built in 2002
Where: The Brickworks in Atlanta's Inman Park neighborhood
Why they sold: Nick accepted a new position with Coca-Cola that required full-time international travel, with the couple living in a different country for two months at a time. They had purchased the 1,580-square-foot condo as a short sale in 2011 when they got married.
Time on market: 2 days
Original price: $319,500
Sale price: $319,500
What it took
They credit the Inman Park location, which was growing in popularity. New restaurants, the Beltline and developments such as Krog Street Market helped increase the resale value, they believe.
Working with a family friend, the couple researched recent sale prices for similar-sized units in the area. Few two-bedroom, two-bath units were for sale. “Supply was very small and demand was high in that area,” Nick said.
After buying the condo, the couple painted the entire unit, added new carpet and new hardwood floors, and tiled the balcony floor. In the bathrooms, they switched out laminate countertops with granite, added backsplash, and replaced older light and sink fixtures. The condo also came with two assigned parking spaces.
The couple listed the condo two weeks before Nick was leaving for work in Chile, in March 2014. They didn’t have time to put photos with the listing, which appeared in the MLS and online, before the unit was under contract within 30 hours. It was Nick’s last weekend in Atlanta.
Potential stumbling block
They did not anticipate that Nick would be in the United States when the closing occurred. Instead of having problems at closing, they got a power of attorney for Jenna before Nick departed. The main difference at closing was that Jenna had to sign the stack of documents twice.
The Johnsons had been hoping to have 45 or 60 days for Jenna to finish packing and prepare to meet up with Nick in May, but the buyers wanted to close within 30 days. They conceded to that timeline and with the buyer’s request that they service the hot water heater (for $75). They said “no” to a request for a home warranty, which would cost more, but it did not hinder the sale. “Don’t get caught up on the small stuff in negotiations,” Jenna said. “Be willing to concede in some areas. Go with your gut in the others.”
Seller’s hint
Don’t be afraid to depart with custom pieces that add character to the home and appeal to buyers. The couple sweetened the deal by leaving the flat-screen TVs that were built into the walls in the bedroom and living room.
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