Kyle Graf assists folks with projects as a supervisor in the flooring department at the Home Depot, and he was looking forward to joining them in homeownership.
Graf, 28, needed to find a home in his low $100,000s price range and a real estate agent willing to assist him.
“I reached out to a couple of real estate agents,” he said. “People were generally unhelpful.”
Living with his girlfriends’ parents in Johns Creek helped him save money for his first place. They also recommended Lorin Marsolo with Re/Max Around Atlanta Realty, although he was reluctant to contact her.
“I was looking for a $120,000 house. I was worried she might not take it seriously,” he said. “From the moment I called her, it was nothing like I expected. Finally somebody took me seriously.”
Graf viewed more than 40 homes, including these properties.
No. 1
Longer commute
A three-bedroom, two-bath home on Hickory Bluff in Braselton had updated interiors, down to the light fixtures and door hardware. The roof was replaced in early 2014. It was further from his job in Johns Creek than other homes, but living in a more rural setting, northeast of Atlanta, appealed to Graf, who graduated from Valdosta State University. The Jackson County home, built in 1999, was not officially on the market but expected to be listed in the $120,000s.
No. 2
Brick ranch
A three-bedroom, two-bath home on Woodhaven Terrace in Lawrenceville appeared to be a solid home with features including a stone fireplace and a new heating and air conditioning system. The Gwinnett County home was located on a flat lot in a cul-de-sac, with a two-car garage. When he walked through, Graf had a feeling that it was going to be his first house. The home, built in 1975, was listed for $127,900.
No. 3
Affordable one-story
A three-bedroom, two-bath home on Flintlock Drive in Dacula offered vaulted ceilings and items on Graf’s list including a walk-in closet, and separate shower and tub in the master bathroom. The backyard was wooded and the Flint Hill neighborhood seemed to be nice and quiet, Graf said. The Gwinnett County home, built in 1994, was listed for $110,000.
The Choice
No. 1. First, he put an offer on the Dacula home (No. 3), but was outbid. He had a contract on the Lawrenceville home (No. 2), but terminated the contract after the inspection identified repairs for the roof, crawl space and deck, Marsolo said. Graf was willing to pay $120,000, since the Braselton home offered features he wanted such as a covered back porch, and walk-in master closet and separate tub and shower. Through the state-funded Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, he received a $5,000 zero percent interest loan for his down payment. The sellers also paid some of the closing costs. He paid $2,000 out of pocket and had room in his budget to repaint the inside, front door and shutters, install new light fixtures and add a kitchen island.
About the Author
