By Carolyn Crist
For the AJC
During the past five years of their 14-year friendship, Nickole Baker would get this question from Shervon Hogsett with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers: “When are you going to let me sell you a house?” After a tough beginning to 2014 with the end of a relationship and a job, Baker landed a new job in May and a bigger paycheck. When Shervon called a few days later, Baker took it as a sign. It was time to buy.
Baker, 44, a legal assistant, talked about the three-bedroom home she purchased in Lawrenceville’s River Colony neighborhood.
Q: What were your priorities?
A: I really wanted a place that felt like home. I wanted the right family-oriented neighborhood for my 10-year-old son, Jordan, as well as an open floor plan and spacious kitchen. We also wanted a yard so we can get a dog.
Q: How did you find this home?
A: Shervon knew what school district and particulars I wanted, and she would send me emails. We would get together after work or on the weekend to look, and we found this house on the third outing. It was the last house we looked at on a Friday night, and when I walked in and walked around, I could see us living here.
Q: What do you love about the house?
A: My favorite aspect is the neighborhood. I knew a friend who lived here when she first moved to Gwinnett County, and I heard how the ladies would get together and let the kids play between the houses. I knew I wanted to live in a social neighborhood like that with tennis courts, a pool and a clubhouse.
Q: What was it like the first night?
A: It was a great feeling to actually own a home. I feel like I'm giving my son a place where he can always come back and find me. I feel blessed and at peace.
Q: What have you changed so far?
A: Jordan picked out this amazing green color to paint his bedroom, and I've bought a gray paisley chair as the focal point for my room. Pinterest is my best friend, and I'm picking pieces or colors that speak to me to incorporate into my home. I also collect wood carvings, and you'll see Jordan's Star Wars Legos around the house.
Q: What’s a tip for first-time buyers?
A: Instead of becoming an expert on buying a home, surround yourself with people who do this for a living. As a single mom who works full time and takes care of my son, I knew I didn't have the time to become an expert and could rely on Shervon and Beth (Bulger with Metro Brokers Financial).
At a Glance
Baker’s home, built in 1984, has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,000 square feet. River Colony homes in Lawrenceville range from the mid- to high-$100,000s.
