By Carolyn Crist
For the AJC
Moving due to a divorce, Heather Pyles wanted to find a home that would disrupt the routine as little as possible for her 11-year-old son, Charlie. A two-bedroom condo enabled them to stay in the Avondale Estates area, and it was the perfect size on a tight budget.
Pyles, 42, operations manager for the Jewish Kids Groups Foundation, talked about her Avondale Estates condo.
Q: What were your priorities?
A: Location. I wanted to stay in Avondale Estates or the Decatur area so my son could be near everything he's familiar with and see friends. I also wanted to be near my friends and my support system.
Q: What do you love about the house?
A: I wasn't sure if I could afford to buy, but as soon as we walked in, it felt right. It has hardwood floors, great storage and an outdoor deck. The colors were already perfect, and there's a pool, tennis court and basketball goal for my son. There's a lot of natural light, and the things that I thought would bug me, like the small pantry, aren't a problem.
Q: How did you move on this home?
A: The seller had three offers, but nobody wanted to pay the closing costs. I said I would help with the closing costs, and my agent (Carol and Susan Fuller, with Alma Fuller Realty) told her my story. We clicked and she said she could do a lease-to-purchase agreement so I could rent for three months and then buy. She wanted to close by the end of the year, so it all worked out. It came at the perfect time for both of us.
Q: How did you celebrate?
A: My best friends came over and were with me to decorate. I moved in on Friday and by Sunday, it looked like I lived here for two years. It was an awesome feeling. When my son came over on Sunday, he was so excited to see his room put together and decorated with sports trophies, stuffed animals, school art, and the trunk he takes to camp every summer.
Q: What was it like the first night?
A: It was liberating. This is mine, and it's a new beginning. Everything in the condo is "me" — items I've picked up at the flea market, gifts, Charlie's artwork, concert posters, antiques. One of my favorite places is the hallway, where I have a picture wall of my family, fun quotes and homemade artwork. Everywhere I look, I smile because it's all the stuff I've collected for years from different places and different friends. They all come together in my new home.
Q: What was the closing process like?
A: The closing was smooth, and the seller asked about Charlie and was excited to see us move in. I learned a lot through this process and didn't know what went into buying a house. I realized that I can do this.
At a Glance
Heather Pyles’ home, built in 1988, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,300 square feet. Condominiums of Avondale Estates range from the low to mid $100,000s.
