By Carolyn Crist
For the AJC
Looking just outside the Perimeter, Ashleigh Silas figured it would be difficult to find a home for $200,000 or less, but a bank-owned townhome made it affordable for her to put down roots in Atlanta. She was looking for a new home with a garage and spacious master bedroom.
Silas, 31, a human resources manager for Hewlett-Packard, chatted about her Smyrna townhome, which also has a family room upstairs for extra TV-watching space.
Q: What did you love about the house?
A: I like the darker cabinets, granite countertops, distressed hardwood floors, kitchen island, garden tub, double sinks in the master bathroom, and window in the bathroom. I also love how close it is to Buckhead and Midtown without getting on the highway. I didn’t realize how convenient it was to so many different places.
Q: How did you move on this home?
A: My realtor (Kim Bondurant from RE/MAX) and I found this home on the first day we went to look. We had four homes on the list in Buford, Tucker, Sandy Springs and Smyrna, and this was the third house. The unit wasn’t done, but another one was available for viewing, and my Realtor heard they were selling like hotcakes. I put down an offer and got it with little negotiation.
Q: What was the closing process like?
A: It was pretty smooth. I got pre-approved for a loan, which really helped.
Q: What was the relationship with your agent?
A: Kim was great. I don’t like pressure or making quick decisions, and she would let me think and wait. I asked a lot of questions and paid close attention to detail, and she went to bat for me during closing. My mother, father and stepmother were really helpful in the process as well.
Q: What have you added so far?
A: I had to buy a fridge to match the appliances. I also didn’t think about buying a washer/dryer, and my father helped with that. I got blinds, curtains, a mounted TV and a dining room table. This is the first time I’ve had to do some of these things, so it’s been fun to find items like an end table, entry table, bench or lamps. I also drew a design on a downstairs wall and painted it. I never would have done that in my previous places.
Q: What’s a tip for first-time buyers?
A: Prepare as much as you can (such as getting pre-approved). Learn what you need to do to buy a home. Then interview your Realtor. Make sure it’ll be a good match.
At a Glance
Ashleigh Silas’ home, built in 2007, has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,000 square feet. White Oak Preserve townhomes in Smyrna range from the low $200,00s to mid-$300,000s.
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