David Sabino was at a time in his life where he was ready to purchase a home. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps until 2008, then returned to Marietta and started working as a high school teacher in DeKalb County.
“I just stayed at home for a few years to kind of get situated myself, also to help my mom out a little bit,” said Sabino, 31. “I was at an age and at a point in my life where I really needed to be (a homeowner).”
His priorities were the price (he wanted to keep his mortgage payment at $850-$900 a month), a shorter commute and the character of the home.
Sabino used the USAA MoversAdvantage Program, which serves the military community, to connect with Derek Scheidt, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. For six months, they explored options throughout Atlanta, considering these three properties.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to take my time and be very meticulous,” Sabino said.
No. 1
Cape Cod charmer
A two-bedroom, one-bath home in Atlanta’s Underwood Hills neighborhood was close to Midtown, downtown Atlanta and Buckhead. The home offered a front porch and back deck, which was accessible via French doors from the master bedroom. In the kitchen, there were white cabinets, a window looking out to the backyard and ample counter space. The home also was located across the street from Underwood Hills Park. The Fulton County home, built in 1925, was listed for $149,900.
No. 2
Renovated ranch
A three-bedroom, two-bath home on McLendon Drive in Scottdale had an abundance of updates including granite countertops, oak cabinets and new appliances in the kitchen, and new floors and windows. Outdoor space included a front porch and a side deck that had been expanded. There also was a new driveway with an extra parking pad. The home was located near Decatur and the DeKalb Farmers Market. The DeKalb County home, built in 1939, was listed for $119,000.
No. 3
Brick bungalow
A two-bedroom, one-bath home on Bolton Road in Atlanta boasted a screened front porch, fireplace in the living room and refinished hardwood floors. In the kitchen, there was a new stove, microwave and dishwasher, and decorative features such as tumbled marble backsplash. The French doors led to a deck with a pergola and a flat, fenced yard. The home was near Midtown and Buckhead, but he was less familiar with the area of town compared to the other choices. The Fulton County home, built in 1935, was listed for $142,500.
The Choice
No. 3. He originally put an offer on No. 1, but another buyer got the contract. He had a contract on No.3 by the end of May. “I was attracted to an older home. I really am enamored by the charm and character of the house and the history behind it,” he said. It took two more months for the deal to be finalized. He was using a Veterans Administration loan, which he said had strict guidelines about the home being move-in ready. “After arduous process, we were able to get house approved by the VA,” he said. He moved in during August, and his commute has dropped from 26 miles one way to 15 miles one way. “That’s really been a great quality-of-life improvement for me,” he said.
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