Testing the waters - intown property (Atlanta, Roswell: foreclosure, condos, townhouses)

[ATLTJL]

Alright.

So long time posters to this board know that I live in the suburbs, but I also have a long history of living intown.

I've always worked downtown, but but a house in Duluth because I worked off hours, so commuting was never a problem. It has become one, but one that I dealt with. Now, the wife switched jobs from Alpharetta to Perimeter Center and is complaining about commuting the way I always did.

We're sick of it. We're thinking about moving.

BUT -- here's the challenge. We have a 2,000 square foot home, 3 bedroom/2 bath. We would need something that is convenient to both Perimeter Center and downtown. We don't mind the possibility of a townhouse, but it would have to have a place to walk our 75 pound dog.

We also need a house that would be sustainable on a single salary should one of us lose our jobs. That means it should be in the $250k area. We don't mind downsizing some, but we're not going to move into a 1,000 square foot 2 bedroom/1 bath. It should be at least 1600 square feet, preferably with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

I don't think this exists. But I'd like to appeal to you and find out what you think. We'd consider Dunwoody, Chamblee, Brookhaven, etc...anything kind of between Perimeter and downtown. Obeying the rules of this board, here are the requirements:

1. Budget - approximately $250k
2. House/Condo/Townhome? - doesn't matter, so long as it is sizable and has a dog walking area. We wouldn't want a flat because the dog jumps off the bed all the time, which would annoy anyone living below us.
3. Employment Status(commute/work from home) - commute, Perimeter Center and downtown
4. Children(public school vs. private) - no kids, doesn't matter
5. Suburban or Urban lifestyle preference or a mix of the two - doesn't matter
6. Easy access to public transit, important or not? - not important
7. Preferable demographics of desired neighborhood. - college educated, full-time working, young families, ethnic diversity fine

What do you think? This should also be relatively turn key, nothing that requires rehab or tons of work.

[PKCorey]

Georgia MLS

Georgia MLS

[LovelySummer]

Brookhaven townhome should be easily doable
Smyrna newish single family home should also be easy to find
The Alhambra Condos in Buckhead also often lists three level townhomes with 1600 + square feet fully renovated for less than 250. Right on Peachtree.

[vince217]

you need to contact the Property Brothers

i agree with LovelySummer, a Brookhaven townhome could be the answer.

[ATL Golfer]

Brookhaven town home will start minimally around $350k. They are all fairly new.

You're right, what you want doesn't exist. For 1600 sq ft and 3bds it will take more cash.

If you can do a 2/2 with reasonable square feet (closer to 1200) you can do it. There are some older communities along Ashford Dunwoody that may fit the bill. Also some on Glenridge.

Even some of the newer builds in the area in a 2/2 may fit the bill.

Good luck and let me know if you need an agent. I know a good one!

[ATLTJL]

Brookhaven town home will start minimally around $350k. They are all fairly new.

That's what I thought.

Together, we could probably afford that. But I'm a firm believer in never being one person's pink slip away from going into foreclosure.

[LovelySummer]

??? There are two on the MLS right now in the 230's....

EtA there is also one at 3638 pchtree asking 273? I'd give them 250 or lower depending on the comps

Originally Posted by ATL Golfer

Brookhaven town home will start minimally around $350k. They are all fairly new.

You're right, what you want doesn't exist. For 1600 sq ft and 3bds it will take more cash.

If you can do a 2/2 with reasonable square feet (closer to 1200) you can do it. There are some older communities along Ashford Dunwoody that may fit the bill. Also some on Glenridge.

Even some of the newer builds in the area in a 2/2 may fit the bill.

Good luck and let me know if you need an agent. I know a good one!

[ATL Golfer]

Originally Posted by LovelySummer

??? There are two on the MLS right now in the 230's....

Those could work, but your pretty much in Roswell at that locale if you're referring to the links above. I think the OP wants to be right on the 285 arc or as close as possible. He is trying to avoid the burbs, not live on the fringe of them as I read it.

[AtlantaComment]

Bump your budget to $350k and you'll find plenty of properties fitting the description. Most will be townhouse or condo but should fit the bill in general.

Keep in mind that in the most desirable areas intown (C of A) you are paying a premium for the elementary schools, so if the schools dont matter it might be best to look juust on the other side of the school boundary as prices can fall off quickly.

[ATL Golfer]

Originally Posted by AtlantaComment

Bump your budget to $350k and you'll find plenty of properties fitting the description. Most will be townhouse or condo but should fit the bill in general.

Keep in mind that in the most desirable areas intown (C of A) you are paying a premium for the elementary schools, so if the schools dont matter it might be best to look juust on the other side of the school boundary as prices can fall off quickly.

Good advice (not the increase budget part). I'd check 30341 in downtown Chamblee. There are some cool little condo buildings and townhouses. Right on MARTA line. Doraville GM plant conversion could really boost values down the road as well.