Buckhead or Downtown (Atlanta, Columbus, Marietta: rent, HOA, loft)

[MariaJane]

Like lots of you I've researched lots of condos.. Buckhead and Midtown and wondered if any of you have information on the Mayfair on 14th. Has anyone heard of structural problems, ect? How would one go about finding out if there are problems with a building or HOA?? Being a single lady buying her first condo.. I just want to make sure there aren't problems that would make me regret buying in this building. (Mayfair Renissance) (spelling?) any info, suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[xxman777]

There are two buildings at Mayfair. The newer building has structural problems. The older building does not. Builders around Atlanta used build quality products which is why the older Mayfair building is a good building. After a while they realized there was no incentive for them to build a quality product so they began to lower their standards. The new building was built with much lower standards and is far inferior to the original building. If you can get into the older building you might be getting a better product then what you are paying for because the stigma attached to the second building brings down property values for both buildings. However, if there really are issues with the second building you may end up paying for them through HOA fees. If you want inside information try contacting some current residents (who are not on the HOA board. They can probably give you some good info.

[MariaJane]

Thanks so much! Do you have any suggestions as to how can I find out about potential problems with buildings? Are HOA meeting minutes available to the public?
Thanks

[Infairness]

Originally Posted by john1963

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/05/04/0504metatlantic.html (broken link)

"Man shot in robbery near atlantic station, plasma tv found in bushes"
These were brand new townhomes next door to atlantic station...several tech students heard the robbery according to video posted on the atlanta journal website may 6.

I also looked at the atlanta pd crime map, there was another 2 previous robberies in the atlantic station complex in the preceding 2 weeks.

That place sounds like the wild west, that's why i would not live near the arts center or atlantic station.

1278 barnes street NW zip 30318 that is

[SIZE=3]First, it struck me odd that John1963 would call out a specific address in Atlanta Station in his commentary – easily “Googled”. Perhaps John is looking to drive down real estate in the area, this home in particular, for his own selfish interests…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Living in any major city presents some challenges; as do the suburbs. In fact, Atlantic Station rivals any major intercity mixed-use development in the country. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]That being said, I believe the developers were short sighted in their planning. They did not fully consider what impact injecting Atlanta Station into the city, in relation to the city demographics… and thus, did not develop a strategy to manage the current challenges. However, I believe these challenges are only temporary in nature. Too many people have too much invested, including the city.[/SIZE]

[Infairness]

Originally Posted by john1963

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/05/04/0504metatlantic.html (broken link)

"Man shot in robbery near atlantic station, plasma tv found in bushes"
These were brand new townhomes next door to atlantic station...several tech students heard the robbery according to video posted on the atlanta journal website may 6.

I also looked at the atlanta pd crime map, there was another 2 previous robberies in the atlantic station complex in the preceding 2 weeks.

That place sounds like the wild west, that's why i would not live near the arts center or atlantic station.

1278 barnes street NW zip 30318 that is

[SIZE=3]First, it struck me odd that John1963 would call out a specific address in Atlanta Station in his commentary – easily “Googled”. Perhaps John is looking to drive down real estate in the area, this home in particular, for his own selfish interests…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Living in any major city presents some challenges; as do the suburbs. In fact, Atlantic Station rivals any major intercity mixed-use development in the country. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]That being said, I believe the developers were short sighted in their planning. They did not fully consider what impact injecting Atlanta Station into the city, in relation to the city demographics… and thus, did not develop a strategy to manage the current challenges. However, I believe these challenges are only temporary in nature. Too many people have too much invested, including the city.[/SIZE]

[rdcypher]

For any one interested in my results...basically I settled in on the Buckhead condo only to find the owner would not budge on price (despite it being advertised lower elsewhere). I suspect she rented it for the 1400 and was hoping to trick someone out of the extra 200 (me) since I was out of state. Also it was later offered on craigslist for the price of 1400. She found me because I posted a request for a unit on craigslist but she didn't not have any craigslist ad posted for the condo (i checked). By googling the condo's address I found the correct price on her realtor's website.

It was the skepticism here (over the price) that prompted me to do so...thanks everyone for posting.

Needless to say it left a sour taste in my mouth and I stayed right here in Ohio. I'm now looking to buy instead so I guess good things do comes to those who wait. (Any tips are greatly appreciated.)

Best regards!

[CityFan]

Originally Posted by rdcypher

For any one interested in my results...basically I settled in on the Buckhead condo only to find the owner would not budge on price (despite it being advertised lower elsewhere). I suspect she rented it for the 1400 and was hoping to trick someone out of the extra 200 (me) since I was out of state. Also it was later offered on craigslist for the price of 1400. She found me because I posted a request for a unit on craigslist but she didn't not have any craigslist ad posted for the condo (i checked). By googling the condo's address I found the correct price on her realtor's website.

It was the skepticism here (over the price) that prompted me to do so...thanks everyone for posting.

Needless to say it left a sour taste in my mouth and I stayed right here in Ohio. I'm now looking to buy instead so I guess good things do comes to those who wait. (Any tips are greatly appreciated.)

Best regards!

Buying a condo is a better option. There are lots of condos available in market at this time. I just bought in a new high rise in down town atlanta and love it. check the market in down town, midtown, and buckhead to find out where you will get better deal. With $1600 a month, you can pay monthly mortgate and other expenses without any problem.

[Kaci]

My daughter bought a condo in Little Five Points (not Five pts. but 'little').
She loves it there! She can walk to many things.

[antiquesmountainapache]

Take Buckhead and have fun.

[Kaci]

she's getting married and moving outside of Atlanta's perimeter anyway...