Condo deal too good to pass up

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Christy Boles figured her home search would be unsuccessful because her budget was low, and her expectations were high. But she was surprised to find a deal on a new Greystone at Vinings condo that was facing foreclosure. Boles, who works in the clinical research field, spoke about her home.

Q: What fueled your home search?

A: My father was pressuring me to be a grown-up — buy a house, settle down. I told him I would only find one if I found my dream house at my dream budget, which was an exceptionally high standard I knew I would never meet.

Q: How did you start your search?

A: I’ve lived in Vinings for five years. I love the area. I met with John Morris (with Prudential Georgia Realty) and said, “Please don’t spend a lot of time on me. I’m doing this more for my father’s benefit than for mine.” He took the challenge on.

Q: How did Greystone fit into your search?

A: I had seen this property being built. This is one of the properties we looked at, and it’s gorgeous. I clearly knew it was way out of my budget. The very next week John called me and said, “There’s a short sale going on.” I was out of town [on business]. Tuesday night I couldn’t go home. Wednesday night I couldn’t go home. Thursday night came and I was starting to get anxious. I knew what these places had to offer. I wanted to see it to make sure it’s not trashed or unfinished. So on Thursday, I called my boss and I said, “I need to go home. I have an opportunity to buy a dream place within my budget and I want to do it.” We looked at it first thing Friday morning. It was perfect.

Q: What did you like?

A: It has 10-foot ceilings. It has marble in the entryway and bathroom. The light fixtures I love, the cabinets, the stain, it’s all my aesthetic. It has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, not to mention the wine cellar, the storage unit, the fitness facility, the pool and the concierge. I have only a view of the woods. I don’t see any homes or any neighbors. It feels secluded.

Q: What did you know about the history of the unit?

A: It originally sold for $1.11 million (to an investor, according to the appraisal).

Q: What was the negotiation process like?

A: By 10 a.m., we had put in the offer. And by noon, we had it accepted. The offer they accepted was $190,000 (asking price was $195,000), and they paid $5,000 of my closing costs. So, my attempt at buying my dream home with an absolutely insane dream budget somehow came to reality.

Q: How much did you put down?

A: I had to put down $10,000 in earnest money and pull that out of savings. I put 20 percent down. All the other units that had gone into foreclosure or short sale have required full cash purchases.

Q: What did your dad say?

A: My father was very excited for two reasons. Not only was I growing up and settling down, but I had done so in a place I could be proud of and in a place I could call home.

Q: So how would you describe the outcome?

A: It’s almost a Cinderella story, but without the handsome man at the end.

At a glance

Christy Boles’ condo has three bedrooms, 31/2 baths and about 2,200 square feet of livable space. She purchased it in August.

Greystone at Vinings

Address: 3280 Stillhouse Lane, Atlanta 30339

County: Cobb

Price range: Mid $100,000s-high $400,000s (mostly foreclosures)

Standard features: Hardwood floors, walk-in closets, patios /balconies

Amenities: Gated, pool, clubhouse, fitness center, wine cellars, storage units, concierge

Homeowners fees: Varies, depending on unit (Boles pays $587 a month)

Schools: Teasley Elementary, Campbell Middle, Campbell High

More on schools: schools.
ajchomefinder.com

Getting there

Take I-75 north to Exit 258 (Cumberland Boulevard), traveling west. Cross Cobb Parkway / U.S. 41. Turn left onto Stillhouse Road. Greystone at Vinings will be at the end.

For Sale

$499,900: 3280 Stillhouse Lane, Unit 112, Atlanta 30339. A three-bedroom, 31/2-bath condo built in 2005 with hardwood floors and 10-foot ceilings.

Recent Sales

$205,000: 3280 Stillhouse Lane, Unit 211, Atlanta 30339. A three-bedroom, 31/2-bath condo built in 2007 with hardwood floors and a fireplace.

$270,000: 3280 Stillhouse Lane, Unit 403, Atlanta 30339. A three-bedroom, 41/2-bath condo built in 2005 with hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances.

Community information provided by John Morris with Prudential Georgia Realty and compiled by Delaney Young.