By Marcia Killingsworth
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/01/08 Our house hunters:
Married for 30 years, Chicago natives Dan and Aimee Scanlan moved to Atlanta last year with their two daughters, Jessica, 19, and Molly, 14. Dan is regional manager for Tuff Shed, a provider of installed storage buildings and garages, while Aimee manages the family. Back in Chicago, Dan designed and built their dream home, so they were very particular about what they wanted in this house: an open floor plan, golf course view and a large garage, just for starters.
The process:
A mutual friend recommended Michele Feeley of Assist-2-Sell Buyer & Seller Realty Center in Newnan. Feeley introduced the Scanlans to Newnan's SummerGrove development and they loved it. Both Scanlans agree that Feeley was "just fantastic" and found them exactly what they wanted . . . no compromises required. Living in the area with a daughter Molly's age, Feeley was also able to help Aimee become familiar with the community and feel more connected. "She was a godsend," Aimee says.
Choice No. 1: With four bedrooms, three baths and two half-baths, this 2006 custom-built house was listed at $524,500. It was "to die for," Aimee says. "Beautiful craftsmanship." Dan was also impressed by the special touches that included a fully equipped media room and three laundry rooms, including one in the master bedroom closet. And it was right on a golf course, another plus.
Choice No. 2: Listed at $399,500, this four-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath ranch was just a year old, and all of its upgrades —- including granite in both the kitchen and kids' bathrooms, coffered and tray ceilings —- appealed to the Scanlans. They also loved the design that had all of the living space on one floor. The large corner lot across the street from a golf course and a three-car garage made this one hard to beat.
Choice No. 3: A view of a golf course was an advantage with this five-bedroom, four-bath house, making the already large lot seem even bigger. Built in 1996 and listed at $364,500, this house was "immaculate," Aimee says. Dan liked the layout that emphasized the view, as well as the gourmet kitchen and the office with its built-ins. This, too, had a fully equipped media room just right for teenagers . . . and dads.
Which home did they choose? The Scanlans chose No. 2. The open floor plan —- great room, kitchen and dining areas all connected, and all the bedrooms on one floor —- is "the type of living that we love," Aimee says. All the upgrades made it move-in ready. "It's exactly what we wanted," Dan agrees. In fact, it's very similar to the dream home they left in Chicago.
"It's so comfortable," Dan says. "Every day when I get home from work, I walk in the door and it just feels like home."
Comments