duchess fare: Atlanta's Housing Market > 3 Jewels With the Perfect Combo of Location, Original Architecture, & Price Point

Jim and I love to keep an eye on our local real estate market here in Atlanta. I particularly pay attention to some key neighborhoods, always on the lookout for interesting architecture, or large lot size, or location, mixed with a competitive asking price. Fortunately for me, Jim has the skills to determine the overall existing condition of a house I might find appealing. Paint may cover up a mold or a water issue, but Jim 's talents lie in assessing a house from the bottom up - checking the foundation for any possible structural issues, to the possibility of uncovering double or even triple layers of shingles on the roof! Found below are 3 houses in some of Atlanta's great walking neighborhoods... offering access to delicious restaurants and interesting shopping. All 3 need some renovation work to bring them up to speed to the design expectations of today's home buyer, but due to their asking prices, paired with their locations, you are ahead in the long term investment game. I can't stress enough how important it is to hire skilled professionals to help you along in your house hunting journey. When interested in homes that need work, a competent house inspector is key! His or her findings can change the stakes to any contract and can be used as a price point negotiation tool. To help in navigating the contract, the negotiation process, and the closing, a smart, savvy, and no nonsense real estate agent is imperative. If interested in finding out more info on the 3 houses I suggest, let me recommend our trusted friend and Coldwell Banker real estate agent, Christiane Zeh.

#1 - Decatur, GA - 124 Fairview Avenue / 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home. Can't say enough about the location of this property! Walk 50 steps to Taqueria Del Sol, Watershed Restaurant, Farm Burger, or pick up a cup of coffee at Dancing Goats. Head up to the Decatur Square, for more restaurant choices and shopping. I like this house for the front and back screened porches; the interior high ceilings; period details - crown molding, fireplace, etc....; 1 car garage; and its deep lot considering its intown position. The kitchen and bath need updating, but that allows the perfect opportunity to choose the fixtures, tiles, and finishes to make it your own.

124 Fairview Avenue / Decatur, GA / $310,000

Living Room - Notice the Built-ins Flanking the Fireplace, Hardwood Floors, & Thick Crown Molding. Opens to Dining Room.

Kitchen - Original Details. Depending on Your Tastes, Needs Some Reworking.

Bedroom - 1 of 3. Original Fireplace & Hardwood Floors.

Bathroom - Only 1 in the Home. Needs 2010 Updating. I love the Idea of Being Able to Add a Second Bath if Possible.

Back Screened Porch - Great Space Overlooking the 1 Car Garage & Deep Lot.

Exterior Backyard.

Dancing Goats Coffee Shop

Watershed Restaurant

Taqueria Del Sol

#2 - Candler Park, Atlanta, GA - 1765 Indiana Avenue / 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home. Candler Park is home to the famed Flying Biscuit Cafe - a phenomenal breakfast eatery, known for their amazing biscuits with homemade apple butter on the side. Walk to Flying Biscuit, as well as Fellini's Pizza, and the cute shops of Candler Park from the location of this home. Highlights include the all brick bungalow design, in keeping with Candler Park's architecture; 1 car garage; 2 baths; some renovation appears to have been started to the kitchen; and a pool in the backyard. The home's asking price of $235,900 is a great starting point for getting into this neighborhood of homes typically offered at a base price of $400,000.

1765 Indiana Avenue / Candler Park, Atlanta, GA / $235,900

Living Room - Original Fireplace with Built-ins & Period Windows.

Kitchen - Some Renovation Work Appears to Have Been Started, with New Cabinetry & Dishwasher.

Bathroom - 1 of 2 - Needs 2010 Updating.

Exterior - 1 Car Garage & Pool (to the left of the garage).

The Shops of Candler Park

Fellini's Pizza

The Flying Biscuit

#3 - Inman Park, Atlanta, GA - 1069 Washita Avenue / 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home. Yes, this home is begging for a 2010 overhaul, but its prime location is one of its key selling features. Washita Avenue connects you to the restaurants and shopping of both Inman Park and the Little Five Points neighborhood. Walk to your left towards Little Five, and you run into Variety Playhouse, The Yacht Club Bar, and the eccentric shops - Junkman's Daughter & Stefan's, to name a few - that the village offers. Walk to your right, and you find yourself immersed in the historic architecture of Inman Park, Atlanta's oldest neighborhood. The roster of amazing restaurants include Shaun's, Sotto Sotto, Fritti, Highland Bakery, and the delicacies of Cacao, a boutique chocolate shop. Besides the key location, I love the deep front porch, set back position, and period details. FYI, Inman Park's renovated jewels sell into the million dollar range.