POP IT or CHOP IT?
Posted by thunsicker in Uncategorized on August 24, 2026
When Your House No Longer Fits Your Life
Houses are really about the chapters of our lives.
The house that was perfect when you were raising children may feel very different once those children are grown. And the charming ranch you bought years ago may suddenly feel too small when you need another bedroom, a home office or simply more room.
But what happens when you love your location, your neighborhood and your lifestyle—but your house no longer fits your life?
Do you POP IT…or CHOP IT?
POP IT!
About 20 years ago, “popping the top” became a popular solution throughout Atlanta.
Take a 1950s or ’60s ranch, remove the roof, add an entire second story and suddenly you’ve created the bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage of a much larger home—without leaving the neighborhood you love.
Atlanta has some particularly good examples of this type of renovation. SCAL Home transformed a 1950s one-story Buckhead brick ranch into a two-story Craftsman, adding a second floor as well as front and rear porches.
Photo/Project Credit: SCAL Home, Buckhead Second Story Addition
For homeowners who love their street, schools, neighbors and location, popping the top can sound like the perfect solution.
But today, the decision isn’t quite as simple.
Look Down Before You Look Up
Construction costs have increased significantly, making major renovations a much bigger investment.
And as a REALTOR®, there’s another part of the equation I’m always thinking about:
Resale.
A substantially renovated older home doesn’t necessarily command the same price as a completely new build.
In fact, I can often spot a “pop-the-top” renovation even when everything upstairs looks brand new.
Just take me downstairs.
There’s often the giveaway—the basement and foundation of the original 1950s or ’60s ranch, frequently with the block construction typical of that era.
That certainly doesn’t make these bad houses. Some of these renovations are spectacular.
But before investing heavily in one, it’s important to understand not only what the renovation will cost—but what the finished property is likely to be worth when it’s eventually time to sell.
OR…CHOP IT!
Now I’m seeing exactly the opposite problem.
My friends and I joke that instead of popping the top, we’re ready to CHOP the top!
Many of us built or bought big, beautiful homes when our families were growing. Fortunately, quite a few homeowners were smart enough to put the primary bedroom on the main level.
Twenty years later, we still love our homes.
We love our neighborhoods.
We love our friends, restaurants, clubs and familiar routines.
We just don’t use the upstairs anymore!
The house that was perfect for raising a family may simply be more house than we want for our next chapter.
Bedrooms sit empty. Bathrooms rarely get used. There’s an entire floor being heated, cooled, cleaned and maintained primarily for the occasional guest.
And here’s the important distinction:
We don’t necessarily want to leave. We just want less house.
Is 4,000 Square Feet the New Downsizing?
I know what you’re thinking.
Only in Atlanta would we call 4,000 square feet “downsizing.”
But for many empty nesters I talk with, that really does seem to be the sweet spot.
It’s enough space for beautiful entertaining areas, visiting children and grandchildren, an office, hobbies and guest rooms—without maintaining thousands of additional square feet that rarely get used.
The wish list I hear most often is pretty straightforward:
- Around 4,000 square feet
- Primary suite on the main
- Beautiful kitchen and entertaining space
- A couple of guest suites
- Great indoor/outdoor living
- Manageable yard
- And, for many buyers, a pool
For many empty nesters, the goal isn’t a tiny house. It’s a beautifully designed home with the spaces they actually use—and great outdoor living. Photo/source: Realtor.com, 4225 Wieuca Road NE, Atlanta.
That’s my idea of downsizing.
Not giving up the things you love.
Just getting rid of the space you don’t use.
Maybe the Answer Isn’t the House. It’s the Lot.
This is where the conversation gets really interesting.
Many longtime Atlanta homeowners are sitting on significant equity after the tremendous appreciation we’ve experienced over the past 20 years.
That may create an opportunity that didn’t seem realistic before:
Sell the big house.
Find the right property.
Tear down an existing house if necessary.
And build exactly what you want for your next chapter.
Atlanta gives us another advantage: we have tremendous variety in our lots.
Want a flat backyard with room for a pool?
I’ll be on the lookout.
Prefer a wooded lot with privacy and less landscaping to maintain?
I’ll look for that too.Want to stay within a few minutes of your current neighborhood, friends, club,
Want to stay within a few minutes of your current neighborhood, friends, club, restaurants or grandchildren?
That’s where I come in.
We have all kinds of opportunities here in Atlanta. And sometimes the perfect lot is hiding underneath a house that isn’t right for you at all.
Before You Pop It or Chop It…Let’s Run the Numbers.
These are big decisions, and there’s no single answer that’s right for everyone.
Sometimes remodeling the house you already own makes perfect sense.
Sometimes selling and buying something smaller is the smarter financial decision.
And sometimes the best answer may be to start over—find a great lot and build a home specifically designed for the next 20 years of your life.
Before you spend a significant amount of money remodeling, let’s look at the whole picture:
What is your house worth today?
What could it realistically be worth after the renovation?
How much will the renovation actually cost?
What would it cost to buy the house you really want?
Could the equity in your current home make building new a realistic option?
And perhaps most importantly:
What opportunities are available in the locations you already love?
Your Next Chapter
Our homes have a funny way of documenting our lives.
There’s the first house. The house where we raised our children. The house where everyone gathered for holidays. The house we thought we’d never leave.
And then one day, we look around and realize we still love the house—but our life has changed.
Your home should fit the chapter of life you’re living now, not necessarily the one you were living 20 years ago.
So if you’re looking around your house wondering whether it’s time to…
POP IT?
CHOP IT?
SELL IT?
OR START OVER?
Let’s talk.
I’ll help you look at the numbers, the real estate and the possibilities—and I’ll be glad to keep my eyes open for that perfect Atlanta lot.
Flat and perfect for a pool? Wooded and low maintenance? Close to the neighborhood you already love?
We have them all here in Atlanta!
Thinking about renovating, downsizing or building your next home in Atlanta? Contact me and let’s start with a conversation about what your current home is worth and what might make sense for your next chapter.
Photo & Project Credits: SCAL Home; Direct Build of Atlanta/Houzz; Zillow and respective listing photographers/brokers; Realtor.com and respective listing photographers/brokers; Pinterest/original photographers where identified. Property photographs and examples are presented for illustrative purposes; listing status and property information may have changed.
A Sense of Community
Posted by thunsicker in Uncategorized on August 5, 2025
Mahjong and Community: A Game That Builds More Than Just Winning Hands
Mahjong is more than a game of tiles, strategies, and quick thinking — it’s a time-honored tradition that brings people together. Across generations and continents, this ancient game has served as a social anchor for communities, offering connection, culture, and camaraderie far beyond the table. Recently in Vinings and Buckhead I’ve noticed more and more groups being created to form regular Mahjong groups. I’ve seen groups around neighborhoods, swimming clubs, grades at schools and many other varieties. We’ve recently formed a group in Vinings along with a few of my friends and we’ve blossomed to a much larger group as the months have gone along.
A Game with Deep Cultural Roots
Originating in China over 150 years ago, Mahjong spread throughout East Asia and eventually across the globe, carried by immigrants who brought their customs and communities with them. What started as a pastime in teahouses became a cherished ritual in homes, community centers, and temples. For many families, teaching Mahjong is as vital as passing down a recipe or family story.
In Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and American communities alike, the game adapts, evolves, and reflects the people who play it. The version popular in the United States — American Mahjong — was codified in the 1930s and has become a staple among Jewish communities in particular, where regular games and tournaments are often part of social and philanthropic life.
Building Bridges Through Tiles
What makes Mahjong special isn’t just its gameplay — it’s the way it creates space for connection. Regular Mahjong games often become weekly rituals, gathering friends, neighbors, or relatives around a table where stories are shared, laughter is common, and relationships are deepened.
In many retirement communities, senior centers, and cultural clubs, Mahjong acts as a social lifeline. It encourages cognitive stimulation and keeps older adults mentally agile, while also offering an inclusive space to meet and socialize. Meanwhile, younger generations are rediscovering the game, learning from grandparents or joining modern Mahjong meetups that blend tradition with new friendship.
My mother has been playing Mahjong for 20 years and she’s now 89 and still enjoying the game a couple of times a week. Most of us have taught our sons and daughters and it becomes a great bridge builder at holidays or when we can grab them for those rare times they are at home. When we are visiting my mother who lives out of town, we have 3 generations playing Mahjong. Many of my friends have purchased travel sets and I’ve seen them playing all summer, at the beach, on the boat and all over the world.
The Mahjong Table as a Circle of Support
For many women, in particular, Mahjong groups are a source of support and empowerment. The rhythm of the game — fast but not frantic — allows for conversations about family, careers, health, and life. It becomes a safe space to vent, encourage, and celebrate. In fact, many groups refer to themselves as Mahjong “sisterhoods,” emphasizing the deep bonds formed over time.
During times of challenge or isolation — such as the COVID-19 pandemic — virtual Mahjong platforms kept these connections alive. Even online, the sense of routine, familiarity, and shared experience helped players feel grounded. Now that we don’t have that isolation people are flocking to outlets for shared experiences and close friendships.
Expanding the Circle
Today, Mahjong is growing beyond traditional circles. Younger players are organizing themed Mahjong nights, teaching the game on TikTok and Instagram, and designing custom tile sets that reflect their personal identities — whether that’s through color palettes, symbolism, or pop culture references.
I will say I’ve become quite obsessed with prepping my Mahj Den for our games and decorating it in different colors and tiles for fun. At our evening group we have snacks and everyone puts on quite a spread to make it even more of an event. I’ve seen blogs called “cracks and snacks” with ideas for what to prepare for these snacks.
On the design and tile front, we have all become addicted to the “Oh My Mahjong” line and the various beautiful mats and colors they have. A local store @WaitingonMarthaHome https://www.waitingonmarthahome.com/ has a display where you can look at the tiles and how they coordinate with the various mats and I know its become quite a good seller for them as well. Even the lower priced tiles at Hobby Lobby are sold out most of the time. Its become quite a cultural and marketing phenomena.
Meanwhile, community organizations are using Mahjong as a bridge-builder — hosting intergenerational events, cultural exchange nights, and charity tournaments that draw diverse crowds to the table. I’ve seen this with charity functions this summer and I’m sure that will be growing this year as well.
Conclusion
Mahjong is much more than a game — it’s a cultural legacy and a community builder. Each clack of the tile is an invitation: to engage, to share, and to belong. Whether you’re playing in a quiet living room, a bustling clubhouse, or a digital space, Mahjong reminds us that connection is the real prize.
So, pull up a chair. The table is always open.
If you’d like to be connected with a group, please reach out and I can try to help you locate one in your community. Or if you need advice on how to get started playing Mahjong, I can tell you how we did it!
TINA HUNSICKER
Associate Broker
CELL (404) 931-3944
OFFICE 404.383.HOME (4663)
EMAIL Tina@HOMEgeorgia.com
INSTA @realviningsbuckhead
1819 Peachtree Road, Suite 100 | Atlanta, GA 30309
HOMEgeorgia.com
Coming Soon to Vinings Market!
Posted by thunsicker in Uncategorized on August 5, 2025
2911 Knob Hill Drive, Atlanta, GA 30339
2911 Knob Hill Drive, Atlanta, GA $1,795,000
This home is conveniently located in Vinings Village with sidewalks to the Village and The Lovett School, also convenient to Westminster, Pace and Whitefield. It was originally built by Lewis Newman in 1997 and has had extensive updates as recently as the past year. It features a pool and level play yard with play house and screened in porch for wonderful outdoor living. The main level features vaulted ceilings, formal living, dining and a study as well as a keeping/sun room and large family room. The upstairs has the expansive primary suite with 2 closets and updated master bath. Additionally, there are 3 more bedrooms on this level. The terrace level had a fireside family room, pool table and guest suite. You are Cochise Club eligible but with your own pool you may not need it! Located in a cul de sac on a quiet street off of Orchard Knob it’s a premier location in the Village. Contact me for more details and pictures will be coming the week of August 19th and it will come on the market after that. You can reach me at:
TINA HUNSICKER
Associate Broker
CELL (404) 931-3944
OFFICE 404.383.HOME (4663)
EMAIL Tina@HOMEgeorgia.com
INSTA @realviningsbuckhead
1819 Peachtree Road, Suite 100 | Atlanta, GA 30309
HOMEgeorgia.com
Wanted: Updated Homes in Buckhead for Serious Buyer
Posted by thunsicker in Buckhead, Buyers Seeking, Neighborhoods, Uncategorized on July 26, 2025
Do you know of an off-market or upcoming listing in Buckhead, south of West Paces Ferry but not as far south as Ansley Park? The picture is to catch your attention.
🔎 I have a serious, qualified buyer searching for:
✅ Updated home – move-in ready
✅ 4+ bedrooms
✅ Separate guest suite (ideal for long-term guests or in-laws)
✅ Nice yard – space for entertaining or pets
✅ Haynes Manor is a big plus!
💰 Price range: $2 million to $5 million
If you’re an agent with a potential match or a homeowner considering selling, please reach out ASAP.
TINA HUNSICKER
Associate Broker
CELL (404) 931-3944
OFFICE 404.383.HOME (4663)
EMAIL Tina@HOMEgeorgia.com
INSTA @realviningsbuckhead
New listing in Convenient, Close in West End – Under contract
Posted by thunsicker in Uncategorized on May 7, 2024
2903 Ilir Manor, Atlanta, GA 30318
Welcome to your vibrant oasis! This dazzling 2-story townhome, just a mere 2 years young, beckons with a blend of modern elegance and comfort. As you step inside, be greeted by the grandeur of soaring ceilings that amplify the spaciousness of each room. Imagine mornings spent savoring your coffee in the privacy of your own wooded backyard—a serene retreat just steps away.
Located in the coveted west side, this gem by Brock Built offers convenience at your doorstep, ensuring you’re always minutes from the heartbeat of the city. The interior is a testament to sophistication, with pristine white cabinetry and gleaming stainless steel appliances adorning the gourmet kitchen. Picture yourself entertaining effortlessly around the expansive island, comfortably seating three for lively conversations and memorable meals.
With three cozy bedrooms and 2.5 baths, there’s ample space for both relaxation and rejuvenation. Luxurious LVT flooring adds a touch of opulence while ensuring durability for years to come. Plus, easy access to 285 and the airport ensures your adventures are never far away.
This isn’t just a house; it’s the ideal canvas for your new chapter—a captivating starter home that promises both comfort and convenience. Don’t miss the opportunity to call this haven yours!
Listed by Tina Hunsicker – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Georgia Properties 404-931-3944
Price $415,000 5/8/2024
Unveiling a Hidden Gem – SOLD
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Home Builders, Atlanta Real Estate, New Construction, Uncategorized on February 28, 2024
The Enchanting Wooded Homesite of Sandy Springs
Nestled amidst the serene tranquility of Sandy Springs lies a rare treasure waiting to be discovered – a wooded 1+ acre homesite offering breathtaking views and unparalleled potential. Tucked away on a private cul de sac, this extraordinary property promises a lifestyle of luxury and convenience, boasting access to a neighborhood swim and tennis club for those seeking both recreation and relaxation.
The allure of this homesite is immediately apparent, with its expansive acreage enveloped in lush greenery and framed by majestic trees. But it’s the panoramic views that truly steal the show, offering a picturesque backdrop for your dream home. Imagine waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the treetops or unwinding in the evenings to the gentle rustle of leaves and the cool embrace of nature.
What sets this property apart is not just its natural beauty but also its incredible potential for customization. With homes to the rear recently sold in the $2.3M – $2.7M range, the value of this homesite is undeniable. Whether you envision a sprawling estate or a cozy retreat, the possibilities are endless.
For those eager to explore the potential of this remarkable property, a marked path adorned with blue x’s awaits. Beginning at the fire hydrant, this path guides you through the terrain, offering glimpses of potential building sites along the way. The topography reveals a previously excavated area, suggesting one possible build site, while a level area to the left presents another enticing option.
To assist in your exploration, a new survey has been conducted, with the property thoughtfully marked by yellow flags at each corner. This attention to detail ensures clarity and precision as you envision the layout of your future home.
Beyond its natural beauty and customizable potential, what truly sets this homesite apart is its unbeatable location. Close proximity to GA 400, I-285, the City of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Buckhead ensures effortless access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and business hubs. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the vibrant city life, everything you need is just a stone’s throw away.
In conclusion, this wooded homesite in Sandy Springs is more than just a piece of land; it’s an opportunity to craft the lifestyle of your dreams. With its stunning views, customizable potential, and unbeatable location, it’s a rare find that promises to fulfill your every desire. Don’t miss your chance to make this enchanting property your own and embark on a journey of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty.
125 Cat Cay Court in Sandy Springs priced at $300,000 for an acre of land. Please contact Tina Hunsicker with Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Georgia Properties at 404-931-3944
New Listing: 556 Vinings Spring Dr SE – SOLD
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Real Estate, New Listing on September 21, 2023
But don’t stop outside; the interior of this home has plenty to capture your attention on its own! Step into the soaring front hall and take a moment to enjoy the bright, airy spaces inside.
With views straight through to the family room’s double height windows, the entrance hall is double height with hardwood floors. The wide staircase is flanked by a sitting room with an arched doorway, enhanced with custom millwork ; the dining room also has coffered ceilings and really wonderful millwork and wainscoting.
Along with the ceilings, the dining room’s bay window opens up the space, with room for large family dinners. A passthrough hall to the kitchen and pantry make serving and storage effortless.
With double height windows and ceilings, the family room almost has the feel of a treehouse, with views of the treetops and the beautifully manicured back yard. Open to the eat-in kitchen, there is also a spacious screened porch with pressed tin ceiling and a private patio through the French doors for a year-round indoor/ outdoor lifestyle.
The family room’s fireplace is double sided, opening onto a cozy home office, which would also make a convenient main floor guest room.
The kitchen is immaculate with timeless custom wood cabinetry, high end stainless appliances, and solid countertops in a neutral palette, easy to personalize with your own accessories. A custom pantry is a behind-the-scenes bonus that will make your “The Home Edit” style organization dreams a reality.
This home is really about the details. Not only has it been immaculately maintained, but the thoughtful additions the homeowner has made, like custom moldings and trim work, built-in shelving, and heated bathroom floors, are what makes this home such an upgrade from the typical “new build” homes on the market.
Vaulted ceilings and windows on three sides in the spacious primary suite really add to the feeling of living in the treetops.
Double vanities, a huge walk-in shower and soaking tub with custom tile, plus the heated floor: every detail has been seen to.
This is one of two custom closets in the primary suite! Again, here is your opportunity to double down on the closet organization of your Pinterest board dreams!
Screened for summer use, the porch sits surrounded by a beautifully landscaped private lot. The home is sited high enough on the neighborhood’s hillside to catch a breeze, and a stroll into the backyard gives gorgeous views to the north Georgia foothills just a few miles away.
The current homeowner is an avid gardener and took advantage of the third garage’s access to the back yard for planting and landscaping. It’s a great way to have easy access to your tools and hobbies while keeping them out of the weather.
For more information, take a look at the listing here and then call me to schedule a viewing. There is so much more to see in person!
556 Vinings Springs Dr SE, Mableton, GA 30126
Property overview: 5 bedrooms ; 3 bathrooms ; 3,235 sq.ft. ; brick traditional ; 3 car garage, one with access to back yard ; screened porch ; large landscaped lot with mountain views ; quiet gated neighborhood; low HOA
Schools: Nickajack ; Griffin; Campbell
Offered at $649,000
SOLD: 4270 Lansdowne Dr SE Atlanta
Posted by thunsicker in New Listing, Vinings on March 24, 2022
Update April 11th, 2022. This home closed this morning at $1,305,888. It had quite a few offers and several over a million while being listed at $899,900. It was a 7 day cash close and its closed. If you want to know how to get over asking for your home, give me a call. The marketing in this seller’s market is unique and your agent needs to know how best to handle the flurry of activity. If you’re on for over a few days, something is wrong. I can help. This is one I won’t forget for awhile!
Listed March 24th, offers due March 27th.
One of Vining’s classic homes in one of Vining’s most desirable neighborhoods is on the market for the first time in its history. This home was custom built with love and incredible attention to detail by the sellers, who are now looking to pass a bit of their family history forward.
With four sides of brick, this traditional home is timeless in more ways than one. Built to incorporate century-plus antique heart pine flooring from the seller’s parent’s home, this home is a legacy looking for its next caretaker.
The beautiful wide-plank flooring is found throughout most of the home. A traditional floorplan, the formal living spaces flank the entry hall and beautiful staircase, while the kitchen and keeping room look out over the greenery in the back yard.
Wainscotting, detailed woodwork, and functional shutters are among the lovely and well-kept details throughout the home. The rooms are beautifully proportioned with a lot of natural light in every room.
Fully renovated, the kitchen has high quality custom cabinetry, granite countertops and plenty of integrated lighting. Other amenities are a generous double sink, center island, and cabinet paneled appliances.
The kitchen and breakfast room also open onto the screened porch for 3 season indoor/outdoor living.
Adjacent to the kitchen is an enormous laundry room, with generous built-in storage, expansive granite worktops, and plenty of extra room for a freezer or beverage refrigerator.
The family room, anchored by an arched brick fireplace and hearth, opens onto the home’s expansive screened porch. The stunning heart pine flooring continues through this room as well, adding warmth and depth to the space.
Decks are great, but a screened porch in the south cannot be beat! Shaded in the summer and sheltered in cooler months, it becomes an extension of the home’s living areas with the added bonus of breeze and bird song.
While the home is at the top of a large hilly lot, the areas just off the screened porch and the walkout basement are flat and landscaped, making for a usable private space for bird watching or gardening and plenty of play area for children and pets.
With a full master suite on each floor, which include ensuite bathrooms and walk- in closets, living arrangements are flexible and future-proofed, ready for aging in place or multi-generational living.
The secondary bedrooms are also generously sized and there is room for expansion over the garage.
While the walk-out basement is finished and comfortable (with another brick fireplace to chase away any chill) there are stubbed-in utilities for another bathroom, ready for expansion. The home was custom built in 1975 and underwent extensive renovations about 15 years ago including mechanical upgrades, adding a house vac system and an automatic generator to seamlessly handle any power outages.
Set on almost an acre, the wooded lot is private and quiet. 4270 Lansdowne Drive is on a double cul de sac street in an already quiet neighborhood, meaning through traffic (and traffic noise in general) is non-existent.
Close to Cochise Club, Vinings Village, many of the areas best private schools, and in a quiet and walkable neighborhood, this home has a lot to offer, both in location and in impeccably maintained square footage. If you are interested in more details, visit the listing at my website and give me a call to set up an in-person viewing.
4270 Lansdowne Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, 30339
Property overview: 5 bedrooms ; 4 bathrooms; 4,986 sq.ft. ; all brick traditional ; 2 car garage ; Cochise Club membership option w/ swim/ tennis ; double cul de sac; large wooded lot with level area off screened porch; close to Vinings Village and Westminster
Schools: Teasley ; Campbell ; Campbell
Offered at $899,900
New Listing: 1019 Washita Ave NE Atlanta – SOLD
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Real Estate, New Listing on February 1, 2022
Welcome home to Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s classic neighborhoods! Atlanta’s original “streetcar suburb,” Inman Park is an enclave of historic homes in the center of many of the city’s most vibrant and desirable destinations for dining and recreation. Walk to the Eastside Beltline or Krog City Market, or hop onto Freedom Park trail, you can walk, cycle, or take MARTA to work or to play.
Formerly a duplex, this vintage home was reconfigured into a spacious single family by the current owners. Updated interiors and mechanicals were integrated with the charm and details of the original 1920’s construction, including bead board ceilings, a classic staircase, and generous millwork.
The first floor opens to a living room and adjoining enclosed sunroom. Hardwood floors and beautifully trimmed windows and doorways showcase the homes vintage charm.
Tucked between the the living room and kitchen is a full dining room with plenty of room for a large family table.
The kitchen has a high ceilings and a bank of windows overlooking the side yard; updated appliances, open shelving, and full laundry are crisp and convenient.
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces are divided between the first and upper floor, making for a very flexible floor plan. Work from home? There is plenty of quiet space for a home office, studio, or just a place to indulge your house plant addiction.
There is potential to build an income-producing terrace level unit on the property with an existing full bath already in place ; there is also ample paved off-street parking, both in the driveway and behind the home. A generous double lot means you aren’t sacrificing outdoor greenspace for parking at this home.
Single family homes that combine the advantages of an established, tree lined neighborhood with easy access to some of Atlanta’s most dynamic restaurants and recreation are rare- finding that combination under a $1 million pricepoint is unheard of. I’d love to schedule a viewing to show you all that this property has to offer. Take a look at the listing (with a video walkthrough!) here and call me to set up an appointment today.
1019 Washita Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Property overview: 5 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms; 2,340 sq.ft.; single family; .20 acre double lot; dedicated parking; Inman Park Pool option; access to Atlanta Beltline, Freedom Parkway, and MARTA
Schools: Lin ; Inman ; Midtown
Offered at $985,000
Why Thanksgiving Is So Special To Me: My Adoption Story
Posted by thunsicker in Atlanta Kids, Living on November 19, 2021
This is a repost from 2016. My son is now 17 and a Junior at the Westminster Schools. Its a very special week and I wanted to share this story and pictures again for new followers. This is what I’m most Thankful for this year and always.
This is National Adoption Day and November is National Adoption Month. For me its also a special week, Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to reflect on what we’re thankful for, but to me it means a whole lot more. Here is my story:
Adopting one child will not change the world; but for that child, the world will change.
11 years ago my mom and I made the trip to Kemerovo, Russia to bring home my son. Attached is a story that I wrote back then for my adoption agency. This week always reminds me of that journey and ALL I have to be Thankful for. I can’t believe it was that long ago!
The Journey for Chase :
My journey to adopt a child unofficially began in 2003. I made the trip to Bulgaria with my sister-in-law to bring home her two children. From then on I had the idea that I wanted to adopt a child from an Eastern European country. Finally in 2004 when I was preparing my year-end financials, I decided I would finally be able to afford the process and had a consistent enough income to support a child on my own.
I am single. So in January of 2005 I began the process with a local agency here in Atlanta thinking they could help me through the process. By April, I had all of my paperwork done and was “paper ready”, that agency sent my dossier to one Russian Region, where it sat… Week after week I heard different reasons why nothing was happening in that region and that it would pick up any day, but by the middle of July I was getting tired of the excuses and decided to network around and inquire online to find out about what agencies had people traveling and to what regions etc. A friend recommended me to Adoption ARK (now out of business due to Russia being closed to adoptions), she put me in touch with several people who were traveling within very short times from becoming “paper ready”. I contacted Elina and she was in Russia at the time and a week later she emailed me and told me they weren’t currently working in Krasnodar (that was the region I had done the paperwork for with the other agency) since nothing had been moving there in such a long time. She also told me that she expected to have some more children available next week and to contact her that Wednesday. Well by Monday evening, I had an email with a picture of this darling little boy – Dima. I asked what I had to do, she sent me a list and I was off on recreating my dossier, and getting everything ready for his different region.
I traveled within 2 weeks to meet him, a darling little boy whose name was Dima and went back for court within 7 weeks. From beginning to end the process was under 3 months! My little guy – (now called Chase) is healthy, happy and so loved by the entire extended family. We’ve been home 3 months now and he acts like he’s been here his whole life. He gained 5 pounds in 2 months and grew 2 inches. He has already outgrown the clothes I brought him home in and understands English and Spanish (his nanny is Spanish). He speaks a few words and kisses good-bye. He is the light of my life and he has the ability to cheer anyone up. Everyone keeps saying how happy he is and he really is…
The picture of Chase in his reindeer was the first night in our hotel in Kemerovo. We had given him as much formula as he wanted and he proceeded to throw up on me! The picture in the tub was at home. The other pictures were a few weeks later when he made the trip to Charleston to meet all the family.
I still remember that week and what happened daily. My Mom and I flew out on a Saturday evening arriving in Kemerovo on a Monday morning. They immediately whisked us off to my court date which took most of the morning. Later that day there was more paperwork to do and the next morning (Tuesday) we made the journey with several other families via a van to Novokuznetsk. We had issues with the Van with fuel line freeze up and we sat on the side of the road in Siberia while they sent another van to us. By the time we got to the baby home it was afternoon. No time for a tour, but I do remember seeing this beautiful baby in a light blue knit outfit and my mother and I commented on pretty he was. It had only been a month since we had seen “Dima” but that was him. No time for a tour, we got our babies and they loaded us back into our van to head back to Kemerovo for more processing. By Thursday on Thanksgiving we were in Moscow to meet with the embassy doctor and more processing. There was no turkey to be found at any of the hotels or restaurants we had contacted. So we just ate a regular meal in the Park Hyatt Hotel in Moscow. All went well and Friday we were headed home! That’s a very abbreviated version of what happened, but as you can see it makes every Thanksgiving that much more special with the memories. Hope you have a very special Thanksgiving this year as well full of your special memories!
Neighborhood Info
Click here for an interactive map-based search of some of metro Atlanta's neighborhoods.
See my Zillow
Real Vinings | Buckhead 