My New Home: Collierville cottage makes for perfect starter home
Homebuyer Sydney Ray and her two boys love the cottage she purchased in Collierville helped by Ally Pierce with Keller Williams Realty. Sydney Ray grew up in Collierville and always loved the area. She first left home when she went away for college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She returned to Memphis to finish her degree at the University of Memphis. Upon graduation she decided Greater Memphis area was where she wanted to stay and she accepted a job as a data analyst for International Paper.
As time went by, she knew she was ready to move from being a renter to being a homeowner.
“Including online property searches, I must have looked at nearly 100 houses,” Sydney recalled. “I contacted Allison ‘Ally’ Pierce, an agent with Keller Williams, and we started making appointments to see houses in person. Most of my search was centered on properties in Germantown or Collierville. I also looked at a few places in East Memphis.”
With two little boys, Sydney said that a location convenient to the children’s schools and to her job was her main priority. And, of course, price was really important, too. Basically, she was looking for a place where her monthly mortgage payment would be less than her rent. Other items on her “wish list” included a nice backyard, a friendly neighborhood and a house that didn’t need a lot of work.
A whimsical design touch adorns a bedroom in the Collierville cottage that Sydney Ray purchased. “I found just what I was looking for in Collierville,” Sydney said. “About 30 minutes after this house posted online, I called my realtor and we were the first ones to see it. Because I was pre-approved, I was able to make an offer on the spot. I followed up by writing the former owners a letter and sending them a picture of me with my two boys. I told them my life story, about growing up nearby, and that I was a mother of two looking for our starter home. After a little back-and-forth negotiating, they accepted my offer. I bought the house in August and we moved in Labor Day weekend.”
Although the home was originally built in 1971, a developer had purchased it about three years ago and completely renovated it. He took it down to the studs and rebuilt everything. The result was a home that was in Sydney’s price range and felt like it was custom-built for her and her boys. She paid $197K for the 1,075-square-foot house and got three bedrooms, one bathroom, a laundry room, and an open floor plan that encompasses the living room, dining room and kitchen.
Sydney Ray's modern kitchen is a centerpiece of the Collierville cottage she purchased for her family. “The former owner put down laminate wood flooring in every room except the bathroom and the laundry room,” Sydney explained. “In those areas he used stained concrete flooring. He added tongue and groove, giving an effect like shiplap, to walls in the living room and dining room, and again as an accent wall in the master bedroom and in the nursery.”
Other nice upgrades include new baseboards and molding throughout the house. In the kitchen there are top-grade, stainless steel appliances, along with marble countertops and new cabinets. And as unexpected bonus, all of the cabinets were already child-proofed, and the drawers were designed to be slam-proof. Contributing to the feeling of spaciousness, the backsplash is composed of white subway tiles and there is open shelving in addition to the closed cabinetry. A microwave built into the kitchen island frees up counter-top space.
The rustic living room of the Collierville cottage that Sydney Rae purchased. “This home feels cozy, I love the feel of it” Sydney said. “There is an abundance of natural light, complemented with pendant lights with Edison bulbs over the kitchen island and over the dining table.”
The barn door styling for the pantry and the coat closet continues the “farmhouse chic” vibe in this ranch-style house.
When asked what she likes about her new home, Sydney said, “Everything! I like the fact that everything has been renovated. I like the natural wood accents and the white, cream and gray color scheme. And the open floor plan makes it easy for me to keep an eye on the boys. The fenced backyard offers a great play space for my boys, and came it with an irrigation system and nice outdoor lighting.”
As for her neighborhood, Sydney said that she feels very lucky. Her neighbors are friendly and there’s a mix of ages, including other young families. There’s an area park nearby and the location offers an easy commute to the boys’ schools and her job.
“The only plans I have to make changes in the future are to repave the driveway and convert the backyard shed into a playhouse for the kids,” said Sydney. “Down the road, I may possibly add a garage.”
If you are looking for a home or if you are considering selling your home, call or text Ally Pierce today 9014891840