REAL ESTATE Realtor Weighs in on Young Families, New Homes
Dark Rush Photography // Architect Brant Goodman was commended
by the Sauls for his attention to detail in carrying out their vision.
By Marcia Caller Jaffe Marshall Saul, a native Atlantan who went to Greenfield Hebrew Academy and Riverwood High School, now works as a realtor with Atlanta-based boutique brokerage Beacham & Company. He is constantly evaluating property and opportunities for himself and his clients with a discerning pulse on what local markets have to offer. Wife Terri, a project manager with an architectural signage company, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. They now reside in Chamblee with their 2-year-old daughter Olivia and wheaten terrier poodle, Jozy. “We’ve experienced a depressed amount of inventory over these last several years that still continues today,” Marshall Saul said. “However, Atlanta remains full of great, transitional neighborhoods that offer young families the opportunity to purchase a home suited for tear-down, hire an architect and work with a custom builder to develop their dream home. Buyers are essentially concluding if they can’t find what they are looking for in a resale home, why not just create it themselves?” He does go on to caution, “Of course, like most things, easier said than done.” Saul made the bold decision at 27 to purchase a vacant lot in Brookhaven for the purpose of building a custom home for him and Terri. He quickly became immersed in all aspects of the design-build process and although challenging, ultimately decided this was a professional niche he wished to carve out. Saul has since aligned with several builder-developers on speculative and custom homes. His current main area of focus is the Chamblee-Brookhaven market. “Sexton Woods, Ashford Park, Drew Valley and Nancy Creek Heights, among
Goodman Design // The Sauls wanted a playroom with an
abundance of windows looking out to the rear yard.
to detail,” Saul said. other well-established Dark Rush Photography // Terri and “His professionalism Chamblee-Brookhaven Marshall Saul enjoy their front and confidence gave neighborhoods, all porch swing. They wanted a custom us a great sense of ease make for attractive design with a modern farmhouse look with added elements of coastal in the early planning locations for young inspiration and clean lines. stages and continued families looking for new construction,” he said. “There are multiple throughout the project.” Goodman recalled, “There was initial parks, trails, good schools and these areas are centrally located close to nearby retail conversation about creating a welcomand dining. The Chamblee-Brookhaven cor- ing sense of place and allowing the house ridor has shown a significant amount of to be a reflection of the way the Sauls live. commercial development over the last sev- The keeping room off the kitchen allows eral years and residential new construction for a great place for kids while parents are nearby; and the open concept along with has been quick to follow.” In 2017, Saul struck out to build again lots of windows to the rear yard provide and approached architect Brant Goodman good visibility. We strove to establish good (Goodman Design) to consult and design indoor/outdoor connections to allow for an a home to best use his new lot’s site condi- abundance of natural light. It is always imtions. “Brant is an extremely knowledge- portant for architecture and nature to work able architect with exceptional attention in harmony.” Goodman Design // The main level open floor plan scopes from the kitchen into the dining area and playroom using a neutral color palette with light and airy flooring, materials and fabrics.
Saul shared, “We designed the home in the midst of the Chip and Joanna HGTV craze, so we couldn’t help but be inspired by the modern farmhouse look with some added elements of coastal inspiration. We went for clean lines and transitional details, utilizing a neutral color palette along with light and airy flooring, materials and fabrics.” Saul shared the importance of collaborating with an architect and designer who can help execute a clear-cut vision and maintain design fluidity throughout. “The overall goal was to ensure a seamless blend between the architectural details and finishes with our own vibe of furniture, art and interior design.” Saul believes this goal to be similar to that of many young families when developing their own plans for new construction. “Typically, at least four to five bedrooms total and additional flex bedroom-living space on the main level are preferred. This has everything to do with how we now naturally interact and entertain. An open space that can easily transition from kitchen to family room is essentially a must for the ideal new construction home. Home offices and covered outdoor patios or porches are becoming standard to show up on most new floorplans as well,” he said. “Some people truly enjoy the process of designing and building their home and appreciate living in a home they have customized for themselves. However, there’s no doubt building a custom home requires a ton of work with hundreds of steps and decisions to be made along the way. That being said, if you educate yourself, assemble the right team (more specifically the right realtor) and remain realistic with your expectations, building a custom home can be an extremely rewarding experience.”ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 30, 2020 | 29
