East Cobb Open Houses, Aug. 4-5

Ranch homes are the most sought out homes on the real estate market today--for a variety of reasons. Retiring Baby Boomers seek the convenience and safety of one level living as become less mobile. Many first time buyers and new families appreciate the quality and cost per square foot of older, well made ranch homes. And of course, investors prefer ranches for the all the reasons above.

This week’s featured homes are popular ranch-style homes under $200K. They range in price from $136,400 for a lovely three-bedroom brick ranch on Candy Lane to a light and open updated three-bedroom ranch on Heritage Trace for $199,900. (Both of these homes are located in prestigious East Cobb).

Also, check out the Open Houses taking place this weekend and listed below: The five-bedroom traditional home on Weddington Ridge features exposed brick and stone details; the Livingston Drive home is surrounded by Kennesaw National Park; the Bridle Run Trail property offers thermal windows, a sprinkler system and beautiful landscaping; the split ranch on Merry Oak Court has just been updated with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. All of these homes are priced to sell quickly!

Click on a picture in the photo gallery to see a listing description. Click on an address listed below and get directly linked to AOL Real Estate, or the broker, for complete listing information. In addition to helpful home buying tips, maps and contact information for the listings you choose, you will also be able to calculate a monthly mortgage payment, check your credit and get prequalified.

OPEN HOUSES:

2603 Weddington Ridge NE, Marietta 30068. $678,500. OPEN HOUSE: 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday August 5.  5 Bedrooms   5 Bathrooms. Elegant home with bright and spacious open floor plan-hardwood floors, plantation shutters, exposed brick and stone baths. Formal living room w/ two story bay windows and chandelier. Gourmet kitchen w/double ovens, butcher block center island, sile stone, warming drawer & DW drawers. Keeping room w/fireplace and screened porch. Office w/coffered ceilings and travertine. Guest suite on main level. Master bedroom w/ fire place and sitting area. Full walk out basement. Enormous entertainment level w/full bath. Tasteful custom upgrades throughout. Directions: Roswell Rd/120 east turn right onto Old Canton. Turn right onto Robinson Rd. Turn right into Weddington neighborhood. Right at stop sign, house is on the left in front of cul-de-sac. Brokered By Palmerhouse Properties, LLC.

1454 Livingston Drive Sw, Marietta  30064. $430,000. Price Reduced. OPEN HOUSE: 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday August 5. 6 Bedrooms  5 Bathrooms  4,790 Sq Ft.  The entire subdivision is surrounded by the Kennesaw National Park with 17 miles of hiking & horseback riding trails, and subdivision access. You’re only a 2 minute walk to the community swimming pool. And don’t forget Hillgrove High School, one of the top performing HS’s in the county. Relax on the large deck in the back over-looks a magnificent wooded area with a winding stream. The modern open kitchen allows you to stay engaged with your guest while preparing dinner. This home was built for a large family that needs lots of space and play area. And of course there is plenty of room for stay-overs with 6 bedrooms and 5 full baths; a media room with built-in surround-sound, a game room. The list goes on.……. it’s all about the family with this big house. Brokered By Re/Max Around Atlanta Realty.

3363 Bridle Run Trail, Marietta  30064. $249,900. OPEN HOUSE: 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday August 5.  5 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 Half Bath.  Gorgeous 2 story traditional home in beautiful West Hampton. Magnificent kitchen with granite, upgraded stainless appliances, tile floor, breakfast bar and breakfast room leading to gracious living patio area. Great for entertaining New carpet and paint!4 spacious bedrooms plus bonus room upstairs that counts as 5th bedroom-front and rear staircases. Thermal pane windows, Gutter Guard gutters, sprinkler system, like new AC/furnace. Landscaped backyard. Awesome amenities. Directions: go west on Dallas Hwy. Turn right on Due West Rd. Turn right on W. Hampton Dr. Turn right on Bridle Run Trail. Home on left. Brokered By Re/Max Around Atlanta Marietta West.

1887 Merry Oak Court, Marietta   30008. $109,900. Price Reduced. OPEN HOUSE: 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday August 5. 4 Bedrooms  2 Bathrooms.  Lovely split ranch on a huge cul-de-sac lot with new landscaping. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout home. Vaulted ceiling in living area with gas fireplace. Kitchen has bar area with stainless appliances and ceramic tile floors. Bathrooms have beautiful vanities and ceramic tile floors. Huge master bedroom with separate bathroom. Large garage. Brokered By Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

RANCH HOMES UNDER $200K:

2188 Heritage Trace Drive, Marietta  30062. $199,900. Price Reduced.  3 Bedrooms  2 Bathrooms.  Great location. Established swim/tennis neighborhood. Bright, cheerful ranch home in great neighborhood perfect for young family or empty nesters alike! Extra large great room with vaulted ceiling and cozy gas log fireplace. Bright kitchen with new countertops, sink and appliances. Breakfast area with lots of windows. Formal dining room with large china closet. New carpet in all bedrooms. Large master suite with great walk-in closet. New tile in master bath. Close to shopping and restaurants. New roof, new ext. and interior paint, private backyard. Close to restaurants and shopping. Excellent East Cobb School district. Brokered By Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

163 Hope Street, Marietta  30064. $190,000. Price Reduced. 3 Bedrooms  2 Bathrooms  1,811 Sq Ft.  Convenient, spacious brick ranch priced to sell. Great neighborhood near Marietta square & excellent city schools, parks, hospital and shopping. Built-in bookcases, hardwood floors, wide hallway, large rooms and easy access closets make this a comfortable, close-in home, Relax on screened porch and enjoy the deck and fenced back yard or settle in by the cozy brick fireplace in large family room. Stroll or bike with family and friends or head for the local parks and restaurants. Town living but still affordable. Brokered By Keller Williams Realty.

583 Etowah Drive, Marietta  30060.  $194,500. 3 Bedrooms  1 Bathroom. Historic Marietta - Walk to the Square. Updated Craftsman style home is move-in ready. Living room, formal dining room, rec room, five fireplaces, three bedrooms, newer HVAC, 10 Pella thermal pane windows, new wiring, hardwood floors, new roof. Fenced-in yard. Storage building. Brokered By Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

4171 Buckingham Court, Marietta  30066. $180,000. 4 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms   2,545 Sq Ft. Fantastic location easy access to I75 & I575 near Noonday Park.  European style home on a cul de sac lot featuring a sunken great room with a large lodge -tyle circular fireplace, sunroom, huge private deck for entertaining overlooking partially wooded lot and herb garden, guest room with private deck and separate bath over 2 car garage and workshop, bonus room, media room or 4th bedroom. The home is loaded with custom woodwork on the walls and ceilings and has hard floor surfaces throughout. Brokered By Keller Williams Realty Cityside.

1396 Windburn Drive, Marietta  30066. $169,900. 3 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms. Wonderful home- ready to move right in. Completely remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets & granite countertops. New bath vanities. Large private yard, fenced. Great location near shopping & schools. Owner will consider leasing for $1050 a month. Brokered By Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

2191 Sun Valley Drive Se, Marietta   30067. $169,000. 3 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms.  Beautiful home in a fantastic location! Less than five minutes from I75 and I285. New roof w/ architectural shingles. Beautifully manicured lawn. House features hardwood floors, spacious family room & den and a large laundry room & pantry. Both baths have been renovated. Walk-in closet in master. Plenty of closet space and extra storage in the attic. Double doors lead to a large, recently rebuilt deck that overlooks a beautiful, private fenced in yard. Perfect for entertaining. Brokered By Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

1739 Milford Church Road Sw, Marietta   30008. $169,000.  3 Bedrooms  2 Bathrooms  1,922 Sq Ft. Very well maintained 4 sided brick ranch on 2 acres of land. Meticulously detailed - crown molding throughout, real hardwood floors & custom bookshelves in family room. Formal living room was opened up to the dining room. The kitchen & and the dining area were re-tiled (counters and floors). 3 year old roof. French doors in family room open up to elevated patio wh/ overlooks backyard. Spacious secondary bedrooms. Brokered By Keller Williams Realty Signature Partners.

880 Candy Lane, Marietta   30068. $136,400. 3 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms   1,508 Sq Ft. Great buy in East Cobb. Features include a covered porch overlooking a private fenced yard. Move in ready-even if it needs a few updates. You can easily live here and do them on a gradual basis. Why rent when you can own? Refrigerator included with sale...better hurry. Brokered By Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors.