Easy to fall in love with The Woods

The new-home market has changed over the past two years or so.

Prior to the arrival of the federal government’s stress test, mortgage rate increases and City of Winnipeg impact fees, the sky was literally the limit for new-home buyers.

With budgets now curtailed — often drastically — those in the market for a new home have been forced to reset their criteria in terms of what they can legitimately afford. A pre-stress-test budget of $400,000 is now closer to $320,000.

Not surprisingly, such a reduction can limit home-buying options.

That said, there are still some very viable options out there — such as a new apartment-style condominium, says David Powell of the Powell Property Group, sales representative for The Woods at Creekbend in south St. Vital.

"We offer four plans — one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den and a pair of two-bedroom plans," he says. "Square footage ranges from 754 sq. ft. for one bedrooms to 1,340 sq. ft. for our largest two bedrooms. Prices start at just over $221,000 for one-bedroom units, while our largest two-bedroom units in phase 2 of the project are selling for approximately $315,000."

Powell says the project, which features 83 units spread out through two buildings positioned between greenspace and mature forest on a secluded parcel of land just north of the Perimeter Highway on the east side of St. Anne’s Road, was designed to offer exceptional style, livability and value.

"That value starts with the amenities The Woods offers. For your condo fee of $191 to $289 monthly, you get heated underground parking, a 1,290-sq.-ft. common room with kitchen and media area, gym, workshop and car wash," Powell says. "You also get a generous lobby with elevator, wide hallways and suites with individual heating and cooling and large balconies."

Then, there are the suites themselves.

Featuring wide-open great-room-style floor plans, all four suite models are navigable, bright and spacious.

"Suites come with nine-foot ceilings, which, when combined with the open-concept floor plans, create a real feeling of space. All windows are oversized, and patio doors are eight feet wide rather than the standard six feet to let in us much natural light as possible."

Meanwhile, the great rooms possess the distinct feel of a single-family home.

There’s a reason for that, Powell says.

"This is a project that’s been designed and built by one of the city’s premiere custom homebuilders, Irwin Homes. That means that the suites here have been designed and finished in much the same way that they design and finish one their high-end homes."

Correspondingly, the finishing quality is high in all suites.

Kitchen islands and countertops are quartz, cabinets are a mix of maple, oak or thermofoil, and every kitchen comes with a glass-tile backsplash. Flooring ranges from hand-scraped hickory-style laminates to oak-style laminate plank — there’s no carpeting in great rooms — and white baseboards are a full four inches high.

"Suites in phase (2) offer upgrades such as quartz countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom, soft-close cabinets and drawers and an upgraded stainless-appliance package," he says. "The great room really has a house-like feel with its space and finishes. The great room in the 1,340-sq.-ft., two-bedroom unit is particularly huge."

Space isn’t lacking in bedrooms either, he says.

"Take the master suite in our 1,134-sq.-ft. display suite. It’s 15 feet by 11 feet, and features a great layout with a big walk-in closet set between the bedroom and a four-piece ensuite. Dens in the one-bedroom plus den models are spacious, and the master suites in one-bedroom units are huge. All bedrooms come with four-foot-wide windows to let in as much light as possible."

The four suite models also provide buyers with a good cross-section of price points to choose from, he says.

"Singles have a great option in the 754-sq.-ft., one-bedroom units, which come standard with an indoor heated parking stall. And if you can’t fit a two-bedroom suite into your budget, you can choose a more affordable one-bedroom plus den. The larger two bedroom suites, with their huge great room and split-bedroom design, offer the livability of a single-family home."

Finally, there’s The Woods’ location.

"No part of either building backs on to traffic because the complex is surrounded by trees and greenspace. That makes for a quiet, private atmosphere you won’t find at most condo projects in St. Vital," notes Powell. "You’re also close to the Seine River walking trail, as well as grocery stores, services, banks, restaurants and transit. The Perimeter Highway is also close by, too."

In short, The Woods — a cross-section of 19 suite models are still available for purchase — is a multi-faceted new home option that singles, young couples, young families and empty-nesters should consider.

"If you’re a young couple or young family, you’re gaining equity in a brand new home rather than paying rent. Everyone will enjoy all the amenities that are included in the condo fees, along with the beautiful, private setting. The suites here deliver a good range of options and all kinds of value. They’re really worth a look if you’re in the market for an affordable new home."

lewys@mymts.net

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