These days, it's hard for families to find a decent starter home for under $250,000.
However, if you reside in the city's northeast sector -- the River East area to be precise -- we may have a solution for you: a condominium complex at 1445 Rothesay St., which is being meticulously renovated by Landmark Agencies.
Situated in a pristine location surrounded by mature trees -- along with a park-like inner courtyard -- the complex is comprised of 35 three-bedroom, two-storey townhouses measuring in at 1,150 sq. ft. At present, 14 of the 35 condominiums are ready for possession from mid-to-late July into early September, said lead sales representative Shona Goulden-Scappaticci.
"Just under half the units are ready to go," she said. "They've been thoroughly renovated from top to bottom, and are very well-finished. All the units offer what I call affordable luxury."
Not only are the units nicely finished -- you get cappuccino maple cabinets and black granite countertops in the kitchen, along with a tan tile backsplash and a Frigidaire appliance package (stove, fridge and dishwasher; white or black is standard, while stainless steel is $550 extra) -- but they also feature a logical floor plan.
"The main living area is open-concept, with the eat-in kitchen (there's tons of room to place a table for four to six) merging nicely into the living room. The kitchen features a durable, easy-to-maintain (faux tile) vinyl floor, while the living room is on refinished natural oak hardwoods, which I just love," said Goulden-Scappaticci. "There's also tons of space in the living room, with a nook for your TV and all kinds of room for furniture on the opposite wall. There's also a big picture window, too."
Head to the rear left-hand side of the kitchen, and several pleasant surprises await: a huge pantry, a powder room off the back entrance -- and a door that leads to stairs that take you down to -- not all townhouse condominiums have it -- a good-sized basement.
"It's a real bonus, something that a family will really appreciate,"she said. "There's space to put in a media room on one half, and a bathroom and mechanical/storage area on the other. You can develop the basement yourself, or we can have it finished for you for about $7,000. Either way, it adds all kinds of utility. These units feel like single family homes, not condominiums."
That feel continues upstairs, where -- again, unlike many townhouse units -- there are three bedrooms. Best of all, they're all well-proportioned, said Goulden-Scappaticci.
"You not only get three good-sized bedrooms, but you also get a four-piece main bathroom with a soaker tub, white tile surround and vanity with black granite countertop (same as in the powder room). The tub isn't standard -- it's nice and deep, and will fit bigger people. You all get the refinished oak hardwoods through the hallway and all the rooms, as well."
The house-like feel of the townhouses at 1445 Rothesay St. continues outside, where each unit has its own private, fenced patio -- most with mature trees surrounding them.
"It just gives you more space of your own to enjoy, whether you like to entertain, want to use it as a play area for the kids or just sit outside and read a book," added Goulden-Scappaticci. "These units are in a great location, with a playground across the street, close to schools, a Safeway, parks and shopping. There's also a bus stop nearby where you can take an express that will get you downtown in about 15 minutes. It's affordable luxury that young families and professionals will find hard to beat."
Goulden-Scappaticci had one last bit of pertinent information to add.
"The developers are offering to pay closing costs up to $5,000," she said. "Hopefully, that will help a bunch of young families get into a solid, functional home that their whole family can really enjoy."
DETAILS
Location: 1445 Rothesay Street, River East
Style: Two-storey townhouse condominiums with basement
Size: 1,150 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Condominium Fees: Approximately $150/month
Taxes: Not yet assessed
Price: Starting at $199,900, including appliances
Contact: Shona Goulden-Scappaticci, Realty Executives First Choice @ 885-8999
