If you're a young family looking for a move-up home, you have a choice to make.
Do you buy an older resale home, or buy an entry-level new home in a new community?
Royal LePage sale agent Glen MacAngus said the choice may not be that difficult, providing you objectively assess the merits of buying new versus resale.
"I think you're further ahead buying a solid resale home in an established area," he said.
"Granted, it won't be brand new, but the property taxes, will, in most cases, be lower than what you'll pay in a newer community. Not only that, but you're getting a home in an established, mature area that's grown in, and that's close to key amenities such as schools, shopping and a variety of services."
In this case -- 67 Loyola Bay in Fort Richmond, a 1,300-sq.-ft. bungalow built in 1971 -- a young family would be getting a well-maintained home in a choice location, said MacAngus.
"It's minutes from all levels of schools, the University of Manitoba and a host of amenities on Pembina Highway and nearby on Kenaston Boulevard. Not only that but the owners -- they're original -- have taken good care of the home and updated it in key areas to keep it functional, and contemporary."
One of the first things that strikes you the moment you set foot inside the home is that the floor plan is typical of homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. A generous foyer gives way to an L-shaped living room/dining room combination on the left, with the kitchen off the dining room; doorways leading in from the foyer and dining room provide access from two points.
Granted, the layout is not open-concept, but it works fine for entertaining or family life.
"The two doorways make for good traffic flow in and out of the kitchen to the dining room and living room," said MacAngus. "And the kitchen, which has been remodelled with new (white) cabinets and (bronze/taupe) laminate countertops is a good size (11.3 feet by 11 feet). There's lots of counter and storage space, and plenty of room for more than one person to prepare dinner. You're only steps away from the dining room, too."
Just as the kitchen is highly functional, so too is the dining room/living room. At nearly nine feet by eight feet in size, the dining room can hold a table for six that could be expanded to hold 10 guests. There's ample room to extend the table into the outer boundary of the living room if necessary.
Overall, the living room/dining room area is sufficiently bright due to two features: a large picture window on the front wall, and a well-maintained (natural) parquet hardwood floor that runs through the area.
"You can entertain in this home without a problem," he said. "There's plenty of space between the living room/dining room and the family room."
Turns out, the family room -- it measures in at 17.25 feet by 15.6 feet -- was tacked on to the home's rear quadrant several years ago to bring an added dimension of function to the main level.
"It really makes the home," said MacAngus.
"It's right off the back of the kitchen, and features a wood-burning fireplace, side entrance and plenty of room for a TV and furniture. There are also patio doors on the rear wall that lead to a three-season sunroom. It's a space that's great for entertaining or for young kids to play in. The sunroom extends the usable space in the spring, summer and fall."
Like most seventies bungalow designs, 67 Loyola comes with a wing filled with three bedrooms and a main bath. All three bedrooms are a good size with big windows and ample closet space; though the master suite doesn't have an ensuite, it's next to the four-piece bath, which features a new cappuccino maple vanity and vinyl tub/shower unit that's in excellent shape.
"It's a very functional area that would fit the needs of a family of four just perfectly," said MacAngus.
"The three bedrooms is a great feature. Most importantly, they're all a decent size."
There's another 900 to 1,000 sq. ft. ready to be developed downstairs. As it stands, there's a three-piece bathroom; the rest is a blank slate.
"It could easily be developed into a nice rec room with games and media areas. Add the rec room to the family room upstairs, and there's plenty of room for an active family to spread out."
The home has also been updated in other key areas.
"The roof shingles were done in 2010, and a high-efficient furnace was installed in 2013. Most of the windows have been updated. The yard is fenced and private with mature trees, and there's also an attached car port. At around $300,000, this home offers excellent value for a young family in a great neighbourhood that's close to everything."
lewys@mts.net
