BANG for your buck

In real estate value and utility are a rare combination.

Eric Neumann of Realty Executives First Choice said he has a condominium that scores high marks in both areas — a 914-square-foot, two-bedroom unit at 70 Plaza Dr. (Sterling Towers) in Fort Garry.

"This is a well-cared-for main floor unit that’s in excellent shape and that features a great layout," he said. "It features some nice upgrades, and is in a nice quiet location at the rear of the complex. It’s a reasonably priced suite with good amenities, and is very livable. Not only is it a good size, but you also get good value for what you’re paying into your condo fees (in this case $416.78 per month)."

The first consideration is the value that the suite offers. At $204,900, the suite is priced competitively and offers two bedrooms rather than one — a bonus if you’re empty nesters on a budget, or a young couple looking for an affordable — and habitable — first home.

No matter which demographic you might fit into — the suite would also suit a single (using second bedroom as a den/office) — it’s always nice to have the extra space that a second bedroom offers. Many couples attempt to make do living in a one-bedroom suite, but often find it difficult; it’s better to spend the extra $25,000 to $30,000 if you can afford it.

Then, there are the amenities the complex itself offers. Many established projects out there offer little bang for your buck in relation to the condominium fees they hit you with (often $350 per month or more for two-bedroom units). In some cases, you might get a tiny pool, and little else — no exercise room, no recreation room or the like. In this case, you get quite a lot for the $416.78 condo fee charged to unit 1109, said Neumann. "There’s actually a recreation building here that holds an indoor pool (with hot tub and sitting area), sauna, squash court, fitness facility and recreation room with pool table and shuffleboard," he said. "There’s also a picnic area with green space at the rear of the building, too. You truly do get some good value for your condominium fees here."

He added the value doesn’t end there. "Also included in the condo fees are cable TV, heat, water, parking, maintenance and your reserve fund contribution. All you need to pay extra is hydro (tagged at $45 per month on budget) and your phone. Having the recreation facility and picnic area also gives you more space to spread out – you don’t necessarily have to spend all your time at home in your condo. That’s a great feature."

That leaves the condominium itself. At just over 900 sq.ft., unit 1109 features an open-concept great room. That in itself doesn’t mean much. However, in this case, the floor plan works nicely because it’s quite well-proportioned.

The great room — meaning in this case the dining room and living room — measures in at 24 feet by 12 feet. Meanwhile, the galley kitchen ­— which is located to the right of the ample, tiled foyer – comes in at a very decent 12.5 feet by 8.6 feet.

"I think the big thing is that you never feel as if space is lacking in the great room and kitchen," said Neumann. "The dining room easily holds a table for six, with plenty of room to move around it, and the living room is big enough for a sofa, a couple of chairs and entertainment unit without feeling cramped. There’s also sliding patio doors (that lead to a barbecue-friendly patio) on its rear wall (with big sidelight windows) that allow tons of natural light to flow into the suite."

The kitchen also features a high level of utility, said Neumann. "It opens nicely on to the great room, is updated with maple cabinetry, laminate countertops (plus open shelving over its front portion), track lighting and a newer stainless steel fridge. It’s only steps away from the dining room, which features a large storage closet to its rear."

Head down a hallway to the right of the kitchen, and you find a big second bedroom/den (13.5 feet by 9.3 feet), four-piece bath with newer (included) stackable washer/dryer — and oversized master suite (17.5 feet by nearly 9 feet) with closet with built-in maple shelving and lower cupboards. "There’s also a large (7.6-foot by four-foot) storage room across from the master suite," he said. "There’s also a big double closet in the second bedroom, so this suite has a good amount of storage space."

Add in a parking spot only steps from the patio doors, and you have a suite that has much to offer, concluded Neumann. "A lock set can actually be installed on the patio doors so you can access them with a key — you can walk directly into your suite instead of walking to the main entrance. This is a well-cared for, livable suite in a great, central location that offers excellent value in every area."

lewys@mymts.net