The huge backyard features newer fencing, a deck and plenty of room for the kids to play in a safe setting.
Rich, modern finishes give the main bath a luxurious, inviting ambience.
Photos by Todd Lewys / Winnipeg Free Press
Big, bright and beautifully finished, the eat-in kitchen offers loads of contemporary style and function.
A spacious, naturally bright living room with refinished hardwoods gets the home off to a positive, functional start.
With high interest rates and the federal government’s stringent stress test, first time buyers have had to rein in their expectations — and budget — for a starter home.
Whereas many couples had a budget of more than $400,000 as recently as three years ago, that budget has shrunk considerably.
Today, banks are more likely to approve a budget of $350,000 or less. Suffice it to say this development has proven problematic.
Quite understandably, more than a few young couples have been left wondering just how much (or little) they will get in a sub-$350,000 home.
While it might take some searching, you can find a solid, livable home for under that number, says Tyson Sonnichsen of Royal Lepage Dynamic Real Estate.
“We just listed this charming two-bedroom bungalow,” says Sonnichsen, who has co-listed the 835-sq.-ft. home with his fellow realtor and father, Blair. “It has a lot to offer.”
First and foremost is the fact that the well-kept home doesn’t have to be extensively updated.
“It’s as turnkey as you’re going to find for a home at this price point. Updates include a high-efficient furnace and air conditioning and hot water tank in 2021, kitchen and main bath in 2019, fence in 2017 and windows in 2017 and 2018,” he says. “And the roof is about 10 years old.”
Second, there’s the home’s oversized lot and enviable location, which places it well above most other starter homes on the market.
“The lot is 38 feet wide by 132 deep, which makes for good-sized front and back yards. In particular, the backyard is quite large and is a great, safe area for kids to play in,” notes Sonnichsen. “At the same time, parents will like that they’re close to coffee shops, restaurants and stores on Corydon and Academy, as well as Central Corydon Community Centre.”
Parents will also like what the home itself has to offer, starting with its highly functional lower level.
“The basement is fully finished and offers a rec room with newer carpeting — something not all starter homes have,” he says. “There’s a space that’s perfect for a media area, and another space that could be used as either a games area or play area. There’s also a laundry room and utility room with plenty of storage space.”
Meanwhile, the main floor is well-laid-out, starting with a large living room that sits to the left of a quaint, enclosed foyer with arched doorway.
“Lots of natural light comes into it through a large, newer window on its rear wall. The hardwoods were refinished and look great, and there’s plenty of room for furniture and a TV, or possibly even a dining table if you put the TV downstairs.”
Next comes the tastefully updated kitchen.
“It’s just a great space to cook in — you’re not tripping over each other,” says Sonnichsen. “Because it’s so spacious, there’s room for a table that can seat four. Windows over the sink and on the side wall let in lots of light, while the finishes — luxury vinyl flooring, white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless appliances — give it a nice, modern look.”
Then, there’s the bedroom wing, which is centred around a thoroughly contemporary four-piece bath.
“It was beautifully updated with luxury vinyl tile flooring, a soaker tub with grey tile surround, new shower fixtures and a new vanity with black granite countertop and modern faucet,” he says. “It provides a nice touch of luxury.”
Move on down the hallway — the refinished hardwoods look amazing — and you find two good-sized bedrooms.
“I really like the fact that the bedrooms were placed on either side of the bathroom — that creates natural separation between the bedrooms, something I think young parents would appreciate. Both bedrooms are a really good size, too. They come with the refinished hardwoods and recently painted walls, so they feel fresh and inviting.”
Sonnichsen says the tidy, highly functional bungalow checks all the boxes for first time home buyers.
“It’s move-in ready, close to all kinds of great amenities, has a rec room, and even comes with a single detached garage,” he says. “Most importantly, it’s affordable. With five per cent down at a five per cent interest rate, the mortgage would come in at under $1,900 per month, which is quite attainable.”
lewys@mymts.net
Details
Location: 338 Lanark St., River Heights North
Year Built: 1950
Style: bungalow
Size: 835 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 38’ x 132’
Bedrooms: two
Bathrooms: one
Price: $339,900
Contact: Blair Sonnichsen or Tyson Sonnichsen, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, 204-989-5000
