These days, it's difficult to find a move-in-ready resale home for under $200,000.
While it's a difficult task, it's not impossible. However, you do have to look quite extensively to find a home in that price range that doesn't require a whole lot of upgrading -- at least, not right away.
Thankfully, there are exceptions to the rule, and 9 Dellwood Cres. is one. Located in Westdale (on Charleswood's western edge off Dale Boulevard), the 1,080-square-foot, two-storey side-by-side is on a family-oriented street close to schools, parks and shopping.
Most importantly, the home has (as the saying goes) good bones and -- with a few minor exceptions -- is in move-in condition.
"I found it for the outgoing owners nine years ago," said Realty Executives First Choice's Darryl Unrau. "In the nine years they've owned the home, they haven't had any major problems. The structure is very solid -- when you look over the door frames, there's little, if any, signs of shifting, and the basement's in great shape, too."
Seeing as the home is 42 years old, it's also in better than average condition. For starters, the flooring -- natural oak hardwood that runs through the living room and most of the upper level -- is in excellent shape. The hardwood isn't in imminent need of being refinished, and the linoleum flooring in the kitchen is newer and won't need to be replaced for quite some time. The oak staircase that leads to the second floor is in superb shape, too.
Meanwhile, the paint -- most of it recent -- is neutral (earth tones) in all spaces from the living room to kitchen, as well as three bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom upstairs. There aren't any hot pinks, gaudy greens or bold blues that need to be painted over to make spending time in a space bearable for those whose personal preferences don't allow such hues. Having no work to do on that front is a bonus, especially if you're working with a limited budget.
There are a few items that could be upgraded: The vanity in the main bath upstairs is a bit worn and dated, and the sink is purple. A close look at the windows reveals original aluminum sliders, never a favourite due to their propensity to frost up in Manitoba's cold winters. Head downstairs to the rec room, and it quickly becomes evident the brown carpeting on the floor needs to be replaced.
This is all good news, Unrau said.
"Those are all minor issues that can be dealt with over time. If you're a young family on a limited budget, you don't have to do anything right away," he said. "All you need to do is make a list of what things need to be done and then save up and take care of them gradually over the next few years. The important thing is that you've got a good, solid home."
Unrau added 9 Dellwood also features a logical floor plan that lends itself well to family life.
"The layout is practical in the sense that it's very family-friendly. The living room is a good size and is nice and bright, thanks to a big picture window. Then, the kitchen is a nice, big, bright space. It's a true eat-in kitchen that has room for a big table, and there's plenty of cabinet and counter space. The cabinets were refaced with Euro-style doors, so they function well and look just fine. The countertops are in good shape, and while the stove and fridge are older, they work fine. The dishwasher is a newer Whirlpool model."
Upstairs, the home has three well-proportioned rooms -- two kids' rooms with a big closet, and a spacious master suite with double closet that was placed conveniently adjacent to the clean, functional main bathroom.
"Everything is in excellent condition, and the rooms aren't small at all," Unrau said. "There's room for a king-sized bed, two end tables, a dresser and even an armoire in the master bedroom, and the kids' rooms are big enough to serve them from their childhood years right into their early teens, if need be."
Although the home's basement isn't huge, it is nevertheless highly functional. The rec room is big enough to hold a play area, computer area and media area, and the mechanical room offers a laundry area and ample storage.
"It's a good living space that adds an extra dimension to the home. It can be a good play space for the kids or be used as dad's spot to watch TV or both. The mechanical room also holds a bonus -- a newer high-efficient furnace with UV light on it that helps reduce dust and mould, a newer hot-water tank and a well-maintained washer/dryer," he said. "This home is pretty much in move-in condition."
Finally, there's the location, Unrau added.
"It's just great," he said. "You're close to the bus, schools, parks, the community centre and the Perimeter, and all the neighbours are wonderful. As starter homes go, they don't get much better than this one."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 9 Dellwood Cres., Westdale
Year Built: 1970
Style: Two-storey side-by-side
Size: 1,180 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 30' x 105'
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Taxes: $2,008.00 (gross 2012)
Price: $189,900
Contact: Darryl Unrau, Realty Executives First Choice, at 885-8999
