When it comes to buying a home, we all have to start somewhere.
However, in this day and age of flips and inflated prices, it's difficult to know where to start. If you're in your early to mid-20s and are just entering the labour force with a newly-minted degree in hand -- and limited financial resources -- it can be difficult to find an entry-level home that delivers quality and value.
Fortunately, there's the occasional lower-priced home that delivers the critical attributes outlined above. One such example is a 550-sq.-ft., top-floor condominium found at 445 Marion Street in St. Boniface.
"This unit is what I would call a starter condominium," said RE/MAX Performance Realty's Jeff Stern. "While it's not an overly huge unit, it works well because of its floor plan. The main living area is an open-concept plan that works well because you never feel like you're jammed in to a small, confined space."
True enough: Whereas many apartments built in the 1950s (the building the unit resides in was built in 1955) feature small windows and a choppy floor plan (i.e., walls where they shouldn't be, perfectly placed to block light flow), that's not the case here.
"I think one of the major differences between this and other units from the same era is the fact that you've got a wall of big windows on the back wall next to both the living room and kitchen," he said. "That makes for a nice, bright space that's very livable."
That livability is further enhanced by the fact that there isn't a wall between the kitchen/dining area and living room -- a critical feature because it opens space for a good-sized table on the left-hand wall.
"In a unit this size, use of available space is extremely important," Stern explained. "This unit is different from so many other similar (under 600-sq.-ft.) units because you actually have a spot where you can put a real, rather than symbolic, table to eat at. There's also the potentially do a bit of entertaining because there's space. The table fits perfectly between the kitchen and living room."
Not only is the floor plan contemporary, but so too is the decor -- a welcome feature for a young professional looking for a bit of style. There's no tired carpet here, or dated cabinets and/or weathered countertops -- or 25-year-old appliances for that matter, said Stern.
"It's just a nicely done space. In the kitchen, you get newer taupe laminate countertops, espresso maple cabinets (loads of them), beige ceramic tile flooring and a newer fridge and stove with stainless-style finish. Other features such as a faux tile backsplash and big, low-silled window next to the sink add extra charm and utility."
Meanwhile, the living room is defined from the kitchen by dark (oak) laminate hardwoods that offer warmth and contrast. Another subtle feature -- a one-third wall between the kitchen and living room -- neatly divides the spaces while providing a nook ideal to place a big screen TV by.
"The thing I love about the main living area in this condominium is that the living spaces are very well-proportioned," he said. "The kitchen is 14.5 feet by 10 feet, while the living room is a very nice size at 14.5 feet by nearly 12 feet. As a result, there's lots of room for furniture -- and to move about. Because the space is used well, the main living area feels a good deal bigger than it actually is."
The next two components of the condominium -- the bathroom and master bedroom -- are also surprisingly spacious, and well-appointed, added Stern.
"Another nice feature is the fact that the tile in the kitchen extends into the hallway that leads to the bathroom and then into the bathroom itself. Like the kitchen and living room, it's also been redone with the tile floor, a newer espresso vanity (and taupe laminate countertop," he said. "It also comes with a cast iron tub (in excellent shape) with a vinyl surround and big obscured glass window on the back wall -- and a newer six liter-per-flush toilet."
Last but certainly not least is the master bedroom, which measures in at a well-proportioned 12 feet by 9.5 feet.
"It's actually quite a large space considering the size of the unit," said Stern. "Right now, the outgoing owner has a queen-size bed in it with quite a large headboard unit, as well as a caged enclosure for a dog, and there's still ample room. Put in a smaller bed, and you've got all kinds of room. There's decent storage with a big double closet, and lots of light comes in from another larger (newer) window."
Stern said the unit would be a good choice both economically and logistically for a young professional who desires a home that offers style, utility and a good location.
"Everything here has been updated from the bathroom to the kitchen, and the space itself is very low-maintenance with the tile and hardwoods," he said. "The location is also very central. It's easy to get downtown -- it's close to bus service -- but you're not so close that you're in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. This is a quiet area with a good internal community; this unit is solid, and offers exceptional value."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
LOCATION: 5-455 Marion Street
YEAR BUILT: 1955
SIZE: 550 sq. ft.
STYLE: Apartment-style condominium
BEDROOMS: 1
BATHROOMS: 1
TAXES: $1,450 (Gross 2012)
CONDOMINIUM FEES: $270.41 (Tenant pays hydro & parking)
PRICE: $129,900
CONTACT: Jeff Stern, RE/MAX Performance Realty @ (204) 255-4204
