As most buyers looking for a starter home have come to realize, finding a good one isn't easy.
The reason? It's difficult to find a solid starter for under $240,000. Why? Simple: spend under, say, $200,000, and you're looking at a home that might need $20,000 or more in upgrades to make the home habitable.
Add in the fact that many starters priced under the magical $200,000 mark are 700 square feet or smaller (with basements that can be used for storage only) -- with many of them being located in less-than-central neighbourhoods -- and it's easy to see why first-time buyers on limited budgets have such a hard time finding a house that provides good value for their hard-earned dollar.
Consequently, it's refreshing when a well-maintained starter home in a good location becomes available. Re/Max Performance Realty's Jeff Stern said that 80 Wildwood Park (Section E) is an example of the quintessential starter home."I think the biggest thing about this home is that it's been nicely updated by the outgoing owner. Sure, it's a little more expensive at $234,900, but you have to take a step back and look at what you're getting for the price," he said. "When you take a look at the total package, this is a starter home that has a lot to offer."
Once you look at the list of how extensively the 792-sq.-ft. home has been updated, it's obvious Stern's statement isn't a hollow boast. Recent upgrades include an updated (white) colonial-style kitchen (including flooring), renovated bathroom and newer windows. The shingles were replaced in 2006, and a backyard deck was added the same year.
"The hot water tank was replaced in 2010, and the home also comes with maintenance-free siding," said Stern. "With the roof done recently and a new hot water tank -- along with the newer windows and vinyl siding -- there aren't any big worries in terms of things that need to be done immediately. The home is basically in move-in condition. You might eventually want to refinish the hardwoods and update the rec room."
Not only is the home well-maintained, but it's also more spacious than most starters. While 80 Wildwood is a shade under 800 sq. ft. at 792 sq. ft., it seems bigger due to a logical layout that includes an eat-in kitchen, two good-sized bedrooms and a large living room that features front and corner windows that provide a view of the park-like property out front.
This is a home in which a young couple with a young child or empty nesters could be quite comfortable in, as the layout offers a surprising amount of flexibility.
"Right now, the second bedroom is being used as a dining room, but a couple with a baby could convert it back in to a bedroom and eat in the kitchen," he said.
"Or -- because the master bedroom is such a nice size -- you could have a crib in the bedroom and use the second bedroom as an office or dining room. Then, you still have the living room, which is bigger and brighter than most starters out there. The (original) oak hardwoods that run through the bedrooms, hallway and living room are also a nice feature."
Another nice feature is the home's bright interior, which comes courtesy of large windows in every room. Even the compact bathroom (which comes equipped with a pedestal sink and newer vinyl floor) has a big window to brighten its interior; the living room, meanwhile, is the highlight of the main level, with it's parkland view, warm hardwoods and impressive volume.
Downstairs awaits a bonus: a partially finished 285-sq.-ft. rec room, third bedroom and a large laundry/storage room.
"With the rec room and third bedroom (which measures in at 93 sq. ft.), you get almost 400 sq. ft. of liveable space that can be put to good use. That isn't always the case. Many starters come with only a partial basement or one that's fit only for storage," Stern added. "Plus, you've got a huge laundry/mechanical/storage room (with sump pump). The effective square footage of the home is about 1,170 sq. ft. -- not bad at all."
Finally, there's a (still solid) single detached garage off the backyard that offers more storage, as well as sheltered parking for one vehicle -- yet more utility.
Then, there's the location, which shouldn't be overlooked, said Stern.
"This is a great neighbourhood, a very charming area with a beautiful country feel. While it's set well back from Pembina Highway -- you really do feel like you're at the cottage here -- you're close to key services, as well as golf (Wildwood Golf Club) and a community centre," he said. "This is a cute, solid starter in a great area that you can simply move into, and enjoy."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 80 Wildwood Park, Section E
Year built: 1947
Style: Bungalow
Size: 792 sq. ft.
Lot size: 60' x 120'
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $2,995.14 (Gross 2011)
Price: $234,900
Contact: Jeff Stern, Re/Max Performance Realty @ 946-5333
