Move-in ready condo shines in St. Norbert

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This article was published 02/04/2022 (1309 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

No matter where the local real estate market is at, the $250,000 to $300,000 price range is always the most competitive.

Today, with inventory extremely low due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors including supply chain issues, it’s become very difficult to find a solid, affordable place to live for under $300,000 — especially in the city’s more desirable areas.

Ryan Davis of RE/MAX Performance Realty says his most recent listing, a 1,249 square-foot, two-bedroom apartment-style condo in St. Norbert’s South of the Border offers budget-minded buyers a welcome ray of hope.

“I just took a look at listings in the southwest part of the city,” he says. “No matter where you look, there’s literally nothing listed for under $300,000, or at least nothing that doesn’t need a lot of work to be done to it.”

By contrast, the ground level suite, built in 1985, is in move-in-ready condition.

“When the outgoing owner bought it in 2015, it really needed to be updated,” Davis says. “They did a complete overhaul on the place, updating everything.”

Indeed, the spacious unit looks completely contemporary the instant you set foot in its generous foyer.

A double closet to the left with newer white sliding doors is highlighted beautifully by medium taupe walls, while hickory-style laminate plank flooring, which runs throughout the entire suite, injects a rich, welcoming warmth into the design mix.

From there, your attention is quickly grabbed by a stunning space to the right of the foyer.

“The kitchen is just an incredible space,” he says. “It was completely transformed with a nine-foot granite island that seats five to six, all kinds of walnut thermofoil cabinetry, a tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, stainless appliances that include a slide-in range and wall oven. It’s a real chef’s dream.”

Davis adds that the two spaces to the rear of the killer kitchen possess their own special appeal.

“I love the living room in the middle, it’s a good size and is centred around a gas fireplace with tile surround that gives it a nice, warm feel,” he says. “It’s a perfect spot to visit with guests after dinner.”

He notes that the space next to the living room, a gorgeous sunroom, wasn’t an original part of the suite’s design.

“When the outgoing owner did the renovations in 2015, he had the patio converted into a four-season sunroom. It’s surrounded by windows that let in tons of natural light and a patio door that takes you out to a covered patio that looks out onto the courtyard, not other suites.”

Head over to the bedroom wing on the opposite side of the suite, and you find two oversized bedrooms, a luxurious main bath and plenty of storage space.

“Storage space can be an issue in condos, but it isn’t here,” Davis says. “There are two large closets, including one that holds the washer and dryer, shelving, built-in drawers and extra storage space. The main bath offers a jetted soaker tub with a tile surround and tiled front.”

The private, well-positioned wing is then completed by a pair of surprisingly spacious bedrooms.

“I think their good size can be attributed to the fact that this suite is larger than most two-bedroom units at 1,249 sq. ft.,” he says. “The second bedroom is roughly 15 feet by 10 feet, while the primary bedroom is about 15 feet by 12 feet. It also comes with a walk-through closet and its own three-piece ensuite.”

Another feature also sets the spotless suite apart from similar units, he adds.

“A newer high-efficient furnace with an air conditioning unit provides forced air heating and cooling. It’s so much more comfortable and convenient than baseboard heating and a wall air conditioner,” says Davis. “Your living environment is so important, and little features like that really make a difference.”

Finally, there’s the location.

“It’s in a great spot close to amenities like the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market and shopping, services and restaurants on Pembina Highway,” says Davis. “You’re also next to the Perimeter Highway, so you can go west or east in a heartbeat out to different areas of the city, or the lake.”

The move-in-ready suite is worth a look for several reasons, he concludes.

“Most properties under $300,000 need work and tend to be in a less desirable area of town,” he says. “This unit has been totally remodelled, is in an excellent location and offers all kinds of space and function. It’s perfect for empty nesters, or first-time homeowners.”

lewys@mymts.net