Solid place to start

These days, a starter home can range in price from $300,000 to $400,000, depending on its condition and location.

And as many a young family has discovered, starter dwellings run the gamut from those needing a ton of work to those requiring little to no updating — and everything in between.

In most cases, houses listing for around $300,000 may need many upgrades, inflating the actual cost of the home to somewhere between $325,000 and $350,000 depending on what needs to be done.

If you’re handy, this may not be a daunting task. However, if you’re not so adept at home repair and refurbishment, the cost of required work — and possibly taking out a purchase-plus-improvements mortgage to cover up to $50,000 in renovation costs — may be untenable for many young couples looking to buy.

Thankfully, the occasional starter home comes onto the market largely move-in ready, and 57 Costello Dr. is one of them, says David Phillips of Century 21 Carrie Realty.

“This home has been well-loved by its former owner,” he says of the 1,100-sq.-ft., two-storey attached home, which is situated on a quiet street in Crestview. “It’s in great shape and comes with some key upgrades. Everything in the home has been very well taken care of.”

Indeed, the home appears to be in spotless condition from the moment you step inside.

The blonde laminate-plank flooring in the living room is in pristine condition, while the colour palette — which is largely taupe and white with some browns and beiges thrown in — is modern, earthy and pleasingly neutral.

At the same time, the main floor is bright and well-planned. A large window on the living room’s front wall lets in loads of natural light, while more light streams in through the doorway connecting the living room to the kitchen from a patio door on the kitchen’s rear wall.

Meanwhile, a hallway off the foyer (and to the left of the upper-level staircase) leads into the kitchen, with a powder room and door to the lower level on its right-hand side.

“Lots of natural light comes in through the oversized windows, and works with the paint colours and flooring to give the home a warm, welcoming feel,” Phillips says. “Not only that, but flow is excellent. You can access the kitchen from either the foyer or living room, and both spaces are of good size. The living room is quite spacious and can easily accommodate plenty of furniture and a TV.”

Then, there’s the eat-in kitchen, which is a delightful and very functional space.

“The first thing you notice about it is the dinette area,” Phillips says. “It’s in its own designated spot away from the kitchen next to a patio door. It leads out to a huge deck that looks out onto a big backyard with a newer fence and shed.”

Step back inside, and the next stop is the galley-style kitchen, which features newer flooring, plenty of cabinet and counter space, a built-in cooktop and oven, a stainless-steel Whirlpool fridge and a handy pantry.

“At some point, you might want to update the kitchen, but it works great as is,” Phillips says. “Everything works perfectly and a window next to the sink lets in more natural light.”

Head upstairs, and there’s a nice surprise — not two, but three good-sized bedrooms.

“The fact the home is 1,100 sq. ft. in size allowed for three bedrooms upstairs rather than two. That’s a real plus. If you have two kids, each can have their own room,” Phillips says.

He says the other two spaces — the primary bedroom and main bathroom — are also quite impressive.

“The fact the primary bedroom is the size it is — it’s quite spacious — is somewhat surprising given the generous size of both secondary bedrooms,” Phillips says. “It’s carpeted, has a beautiful feature wall behind the bed, and comes with a double closet. It’s also close to the main bath.”

As it turns out, the main bathroom is anything but dated.

“It’s been nicely updated with a newer vanity, with contemporary mirror and faucet, as well as a newer vinyl floor and tile bathtub surround. And it’s close to the primary bedroom, which is a bonus,” Phillips says.

Speaking of bonuses, the home’s lower level is just that.

“Families will love the fact there’s a big rec room with newer carpeting and lighting,” Phillips says. “There’s space for a media area, as well as an office or play area in a little nook to its rear.”

Phillips says the lovingly maintained home could be a young family’s dream.

“Not only is it attainable, but you can move right in and live in it and do updates at your own pace. It’s also close to schools and parks, shopping and more. It’s a true find.”

lewys@mymts.net