As good as new

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/12/2022 (687 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Finding a move-up home that’s move-in-ready is no easy task.

As many families have found — after paying $400,000 or more for a purportedly move-in-ready home that was built in the fifties or sixties — there’s always something to spend extra money on.

And while things like new appliances and window coverings seem like minor purchases, they add up.

Then, when a new backyard deck is added to the equation, that list of minor expenditures suddenly becomes major.

In short order, $15,000 has been added to the tally, with several thousand dollars more to be tacked on when it’s discovered that the backyard fence needs to be replaced.

That’s why it makes sense to buy a like-new home if you can find one, says Jennifer Queen of RE/MAX Professionals.

“While they’re rare commodities, I just listed a nearly new, 1,450 sq. ft, attached home that is truly in move-in-ready condition,” she says. “It was built in 2018, and there’s no need to buy appliances or window coverings, build a deck or fence the yard — everything is done.”

As thrilling as it is to have those key amenities in place, the most notable thing about the home is that it’s just four years old.

That means that the well-maintained home offers a contemporary, family-friendly layout and modern finishes throughout.

“Take the main living area, for example,” says Queen. “It comes with a nine-foot ceiling, laminate plank flooring and an open-concept floor plan with the kitchen at the center. It offers a functional corner pantry, extra-tall maple cabinets, an island with breakfast bar and four newer stainless appliances.”

She adds that the remainder of the main living area is just as impressive.

“A spacious formal dining area off the kitchen is next to a sliding patio door that lead out to a large backyard deck; it’s great for entertaining or a summer barbecue”

Then, there’s the adjacent living room.

“It offers a custom built-in gas fireplace with stone surround, large TV nook and functional storage,” she notes. “And the patio door and two large windows behind the living room let in lots of natural light.”

A four-foot-wide staircase then leads stylishly up to the home’s upper level. Turns out, its layout is as efficient as the main floor’s.

“The first thing to note is that it has a laundry area, so there’s no need to go downstairs to do laundry,” Queen says. “Both secondary bedrooms are a very good size at over 10 feet by 12 feet each, and there’s also a spacious, beautifully finished four-piece bath that serves those bedrooms.”

Finally, there’s the privately positioned primary bedroom.

“Again, it’s a great size at nearly 14 feet by 12.25 feet. A pair of large windows on its rear wall lets in tons of light, a spacious walk-in closet with a window that lets in more light, and a lovely ensuite with a vinyl soaker tub/shower combo, maple vanity with raised sink and warm vinyl tile-style floor.”

The home’s lower level also offers plenty of function, too.

“It comes with a private side entrance that gives you the flexibility to put an in-law downstairs if there’s the need,” she says. “Or, you could put in a rec room, bedroom and bathroom and have lots of storage space left over.”

A newer high-efficient furnace with HRV also makes for a comfortable, energy-efficient home.

“The home’s energy budget is $80 a month for natural gas and $110 a month for hydro. You won’t have to worry about having to buy a new furnace or hot water tank for a long time, and you also have a single-attached garage to park your car in.”

Queen adds that the home’s location is also exceptional.

“It’s in a quiet area, yet it’s also close to schools, shopping, transit and a host of other amenities,” she says. “Best of all, everything has been done for you. All you have to do is move in and enjoy all this wonderful, nearly new home has to offer.”

lewys@mymts.net