Homes of the Month: Family-friendly homes

August was another strong month for the Canadian housing market. According to a recent report from the Canadian Real Estate Association, August home sales were up four per cent compared to the same month in 2014. With low interest rates helping keep the market strong, some may be thinking now is the time to buy. From a split-level in St. John's to a Vancouver bungalow, we've rounded up a selection of four-bedroom family homes for sale in major cities across Canada for under $1 million as the back-to-school season hits its stride.

St. John's

Price: $365,000
Beds, Baths: 3+1, 3
Floor Space: 2,170 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath split entry home with an open concept kitchen, living and dining room. The master bedroom boasts a large four-piece ensuite. The kitchen has birch cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. The living room has a modern linear propane fireplace with floor-to-ceiling ledger stone. The main floor has hardwood floors. Windows are covered with Hunter Douglas top down, bottom up cordless blinds. The property is fully fenced with a 12 foot-by-16 foot shed and backs on to a green belt.

Crystal Eagan / Hanlon Realty

Halifax

Price: $519,900
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: 3,465 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Open concept living on the main floor features a sunken family room with a propane fireplace along with a view overlooking Hail Pond. The deck off of the kitchen has a tranquil setting as the home backs onto a greenbelt with access to walking trails. Upstairs you will find four spacious bedrooms including the master suite with a large ensuite and walk-in closet. The finished walk-out basement has the capacity to accommodate friends and family for entertaining using the built-in speakers throughout the home. Recent upgrades include the roof re-shingled in 2014 and an oil tank 2013. Maintaining your summer lawn is made easier with an in-ground sprinkler system. Located close to all amenities.

Andrea Ramia and Joe Faddoul / Precision Realty

Montreal

Price: $549,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 2
Floor Space: Approx. 1,332 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This four-bedroom home has a great location on a quiet street, yet close to all services. The bright split-level home is situated on a large lot. The home has had a recent extension of the family room, and has a spacious sunny backyard with pool and a large wooden deck. The property is great for entertaining family and friends. The kitchen and bathrooms have been fully renovated with top quality materials. 

Alain Gregoire / Groupe Sutton

Ottawa

Price: $489,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 3
Floor Space: 2,430 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A well maintained and decorated four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home. Some of the home's features include a big, bright eat-in kitchen, an open living/dining room, a main floor family room, laundry and solarium. The lower level is fully finished with two living areas and a separate office/den. The yard is fenced and boasts a garden shed. This home is in a great location, close to parks, schools and recreation. Via and OC Transpo station just a couple of minutes away.

Trudy Mulligan / Caldwell Banker Coburn Realty

Toronto

Price: $749,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: Over 2,000 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A brand-new home boasting over 2,000 square feet of living space, high-end finishes throughout, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The main floor features 10-foot ceilings, pot lights, an oak staircase, two skylights and porcelain tiles in bathroom. The gourmet kitchen has a centre island, granite counter tops and mosaic backsplash. The finished basement has two walk outs. Within easy walking distance to subway and shops on the Danforth.

Tony Mauro / RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Barrie

Price: $463,000
Beds, Baths: 3+1, 2
Floor Space: 1,152 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: An updated and renovated ranch bungalow with attention to detail. Live in a great east-end Barrie area with mature trees and landscaping, located close to schools, parks and easy access to downtown or Highway 400. Some of the home's features include two gas fireplaces, a bright open kitchen with island, a cook top and lots of cupboards, a full basement and a two-tier rear deck in the private back yard. All new appliances. Room to park four cars.

John Weber and Christine Bond / Royal LePage First Contact Realty, Brokerage

Kitchener

Price: $609,900
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: 3,160 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A 3,100 square foot home with four bedrooms and four baths. The fully finished basement offers the potential for an in-law suite. The gourmet kitchen features built-in appliances. The bright family room boasts two-storey high ceilings. All of the principle rooms are large and spacious. The back yard features a salt water pool and has been professionally landscaped.

Robert Wollziefer / RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage

Windsor

Price: $559,900
Beds, Baths: 4, 5
Floor Space: Approx. 3,500 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A charming two-storey home on a large treed lot in Olde Walkerville, steps from schools, shopping, hospitals and Willistead Park as well as restaurants, cafes, bistros and boutiques. The home has been updated while retaining character. Some of the homes features include a stained glass front door, hardwood floors, grand living and dining rooms and a library. Four bedrooms make this an ideal family home with approximately 3,500 square feet of living space. Guest/nanny quarters are on the upper level with bath and kitchen. The kitchen has lots of working space, with a breakfast bar and appliances included. The open concept is perfect for entertaining. The interior boasts large windows and high ceilings to brighten rooms. Outside you will find a side driveway leading to a 2.5 car garage, a fenced yard with patio and landscaping and an in-ground pool.

Mark A. Eugeni and Tina Pickle / Manor Windsor Realty Ltd.

Winnipeg

Price: $489,900
Beds, Baths: 4, 3
Floor Space: 1,626 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A sought after location on the lake with great water views. The main level features 10-foot ceilings, an open concept, hardwood floors, modern decor and tons of windows to capture maximum natural light. The master bedroom opens onto a tiered deck. The laundry/mudroom are located on the main level. The spacious lower level features a family room equipped with surround sound, large bedroom, office with attached child's space, workout area and a full third bathroom. The home features two gas fireplaces. Roof replaced in 2013, hot water tank in 2012, furnace in 2009, some windows replaced in 2012. The fenced corner lot boasts mature trees along with a storage shed and direct line gas barbeque hook-up. Located across from park, water-lined walking paths and bus stop. Walking distance to schools, daycare and Sobey's Sage Creek Plaza.

Brent Martin / RE/MAX Performance Realty

Regina

Price: $499,900
Beds, Baths: 4, 3
Floor Space: 1,842 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This Varsity-built two-storey home is located on a huge corner lot in Maple. The open concept kitchen and dining area features laminate flooring and has been freshly painted. In the kitchen, you'll find plenty of counter space, lots of cabinets, and a walk-through pantry. The dining room provides access to the composite deck built on piles and large backyard with PVC fence with double swing doors. The living room features hardwood floors and a natural gas fireplace with built-in shelving. The half bath and access to the double attached garage complete this level. Upstairs are two nice sized bedrooms, a bonus room, and the master bedroom and ensuite with corner tub and walk-in closet. The front yard landscaping has recently been completed and the garage is wired for 220 with a gas line for future furnace.

Katrina Stettner / Harmony Builders Realty Ltd.

Saskatoon

Price: $465,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 3
Floor Space: 1,351 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Modified bi-level home with finished suite, boasting a great layout. The front entry has a grand feel with its tall ceilings, and the open concept main level maintains a cozy feel. The kitchen is great for entertaining, with an island, an abundance of cabinets and upgraded stainless steel appliances. There are two good size rooms on the main level, along with the main bath. Off of the dining area is the covered deck with natural gas hookup. The yard is totally fenced. The large master bedroom boasts an ensuite and walk-in closet, large enough for a king size bed with room to spare. The basement suite offers modern décor and its own separate entry.

Jessica Betteridge and Dan Betteridge / Coldwell Banker Rescom Realty

Calgary

Price: $464,900
Beds, Baths: 3+1, 3
Floor Space: 1,837 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This four-bedroom home is located on one of New Brighton's best streets. The south-facing backyard brings natural light into this home. The kitchen features an abundance of space, boasting an oversized island and walk-in pantry with loads of room for food storage. Some of the home's features include a family room with fireplace, a bonus room upstairs with high ceilings and custom built-in shelving and a newly finished basement complete with a sound-proofed media room and bar. Outside there is a fully landscaped backyard, complete with a two-tier deck and garden space. There are two new schools being built nearby, and access to splash pad and ice rink is close by.

Cassius Caron / CIR Realty

Edmonton

Price: $520,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: 1,955 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A great location close to all amenities including rec centre and schools. This home offers 1,955 square feet plus a fully finished basement that has been well maintained by the original owner. The home has a flex room that can serve as a home office, formal dining room or anything to suit your needs. The large, open family kitchen boasts an island with breakfast bar, maple cabinets, a walk-in corner pantry with solid shelving and stainless steel appliances including a side-by-side fridge with water/ice. The dinette features a garden door that leads to the landscaped yard and maintenance-free deck. The great room has a gas fireplace with mantle. The master suite has a walk-in closet and ensuite with separate corner soaker tub and shower. The basement offers a large family room designed for a home theatre, a fourth bedroom and a bathroom.

Melanie C. Boles / RE/MAX Real Estate

Vancouver

Price: $949,000
Beds, Baths: 4, 2
Floor Space: 1,489 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This rancher is great for young families, first time buyers and down-sizers that are not interested condos. The home is situated on an 8,400 square foot lot on a quiet street in greenbelt, within a quiet neighborhood surrounded by the Seymour River Valley. Extensively renovated in 2003 and well-maintained, the home boasts hardwood floors in all the living areas, new carpets in the bedrooms along with fresh paint, a new roof and windows in 2004. The kitchen features maple cabinets and a gas stove. The sunken living room has a gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

John McKenzie / RE/MAX Crest Realty

Victoria

Price: $499,999
Beds, Baths: 4, 4
Floor Space: 2,290 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Only steps to Langford Lake, this 2011-built home is located in a family friendly neighbourhood at the end of Goldstream Ave (soon to be a quiet no through road) close to parks and Langford Lake access. Some of this home's features include a vaulted entrance, generous main-floor living area and kitchen and three bedrooms upstairs including a spacious master suite. The lower level is a bright, open concept walk-out one bedroom suite with a private entrance, and nine-foot ceilings. The sunny backyardis fully landscaped, fenced and features an underground sprinkler system.

Marko Juras / Fair Realty