Homes of the Month: First-time buyers

According to a recent report, approximately 45 per cent of homebuyers in 2015 are first-timers and the average price a first-time buyer will spend on a home in Canada is $308,061. But Canada’s diverse local real estate markets means this first-time buyer budget can yield extremely diverse home results. From a spacious detached home in St. John's to a townhouse in Vancouver, take a virtual tour through these Canadian homes currently for sale in the average price range of a first-time buyer.

St. John's

Price: $339,900
Beds, Baths: 5, 2
Floor Space: 2,700 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This home is nestled on a large 75 foot-by-200 foot tree-lined lot in St. John's west end near Bowring Park, shopping and schools. This five-bedroom bungalow has many upgrades including a recently renovated kitchen, new 200 amp electrical panel and wiring, renovated main floor bathroom, new front steps and back deck plus much more. This home boasts hardwood flooring throughout the main level, a two-sided wood burning fireplace in the open concept living/dining room and corner windows in most of the main floor rooms. The fully developed basement has all new laminate flooring, a second full bathroom, a family room and a rec room. The lower level has potential for conversion to an apartment and this large raised bungalow could then be a two apartment home.

Darlene Rendell / RE/MAX Infinity Realty Inc.

Halifax

Price: $349,900
Beds, Baths: 3, 1
Floor Space: 1,222 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Welcome to peaceful and quiet Drummond Court. This well-cared for home is tucked away in Halifax's north end. The convenient main floor layout features an updated kitchen with Corian countertops. The hardwood stairs brings you to the second level where you will find three full-sized bedrooms, all with hardwood floors, and a full bathroom. The lower level has ample storage with work bench and finished den; would work for an office or a second TV room. This large, corner lot is fully landscaped and completely fenced. This home has had only one owner in the last 25 years and has had all of the major updates completed, including windows, roof and siding.

James Higgs / Parachute Realty

Montreal

Price: $349,000
Beds, Baths: 2, 1
Floor Space: Approx. 850 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Enjoy this modern loft-style condominium complex situated in the heart of Montreal's 'Quartier des Spectacles.' This large condo boasts a wall of windows and also has an interior garage, locker and many upgrades, including granite counter tops. Some of the home’s other features include high sandblasted concrete ceilings, hardwood flooring, air conditioning and a kitchen with European-style cabinets and a designer backsplash. This elevated ground floor unit also boasts lots of storage.

Amy Assaad / Royal LePage Heritage Real Estate Agency

Ottawa

Price: $309,900
Beds, Baths: 3, 2
Floor Space: Approx. 1,500 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom open-concept home in Ottawa. The spacious eat-in kitchen features plenty of cupboards and counter space. Hardwood flooring flows throughout the L-shaped living and dining rooms. Other features of the home include a well-sized master bedroom, updated bathrooms and a finished basement with great storage. The driveway fits side-by-side parking. Enjoy the large treed 31-foot-by-121-foot lot with fenced backyard.

Carlos Fernando and Gary Tyo / Royal LePage Team Realty

Toronto

Price: $319,900
Beds, Baths: 1+1, 1
Floor Space: 540 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: Welcome to Tridel's The Richmond. This condo features one bedroom, a large den and an open south-facing balcony. Recent renovations include new high-quality laminate flooring throughout, hardware, stainless steel appliances, integrated bathroom sink and vanity, faucets, mirrored closet doors, light fixtures and granite counter tops. The graphite feature walls and exposed concrete ceilings give this condo a great vibe in an urban building that offers resort-like amenities while still retaining a great sense of community enjoyed by the residents. TTC at your door  and a short walk to the St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District and the many shops and restaurants of the King East Design Corridor.

Jay Michael Fleming and Eric Jensen Andrews / Royal LePage Your Community Realty

Sudbury

Price: $319,900
Beds, Baths: 3+1, 2
Floor Space: 1,040 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A fully-finished brick bungalow in the heart of New Sudbury. The property has a 30-foot-by-32-foot, insulated, gas heated garage. The main floor boasts an eat-in kitchen and open living area, as well as three bedrooms and a full bathroom. The lower level has a large rec room, fourth bedroom and a renovated second bathroom, along with plenty of storage. Updates include new carpet downstairs, hardwood and ceramic tile throughout the main floor, all new windows, shingles and eaves trough (2010), central air, and new driveway on Canterbury.

Andrew Del Ben / RE/MAX Crown Realty (1989) Inc., Brokerage

London

Price: $304,900
Beds, Baths: 3, 3
Floor Space: Approx. 1,459 sq. ft.. main floor

MLS Notes: Welcome to Maple Ridge Estates. This ‘Juniper’ floor plan is approximately 1,459 square feet on the main floor, with a large fully finished rec room on the lower level. The list of features in this home include two full baths, including a master ensuite, roomy open concept kitchen/living/dining room, ceramic tile, hardwood in the great room, high efficiency furnace and air conditioning. This detached condominium community offers low condo fees, manageable lots and low maintenance exteriors. Further upgrades in this unit include, back deck, gas fireplace, security system, a phantom screen on the front door, landscaping with in-ground sprinklers and added gutter guards.

Stewart David Blair and Jeremy Glenn Odland / Royal LePage Triland Realty

Winnipeg

Price: $309,900
Beds, Baths: 3, 2
Floor Space: 1,187 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: There is almost 1,200 square feet of living space in this family home. The home boasts three bedrooms upstairs, an updated four-piece bath (2014), spacious eat-in kitchen and all appliances included. There are hardwood floors throughout the home, including under the carpets in the hallways and bedrooms. The fully finished basement includes a three-piece bath. The attic is insulated up to R-50, and new vents were installed in 2014. The front driveway features a double detached garage (20 feet-by-24 feet), and the backyard backs onto a park. This home is located close to all levels of schools, walking paths, playgrounds, and just a short walk to Rossmere golf course.

Steven Crampton / RE/MAX Executives Realty

Regina

Price: $309,900
Beds, Baths: 3, 1
Floor Space: 1,040 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A renovated two-storey, three-bedroom move-in ready family home. This home was redesigned with a more open concept including the dining/living room area and modern kitchen, main floor laundry and solid hardwood floor throughout the main level. New appliances included. The second level features three good sized bedrooms including a master with walk-in closet and an updated main four-piece bath. Some of the home’s recent improvements include new windows (2012), updated electrical wiring with 100 amp panel, hardwired smoke detectors, all new plumbing, R40 attic insulation, shingles (2008), drywall and insulation throughout, light fixtures, new baseboards and trim, cedar deck and fence plus more.

Jason Cossette / RE/MAX Crown Real Estate

Saskatoon

Price: $319,999
Beds, Baths: 3, 2
Floor Space: 1,012 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: The main floor of this Saskatoon home features an open layout, white kitchen cabinets (maple upgrade available), a large master bedroom with walk-in closet, a spacious secondary bedroom and a bathroom. The basement includes a third bedroom and second bathroom and also features a separate entrance for a future one-bedroom legal suite. The property also includes a 20 foot-by-20 foot parking pad for future garage.

Michael Kinar / Expert Advisory Realty Ltd.

Calgary

Price: $337,900
Beds, Baths: 3+0, 1
Floor Space: 947 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A recently updated home in the quiet location of Applewood. This well maintained bright home features a good sized living room and kitchen with plenty of cabinets. Freshly painted throughout, providing modern colours and giving the home a warm, comfortable feel. The main level also includes three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The basement has a large family room for entertainment and media needs, plus room for an extra bedroom and a bathroom. Applewood is a great family friendly neighbourhood with a school nearby and walking distance to the bus. Easy commute to downtown, with malls, and stores close by.

Ross Pavl and Scarlette Cardoze / RE/MAX House of Real Estate

Vancouver

Price: $309,999
Beds, Baths: 1, 1
Floor Space: 566 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: A Vancouver townhouse with private entrance on Alder Street. This bright one-bedroom unit boasts west-facing exposure. The home includes underground parking and a storage locker. The bedroom and patio a mountain view. This townhouse is convienently located within walking distance of Granville Island and West Broadway.

Michael Rampf and Shawn Anderson / RE/MAX Crest Westside

Victoria

Price: $314,900
Beds, Baths: 2, 2
Floor Space: 1,228 sq. ft.

MLS Notes: This home has a central location close to shopping, recreation and commuter routes. This freestanding townhouse has no shared walls, making it look and feel like your own private home, plus it has a garage and two extra parking spots. Upstairs is the private master bedroom suite which features a large walk-in closet, four-piece ensuite bathroom and skylights to bring in the light. The home features a living room with fireplace, a spacious kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining room with a deck off it. Downstairs you will find the second bedroom, full bathroom and a bonus family room leading out onto a west facing patio and garden area. This home is in move-in condition, and located within walking distance to schools, and the vibrant Goldstream Village center.

Paul Holland / Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty / Chatterton Way, Victoria / www.paulholland.ca/156