Hi Everyone:

I just checked the condo-availability for Winnipeg, and found that there are currently 276 Condos in all price ranges. Lets look at some of the different price ranges:

$140,000 to $200,000:

There are 68 condos available in this price range, which many people would consider an 'entry-level' type of investment. In this price range you can expect to find 1 or 2 BR,s outdoor parking spot, most likely a Window A/C unit (although some of these might have central air), insuite laundry and balconies. There are some very nice condos available in the Swindon-Tuxedo area in this price range.

$200,000 to $300,000:

There are 87 condos available in this price range. Here you could expect to find Central Air, underground heated parking spots, larger suites (1000 sq ft and up) and more.

$300,000 to $500,000

Here you could expect to find a newer building and an upscale neighbourhood, such as Wellington Cr. Amenities should definitely include underground parking, c/air and furnace, and most likely a nice view of the river or the city. There are currently 61 condos available in this price range.

$500,000 and up:

Luxury galore: Expect full-service such as security personnel at the door, large suites and the better locations and views. There are only 13 condos in this price range, including 4 condos over $1 million, all of which are located on Wellington Cr.

If you're thinking of buying, or selling, a condo in Winnipeg, choose your agent wisely: While all REALTORS® are allowed to sell condos, not all of us are equally trained, experienced and qualified to do so. As a current condo owner, and past president of a condo board, I am ready to help you with your condo-decisions. Call me anytime.... 333-2202

Hi everyone:

In this crazy time of bidding wars (especially on entry-level houses) a first time buyer might consider purchasing a condominium for their first home. In fact there are many great reasons to buy a condominium, not just for a first time buyer. To see a list of reasons, read 7 Reaons

With 700-sq-ft bungalows selling in the south end of the city for over $200,000, there are a number of condominiums available for prices perfect for the first time buyer. To find out a little more, read Condos between 120K and 180K

As an example, an 800 sq ft apartment style condominium, with upgraded kitchen, bath, flooring, new appliances and much more, sell for approximately $160,000. And 1100 sq-ft townhouse condos, with c/air and insuite laundry can be purchased for approximately $165,000 to $170,000.

As an added bonus, although condominiums sometimes do receive multiple offers, these situations are far more rare, making condominiums an excellent choice for the first time buyer who need to put financing conditions into their offers.

Hi Everyone:

I've been invited to speak to a Heritage Group, comprised of retiree's who are interested in learning more about condominiums. In preparation for this presentation, I've examined some of the main reasons why condominiums in Winnipeg are popular, and some of the advantages that come with the condo life-style. So here we go:

1) A cost-effective alternative to houses

I've just listed and sold a 700 sq ft bi-level home which received 11 offers and sold for well over $200,000. No garage, no appliances included, nothing fancy...a good solid house with a few upgrades. By comparison, there are 1100 ft condos, with central air and central furnace, insuite laundry and all appliances that will sell for approx. $165,000. For First Time Buyers, who are sick of the bidding wars, this is an excellent alternative.

2) Lifestyle

Do you like to travel? Or perhaps you're both working full time and looking after the house and yard is a chore you simply don't have time for? Condos offer a simple 'lock-up-and-go' lifestyle. In many cases, your neighbours won't even know you're gone,....unless you tell them.

3) No Yardwork

Getting tired of shoveling all winter, and mowing all summer? Is house and yard maintenance weighing you down, or simply getting away from you? With Condos, you don't have to lift a finger. Walks are shoveled, grass is cut, garbage is picked up and halls and common grounds are cleaned and maintained. Just enjoy...

4) Security

Condos (especially Highrise Units) offer secure entrances, with security cameras and often even patrolling security companies. As a former police officer I can tell you that break-ins to high-rise condos are rare. While they DO occur, when compared to break-ins to houses, they are statistically insignificant. Piece of mind living in a secure condo.

5) Community

Many condo owners find that in a condo, their neighbours are enjoying a similar lifestyle, and so they have more in common with these folks. Many condos also offer "common-rooms" where people can get together and talk, or fitness rooms, pools etc etc. This is especially true for the 55+ buildings where all your neighbours are in a similar age group as yourself.

6) Lower Operating Costs

In most condos, especially in the highrise and townhouse variety, the building insurance is already included in the condo fee. As is the water-bill. And sometimes the heat and hydro as well. Building maintenance is included, so you dont have to worry about replacing a furnace, or the shingles or the windows. And if heat is NOT included, heating a 1000 sq ft apartment style suite is far less expensive than the average 1000 ft bungalow, often even as low as half the cost. (Thats because the units above, below and beside you help insulate you from the elements)

7) Benefits of Home Ownership

With some limitations, condo owners enjoy many of the same benefits as house owners. They can Live in the condo, Rent it out, Improve it, Give it away, Borrow Money against it and basically treat it the same as a house. The limitations (by-laws) are a two-way street: What some people see as limitations, others see as insurance against having a neighbour do something which would negatively affect YOUR property value. (Ex: Try selling your house after your neighbour has turned his driveway into a junk yard or used-car lot)

As a current owner of a condo, and past president of condo boards, I am able to talk about this subject with some level of knowledge and authority. So if you're thinking of a condo, in any style or price-range, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime.

Bo 333-2202

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