Hi everyone:

It's an often-reported fact that Winnipeg's population is aging, and as such Condominiums are becoming quite popular. In fact, there are numerous advantages to owning a condo.

[caption id=”attachment_1197” align=”alignright” width=”240” caption=”Photo by Jonathan Grundy on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/32709437@N02”][/caption]

A separate segment of condominiums are the 55-plus Condos. These are units with bylaws which state that the owner/occupant of the unit must be at least 55 years of age. (Some 55-plus condos have dropped this age requirement down to 50 yrs, in an effort to attract more buyers). By the way, only ONE of the owners of a suite needs to be of the specified age. For example, if the wife is 55, and her husband is 42, they qualify….. and I must add, “Good for Her!!!!”

For the right person, there are a number of advantages to these 'age-specific' condominiums. Here are a few:

1) Security: Many of these 55-plus condos are built with security in mind, sometimes with security cameras but almost always with good secure locks on well-lit entry ways.

2) Handicap accessible: Many buildings feature wider-than-normal hallways, doors and bathrooms, to allow access via wheelchair or walker.

3) “Community Spirit”: Quite often, the residents organize weekly pot-luck dinners, shopping trips, card-games and other outings.

4) “Birds of a Feather”: Since everyone in the building is 55-plus, and most often retired, residents tend to have a lot in common, and friendships are made easily…. if you WANT to do so.

5) Conveniences: Local grocery stores often arrange weekly bus-trip to their shops. Some condos arrange for a local nurse to attend monthly, or bi-monthly for a general visit.

6) Amenities: 55-plus buildings often feature amenities not found in regular condos. Things such as a library, a meeting room, a lounge with kitchen, a fitness room and more.

Home-owners who are thinking of selling their houses for a variety of reasons (want to travel, no more yardwork, security issues), but don't feel they are ready for a retirement community, might well consider checking out a 55-plus Condominium. There are a growing number of such communities in Winnipeg. For a sample list of addresses which feature “age-restricted' condos, click on '55-plus condominiums”.

In addition, there is a brand new building, which (at the time of this post) has a couple of suites for sale. To see one of these listings complete with interior photos, click here.

If you're thinking of selling your current home, and wish to discuss your options, please call me anytime. Bo Kauffmann at Remax Performance Realty 204-333-2202.

Hi Everyone:

I wanted to send out a quick report on the condominium situation in the south end of St Vital. I had recently noticed that there is a shortage of good quality condo listings in the south end, a factor which helped on of my recent listings sell for significantly over the asking-price.

Currently, in the south St Vital area, there are only 14 condos listed for sale, ranging in price from the low end of 575 sq-ft condo on Arden at $119,900 to a high-end, 1515 sq ft luxury condo at The Waterfront for $450,000.

During the month of June 2010, this same area saw a total of 19 condos sold, ranging in price from $117,000 to a high of $356,000. Of these, 8 condos sold ABOVE list price, 7 sold BELOW list, and 4 sold AT LIST.

During July 2010, a total of only 10 condos were sold in south St. Vital, ranging in price from $145,000 to $400,000. Of those, 4 condos sold ABOVE list, and 6 sold BELOW list.

While 'ultiple offers' are more rare in condominiums, our current shortage of listings is helping to create a situation where sellers can expect good activity on their condos, listed on the MLS® by REALTORS®

If you're looking to sell your condo, in St. Vital or other areas of Winnipeg, please call me anytime for a realistic market evaluation, and a look at my Customized Marketing Plan for your Condo.

Bo 333-2202

Hi everyone:

I'm happy to report that my buyer just purchased a condo at 193 Victor Lewis Dr in Lindenwoods.

If you're looking for a condo in Winnipeg, let's set up a meeting and find you a great condo in Winnipeg. Call me anytime.

Hello everyone:

These days, with 'bidding wars' all too common in the 'entry-level' price range of $150,000 to $250,000, condos are an excellent alternative for first time buyers. When 700-sq ft homes are selling for $220,000 (without garages), there are 1100-sq-ft condos with insuite laundry, central air, full appliances and more.... selling for $165,000.

Currently in the south end of the city, there are 46 condos for sale in the $120,000 to $180,000 dollar range, many of which are NOT subject to the 'multiple offers' that individual homes are receiving. If you're thinking of buying your first home, take a look at some of these condos. To receive a list of available units, e-mail me at boknowshomes@gmail.com