Property Overview: 249 Washington Avenue, Winnipeg
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a compact, one-and-a-half storey home built in 1914, situated on a standard 3,002 sqft lot in the Chalmers neighbourhood. Its key features include a detached garage and an unfinished basement. With 928 sqft of living space, the home offers a modest footprint that is very typical for its immediate street and area.
The primary appeal lies in its position as an affordable, no-frills entry point into the Winnipeg market. The assessed value is notably below the citywide average, suggesting a lower property tax burden and an accessible price point. Its lot size is generous for the neighbourhood, offering potential for outdoor space or future expansion relative to nearby homes.
This property would best suit a first-time buyer, an investor looking for a rental property, or a hands-on individual seeking a straightforward home with clear, manageable scope. It’s a practical choice for someone prioritizing location within a established community over modern finishes, and who sees value in a classic home that hasn’t been altered, allowing for a renovation tailored to the new owner's tastes. A thoughtful perspective is that its very "averageness" on the street and in Chalmers provides stability, insulating it from being an outlier in either a positive or negative sense within the local market context.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the true condition of the basement?
The listing explicitly states the basement is "not renovated." Buyers should budget for professional inspections to understand the full condition of the foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems, and to plan for any necessary moisture control or finishing work.
2. How does the low assessed value impact me?
A lower assessed value generally translates to lower municipal property taxes, which is a recurring cost savings. However, it is crucial to distinguish assessed value from market value; the sale price will be determined by current market conditions and buyer demand.
3. Is the lot size a advantage?
At 3,002 sqft, the lot is larger than many in the city core and is above average for the Chalmers area. This provides more private outdoor space than many comparable homes and could be a long-term asset for gardening, adding a deck, or future expansion, subject to zoning bylaws.
4. What should I know about a home built in 1914?
Homes of this era possess character but require specific attention. Prospective buyers should investigate the age and condition of major systems like wiring and plumbing, the presence of any historical materials like knob-and-tube wiring or lead paint, and the efficiency of the original windows and insulation.
5. How does this home compare to others nearby?
The data shows this home is very typical for Washington Avenue and Chalmers in terms of living area, lot size, and year built. This consistency can be reassuring, indicating you are purchasing in a stable, established streetscape without significant over-improvement or under-improvement compared to neighbours.