By Simon Royer, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Icon Realty

I get two very different kinds of calls about a listing like this. One is a first-time buyer who's tired of renting and just wants somewhere that's actually theirs. The other is an investor who's already running the numbers in their head before I've finished describing the kitchen. 38A Harris Ave is one of those rare listings where both calls make total sense, and I want to walk through why.

For First-Time Buyers

Stepping into homeownership for the first time can feel overwhelming, but a home like this makes it a lot easier. With 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, there's room to grow without the price tag of a full detached home. The kitchen has been beautifully updated with a bright, functional layout and a large island workspace, and upstairs you'll find freshly carpeted stairs and bedrooms that give the whole home a high-end, cozy feel from day one, no renovation stress required.

If you're a first-time buyer purchasing in Brantford or Brant County, it's also worth looking into the City of Brantford's B-HOME program, which offers up to $16,710 in interest-free down payment assistance for qualifying first-time buyers. It's a forgivable 20-year loan, meaning no repayment is required if you stay in the home that long. It's the kind of program that can be the difference between waiting another year and getting your keys this year, so it's worth a conversation with your mortgage broker if you're not already familiar with it.

Budgeting also gets easier here. At $370 a month, the condo fee is on the lower end for this type of home in Brantford, and it covers lawn maintenance, snow removal, common area upkeep, and building insurance. That's a lot of the unpredictable costs of owning a home already handled for you, one less thing to budget around as a first-time buyer.

For Investors

This one is also worth a serious look if you're building or growing a rental portfolio. A few reasons it stands out: it's turnkey, which means no renovation costs eating into your returns before you've even closed. As an end unit, it comes with reduced noise from shared walls, which tends to mean happier, longer-term tenants. The private, shaded patio with zero yard upkeep is a real selling point for tenants who want outdoor space without the maintenance burden landlords usually have to manage. And with a garage plus additional driveway parking, plus easy access to extra road parking as the first unit in the complex, parking, often a sticking point for renters, isn't a concern here. At this price point for a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Brantford, the numbers are worth running.

The $370 monthly condo fee works in your favour too, it's on the lower end for the area, and it covers lawn maintenance, snow removal, common area upkeep, and building insurance. That's less landlord workload and fewer surprise maintenance calls from tenants, which matters a lot when you're running the numbers on a rental. Buy it, rent it, and forget it, the maintenance is covered.

Schools and Parks Nearby

For families, location matters as much as square footage. A few nearby schools include King George School and Prince Charles Elementary School, both about a 20-minute walk, and North Park Collegiate for high school. As always, confirm current boundaries directly with the Grand Erie District School Board or the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board before counting on a specific school, since boundaries can shift.

For green space, Burnley Park is the closest at roughly a 15 to 20-minute walk, and there are several more parks within a short drive if you want more options. It's the kind of location where kids have somewhere to burn off energy without needing to load everyone into the car every time.

Do you live nearby? Find out what your Home could be worth? 

Make This Cozy Home Yours

38A Harris Ave is still available. No open house scheduled at the moment, book a private showing and I'll walk you through it in person, whether you're buying your first home or adding to your portfolio.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 38A Harris Ave a good fit for first-time buyers? Yes. At 1,430 sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, it offers more space than a typical starter condo, and qualifying first-time buyers in Brantford or Brant County may also be eligible for the City of Brantford's B-HOME down payment assistance program.

What is the B-HOME program? It's a City of Brantford program offering up to $16,710 in interest-free, forgivable down payment assistance to qualifying first-time home buyers purchasing in Brantford or Brant County.

Is this property a good fit for investors? Yes. It's turnkey with no renovation costs required, offers reduced noise as an end unit, includes garage plus driveway parking, and has a low-maintenance private patio, all features that tend to attract longer-term tenants.

Can I see the home in person? Yes, just reach out to book a private showing at a time that works for you.

What schools and parks are nearby? King George School and Prince Charles Elementary School are both about a 20-minute walk, with North Park Collegiate nearby for high school. Burnley Park is the closest green space at roughly a 15 to 20-minute walk. Always confirm current school boundaries with the school board directly, since they can change.

What does the condo fee cover? The $370 monthly fee covers lawn maintenance, snow removal, common area upkeep, and building insurance, on the lower end for this type of home in Brantford.

Simon's Final Word

Whether you're buying your first home or adding to your portfolio, the best way to know if this is the right fit is to walk through it yourself. Reach out and I'll set up a time to show it to you.

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This blog post reflects the personal opinions and professional experience of Simon Royer, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Icon Realty. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. RE/MAX Icon Realty Brokerage, 33-620 Davenport Rd, Waterloo ON N2V 2C2