181 Withrow Avenue versus 144 Simpson Avenue - RIVERDALE
Two semi detached houses in Riverdale 4 blocks away from each other.
$769,000 versus $749,000.
The first house is a 4 bedroom with 3 bathrooms. The second house is 3+1 bedrooms with 1(?) bathroom.
Which is the better buy?
181 Withrow Avenue
This is a really nice looking house from the outside. It looks well taken care of and I like the looks of the neighbours.
Inside, it's a little boring. I am not crazy about the yellow. If this was painted a lighter colour, it would be really bright with that huge front window.
The floors look new and I like that they go all the way into the kitchen. The kitchen is an IKEA kitchen and they did a nice job but I wish the dishwasher was on the other side of the sink. That way, one person could be cleaning while the other is cooking. And I am not sure what is going on with the countertop but that can be changed.
There is a good mudroom and a 2 piece bath which is nice to have in a house without first floor closets! I wish there were more pictures because I want to see what the backyard looks like through that door. But it must be large because the lot is 127 feet long!
The second floor is nice. The master is a good size and has great windows. Not loving the sliding door in the kid's room but those could be easily replaced.
The third floor is finished and is nice to have for an office or a guest bedroom.
144 Simpson Avenue
This is basically the same house as the house above with a few differences.
This kitchen is clearly IKEA as well and they are basically the same. They even have the same vent hood and the dishwasher beside the stove (that drives me nuts)! The only difference is the width, a little more storage space and those doors.
The back doors are really nice (might be a deal breaker for the other place).
But there is no bathroom on the first floor and because there is no closet, they have to hang their coats basically in the living room where a nice piece of art should be.
I prefer the light floors in this house but I wish it went all the way to the back. It would look amazing with those doors.
And I can't figure out where the master bedroom closet is either.
The lot is smaller at just 100 feet but like the other house, it also has parking for 2 cars.
The basement of this house is a bit nicer. That built in IKEA hemnes dresser is interesting. Not sure where that ladder is going or what the room is for.
But the third floor is full of nothing but old pink panther insulation.
So what is my verdict?
They are the same house.
If you took the furniture from the Simpson house and put it in the Withrow house, the Withrow house would win HANDS DOWN (but that back kitchen window...!). The location is better being only steps to Withrow park and on a nicer street. The Simpson house, though only 4 blocks away, is in a bit of a sketchier area. The third floor is done in the Withrow house and the yard is bigger. Both need to fix up the bathrooms...
For the extra $20,000, my vote is 181 Withrow Avenue but with the 144 Simpson furniture.
Ultimately, I think for the buyers out there, it will come down to location, that back kitchen window, ceiling height (there looks to be about a foot difference) and the front street appeal.
Which one would you choose?
