He toured show homes and interviewed builders for almost a year before finding the “right home” at Logel Homes’ Waterside in Mahogany project. He purchased the Findlay 2 model, a 753-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom plan on the fourth floor with an outdoor terrace that overlooks Lake Mahogany.
“For me, it was all about value. I can really speak to the community — it has lakes, anything that I could ever dream of it’s here,” says Keeler.
Waterside in Mahogany is comprised of 639 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, situated across eight apartment-style condo buildings that are four and five storeys tall. The project is located steps from Lake Mahogany, with many homes offering views of lake, and is within a quick walk of Mahogany’s urban village with its selection of grocery stores and shops and services.
It wasn’t just the lake community of Mahogany that sold Keeler, it was the home’s design and the price point — the project offers plenty of choice with 21 floor plans.
“I really fell in love with Logel’s floor plans. There is no wasted space, no unnecessary hallways. So, when you see 753 square feet, it’s actually 753 square feet of livable space,” he says. “Plus, Logel’s standards are so high. Many of the features that come standard; I would be paying for as upgrades with other builders. And, the condo fees are really low, a lot lower than other builders.
Keeler had several must-haves on his home wish-list, including a two-bedroom design with two full bathrooms, along with outdoor space, a parking stall and a storage locker for skis and bikes.
The home also had to be pet-friendly.
“For me that was non-negotiable. I wouldn’t have gone into the buying process if this project wasn’t pet-friendly,” he says, adding that he loves dogs and will be adopting a rescue dog when he takes possession.
The bedrooms had to be large, as Keeler is planning on renting out one of the rooms to a friend to subsidize his mortgage and generate some passive income.
Another selling point with the Findlay 2 design was the home’s oversized island, clad in stone, which Keeler was able to customize adding two waterfall edges and increasing the profile to three inches.
“To be able to do this in a condo at this price point is very rare,” says Keeler, who loves to cook.
“So, having a great kitchen was really important to me. And, having that kitchen island makes it feel like a full-blown home, not a condo,” he says.
Keeler was able to meet with Logel’s design team to choose other colours and finishes and was pleased with the experience.
“I was treated so well and was so comfortable through the entire process,” he says.
“This is 100 per cent the best value that I’ve found. To have a new build home in a new community that offers so much. After looking for a year, I couldn’t find anything that compares. I have a lake view out of my bedroom window and from the deck. I’m a two-minute walk from the dock. All I have to do is walk across the road and I am swimming.”