Bungalows - What are the different Styles?

Bungalows continue to be one of the most popular home styles today.  Why? Investors or first time home buyers love them because the large foundation footprint means you can add an income suite relatively easily.  Downsizers love them because 'one level living' means few stairs to navigate! 

Bungalows come in several styles, I thought I would explain each layout to you so you can pick your favourite!  Depending on where you are looking these styles may be available in freehold, condo or life lease options. 



1.  Traditional Bungalow:  Pictured above is a typical 1960's 3 bedroom bungalow.  Found all over the GTA from East York to Etobicoke, generally these homes are about 900 sq ft on the main floor for a 2 bedroom & 1200 ft on the main floor for the 3 bedroom.  Occaisionally you will also find 4 bedroom bungalows, but they are pretty rare.   Built from the 1930's through the 1960's, the older ones will NOT have 'modern' features like: a main floor family room, en-suite or direct garage access.   There are lots of bungalows built from the 1980's to now that have these modern features; I have found they are generally outside the GTA.  

2. Ranch Bungalow: The layout differs slightly from the first bungalow in that the house is set widthways on the lot.  Generally the lot is wider & the bedrooms stretch across the width of the house (in style #1 the bedrooms are across the back of the home, with one on the side).  This type sometimes sells for more, because the lots are generally wider.

 

3. Raised Bungalow: As you can see by the picture at the right, the upper level sits above the garage.  While it includes the living room, dining room & bedrooms, in this style of bungalow there will be a flight of stairs either inside or outside the home to get to the main level.   The basement is usually level to the ground; and the basement may be smaller because if there is a garage, it will take up some of the basement area.


4. Semi-Detached Raised Bungalow:  Similar in style to a raised bungalow, these homes share a common wall with a neighbour.  The advantage?  Generally a significantly lower price than a detached bungalow!

5. Semi-Detached Bungalow:  Similar in style to a regular bungalow, these homes share a common wall with a neighbour.  Again, generally a significantly lower price than a detached bungalow & usually they do not have a garage.  The right downspout on the picture above is the common wall between the homes.

6. Bungaloft:  While the above home is attached to it's neighbours, because the main floor has the master bedroom and laundry it's called a bungaloft.  There is a loft area (which sometimes has a guest bedroom) making it a two storey home.  This is a popular style for downsizers who want all thier living on one level but the privacy of a guest suite on a second floor.  Here's a peek of the inside showing the loft area

I hope you enjoyed viewing different bungalow styles - what's your favourite?  Give me a call if you'd like to explore buying a bungalow home; I have done extensive research on which areas you can find the best bungalow home to meet your needs!



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A disturbing trend I've come across recently is the fraud in the rental space.   As an agent who handles a fair share of rentals; these issues have shown up over several ways this year.   I'll tell you about 3 instances I've had and the red flags that appeared with each! 

When I'm representing a landlord and an application comes in, I spend a lot of time going through an applicants documentation and getting references and looking through their background.  Here's what I do:

  • Call their employer by finding the employer's website and calling through their office to confirm employment.  I don't just call the supervisor on the application
  • Look carefully at the documents to see if they are real; company letterhead & credit reports can be faked or bought
  • Check social media & linked in
  • Call past landlords
  • Make sure there is a building at the address they're currently renting
  • Check that the landlords name and property owners names match.   If it's an apartment building call through the property management company if it's an apartment rather than calling the number provided.
  • Look at the credit report for signs of altering


With those things in mind, let's look at 3 things that have happened to me this year!

1.  Student rental Scam - fake rental and landlord

First of all, you should never have to pay to submit a rental application, or be asked for a deposit before you get a chance to see the place.   These scams are generally ads on sites like Kijijii and Facebook for rentals that look too good to be true.  They also steal MLS listings for homes and advertise them at lower rates.  I came across one recently through a family friend desperate for some student housing.  It was a big scam; and when I called them out they 'protested too much'.    Here's how to spot these scammers:

  • They demand payment to submit a rental application
  • They demand a deposit before you see the unit
  • Makes excuses why they are not available to speak to on the phone 
  • Will only communicate through messenger, text or email
  • The advertised price is way lower than other rentals
  • Their Facebook profile was just created
  • Their Facebook name does not match their user name ID (see the URL) 

2. Fake Rental Applications   

There are some very good forged documents out there.  I had some people submit an application on a lease I was advertising and here's what I found during the checks, among the other checks I did as above :

  • Inconsistencies in addresses on the application
  • Employment letter does not look real - no header or footer with information on the company letterhead

3. Forged Tenacy Papers

I had a call from a gal who had a great story, good employment, good credit, moving to Toronto from outside the city for work, can't come in to look for a place so needed virtual showings.  Could I help her find a place.  Sounds great right?  

Now I don't usually check tenants out before I help them (and I'd helped out a client with an out of town move this year already in a similar situation)  But with everything going on right now, I felt it couldn't hurt to see what her references would say.   So she sent in her application & 

then came the paperwork - the address of her job didn't match up with her story.  The company had never heard of her or her supervisor.  There was even no property listed at the home she had put for her address!  Other red flags for scammers include what she did:

  • get overly upset when called out 
  • provide complicated excuses for 'mistakes' on application forms
  • call the fact checker a liar, unprofessional, etc.


So be careful out there folks! 



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A big thank you to the communities of Guildwood, West Rouge & Port Union for the terrific support last Saturday for my Community Shredding Event.  About 30 families participated - and their generous food donations filled our Jeep to the brim!   The food donations were taken straight to Feed Scarborough - the Scarborough Food Security initiative and will be distributed to local satellite food banks in the area.   Judging from the huge line up outside the Manse Rd. food bank Saturday, it's much needed. 

Chartwell Guildwood was my partner for this event and provided the venue and great snacks.  Thank you Kelly & Dianne for your wonderful support.  As always, Papersavers was gracious, friendly, professional and helpful!  

One interesting sideline - My husband, myself, Dianne and Alex from papersavers all grew up within the same area!   Such a big city/small world! 

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