1389 Ross Avenue W – Property Summary

Key Characteristics & Buyer Profile

This 1,040 sqft home, built in 1954, sits on a 3,830 sqft lot in Winnipeg’s Weston neighbourhood. Its standout feature is assessed value: at $244,000, it ranks in the top 12% locally and top 23% on its street, suggesting strong relative value. The living area is marginally above the neighbourhood average (936 sqft) but below the citywide average (1,342 sqft), meaning this isn’t a sprawling house—it’s compact and efficient. The lot, while typical for the street and area, is noticeably smaller than the citywide norm, which reflects older, denser subdivisions.

The appeal lies in affordability relative to assessed value. For a buyer looking at Weston, this property offers more square footage than many nearby homes, and its tax assessment suggests it’s priced below many comparables on the street. That could mean either a good entry point or a property with room for appreciation—depending on condition and renovations. It’s not a “starter home” in the flipper sense, but it would suit a buyer who values a modest, well-located property in an established neighbourhood, especially someone who prioritizes lower carrying costs over pure square footage. The year-built (1954) places it in a sweet spot: old enough for mature trees and character, but newer than many pre-war homes in the area.

Who it’s for: First-time buyers or small households wanting a solid, unfancy home in a central neighbourhood. Investors looking for a lower-cost rental with decent value metrics. Not ideal for someone needing a large lot or a modern, open-concept layout.

Five Possible FAQs

1. How does the value compare to similar homes on the street?
The home’s assessed value of $244,000 is about 22% above the street average of $200,400. That places it in the top quarter of Ross Avenue West properties, but it’s still well below the citywide average. This suggests either above-average condition or a larger-than-typical floor plan for the street—worth confirming with an in-person visit.

2. Is the lot size a concern?
At 3,830 sqft, the lot is exactly typical for the street and neighbourhood. But citywide, it’s in the bottom 25%—so if you’re used to suburban lots, this will feel tighter. No room for extensive gardens or a double garage, but fine for a single-car driveway, a small yard, and patio space.

3. What does “ranked in the top 12% in the neighbourhood” actually mean for buying or selling?
It means that among 1,736 comparable homes in Weston, this property is assessed higher than 88% of them. In practical terms, it’s a strong value anchor for the area—neither overpriced nor a fixer-upper. For resale, it should hold its value well relative to nearby homes, especially if the interior is maintained.

4. The citywide ranking for living area is below average. Should that be a red flag?
Not necessarily. The citywide average includes many newer, larger suburban homes. This property is in an older neighbourhood where smaller houses are the norm. A better comparison is the street or neighbourhood level, where it ranks above average. The real question is whether 1,040 sqft works for your lifestyle—it’s functional, not spacious.

5. How does the 1954 build date affect maintenance expectations?
Homes from this era typically have good bones (often solid masonry or framing), but systems like electrical, plumbing, and insulation may be original or only partially updated. The neighbourhood average build date is 1937, so this is actually a newer home for Weston, but still well below citywide typical (1966). Expect to inspect the roof, furnace, and windows, especially if the seller hasn’t documented recent upgrades.