Couple Buys $650,000 Home with Spacious Yard for Gatherings and Pet Rabbit
Adam and Makenna McNellis, a couple with dreams of homeownership, recently purchased a property in Barrie, Ontario. They acquired their new home for $640,000, which aligns with their budget set for $650,000. Their journey toward homeownership was shaped by their experiences as renters, first in Newmarket and later in their pursuit of a spacious home.
Background and Decision to Buy
The couple met online in November 2019 and decided to move in together by January 2021. Initially, they rented a one-bedroom apartment in Newmarket, Ontario, paying $1,650 a month, which later increased to $1,850. Growing wary of paying someone else’s mortgage, they maintained their aspiration of owning a home with a yard for family gatherings.
After marrying in November 2024, they reassessed their home-buying goals. Makenna transitioned from a veterinary assistant to a talent agent, enhancing her income and making homeownership more feasible. With a saved down payment and a cooling housing market, they felt more equipped to find their dream home.
Home Search Criteria
The McNellises established a budget of $650,000. Their ideal new home needed to include:
- At least three bedrooms
- Two or more bathrooms
- A spacious yard for family gatherings and their rabbit, Pumpkin
- A fully finished basement
They were open to detached homes, semi-detached properties, or end-unit townhomes that required minimal immediate renovations. Location was also key, as they wanted to remain close to family and friends in the Markham and Aurora areas.
Finding the Right Property
In March 2025, the McNellis family enlisted real estate agent Izzi Popat from Royal LePage to guide them through the housing market. They experienced no shortage of options as they expanded their search to Barrie, a location that fit their needs. They quickly discovered a few promising properties:
Top Property Options
- Detached Fixer-Upper in North Barrie: Priced at $650,000, it featured three bedrooms and a large yard but required significant repairs.
- Bright End-Unit Townhouse in Southeast Barrie: Listed for $634,999, this home had three bedrooms and bathrooms, yet its cramped layout raised concerns about hosting gatherings.
- Spacious End-Unit Townhouse in Southwest Barrie: This property, listed at $649,900, provided a large entryway, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and featured an open-concept main floor ideal for entertaining.
Making the Purchase
Ultimately, Adam and Makenna chose the spacious end-unit townhouse in southwest Barrie. It met their key requirements and provided a welcoming entrance. After negotiating, they accepted a counteroffer of $640,000, finalizing the purchase with a three-month closing period. They took possession of their new home in August 2025.
Upon moving in, they were greeted by friendly neighbors, further solidifying their excitement about the community. Although Makenna had initial reservations about letting their rabbit roam free in the yard, they anticipate the spacious outdoor area will be perfect for a future family, including plans to welcome a dog.
A New Chapter
Makenna expressed immense joy upon owning their new home. As Adam shared, the couple views their purchase as a foundation for their future, with plans for renovations and growing their family. This property stands not just as a stepping stone but as a place to cultivate lasting memories.
