From the WSJ Real Estate Archives

Properties With
Three-Car Garages

by Sheree R. Curry
From The Wall Street Journal Online
May 19, 2005

Some 40% of homebuyers rank an oversized garage as very important, according to a National Association of Realtors preferences survey. Here's a look at homes with three-car garages selling for close to $355,000.

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PLACE/PRICE: Andover, Minn./$349,900

PROPERTY TAX*: $2,587 per year

THE PROPERTY: This 2,928-square-foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths was built in 1998.

DESCRIPTION: The two-story home backs up to wetlands and has a kitchen with a center island and a breakfast bar. It also has a walk-out basement and a two-tiered deck.

NOTABLE: According to the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, nearly a third of Twin Cities homes currently for sale have three or more garage stalls.

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PLACE/PRICE: Marietta, Ga./$354,900

PROPERTY TAX*: $2,730 per year

THE PROPERTY: This 3,000-square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths was built in 1998.

DESCRIPTION: The two-story, brick-front home has an upstairs loft with a built-in desk and shelving. The family room has built-in bookcases and a fireplace.

NOTABLE: The side-entry garage has painted sheet-rock walls and built-in cabinetry. The floor is also painted. Two windows in the garage face the front of the house.

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PLACE/PRICE: Pleasant Hill, Iowa/$359,900

PROPERTY TAX*: $1,715 per year **

THE PROPERTY: This 1,613-square-foot home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths was built in 2004.

DESCRIPTION: This stone-and-stucco ranch style has interior arches, two fireplaces and a coffered ceiling. Walk-out basement has a wet bar, and there is an entry to the deck.

NOTABLE: The garage walls are finished, insulated, painted and trimmed. One garage door faces the front of the house. The other two are at the side entry..

Notes: *Current owner's payment, **$1,715 for first five years due to tax abatement. Thereafter is likely to be more than $5,500 annually.

Sources: jimborden.com, mplsrealtor.com, mygeorgiahomes.net, piersystem.com, iowarealty.com, desmoinescvb.com, realtor.org

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