There aren't a lot of two-bedroom, single family homes in the Northwood area, but this week I found one at 2 Jefferson in the Northwood Glen community.

The basics:
Asking Price: $499,500
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square Footage: 948
Lot Size: 3,485
$/Sq Ft: $527
Days on Market: 8
Property Type: Single Family Home
Year Built: 1985
Community: Northwood – Northwood Glen
Schools: Brywood Elementary, Sierra Vista Middle School, Northwood High

HOA dues are $93 per month and there are no Mello Roos.

The house is located on a corner lot, next to one of the bigger, non-residential streets that passes through the neighborhood. It's a short walk to the community pool, spa and tot lot. The house doesn't have a lot of curb appeal – the front isn't very attractive and the yard, while large, isn't in great shape. Just inside the front gate is a large yard area with a rose garden and a small front porch.

Inside the home, the living room is to the right and the dining room and kitchen are to the left. There is new ceramic tile in all of the common areas. The living room has high ceilings and a brick fireplace on one wall. Sliding doors lead out to the backyard and are the only windows in the room.

The dining room can comfortably hold a table for six. Anything larger would jut into the hallway, but could fit for special occasions. A single window looks out to the rose garden.

The u-shaped kitchen has new white appliances and solid beige counters. The wooden cabinets and drawers are simple, with no handles, but were just refinished so they are in good shape. One window overlooks the rose garden and there is a small pass through area to the dining room. The kitchen is mostly closed off from the dining and living rooms. The kitchen isn't fancy, but it is in good condition.

The master bedroom sits directly behind the living room. Both bedrooms have brand new plush, brown carpet. Like the living room, the master bedroom has high ceilings and sliding doors to the backyard. A short hallway leading to the master bath has closets on both sides. Each has two sliding doors and simple hanging rods.

The master bath is more like a typical bathroom than one usually found in a master suite. It has a single sink and a standard shower/tub combo. The counter has a rust-colored stain on one side and the cabinets are plain white, but not remodeled.

The second bedroom is at the far end of the hall, past the kitchen. It's fairly small and has just one window facing the side of the house. The closet has two sliding doors, but is smaller than average.

Just outside the bedroom, the hallway has a set of linen cabinets and a washer and dryer tucked behind folding doors. The access to the garage is there as well. The second bathroom is back here. Like the master, it has a single sink (though the counter is much smaller) and plain white cabinets. The shower/tub combo matches the master as well. The sink has newer hardware but the tub does not.

The backyard is fully hardscaped with a patio cover extending over most of it. A raised garden area lines the back wall and the rose garden continues on the side.

Overall, there is nothing spectacular about this house. However, the new paint, flooring and carpet, plus the updates in the kitchen definitely gave it a face lift. It would make a good starter home or a nice place for someone looking to downsize. The price per square foot is higher than most similar homes on the market and higher than many recent sales. I'd like to see the price drop below $500 per square foot on this home.