Buy a Bouldin Creek cottage for less than $500K

While this small, almost tiny, home might not be your best bargain when it comes to price per square foot, it has a lot going for it. A freestanding condo located in the popular Bouldin Creek neighborhood in South Austin, it’s only two blocks from a very vibrant stretch of South Congress (and only six from the “I Love You So Much Mural,” which is now labeled as such on Google Maps, woot).

It’s also very good-looking and well laid out. Built in 1948, the wooden cottage has been completely remodeled inside and out and features refinished longleaf pine floors, exposed shiplap walls (in places), quartz kitchen counters, penny tile backsplashes, stainless appliances, and subway tile in the bathroom.

Yes, it’s currently painted all white inside, but in this case, it doesn’t erase character and might even be necessary for making the place look and feel roomier than its 695 square feet would indicate. Or you consider it a blank slate, waiting for eccentric personalization.

There’s one bedroom and one bathroom, of course, the latter with a decent-sized walk-in shower.

Outside is a private deck and fenced backyard, while the front yard is fetching and features what looks like a big pecan tree. HOA dues are $38/month.

• 206 West Milton Street [The Marye Company]