87 SPRUCE HILL RD., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE: $1,259,000
SELLING PRICE: $1,450,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $207,500 (1992)
TAXES: $5,385 (2017)
DAYS ON THE MARKET: Two
LISTING AGENTS: Colette Chaput-Villamizar, Dianne and Brian Chaput, Royal LePage Estate Realty
The Action: Several buyers requested tours of this semi-detached house on a 19-by-111-foot lot less than a 10-minute walk from Balmy Beach Park and Lake Ontario. But many were shut out once a pre-emptive offer was accepted late February.
“It was low inventory at that time of year and this was a unique home,” agent Colette Chaput-Villamizar said.
“So there were a lot of showings booked, but the [buyers] were the first through. That happens in situations where people are looking for a specific product.”
What They Got: Set on a steep incline on a short street, this 1,554-square-foot residence has a flight of stairs from the street to the front door. A rear deck extends over a garage facing a side street below.
Inside, the three-bedroom plan layout was modernized about 15 years ago, but there remains a partial division between the living and dining rooms.
The Agent’s Take: “The seller is an architect, so he had some incredible built-ins throughout and a timeless Italian, modern kitchen,” Ms. Chaput-Villamizar said.
“[In addition], it has sort of a European backyard with a deck that sat high up with seasonal views of the lake.”
Buyers were also captivated by the versatility of the 750-square-foot basement with its separate side entrance and secondary bathroom.
“It could have been used for a variety of things: an art studio, rental income or a great family space or teenage living quarters,” Ms. Chaput-Villamizar said.