Done Deal: 2950 West 12th Street, Kitsilano, Vancouver
2950 WEST 12TH AVE., KITSILANO, VANCOUVER
ASKING PRICE: $1.5-million
SELLING PRICE: $1.4-million
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $178,000 (1987)
TAXES: $5,216 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET: five
LISTING AGENT: Stu Bell, Prudential Sussex Realty
THE ACTION: On a quiet, tree-lined street in Kitsilano, this two-storey house received about 40 visitors for the short time it was on the market. An offer quickly emerged and planned weekend open houses were cancelled.
WHAT THEY GOT: Hidden behind a cluster of trees on the front lawn of a 33- by 122-foot lot, this nearly century-old house is one of the area's original cottages, complete with cedar shingles and a wood exterior.
Inside, there is 1,342 square feet of finished living space updated with new hardwood floors, furnace and hot water tank in the past three years.
The main entertaining area consists of a living room with a wood burning fireplace and a dining area by the staircase that opens to a loft-style bedroom above with 18-foot ceilings.
The central kitchen has the benefit of stainless steel appliances and access to the sole bathroom, a rear bedroom and deck overlooking the wood-fenced garden and garage.
A third bedroom and unfinished laundry and storage areas are located on the lower level.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "Since fall of 2010, it's been quite common in the west side to get multiple offers and/or no subject offers within a few days of listing," says agent Stu Bell.
"The location was quite special. It had a south-facing backyard, and it was in a really nice pocket of Kitsilano with no street noise and close to all the shops, schools and amenities."
While most of the people who toured the home focused on the value of the land – which is fairly standard size – the eventual buyers saw character in the home. "The people that bought it are going to renovate it, which was nice because most people looking at it were looking to tear it down," says Mr. Bell. "There is a laneway, so there is potential for doing a coach house."