Done Deal, 15410 86th Ave., Surrey, B.C.
15410 86TH AVE., SURREY, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $479,000
SELLING PRICE $479,000
TAXES $2,306 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET Seven
LISTING AGENT Randy Milne, 2 Percent Realty Inc.
The Action: This spring, this two-storey house was listed four times, bringing out two- to four-dozen open house attendants each time, as well as several bids.
The first two deals fell apart after one buyer was informed of building restrictions on the lot and another was scared away by a home inspection report. The third time, the sellers refused a buyer's attempt to slash the price over a roof in need of some repair.
By cold-calling other realtors and e-mailing past clients, agent Randy Milne was able to keep interest high in the property and finally sealed a deal this week, selling the home as-is with no budging on the price.
What They Got: The 2,000-plus-square-foot house was built in 1964, so the sellers had it modernized by refinishing the original hardwood floors and its ebony edging, remodelling the main kitchen and opening up the fireside family room, among other things.
The top floor has three bedrooms, one bathroom and a dining room, while the lower level contains a guest bedroom, bathroom, a second kitchen and a living area.
The property also includes a private south-facing yard, a play set and shed.
The Agent's Take: "This had to have been the oddest sale I have ever dealt with," says Mr. Milne.
"Every time it came back on the market, there was a flurry of activity creating multiple offers, and each time our restrictions got tighter as to what we would accept, until finally it was a four-day subjects only at list price, house as-is. And I still had people lined up with cash-only, list-price offers if this one fell through."
Mr. Milne says the experience illustrates, "the hunger ... in Surrey/Lower Mainland for a well-priced property – and we are seeing similar stories in Vancouver and Burnaby as well."