Done Deal, 2862 19th Ave W., Arbutus, Vancouver
2862 19TH AVE WEST, ARBUTUS, VANCOUVER
ASKING PRICE $1,598,000
SELLING PRICE $1,650,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $180,500 (1980); $71,000 (1977)
TAXES $5,433 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET eleven
LISTING AGENT Andrew Carros, Sotheby's Interational Realty Canada
THE ACTION: Two open houses gave nearly three dozen buyers an opportunity to inspect this two-storey house in the Arbutus/Mackenzie Heights community. Four offers materialized from a crowd of buyers largely looking to renovate or redevelop the property.
WHAT THEY GOT: Circa 1930, this 1,874-square-foot residence was built on a 35-foot lot, which is two feet wider than most, so it has extra room for a garage, gardens and private backyard.
The long-time owner kept the place in good shape, replacing the roof, furnace and hot water tank and refurbishing the oak floors in areas like the fireside living room and adjacent dining room. French doors from the dining room lead to a large deck that is also accessible from the kitchen.
One of two full bathrooms is situated on the second floor where there is a combined master suite and den, which could be converted back into two separate bedrooms.
The lower level houses two more bedrooms, a laundry room and recreation room.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "It's in a good school district – Carnarvon Elementary and Prince of Wales high school, which is popular – it's a nice flat lot on a nice, quiet street, not near a busy street, and it's a south-facing backyard, which is appealing to people because it gets lots of sun," says agent Andrew Carros.
"The house and lot were incredibly well looked after, but it was an older house and only just over 1,800 square feet including the basement."