6088 SECHELT INLET RD., SECHELT, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $239,500
SELLING PRICE $225,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES $127,500 (2009); $82,500 (2005)
TAXES $1,174 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 39
LISTING AGENTS: Bruce Lasuta and Carol Hautala, Prudential Sussex Realty
The Action: The Homeowner Protection Office, a Branch of B.C. Housing, stipulates that landowners must occupy their newly built homes for one year before resale. But the shaky economy forced many in the midst of construction to seek a reprieve, including the seller of this bungalow in the Sechelt District.
Due to the reluctance of lenders to provide funding on unfinished dwellings like this one, it took more than a month for a bid to materialize from a Vancouver resident looking for a weekend and summer retreat.
What They Got: For the last year, a 0.58-acre lot was being redeveloped to create this 798-square-foot bungalow, which is partially finished with a wood exterior, metal roof and energy-efficient windows in areas like the living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Municipal water is supplied to the property, which is cultivated with four-car parking, in-ground sprinkler and septic systems.
The Agent's Take: "I originally sold this 0.58-acre property in September, 2009 to a gentleman who started construction on a new two-bedroom home with intentions to build a second identical home on the property – as allowed by the zoning for future rental income – but due to an injury was unable to finish even the first home," says agent Bruce Lasuta.
"The HPO was contacted and permission eventually granted to him for selling this high quality, overbuilt structure, along with the septic system in place and water connection to service the planned second residence all on a landscaped and fenced property."
Though this house is incomplete, the site is in an established pocket, "located across the street from the waterfront and walking distance to the downtown core of Sechelt [which is] considered the hub of the Sunshine Coast with hospital, medical services, shopping malls, restaurants and shops," Mr. Lasuta adds.
"This community is just a 20 minute drive to the Langdale Ferry Terminal where scheduled 40 minute, 9.7-nautical mile, ferry boat crossings connect to West Vancouver."