2048 Ranch Rd., Roberts Creek
LISTING PRICE $389,000
SELLING PRICE $352,500
DAYS ON MARKET 110
TAXES $1,320
LISTING AGENTS Bruce Lasuta, Ali Glencross, Carol Hautala, Twice the Experience Real Estate
The Action: The Sunshine Coast market had been soft for the past several years, but consumer confidence has returned, according to listing agent Bruce Lasuta. "Buyers are returning to this slow-paced, recreational area as a weekend or summer escape, or as an alternative to high-priced Vancouver," he says.
What They Got: It's a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast. From the ferry terminal, it's a 15-minute drive to Roberts Creek. The 508-square-foot, four-room house is situated on 4.67 acres. It was custom-built by the seller in 1980 and features vaulted ceilings, a cast-iron clawfoot tub, stained-glass windows, wood floors, two decks and ocean views. Unlike neighbouring homes, however, this one is entirely off the grid, and relies on a solar panel for electrical, as well as a generator, propane and wood stove for the winter. "This home was one of the last hold-outs to a lifestyle that is once again coming back into style, which is reducing your carbon footprint," Mr. Lasuta says.
The Agent's Take: "We received many inquiries from young first-time buyers who desperately wanted to purchase this home to enjoy the pioneer-style existence," Mr. Lasuta says.
But the off-the-grid lifestyle wasn't for everyone, including lenders, who put more restrictions on a mortgage for the unconventional house, which made it more difficult for buyers. It therefore took longer to find someone suitable, but ultimately a buyer from Vancouver fell for the charm of the little house, Mr. Lasuta says.
Editor's note: Done Deals contain information gathered from real estate agents, home buyers, home sellers and sale prices that are publicly available from government sources. While we try to publish Done Deals as soon as possible after the transaction has occurred, long closings can cause delays.