233 BELSIZE DR., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $849,000
SELLING PRICE $900,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $701,000 (2008); $603,000 (2007)
TAXES $5,406 (2012)
DAYS ON THE MARKET Two
LISTING AGENT Paul Johnston, Right at Home Realty Inc.
The Action: Two open houses were scheduled to showcase this semi-detached house, but both were cancelled as soon as several bids started to roll in after more than a dozen private showings were held and an agents-only open house with 40 in attendance took place midweek.
What They Got: In 2007 and 2008, this 1920s brick residence was modernized inside and out with new roofing, windows and mechanics, as well as remodelled recreation and laundry rooms in the basement, and a customized kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, pot lights and a rear walkout to the 26-by 125-foot lot and parking.
Classic characteristics are also on display, from stained glass windows and a wood burning fireplace in the living room, to wainscoting in the adjacent dining area.
Sleeping quarters consist of three bedrooms on the second floor, which also houses the larger of two refinished bathrooms with frosted glass-framed bathing areas.
The Agent's Take: "The renovation was terrific because of how thorough it was, but also how much attention they paid to making things look fresh and new and functional," says agent Paul Johnston.
"The hardwood flooring had been changed to bamboo, which is very attractive, but they also installed radiant in-floor heating throughout the house … and all the windows had been replaced, which is great in terms of keeping energy costs down, but also a real way to freshen up the look of the house."
The outdoor space also offered room for both socializing and storage.
"The nice thing is that it's a large, deep, bright south-facing backyard," Mr. Johnston said.
"It's a slightly wider semi-detached home, and it also had the benefit of a private driveway, which is something that's not particularly common in the neighbourhood."
Editor's Note: Done Deals contain information gathered from real estate agents, home buyers, home sellers and sale price data that is 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.