Skip to main content

9168 BRIAR ROAD, BURNABY, B.C.

ASKING PRICE $1,275,000

SELLING PRICE $1,240,000

DAYS ON MARKET 45 days after relisting

TAXES $6,082 (2014)

SELLING AGENT James Garbutt, Sutton Group West Coast

The Action: Listing agent James Garbutt says the uniqueness of the house, as well as its out-of-the-way neighbourhood, made it a challenging sale. As well, the house, built in 1993, needed an update. The agent had listed the house previously for four months before listing again in August. However, three previous agents had attempted to sell the house in 2011. "The bedroom orientation was challenging to some," as was the suite layout, Mr. Garbutt says. "Some buyers were looking for a larger, more finished suite." The sloping lot was also looked at with trepidation by some buyers, as was the lack of overhangs, which led to worries about what was keeping rain away from the walls.

What They Got: The house is 4,220 square feet of architect-designed space, with an open concept, split-level floor plan. The house was designed, built and occupied by the architect, who lived there for 21 years. "It's his pride and joy," Mr. Garbutt says. "It's a very unique home with an overheight entryway on five split levels. Very bright, lots of windows, and just as far from cookie cutter as possible. It's a contemporary style, flat roof stucco house."

The Agent's Take: The house is located in a quiet pocket in east Burnaby that isn't pedestrian-friendly. "We don't get many bidding wars in this neighbourhood. We got multiple offers over the time we had it listed, but it took a while. A lot of the offers were lower than the seller wanted. He was secure in his price," Mr. Garbutt says. "It takes longer in this area, but the market got better and better, and eventually the offers got better. I was the fourth realtor on the job, and I got lucky."

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe