3571 ST. THOMAS ST., PORT COQUITLAM, B.C.
ASKING PRICE $525,000
SELLING PRICE $510,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $75,000 (1982)
TAXES $3,024 (2012)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 14
LISTING AGENT Keith Roy, Macdonald Realty Ltd.
The Action: Residential properties in Port Coquitlam took an average of 42 days to sell in the fall. But this detached, two-storey residence was scooped up by a buyer by the second week after an open house event and eight private showings.
What They Got: Just a few blocks from Lincoln Park, this 2,033-square-foot residence is surrounded by nature with mountain views to the north and a private backyard at the south end of the 0.2-acre lot.
Since 2007, over $40,0000 was spent on upgrading this over 40-year-old house with new windows, mechanical and electrical systems, and upgraded hardwood floors and crown mouldings in the upper dining area by the eat-in kitchen and a fireside living room, which also has sliding doors to a re-built deck above the garage.
One of three bedrooms was converted into a den on the upper level, but there is an extra guest bedroom on the ground floor, along with a recreation room, workshop and one of three bathrooms.
The Agent's Take: "The existing owners had … renovated for their own benefit and that was reflected. It was a high quality renovation," agent Keith Roy said. "[Plus it sat on] a big pie-shaped lot at the end of the cul-de-sac."
The pastoral locale was also an asset. "The buyers loved the location at the end of quiet cul-de-sac in a family neighbourhood close to parks and schools," Mr. Roy said.
"Port Coquitlam is the furthest suburb from Vancouver without having to cross a bridge, which makes it the perfect compromise between price and commute."