81 Forest Grove Dr., Toronto
ASKING PRICE $1,688,000
SELLING PRICE $1,670,000
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $1,230,000 (2009)
TAXES $7,928 (2010)
DAYS ON THE MARKET seven
LISTING AGENT Bill Thom, Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc.
THE ACTION: Agent Bill Thom waited seven days of market exposure before reviewing offers for this brick and stone bungalow backing onto a ravine in Bayview Village.
WHAT THEY GOT: The roughly 45-year-old house was extensively renovated inside and out over the past year. The grounds were landscaped, the roofing was replaced and five bay windows were added across the rear.
Skylights and pot lights illuminate several areas, including an enclosed porch with heated tile floors; a kitchen with granite-topped counters and island; and a six-piece master bathroom with heated floors and steps to a whirlpool tub.
Maple and oak hardwood floors extend into two bedrooms, the living and dining rooms and a family room that has a fireplace and walk-out balcony.
There are two more bedrooms in the basement and a fireside recreation room with sliding patio doors, along with one of the home's four bathrooms.
THE AGENT'S TAKE: "[A year ago,]the trees were overgrowing, it was very dark inside, and everything was not just dated, but worn down," says Mr. Thom. "[So]they did the whole works. They even have a home theatre system now."
What remained the same was the property's location on a premium street and 110- by 230-foot lot. "The lot is very wide and very deep," says Mr. Thom.