56 CARLAW AVE., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE $499,000
SELLING PRICE $477,500
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES $245,000 (2007); $152,000 (2000)
TAXES $2,032 (2012)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 25
LISTING AGENT Kimmé Myles, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division
The Action: Some buyers disliked the bold decor and industrial neighbours of this renovated row house, but its sale was put in jeopardy when a home a few doors down dropped in price. So it was re-listed under $500,000, which brought in a serious party to the negotiating table after 30 private showings and a couple of dozen visitors between three open houses.
What They Got: On a street co-habited by residential and commercial properties, a 16-by-129-foot lot supports this two-storey residence with two rear walkouts to a west-facing yard, a kid's play fort and a garage off a laneway.
The mechanics of this 1920s structure were updated and the main floor overhauled by the television crew of Home Heist in 2008, complete with maple floors and pot lights throughout, a mirrored wall in the dining area, a custom electric fireplace in the living space, and high-gloss cabinetry in the kitchen and breakfast area.
The upper floor features three bedrooms and one of two full bathrooms, while the lower level is divided with a play area and recreation room.
The Agent's Take: "It's a nice family neighbourhood, even though it's on a busy street, and it's also really close to the lake, beach and has great access to the Lakeshore, Gardiner, DVP," agent Kimmé Myles said.
"It's a great house, though, and it's interesting because … all the neighbours hang out back on the laneway and all the kids know each other."
This house also had some attributes other homes lacked. "Ours had a finished basement – the other one didn't – and ours had a really cool renovation on Home Heist, which is a popular show," Ms. Myles said.
"It's pretty modern inside with a cool orange lacquer kitchen and Fisher and Paykel [appliances], which is a high-end kitchen company."
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.