41 Gretman Cres., Markham, Ont.
Asking price: $578,000
Selling price: $595,000
Previous selling price: $308,000 (1994)
Taxes: $4,450 (2009)
Lot size: 45 by 130 feet
Days on the market: six
Listing agent: Bill Thom, Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc.
Properties can sit on the market for three to four weeks in the neighbourhood just north of Green Lane, between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, says agent Bill Thom.
To sell this two-storey home in less time, it was slightly underpriced to get more buyers to see the value of all the improvements made there in the past few years.
"It showed quite well," says Mr. Thom, who had multiple offers materialize in six days.
Outside, new vinyl casement windows, roofing and an attached garage door were installed.
Inside the roughly 30-year-old house, the hardwood floors were refinished, a main floor powder room was added, and the living and dining area and rear family room were both expanded.
Through a cutout in the central eat-in kitchen, there is a view of the family room, which features one of two wood-burning fireplaces and sliding doors to the private, south-facing backyard. "The lot is quite deep," adds Mr. Thom.
New laminate flooring was laid in the four bedrooms on the second floor, where there are two full bathrooms, including a master en suite.
Another full bathroom is in the basement, which was outfitted with pot lights in the two bedrooms and a fireside recreation room.
At the front of the property, there is a courtyard partly enclosed by brick walls. "It makes a difference," says Mr. Thom. "Usually the front yard is wide open."