In a crowded field, staging helps sell Queen West condo

Published Thursday, Apr. 03 2014

1169 QUEEN ST. W., NO. 415, TORONTO

ASKING PRICE $495,000

SELLING PRICE $495,000

TAXES $3,509 (2013)

DAYS ON THE MARKET One

LISTING AGENT Christopher Bibby, Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc.

The Action: Agent Christopher Bibby recommended this two-bedroom-plus-den suite at the Bohemian Embassy get professionally painted and staged to showcase the sheer size of its interior. The time and effort was worthwhile – especially without comparable units offered in or around the building – as it sold on the first day.

What They Got: In a mid-rise building completed a few years ago, this fourth floor suite has a roughly 1,200-square-foot plan with upgraded cork floors throughout and a custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz counters and an island.

Public quarters include a den and open living and dining area with walls of windows and sliding doors to a Juliet balcony, while private ones consist of two bedrooms, one of which has a walk-in closet and smaller of two full bathrooms.

The unit comes with laundry machines, a storage locker and parking, plus monthly fees of $692 to cover water and heating, concierge and amenities, such as a gym, party room and rooftop garden.

The Agent’s Take: “A lot of spaces, generally speaking in that area, aren’t that big, so it’s quite rare to find something just under 1,200 square feet,” Mr. Bibby said. “One of the nice things was that this was facing north towards Queen … so it’s quite tranquil overlooking freehold properties and they were all low-rise, so you had a fairly unobstructed view.”

This suite also had several beneficial makeovers. “While [the sellers] were living in the space, they did their own renovations and upgrades,” Mr. Bibby said.

“We finished the entire place with white walls, charcoal grey bathrooms and modern furniture to give it a very contemporary feel, and I feel this is what really attracted people right off the bat.”