Agent becomes referee in Toronto loft sale

Written by Sydnia Yu | Published in In the Press|Globe and Mail
In the Press
October 1, 2013

Published Thursday, Sep. 12, 2013

993 QUEEN ST. W., NO. 311, TORONTO

ASKING PRICE $925,000

SELLING PRICE $931,500

PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $665,000 (2008); $597,500 (2006); $482,500 (2004); $301,397 (2000)

TAXES $5,640 (2012)

DAYS ON THE MARKET One

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

The Action: Turnover is so low in the Candy Factory Lofts near Trinity-Bellwoods Park, agent Christopher Bibby was essentially just a referee in bidding wars over the last few units he sold there.

This two-bedroom plus den corner suite was no exception with two competing offers registered after just 10 buyers walked through its doors on the first day.

What They Got: A factory once home to sweet treats is now packed with residential suites, such as this roughly 1,700-square-foot loft with original exposed brick, wood and hardwood finishes, an elevator door to enclose the den and expansive windows facing east and south.

To elevate the loft’s form and function, the sellers recently installed built-in shelving throughout, remodelled the bathroom with a soaker tub and glass shower stall and customized the kitchen with an island and upscale appliances, such as a double oven and gas stove.

Laundry machines and a parking spot complete the unit, which owes monthly fees of $736 for water, heating and recreational facilities.

The Agent’s Take: “It’s considered one of the most sought after loft buildings in the city,” says Mr. Bibby. “You do still have amenities, like concierge, a party room, gym and visitor parking, but the maintenance fees are so low.”

The appeal of this unit’s larger than average size was surpassed only by its urban style. “[The sellers] had a great amount of work done, they had great furniture and the art work was absolutely incredible … it showed like a gallery,” adds Mr. Bibby.

“They kept the original features, like the original hardwood floors, brick, wood ceilings, post and beam construction and one of the rooms was actually the old freight elevator shaft … so we have the original sliding door still intact.”

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