Pent up demand pumps up price of west end house

PUBLISHED FRIDAY, JANUARY 15. 2021
208 Emerson Ave., Toronto
Asking price: $1,125,000 (October, 2020)
Selling price: $1,312,517 (October, 2020)
Previous selling price: $623,500 (2015)
Taxes: $4,096 (2020)
Days on the market: Four
Listing agent: Christopher Bibby, Re/Max Hallmark Bibby Group Realty
The action
There were only six properties sold around the former Galleria Mall – now being redeveloped – in the six months since the beginning of the pandemic in March. The pent-up demand contributed to heavy interest in this semi-detached house. Over two dozen buyers requested in-person tours. A few pre-emptive offers were declined by the sellers, but on day four they accepted an offer $187,517 over the asking price.
The 1912 house was recently renovated with new roof and mechanics.
JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY/JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
“There was constant pressure for us to sell,” agent Christopher Bibby said.
“There are people leaving the city, but there’s also a growing population, especially from condo land, looking for turnkey properties because doing renovations now with the pandemic is not desirable.”
What they got
This three-bedroom house was built around 1912, but numerous renovations have replaced or redesigned almost everything, including the roof and mechanics.
The kitchen was customized with a granite-topped island.
JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY/JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
Interior brick walls have been exposed along the staircase and in several bedrooms, and a wood-burning fireplace was framed with a sleek mantle and shelving in the living room.
The kitchen was customized with a granite-topped island, wall to wall windows and a glass door to the backyard. There is a stone patio and a new double garage on the rear lane.
The basement is partially finished.
The agent’s take
The living room has a wood-burning fireplace framed with a sleek mantle and shelving.
JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY/JORDAN PRUSSKY PHOTOGRAPHY
“It was like buying a brand-new house,” Mr. Bibby said. “It had character and charm.”
“The garage has full power, so it was a great extra structure with doors that opened up … so it was fully integrated into the backyard.”
The 18-foot-by-120-foot property is also steps from new and future amenities. “There’s a laneway across the street that takes you to the Galleria redevelopment,” Mr. Bibby said.
The garage was fully integrated into the backyard.

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