31 GRANLEA RD., TORONTO
ASKING PRICE: $699,000
SELLING PRICE: $783,400
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $487,000 (2007); $200,000 (1995)
TAXES: $3,924 (2011)
DAYS ON THE MARKET: Five
LISTING AGENT: Kimmé Myles, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division
The action: Agent Kimmé Myles had planned to review bids for this updated brick residence after nine days of market exposure. Only 21 parties had a chance to tour the site in the first few days before a buyer submitted a bully offer and instigated a bidding war.
What they got: On a short street just south of Sheppard Avenue, this 1½-storey house sits on a premium 50-foot lot that allows for a two-bedroom and three-bathroom plan, a private driveway and a south-facing backyard with mature trees, a herb garden and shed.
Two years ago, the kitchen was refinished with stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and granite-topped counters and breakfast bar.
The living room was outfitted with new built-in speakers, but retains its traditional marble fireplace, original oak hardwood floors, six-inch baseboards, crown mouldings and leaded and etched stained glass windows like many areas of the house.
Other entertaining spaces include a den and open dining area on the main floor and a carpeted recreation room in the basement, which has a separate entrance.
There are several attractions within a five-minute walk or drive, from the subway and Bayview Village Shopping Centre to highways 401 and 404.
The agent’s take: “The lot size was 50 by 120 [feet] and… it was on the south side of the street, so it wasn’t facing any kind of commercial [structures],” says Ms. Myles. “It was a really nice house … very charming, really airy and light.”