Sale of the Week: the $1.3-million Summerhill semi that proves buyers love a nice condo alternative

Sale of the Week: the $1.3-million Summerhill semi that proves buyers love a nice condo alternative

toronto-sale-of-the-week-89-alcorn-avenue-intro

Address: 89 Alcorn Avenue
Neighbourhood: Summerhill
Agent: Deborah Penzo and Wanda Cowie, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division, Brokerage

The Property: This Summerhill rowhouse is a condo alternative, with 1,600 square feet of living space, including a finished basement. Summerhill subway station is just at the corner.

The History: The sellers originally moved into the turn-of-the-century semi from a nearby condo of similar proportions. Envisioning a home suited to a couple, they hired Urban Blueprint Developments to renovate the place. One of the three bedrooms became a dressing room and custom washroom with sliding doors, and the basement was underpinned to give the man of the house his own space, with extra headroom. Now, the former owners are moving into a larger house.

The Fate: The buyers who snagged the place are a couple downsizing from a larger home in Etobicoke. Their empty-nester story is a familiar one for the neighbourhood. The selling agent says Summerhill is experiencing an influx of downsizers from Lawrence Park and the Kingsway. Buyers are attracted to the restaurants and shops along Yonge, as well as the area’s upscale rep, which suits former owners of mini-mansions.

The Sale: The buyers cut other suitors out of the picture by making their bid after the exclusive “agent open house” ended and before the public open house began. The sellers expected a bidding war, but couldn’t refuse an offer in line with their asking price. The two parties struck a deal on day two, conditional upon a home inspection. After four days, the offer firmed up and 89 Alcorn was off the market.

By the Numbers:

• $1,295,000
• $5,036 in taxes (2013)
• 1,100 square feet above grade
• 600-square-foot backyard deck
• 545-square-foot finished basement
• 100 per cent of list price
• 12-foot-wide interior
• 4 days on the market
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 washrooms
• 1 on-street parking spot (permit not included)