Toronto Real Estate with the Julie Kinnear Team

SYDNIA YU

From Friday's Globe and Mail

• 681 Durie St.
• Asking price: $389,000
• Selling price: $425,000
• Previous selling prices: $335,000 (2004); $191,500 (1999)
• Taxes: $2,584 (2007)
• Days on market: 8
• Listing and co-op agent: Julie Kinnear, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

The quiet tree-lined streets in this west-end neighbourhood have been much-coveted by young families wanting to be in convenient proximity to good schools, good shopping and the subway.

This three-bedroom, two-storey brick house just south of Dundas Street, which sold for $36,000 over the asking price, certainly fit the bill for a growing family with young children.

Among the recent improvements made to the house was the renovation of the basement recreation room, in which a laminated wood floor was laid on top of a quality subfloor.

Also on that level are a three-piece bathroom and spacious laundry room with new washer and dryer.

The large kitchen, with ceramic flooring, evokes the atmosphere of a cottage, and opens to a large backyard deck overlooking a lush garden. There is a perennial garden in the front yard.

Other features include restored wood trim and new hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms, which are connected by pocket doors. Numerous mechanical improvements - including installing new wiring, light fixtures and furnace - were also carried out.