By SYDNIA YU
Friday 25 November 2005

Asking price: $489,900

Selling price: $540,250

Previous selling price:

Previous selling price: $378,000 (June 2005)

Taxes: $3,591 (2004)

Days on market: six

For two months prior to going on the market, there was a flurry of activity at this semi-detached, two-storey house just west of Yonge Street, between Davisville and Eglinton.

The owner, who is a contractor, refinished the hardwood floors, gutted the kitchen, revamped the bathrooms, and installed new mechanics, including a high-efficiency furnace and central-vacuum outlets.

Once the three-bedroom home went on sale, there was action of a different kind. A bidding war erupted that, in six days, resulted on an offer of more than $50,000 over the asking price.

It had a lot of what people were looking for, agent Julie Kinnear says. And, of course, it's in Chaplin Estates, which is a nice neighbourhood.

The living room has a wood-burning fireplace, classic ceiling medallion and original stained-glass windows, while the dining room has wainscoting up to the plate rails.

There is a main-floor powder room, and the kitchen is finished with ceramic floors and crown moulding. A renovated back addition has a cathedral ceiling and new windows, and it opens to the brick patio in the backyard.

All of the bedrooms are upstairs, along with a den and a bathroom with heated limestone floors.

The basement recreation room has new broadloom, pot lights and a three-piece bathroom combined with a laundry area.

The shared driveway has room for one car; two subway stations are nearby. Area amenities include Yonge Street shops, restaurants and entertainment; recreational facilities at the North Toronto Community Centre; and various parks.

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. (Julie Kinnear and K.J. Duck)