FRESH BRICK: 27 YEAR ITCH

51-47 Markland St, Hamilton, ON circa 1887

The current #HamOnt market is turning over a bunch of 'big ones' and I can barely contain my real estate itch. I think I may need help (seriously).

51 Markland popped into my life about a week ago and it was love at first sight. Even more alluring was the fact that she has only been called home by four families in the past (the first being William Southam, publisher of the Hamilton Spectator). Now, for the first time in 27 years she's on the market and ready to show off her finely preserved character bones.

There are so many details to die for like her two-storey bays, double door vestibule, 11ft ceilings, original hardwood floors, spindled newel posts, detailed cornices and gables, butler's pantry, and Victorian cast iron tub with vintage fixtures.

I love that there are still homes in the area with original character and layouts in tact. That said, I fear they are a dying breed and will become increasingly more difficult to come by.

When I posted this Italianate knockout several people commented on all the work and updates required, but all I could think about was moving in and loving her as is. To me, there's a big difference between NEED and WANT. Sure, 51 Markland could use a refresh, but it doesn't 'need' anything. Its brick shamming. Yes. I just coined that. The real estate version of body shaming!

"She's so dated...where's her shiny new kitchen...the floors creak...there's too many walls and doors."

Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but honestly if the home was good enough for the current owners to live in for 3 decades and it has survived 135 years to date, it can't be all that bad. #BeautyIsInTheEyeOfTheBeholder

Fear No.2 is that the adjacent (severed) lot at 47 Markland, included with the sale, will be developed and a bear rise to an out of character new build. Here's hoping the new owners will retain the streetscape, keeping the 119' x 170' double lot in tact. Perhaps expand the gardens and/or add a pool...

However, the realist (and opportunist in me) knows better. The investment potential is highly alluring for interested buyers given the list price is a very competitive $1.699 million. I'm sure it will sell for closer to $2.0 million when an offer is accepted today (April 17) based on the assed value of the house and lot, alone. Not to mention the insatiable demand for the neighborhood (Durand & Kirkendall), backed by recent comps. Take 17 Spruceside Avenue, for example, which recently sold for $1.6 million ($300K over asking!).