Unexpected Treasures Found in 92-Year-Old Woman’s Home

Everyone who’s ever sold or bought a house knows that finding a good realtor is like finding a needle in a haystack. You have to separate the quick-buck opportunists from the honest, dependable professionals – or in this case, women.

Glynn and Kyla Sacchini are two of the best in their field. Siblings by birth and business partners by choice, the sisters have worked together for over a decade. Selling houses is second nature to them, with each sister taking on specific roles to get the job done efficiently.

Then, in 2019, they received a call that would change their perspective on the business altogether.

When you’ve been a realtor as long as these women have, you develop a good sense of the variety of homes Toronto has to offer. Each week, you’re helping families find their dream residences, so it’s safe to say that the Sacchinis have seen all sorts of abodes.

That’s why when Kyla received a call from a woman named Alice inquiring about selling her property in 2019, she didn’t think much of it.

In fact, all she noted was that the woman was very elderly, at a respectable 96 years and counting. This first call went as usual, marking the beginning of the relationship between the Sacchinis and their new customer.

Kyla and Glynn know that the first thing on anyone’s mind when selling a property is, “How much is it going to be worth?”

After all, owning a home is a substantial asset, and no one wants to let go of it for less than its worth. Their process of evaluating a property begins even before they step inside.

First, they assess the house prices in the area to estimate what their customer could get for their property… However, there was a snag.

When Alice spoke with the sisters on the phone, she accidentally mentioned that she had been residing in the house for 72 years. While this is an impressive tenure for any homeowner, it also raised a slight concern for the realtor.

The extended duration of a single owner’s occupancy often correlates with a higher likelihood of the property being in a state of disrepair. Homeowners who live in the property, particularly elderly individuals, might unknowingly neglect the maintenance of the home over the years.

It’s a common occurrence – yet it could significantly reduce the asking price. Considering Alice’s home’s location, the sisters were optimistic – yet apprehensive.

With years of experience in the industry, the Sacchinis were no strangers to such scenarios. They had encountered offers to sell properties in the past, only to discover that these properties were essentially abandoned and in poor condition.

Dealing with such situations can be detrimental to a business and challenging to navigate.

Both Kyla and Glynn were hesitant to upset the kind elderly woman on the phone, particularly since it appeared that selling was important to her. They opted instead to explore the area and assess the potential value of the home.

Despite their concerns about the property’s condition, Glynn and Kyla explored the surrounding area of West Toronto where Alice resided. They were delighted to discover that the house was located on Jane Street, a desirable area with friendly neighbors. Nearby, they found luxurious boutique hotels and upscale shops, making it an ideal location.

In this prime location, the real estate agents felt a glimmer of optimism, though they hadn’t laid eyes on the property yet. What awaited them beyond that door? Speculations brewed, and they were almost convinced it would be a catastrophe.

After surveying the upscale neighborhood, the siblings were eager to enter the building, but their thoughts were consumed by what awaited inside. Alice had mentioned living alone, leading Kyla and Glynn to anticipate a hoarder’s paradise within her home.

Their expectations weren’t a reflection of Alice personally; rather, they had encountered similar situations frequently. With age comes a tendency to accumulate possessions, making it harder to part with items, as was likely the case with their new client.

Alice also disclosed another piece of information that heightened their caution…

Alice had candidly informed Kyla and Glynn that her house had remained untouched by renovations. Seventy years of the same kitchen countertops, the same bathroom, and the same windows. It’s quite a stretch for any of these fixtures to endure, so even if the house wasn’t overrun with clutter, would it really be marketable in its current state?

Kyla and Glynn swiftly assessed their choices. How severe could the neglect of this place have been over time? Surely, everything would be in disrepair, demanding to be torn out and rebuilt from scratch… but they faced a more immediate issue.

Even though Alice was the one who initiated contact with the realtors, her sisters sensed her reluctance to sell her home. While they understood her desire to transition to a retirement setting where assistance would be readily available, they wondered if there were other reasons underlying her nervousness.

Maybe she was aware of the property’s poor condition, realizing that listing it would entail a lengthy and challenging process. Alternatively, she might have felt embarrassed about its state of disrepair and preferred not to expose it to strangers. Nevertheless, Glynn and Kyla still faced a significant obstacle to overcome.

Their reasons for not acquiring the property seemed endless, yet the Sacchinis trusted their instincts. They believed that selling the home could yield a tidy profit, considering their evaluation of other houses in the area. The price they decided on seemed reasonable, given their track record of accurate calculations.

Kyla and Glynn expressed to Alice their belief that her property, based on the information available to them, could potentially be sold for approximately $980,000. This amount would seemingly alleviate any financial worries the 96-year-old may have had about her future.

After making the decision to acquire the property, Kyla and Glynn were taken aback when Alice appeared hesitant to proceed further. It appeared as though she had a change of heart, seemingly unwilling to part with 70 years of memories. Despite their initial concerns, they found themselves comforting Alice.

After some time and discussions, Alice eventually relented. It had been a long process, but the sisters were finally en route to visit 148 Jane Street.

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Thus far, their exposure had been limited to an image showcasing the plain, outdated exterior. What treasures awaited within?

Seasoned real estate agents rarely find themselves at a loss for words when they step into a property. It’s typically a “been there, done that, sold the house” kind of experience. However, when Kyla and Glynn stepped into 148, they were left speechless, humbled by what they found.

The house was in its original, unrenovated state – yet it was immaculate.

A mere glance into any room offered a sensory feast, transporting you directly to the 1950s and 1960s. Each item and every piece of furniture remained unblemished and exquisite, reminiscent of a bygone era captured in a vintage edition of Good Housekeeping.

With every step they took through the house, the sisters grew increasingly amazed. Each room was tastefully adorned in the peak styles of the ’50s and ’60s, featuring muted pastel colors. The living room was particularly striking, with its pale pinks and coordinating white furnishings.

It was a sight unlike anything the realtors had encountered. Instead of a cluttered mess, it was a beautifully preserved slice of history. They felt a twinge of embarrassment at their earlier doubts, now astonished by what lay before them. Could it truly be real?

Beyond just delighting the realtors, Alice had overlooked one key detail. The furniture she had purchased new in the ’50s and ’60s was remarkably well-preserved. This meant that upon moving, she could potentially earn a substantial income by selling these pieces.

Whether she chose to sell them separately or include them with the house, her meticulous care for these vintage items could turn into a lucrative opportunity.

Retro items retain their popularity even today, making her realize she had been unknowingly sitting on a treasure trove for the past few decades. Patience truly pays off!

Given the lack of redecoration for decades, one might anticipate some wear and tear on the decor. However, this was not the case in Alice’s home. At 92 years old, she maintained everything meticulously, including the beautifully wallpapered rooms. The carpets, ranging from pale blue to pink and purple, exuded luxury and were impeccably maintained.

Every detail exemplified the era flawlessly, leaving the sisters not just stunned but also slightly suspicious. While it appeared flawless, could there possibly be hidden imperfections?

Any skilled real estate agent understands the adage that looks can be deceiving. While Alice might excel at maintaining the furniture and keeping the carpets fresh, considering the duration of her residency, could there be hidden issues lurking beneath the surface?

It’s possible that the structural integrity is compromised, or there could be dampness issues. Kyla and Glynn wasted no time in conducting a meticulous inspection of the house.