OPTION 1
King West Lofts, King Street West (near Strachan), listed at $349,900, sold for $425,000
The two-level, fifth-floor suite was across from Massey Harris Park and had “amazing bones,” Decker says. But the concrete walls had rust stains, the place smelled like smoke, and the counter laminate was peeling. When her agent told her there were already 10 offers in on the underpriced, gut-job unit, she decided to back off.

OPTION 2
DNA, Shaw Street (near King), listed at $348,888, now off the market
This apartment, across the street from the King West Lofts, was on the 11th floor, had a great common area, parking, ”fabulous” finishes and nine-foot ceilings. How­ever, the “plus den” mentioned in the listing turned out to be a closet-size technology nook. Decker wanted more space.

OPTION 3
High Park Lofts, Roncesvalles Avenue (near Dundas), listed at $354,900, withdrawn from the market
She liked the neighbourhood, and she adored the fireplace in the living room. But the one-bedroom-plus-den had floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out on the sidewalk at street level. It felt like a retail space—she’d have to keep the blinds closed 24/7.

THE BUY
Bohemian Embassy, Queen Street West (near Gladstone), listed at $359,900 (plus $25,000 for parking), sold for $349,000 (inclusive)
“I said yes after 10 minutes in the model suite,” Decker says. “It was exactly what I wanted.” Because the developer was eager to sell before the second phase went on the market, Decker’s agent was able to negotiate the selling price of a fourth-floor unit. She hopes to move in next summer.