Imagine living in the same old house for over seven decades – it’s bound to be packed with endless memories for sure. For one elderly woman named Joyce, she thought it would be a great idea to have her West Toronto home checked by listing agents. And that’s when Gladys and Carla Spizzirri came into the picture.

Initially, the realtors didn’t expect to see anything out of the ordinary, considering it didn’t look much from the outside. But once they went inside, the Spizzirris were astounded to find out that Joyce was keeping a secret all this time – and they couldn't wait to share it with the world!

Nothing Special

Most people who aren’t experts in the real estate industry would usually assume that a house’s general value would entirely depend on the structural style and age. In a way, that notion is accurate; however, the condition of what's in the interior plays a vital role as well.

And when the Spizzirris arrived at Joyce’s humble abode, they immediately had a rough estimate of the row home’s total worth. Their first guess? Well, it wasn't as expensive as once would hope! Aside from that, they also had to take into consideration its built date, which was sometime around the 1950s.

Just Another Building

Joyce has been residing in the same neighborhood almost all her life, but you’d be surprised to know that only a few had the opportunity to drop by and see the inside of her home. It’s not like the old lady didn’t want any visitors; maybe she preferred to keep to herself given her age.

Nevertheless, most of the neighbors were aware that a 96-year-old lady was the proud owner of this simple dwelling. Little did they know that while it looked a bit shabby externally, it was actually quite beautiful on the inside – they just haven’t seen it yet!

Meet the Spizzirris

Interestingly, Joyce already had a feeling that her house was truly something special. She wasn't one to brag about her possessions, so she figured it was best to confirm her speculations first before sharing them with others. In the long run, Joyce decided to consult real estate agents and have her house inspected.

Fortunately, she chanced upon one of the most well-known specialists in the area – Carla and Gladys Spizzirri. This dynamic duo are sisters who opted to work together in this project just to cover more ground – and good thing they did! Once they stepped foot in Joyce's property, they were in for the shock of their lives.

Just Like Any Other Day

The Spizzirri duo was undoubtedly one of the best in their field. So when they received the call from Joyce, they got excited at the prospect of having a new client. It was just like any other phone call, the owner explained what she had in mind, and the duo would give their recommendation.

Apparently, Joyce was hoping to find a buyer for one of her most prized possessions. She obtained the land after tying the knot with her husband. And now that he was gone, Joyce surmised it was now time to let it go. She just had to find the right people to do it!

It Was Destiny

After thorough searching, Joyce picked Gladys and Carla to handle the sale of her house. The tandem has been in the real estate industry for quite some time and gained a stellar reputation in closing deals without any issues. Despite working separately on most projects, the two decided to partner for Joyce – just as they usually do when they suspect it was going to bring in significant revenue.

Usually, the Spizzirri siblings would offer different sides of an argument, and that would help them make better decisions. But they never expected something as mundane as a nearly-dilapidated structure would surprise them unlike any other!

First Call with Joyce

Joyce gave the Spizzirri ladies a ring, and Carla was more than gracious to take the call. They planned the basics of the arrangement, from setting a viewing date and other necessary requirements for the sale. It was all going so well, and the agents assured Joyce they would give their feedback as soon as they saw the place.

Thanks to their vast knowledge, the Spizzirris were well-informed about the current market value for Ontario homes. They hoped Joyce would feel happy about whatever deal they’d land on. She was determined to sell; the little old lady just needed a dash of enthusiasm.

Decisions, Decisions

Despite her plans, Joyce remained a bit apprehensive about taking this big step. After all, it was probably one of the most life-changing decisions she had to make! So, amidst Joyce’s unsure tone, they managed to convince her to proceed with it – much to her delight.

The property was bound to be sold at some point, but the only lingering thought on Joyce's mind was when. Was she ready to embark on this new chapter and leave everything behind? And was this what her husband would've wanted? Indeed, the Spizzirri sisters could help her see things much clearer.

Age is Just A Number

Initially, Gladys and Carla thought this was just some regular person who wanted to get an obscure property off her hands. But when Joyce mentioned her age, the Spizzirris were intrigued as to why this woman wanted to sell the pad that she’s been living at for decades. Was she in her right senses?

It turned out that Joyce was in a lucid state of mind and did not even present any hearing or speaking problems. You would never think she is 96 based on how jovial and casual she spoke! It was like talking to someone much younger, indeed.

Kicking Off the Process

Everything was set – the seasoned realtors informed Joyce over the phone all the necessary requirements she had to submit, from the full address and the most recent picture of the residence’s external façade. When the docs were in place, the agents checked the property's image hastily. At a glance, there were no obvious structural deformities, so Gladys and Carla had no cause for concerns.

But that outdoor look is just a teaser of the real jewel that’s hidden beneath. This proof alone was enough to excite the Spizzirri ladies, but the tandem also prayed Joyce wouldn’t change her mind in the middle of the entire selling process.

Looking Forward

Back in 2009, Carla made the decision to partner with her sister Gladys and joined her sales team. It was a first for the siblings, but they earned a stellar reputation in the industry due to their success. By the time Joyce showed them the house's picture, they agreed on a viewing date along with the client.

Based on the snapshot, the dwelling was quite unassuming and looked like any basic rowhouse, albeit cleaner. It was decent, and it’s obvious the owner took care of the structure despite its simplicity and size.

Joyce Was a Catch

The Spizzirris valued nothing more in life than their customers – after all, they are the ones who made their business a success. And when they sealed an agreement with her, it’s safe to assume Joyce’s pleasant and respectful demeanor helped achieve that.

It didn’t take long for these two agents to guess what could be expected from an older adult like Joyce. They've been in this business for more than three decades, and their experience granted them the skills to give calculated guesses. In their expert opinion, Joyce was a great client!

What Was Wrong?

The house was eventually put on the market, and surprisingly, many people reached out to inquire about it. Unfortunately, it didn't sell as fast as the agents hoped! What seemed to be the problem? The house was acceptable by usual standards even if it was built in 1942, and it wasn't even that pricey.

Days passed, and the Spizzirri sisters realized there might be a pressing reason behind this odd occurrence. Carla and Gladys were determined to find out, now more than ever, the mystery about Joyce's apartment. No one else was more capable of cracking this case than the Spizzirris!

Finding the Right Moment

Real estate is a tough business to conquer – there are too many properties and agents competing for a sale. But all it takes is the perfect timing; once you have that in place, then closing that sale will come next. According to Comfort Life, elderlies would rather live out their remaining days at home rather than a care facility. This is why selling old homes is almost unheard of.

In the case of Joyce, moving to an assisted living home was inevitable, especially since it will be her hundredth birthday in a few years. But why did she have doubts in her heart when it came to her house?

A Possible Hoarder

A lot of elderly women find solace in keeping random things over the years. They don't see anything wrong with it, but others would often reach a point of hoarding. It's hard to acknowledge this condition, more so if you’re the one doing it. Apparently, Joyce shared that she loved to collect household items; Carla surmised this could be a hoarder's house.

They haven’t confirmed this theory yet, but it could be one of the many reasons why Joyce had a hard time letting this house go. Simply put, it only made Carla and Gladys even more curious!

Messy Old Lady

But at the back of their heads, Gladys and Carla feared this could be one of those situations wherein the house looks fine on the outside but is overrun with filth and junk on the inside. They didn't want to judge Joyce for her lifestyle, but they've seen this happen in elderly clients before, particularly those who's lived alone for years.

With no support system in place, a tidy living space could quickly turn into a mess. And when that happens, the dwelling’s beauty would cease to exist once it all falls apart. Was Joyce trying to sell just so she could offload this crappy property to someone else?

Keeping Their Fingers Crossed

It’s like the Spizzirri siblings already brought every worst possible scenario they could think of, and yet they haven't revealed the actual reason why this sale came to be. Of course, it's normal for people to worry, especially if cash is involved. Scams can come in all shapes and sizes – even in a seemingly mild-mannered old lady.

For one, it just didn’t make sense as to why Joyce was reluctant to hand off the row house. When they talked through the landline, she came off as a classy woman, so Carla and Gladys trusted her despite not meeting in person.

Feelings of Guilt

On the other hand, Carla and Gladys didn’t want to judge Joyce too quickly. She didn’t seem like the type who wouldn’t take care of her belongings, let alone her personal living space for almost all her life. One thing’s for certain, they sensed that the sweet old lady was doing this with a heavy heart.

In a way, they do feel pretty sorry for Joyce. No one wants to live alone, more so when you are in the twilight years. Senior citizens feel exceptionally lonely when the family isn't around, and with that in mind, the sisters were even more adamant at helping Joyce.

Lonely Grandma

According to a report from the Administration of Aging, more than 11 million elderly citizens live alone. And what’s worse about it is how about five million of these people should be sued into an assisted living facility.

Because of this situation, there’s been an increase in home accidents. The one that tops the list is the most obvious - the risk for fall. If that happens to older people, it can lead to severe fractures, concussions, and even passing away. Joyce was 96 years old, making her the best candidate for these avoidable accidents.

A Valuable Reason

Joyce needed serious help, but that wasn’t the only thing keeping Carla and Gladys worked up - they still had a business to run! However, once they finalized their research about the Ontario home, the agents could potentially put the house up for an impressive $968,000!

But it would be too early to celebrate this win since they still had to do some repairs and maybe redecorate some rooms, even the kitchen. It’s going to cost a pretty penny, but Joyce would agree it was all going to be worth it!

Almost Time

Their inspection date was fast approaching, yet Carla couldn’t shake off that weird feeling from her chest. What was Joyce’s secret? It was bothering her more than ever. Gladys felt it too – although the ladies also assumed that they might be overthinking it. Who knows, Joyce wasn’t telling them anything!

Regardless of how they felt or thought about the cause, the agents still agreed to proceed with their original plan. It was high time the house was surveyed, and maybe Joyce badly needed the extra cash to settle some financial issues.

An Ideal Spot

Location is crucial if you want to sell any property, and it's even more important if the house is old or run-down. Thankfully, Joyce's residence is situated in a particularly lovely area in Toronto. It was a suburban place that gained popularity back when it first opened.

Significant changes were made in the surrounding neighborhood, which mostly happened after World War II. More citizens began to move into the houses, and the business sector boomed after small-town entrepreneurs opened their stores. It was a quaint place if you wanted everything right at your doorstep!

More Amenities

Several improvements were also made nearby that led to a more lucrative town. For instance, buildings were constructed, and roads were widened to accommodate more vehicles. Additionally, the government also opened more real estate options for its citizens by putting up row houses. It was shaping up to be an incredible development.

Keep in mind that Joyce’s house was built in 1942, so by 1959, it was such a hotspot that even Queen Elizabeth couldn’t help but visit the place. Affluent residents from distant cities flocked left and right, and before you know it, expensive establishments showed up!

A Rich Background

Through the years, real estate value in the Old Mill area has steadily grown. People loved the town's overall aesthetic since it gave off a classic vibe, with its tree-lined roads and cobblestone pavements. Naturally, there are several abandoned parts in town, but it surprisingly attracted tourists since it was a haven for treasure hunting.

As such, Carla and Gladys were ecstatic by the fact that Joyce’s home was in the best location in Toronto. It was just near the Eganville gristmill ruins, among other historical sites, so it’s expected to capture local buyers from all over the state.

The Good and the Bad

To be more precise, the property up for sale was strategically located by the Humber Riverbank. It was only a few meters away from hotels, restaurants, and parks, making it a prime spot for those who are interested in purchasing their very first house without being too far from local convenience stores.

However, there’s also a downside to owning a pad that was built for more than half a century ago. It's likely there would be plumbing issues, cracked drywall, and probably with insulation, too! No wonder Joyce took a while to decide; she didn't want to spend too much money on this fixer-upper.

Cold Feet

But no matter how beautiful or expensive the house was, it won’t matter if no one would fix and buy it. The Spizzirri sisters had the selling skills to make it work, but the first step to closing that sale was to have Joyce on the same boat as them.

Since she was 24 years old, Joyce considered this place her home, which is why having cold feet is understandable. There’s a chance this sweet lady would take back her decision, and all Carla and Gladys could do is hope for the best!

Finally Convinced

It took several tries, but Gladys Spizzirri was able to persuade Joyce to keep her pronouncement and proceed with selling the property. The hesitant lady just needed a little push, and when she got just that, she was entirely on board. Somehow, Gladys was able to remind her why she was letting it go in the first place.

Excited by this turn of events, Gladys and Carla were looking forward to the inspection day since they would finally inspect every inch of the inside by then. Perhaps, that will give Joyce the closure she needed.

Giddy to Start

The Spizzirris jumped on the chance to assess Joyce’s mysterious abode when she confirmed that they could do so. It was quite intriguing why she kept on changing her commitment to selling, considering they've already discussed the matters beforehand over the phone.

Even if the structure wouldn’t look like the photo Joyce submitted, the agents looked forward to seeing it in the flesh since the market value and location were promising. Their curiosity was also through the roof at this point – Gladys and Carla had to push through with this agreement no matter the outcome!

A Painful Goodbye

Studies have shown that people associate memories with anything that surrounds them, be it a personal effect or space. This is where the concept of sentimental value comes into play, and it's also the logic behind that feeling of sadness when we let these things go.

Joyce didn't have a lot of friends, so when her husband passed, all she had left were memories of him around the house. Every little thing brought nostalgia, from their early days as newlyweds up to growing old together. However, Joyce also knew she needs to say goodbye and move on – even if it was a painful thought.

The Big Day

The most awaited day has finally arrived –viewing day was here! Now that Gladys and Carla were standing right outside the baffling home, they were minutes away from unveiling its contents. Was it a crown jewel as they predicted, or was it another building filled with useless junk?

It’s relatively uncommon to sell a house as old as the one that Joyce had. You tend to wonder what sort of items and features would be inside – maybe there would be vintage appliances and other unique bric-a-brac. She can probably make money from those alone!

Viewing from the Outside

If a random stranger walked by this street in Old Mill, he would never think there was anything special in this old home. It looked somewhat similar to the rest of the houses next to it – with its brick walls and faded paint. Although, this is to be expected since this was built in the early forties.

Despite its age, the structure was well-maintained, to a point wherein you could say Joyce and her husband must have considered this residence as their pride and joy. The old-fashioned style has a certain charm to it as well!

Quaint in All Aspects

As far as communities go, this particular street was beautiful in all its simplistic beauty. Each building is basically fashioned the same way; however, it’s well-preserved amidst the wear and tear! If Gladys and Carla didn’t know any better, they would think Joyce was kidding when she said her house needs to be sold.

The grass on the lawn needed a little trim, but other than that, it was almost immaculately kept. So, the Spizzirri siblings were ultimately sure Joyce wasn’t doing this because she didn’t have the energy to maintain the place – she just didn’t want to anymore.

Did Joyce Break Any Laws?

In each country, there are several policies and guidelines that need to be adhered to when it comes to selling real estate. Important information has to be disclosed, from the structure’s condition to the presence of mold. All of these details could make or break a buyer's next step, so it's always ideal to have everything on the table beforehand.

On top of that, the property might be priced incorrectly if such factors are left in the dark. Unless the owner intends to conceal a horrible secret, then this should be no problem!

Friendly Neighborhood

Carla and Gladys took their precious time in checking the surroundings, and they were amused to see how idyllic it was. The suburban area was populated with cheerful neighbors, with kids playing by their freshly-mowed lawns or navigating around in a bicycle with no care in the world. It was such a blissful atmosphere!

The signs were clear – this was going to sell in a blink of an eye. The Spizzirris were reassured, and any trace of doubt went out the door. But come to think of it, the agents also thought this was too good to be true.

Seeing Every Nook and Cranny

For someone in her late nineties, Joyce did a splendid job at keeping her apartment clean and livable. With its quaint white terrace, gray stone steps, and a lush green garden – this dwelling was truly what every homemaker’s dreams are made of.

Nothing could dampen Carla and Gladys’ elated mood now, especially after seeing the exterior. Perhaps, they were just being paranoid about Joyce being a hoarder that they forgot to appreciate what’s around them. It wasn't every day that they get to visit a seventy-year-old house that wasn’t abandoned or crumbling down – and Joyce didn’t even let them in yet!

Almost Perfect

If you add everything together, you could even conclude this was going to be one of their biggest sales ever. It painted a pretty picture of what life would be if a family moved into the building – it had an ample backyard and even a couple of trees. With some landscaping and maybe adding a flowerbed on the side, Gladys could ramp up the price!

Going back to the yard, there's enough space to convert it into an extra living space, like adding an area where friends and family can gather and do some BBQ. So far, this first inspection is way beyond what the Spizzirris expected!

Endless Possibilities

As they checked both sections of the apartment from the outside, the Spizzirri sisters saw how incredible the potential was. It wasn't decrepit, nor was it surrounded by garbage – on the contrary, Gladys was even more confused why Joyce called them to sell her fantastic property.

Once the snow-covered pavement upfront is cleared, then it would be the best starter home for a young couple or a small family. The brick and greenery aesthetic gave off some cozy and welcoming vibes; it was clear this was why Joyce was apprehensive about everything.

In Pristine Condition

Seventy-two years have passed since Joyce, and her husband occupied their home. They experienced so many firsts within its premises as a husband and wife – a lifetime of memories to last forever. As Joyce spoke to Gladys and Carla, she told them how much work she had done in the home so far.

Apparently, Joyce redecorated the interior sometime in 1965, updating the paint and adding in some new décor. However, the homeowner admitted it wasn’t really a complete renovation, which kind of worried the realtors. Would this revelation make the property unsellable?

Nothing Hidden So Far

The veteran property specialists were glad to report that it turned out Joyce wasn't a hoarder, nor was she a cluttered mess - there wasn’t even a piece of litter strewn outside her lawn. Each tile and window sill was in excellent condition and even looked like it was recently power washed!

But there was another possible issue that the Spizzirris would meet in the long run. Houses built in the fifties usually had some electrical issues, and as such, Joyce didn’t bother keeping too many high-tech appliances around the residence for fear of blowing up a fuse. Not that she knew how to operate them!

They’re In!

Only a number of people appreciate architecture to a certain degree, and the Spizzirris are one of them. And when they met Joyce in her home, the partners were completely wonderstruck at the structure's remarkable state - the design was a sight to behold!

And that's saying a lot since they were still by the foyer. Joyce began by orienting Carla and Gladys that she will take them for a tour of each room of the house, and she's open to any questions they might have pertaining to the structural condition. The game is on!

Her Personal Canvas

As a dressmaker, Joyce has also led a relatively colorful and artistic lifestyle. And as the Spizzirris expected, they saw how the senior citizen made sure to utilize her talent in turning her house into a home by personally handling the interior design aspect.

The devoted homemaker transformed every wall and corner as her canvas and displayed her artwork as much as she could. Unfortunately, not many people had seen her precious work since she was always alone, more so when her partner passed away. Now that she plans to move to a retirement facility, Joyce's work finally got the attention it deserved.

Hard to Tell

Unless you peek inside the apartment, determining what Joyce has done inside would be virtually impossible. It looked like any other house on the street, but the styling was what separated it from the rest! The façade alone emanated Joyce’s homely taste – it would make anyone comfortable in an instant.

With pride and conviction, Joyce led her visitors around the area and described in full detail all the changes she made since it was first built. Carla and Gladys were in complete awe at what they saw – it was beyond their wildest dreams.

Starting to Make Sense

The Spizzirris walked around in wonder and realized that Joyce must be so brave for having the guts to sell a huge part of her life. It’s evident the senior lady poured her heart and soul into this – everything was personalized!

Note that this structure was erected decades ago, but the furnishings were well-preserved. It was like time stood still, and not one of the items were weathered by age. Indeed, this was a revelation for both Carla and Gladys, but they weren’t prepared to see what was in store next.

A Time Warp

The fifties had a fancy approach when it came to designing, and it was something Joyce took into consideration when she and her husband decorated their home. Unlike most styles today, which are minimalistic in colors and prints, Joyce's house was the polar opposite.

It was like going to a different era, with its bright hues and intricate wallpaper - even the mirror frames and accent pieces were gold-plated! Antiques were positioned gently on the floor, matching the final theme perfectly. Honestly, maybe Joyce should have considered a career in interior design, given how awesome her house looked.

Renovation Wonders

Remember when Joyce said she had her fixtures updated in the late fifties? Well, it wasn’t just a simple kitchen renovation, she went ahead and did a major overhaul – down to the tiles and sink. She even changed the fridge since they used to make do with an icebox!

Overall, the kitchen was similar to a 1960s magazine spread. The color palette and details were carefully well-thought, and there’s not a single thing Gladys nor Carla could point out to criticize. In fact, the agents were impressed at Joyce’s skill – she wasn’t someone you should look down on!

Working for Passion

Some people would opt to hire professional decorators when they invest in their new home, but there are also those gifted with the passion for doing it themselves. With the help of Joyce’s artistic eye, her kitchen has morphed into something stylish and classy!

Little by little, Gladys and Carla came to the conclusion that this older woman's passion was truly unparalleled. Her husband must have known all along as well since the man supported his wife's kitchen project without complaints. Usually, kitchen decors are monotone, with stainless accents everywhere. But this wasn’t the case with Joyce – she loved bright and airy colors.

The Gorgeous Living Room

Moving along, the tour took Carla and Gladys inside the spacious living area. Again, the same color scheme was applied, with various pink tones and mint green accents. Any pro designer could applaud her effort, especially since she didn't even study arts in school! As Joyce promised, she kept everything as it was but added some improvements as she saw fit.

To sum it up in a nutshell, this abode truly resembled a time capsule. It captured the essence of the fifties-era from floor to ceiling without going overboard. We must say, Joyce surely had an elegant taste!

Pastels All-Around

The Spizzirris were used to ultra-modern homes with high-tech appliances and dark monochrome motifs, so seeing this pastel apartment was refreshing. Others may find it tacky, but there's a welcoming aura that visitors couldn’t shake off, and it’s most likely due to the happy colors around them.

Joyce and her husband also showed off a massive collection of expensive antiques and quirky ornaments that complemented the total theme. Carla, in particular, couldn't take her eyes off the sophisticated lamps that lined the sitting room’s corners – they must have cost a fortune!

Fine Dining Experience

Entering the dining room was also a thrilling part of the house tour since it showed another look while keeping the concept in check. Instead of bare pastel walls, it had a white and gold metallic floral wallpaper and a majestic chandelier right in the center.

Joyce even picked the perfect art centerpiece that would serve as a great conversation starter – Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Come to think of it, this area displayed a certain level of opulence that wowed the Spizzirri sisters. They believed no other house in Toronto was as vintage as this one in Old Mill!

Generous Natural Lighting

The dining area was adorned with exquisite wall art; however, the sunlight brought so much charm to the room. It provided the scenic ambiance that couldn't be achieved with artificial lighting – plus, this could probably become a selling point to prospective buyers once it's out in the market.

Once the chandelier is lit, and the windows are fully open, the rooms come to life, plus the colorful accents become even more prominent. Gladys and Carla both agreed that this property was going to sell like hotcakes – they were sure of it!

Trendy for Something So Vintage

Believe it or not, pastel hues were all the rage back in the fifties. Nowadays, this color palette is limited to clothing or wall paint, but it was such a cultural phenomenon before that even necessary appliances were in various shades of pastel. Think about stove tops or refrigerators in bright pink or teal – the apartment would resonate with a youthful appeal indeed!

Meanwhile, Joyce didn't bother to adopt any other trend since keeping it would also remind her of all the happy times with her husband. Good thing vintage items are in right now, or else the buyer might strip everything out and replace it with new appliances.

So Pretty in Pink

The tour has been going so well, and the Spizzirris were delighted when the elderly woman announced that their next stop would be the bed chambers. First off, Joyce showed them inside one of the guest rooms with an all-pink motif, which Gladys thought was like a cotton candy heaven!

Well, the homeowner’s favorite color was reportedly pink, so it’s only natural she would have a place dedicated to this rosy hue. It was interesting how Joyce successfully mixed and matched various textures to achieve a feminine look without making it look like an eyesore.

A Classic Touch

The pink area would be ideal for someone with a young daughter, so Gladys made a mental note to include this sweet feature in their marketing campaign. Of course, there’s a possibility that the buyer would change the color, but it’s nice to have for the open house at least.

On the flip side, men might be turned off by this daring display of color and hesitate to go ahead with the sale. So, the realtors agreed beforehand that it's essential to make it clear to viewers that this can be changed according to their liking. It's nice to keep, but they can redo the paint too.

The Biggest Surprise

If the pink room would be an issue for men, they might change their minds once they see a massive man cave in the basement. Yes, Joyce's husband decided to go all out with their entertainment area in the basement! Imagine having your own bar complete with swiveling chairs and a huge couch for guests – house parties will never be the same again.

Aside from the amenities, the wooden décor provided a masculine touch to the entire abode's otherwise soft styling. It's undoubtedly the best place to gather the boys and enjoy a nightcap!

Checking for Some Damage

The elderly lady’s interior design was remarkable by all accounts, but the Spizzirri sisters also need to ensure other significant aspects of the home were functioning, such as the plumbing, heating, and other fixtures. They expected there might be some damage considering it was built a long time ago, but they were in for another pleasant surprise.

Not one bulb or pipe needed fixing, something which made the homeowner proud. Keeping the house in its best shape has become her life’s challenge! Unlike other ancient houses, hers did not require extensive restoration whatsoever. But she’s about to share one last tidbit before finalizing the sale.

Leaving Some Items

Every item in the residence held over 70 years of memories, so letting go of them would be an emotional turmoil for anyone. As such, Joyce made a deal with the realtors that everything must go except for her furniture. Carla and Gladys were a bit heartbroken to see the house torn apart, but that’s just how life goes.

On the bright side, it won’t affect the purchasing process since most unfurnished houses are taken off the market faster. It was just a sad moment when you think the beautiful rooms will cease to exist in the next few weeks.

A New Home

Fortunately, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Joyce’s prized possessions! Everything from the tables, chairs, lamps, and chandeliers would be passed on to her lovely daughter. Somehow, even if it’s moving out from their ancestral home, it’s still within the family – it’s a win-win situation for all.

After the finalization of possessions, the photos of Joyce’s home surfaced online and went viral, and for a good reason! Not many people have seen similar designs, so it was quite expected many would be charmed by it. The antique abode reminded the public of a museum, although not in a boring way.

Quickly Sold

The Spizzirri siblings took their time in appraising the property and finally agreed on a reasonable price. And when the sisters told Joyce that the value was at $699,000, she was more than ecstatic! In fact, the woman was shocked that the house didn’t sit in the real estate market for too long!

Hopefully, its new owner would also treasure this gem just like the original did. Even if Joyce already moved out, she still treats the Toronto dwelling as her forever home. She put in a lot of time and effort to transform it, after all.

Close to Her Heart

Indeed, Joyce has come a long way since she first made that call to Carla and Gladys Spizzirri. It took every ounce of courage to accept that it was time to move on with her life and sell her personal space of 72 years for good. Now that the 96-year-old has settled into the long-term care facility, she holds no regrets about her decision.

Meanwhile, the realtors were happy they helped this inspiring woman in a major life transition. Not only did they add another satisfied customer to their roster, but they had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one of the best vintage homes in their entire careers!