Waterview: A perfect surprise

35 Saltaire Street, Waterview.

Asking price: $480,000 to $520,000.

Sold for: $500,000.

Sold by: John Covich, Anne Duncan Team Advantage, ph 846 9470, 021 946 933.

For most homebuyers the dream scenario is a real estate agent who listens to his client's list of needs and then produces something totally unexpected, but perfect. This was the experience of Nicola Wilson and Brad Ward Abel in their search for their new family home. The engaged couple had specified a character bungalow or villa, in their ever-widening search through Sandringham, to Waterview, Mount Albert and Three Kings.

"We wanted the character and something unexpected, as well as the usual list of rooms," says Nic. "I reckon over six months I'd looked at 120 houses. Brad got sick of it after about 10!"

Nic had in mind that her father, skilled in plumbing and electricals, as well as building, would help them with a do-up project. After six months, Nic was pretty experienced in checking out houses and weary of trailing through the auctions; Brad's only preference was something near water.

So when John Covich from Anne Duncan Team Advantage mentioned a modern house, but with plenty of character, Nic was ready to take a look.

"I walked in and loved it immediately. The open plan living and the garden is like a little oasis," says Nic. "And, for Brad, there's a lovely view of the upper harbour."

Brad's work schedule meant he didn't have time to check out the house in person. So after a quick check on the internet, Nic and Brad put in an offer and the house was theirs for $500,000. Brad managed to check the house out a week later and approved of Nic's spotting.

The couple, who get married this summer, are thrilled that there is nothing to do to the property. As is Nic's dad, who won't be giving up his leisure time renovating an old do-up. They are already loving the peace of the water views and feel completely at home.