Real estate ad offers 'explosive' deal next to Barrie bomb house

A photo of this real estate listing was sent to us by CBC Community member Michael Loyst, who said the ad was in "poor taste." (Submitted by Michael Loyst)
A real estate agent is defending her ad for an "explosive deal" on the house next door to a bomb-filled Barrie home.

The Royal Lepage listing, which Ivy Kana said she placed in the Barrie Examiner, reads as follows:

"AN EXPLOSIVE DEAL!! Only $279,000
28 Virgilwood Cres.

Soon to be BOMB FREE and ready for showings again . . . why not live next to the famous house in Barrie. Neighbours have bonded through this and why not be welcomed into this community. Call now to book your showing!"

The real estate agent said most people have had positive responses to the ad, including the owner of 28 Virgilwood.

"It was a play on words, that's all," said Kana, adding that none of the bombs have hurt anyone. "It was just meant to be catchy to be quite honest."

"The whole ad is just trying to put a better spin on a doom and gloom situation."

Police announced Thursday afternoon that they'd completed their sweep of neighbouring 30 Virgilwood Cr., where more than 80 explosive devices were found during a murder investigation involving the homeowners.

Neighbours were given the green light to return to their residences after a weeklong evacuation.

Kana's ad was meant to appear after the immediate threat had been diffused.

But on Friday police announced an additional cache of chemicals was discovered in the home's basement and some residents were once again evacuated.

"It's in the paper - it's done," said Kana of the overlap.

"I do apologize sincerely to anyone who was offended by the ad," she said. "We're not malicious people."

Among those unimpressed by the ad was Michael Loyst, the CBC reader who sent a photograph of it to the CBC Community team. Michael said the pitch was in "poor taste," and wondered if it was "too soon" for such an angle.

But others were amused, and even had kind words for Kana.

"Love the new ad. [It was] clever and well played up. Nice to see some comic relief, hopefully people start to appreciate it too!" said Sadie Patterson on Kana's Facebook page.

Kana stressed that the property is still in a great neighbourhood and that the property owner she works with put his home on the market before the bomb threat investigation began.

"It's sad for the person who has to sell the home, but you have to make the best of a bad situation," she said, stressing that the homeowner thought the edgier angle was "great."

"It's got to be marketed it in a different way now."

Still, in light of the response, Kana said she will be re-thinking the marketing strategy and likely won't run the same ad again.

What do you make of the ad? Would you be interested in a good property deal despite an unattractive neighbour?


(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' replies.)