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Ads for imaginary real estate, WTF?

torbee

HB King
Gold Member
So this came up in my Google News feed today:

Exquisite and Upgraded Two-Story Custom Home in Bettendorf/Mark Twain Subdivision​


BySharna Bass

Sep 11, 2023
Exquisite and Upgraded Two-Story Custom Home in Bettendorf/Mark Twain Subdivision


This stunning custom-built two-story home in the Bettendorf/Mark Twain subdivision offers a one-of-a-kind living experience. Situated on a private 1.83-acre lot, this property provides a serene countryside atmosphere with convenient access to urban amenities. Within a short five-minute drive, residents can find schools, clinics, supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, post offices, recreational centers, country clubs, restaurants, and the Mississippi River.

The smoke-free and pet-free house features a grand main living area with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, original brick walls, new oversized custom windows, a unique gas fireplace with custom brick and oak surround, and new carpeting. The kitchen has been recently updated with granite countertops, under-cabinet lighting, matching appliances, a farmhouse-style stainless steel sink, counterbalanced pendant lighting, new flooring, and custom hardwood moldings. Additional storage space is available in the updated kitchen cabinets, mudroom, and laundry room.

The home also includes a custom four-season room with wood-burning stove, brick and cedar walls, and abundant natural light from windows and sliding glass doors that lead to the patio. The spacious master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a covered porch. The master bathroom has been recently upgraded with granite countertops and sinks, cedar and brick walls surrounding a shower, and a heated two-person spa bath with a 20-foot ceiling.

Upstairs, the property offers generously sized rooms with custom oak finishes and high ceilings. This house is being sold through an agent affiliated with the seller.
In summary, this exclusive secluded home in the thriving Bettendorf area provides a unique and fully upgraded living experience. With its private location, proximity to urban amenities, and acclaimed schools, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of city living and a countryside ambiance.

Sources:


– No URL links provided.




Looks pretty nice, no?

Thing is -- IT DOESN'T EXIST.

This is not an actual property, nor based on my online snooping, is any project like this even in the works.

So what is the point of these (maybe AI-generated) advertisements? There is no link to click or anything asking you to take action. Weird, right?

Theories?
 
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It's weird, you have an urban setting picture, and it says rural setting. The text is of a private home with recent upgrades, so not a new development.
Is it weird that the text says through an agent "affiliated", with the seller? Not representing, or something a little more legally sound?
 
I found this-
https://offplanpropertyexchange.com...-for-less-than-the-price-of-a-townhome/93868/

A Piece of Conservation Paradise: The Unique Property For Sale on Burke Mountain​


ByJames Forsyth

Aug 25, 2023
A Piece of Conservation Paradise: The Unique Property For Sale on Burke Mountain

A stunning property has captured the attention of potential buyers in Burke Mountain. This 1.8-acre land, located at 3690 Victoria Dr. in Coquitlam, offers a dream opportunity for those looking to build new homes. The spacious property, nestled among tall, majestic trees, is in close proximity to a new Polygon townhouse development.
However, there is a catch. The property carries a restrictive covenant imposed by The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC), a non-profit charitable land trust. The late owner, Steve Vida, filed this covenant in 2005, seeking to preserve the natural state of his property. It is home to various bird species, a small man-made pond, and “significant” trees, including Douglas firs, cedars, and maples.
Under the conservation covenant, the TLC has the right to inspect the property and restrict any changes that would impact the natural habitat. The intent behind Vida’s action was to ensure the preservation of the land’s natural beauty, mainly for the wellbeing of the birds that he cherished.
Acquiring a property with a covenant has its advantages. These properties may be assessed at a lower value, resulting in reduced taxes. Additionally, owners may receive a charitable tax receipt for the devaluation. The Victoria Drive property, for instance, saw a drop in assessed value from nearly $1.8 million in 2021 to the current listing price of $875,000 in 2022.
While the new owners can collaborate with the TLC to renovate or replace a home on the property, they cannot encroach upon the natural habitat. The covenant provides a financial mechanism for the TLC to penalize any breaches. In some cases, penalties have exceeded $277,000, as seen when a landowner cut trees to enhance their view.
Properties within the Lower Mainland protected by conservation covenants are rare. There are only two or three known instances, making Vida’s property a green oasis amidst urbanization. In 2020, there was a court challenge against the covenant due to changes in the neighborhood that might impact the effectiveness of the property as bird habitat. However, the court upheld the covenant, recognizing its importance as a refuge from urbanization.
Steve Vida’s dedication to wildlife and the environment was evident in his efforts to preserve his property. Although his family had to bear the costs of the court case, Vida’s love for birds remained undeterred. The TLC sees itself as his voice, ensuring that his vision for the land is realized even after his passing.
Sources:
– Google Maps
– The Tri-City News
 
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