The lady who sold it is a widow and has owned it from 2004.

She’s an old widow who doesn’t really want the property.  

(There’s an opportunity to sell real estate to them but that’s another discussion)Hedge funds don’t take phone calls from John & Jane motivated seller who live down the street from you.Hedge funds don’t care about the young family who lost their job and needs to relocate next week for a new job.Hedge funds don’t want to talk to the 74 year old widow who can’t afford her house anymore but really wants to stay in the home where she raised her family……or the guy in California who just inherited his Mom’s house in Florida.

I am currently working with the widow of a deceased homeowner and the situation is a bit complicated.

If it' isn't a garage and another widow could go there you might could re arrange the landscaping, and if money is plentiful after go grander with the dormer.No expert on design just a quick view thought...

Many older homes had unvented bathrooms or rely on a widow for ventilation (which will not get used in the colder months).  

My aunt (single, widow, retired) owns a 2 bed 2 bath condo in North York worth ~$300k CAD.

My elder investor (70+ widow) loved the layout and Schrock cupboards, my 30 something, new guy was sure there were a dozen racoons in the crawlspace and constantly yelled "dibbs!".

Because he knew that it is generally unwise for a widow or widower to make major decisions in the first year after the death of a spouse.

There is no need to avoid capital gains tax because she probably won't owe any capital gains tax.If a single person earns less than $37,450 per year (15% tax bracket or less), there is no captial gains tax due.If Married filing jointly/Qualifying widow or widower, the max income is $74,900 for this 15% tax bracket.