This story was originally published on Feb. 1, 2009
Despite a laundry list of high-end features, the house at 1702 De Sousa Pl. where Lindsay Buziak was killed remains a tough property to sell.
It is plagued by "residual issues," said Don Linge, an Esquimalt lawyer who represents Leauni Holdings Inc., the company that holds title to much of the surrounding subdivision.
Presumably, those residual issues stem from a torrent of unwanted negative publicity as camera crews and reporters broadcast from outside the murder scene last year.
Buziak was found dead in an empty upstairs bedroom. At the time, she had been trying to sell the house for $964,900. The five-bedroom luxury house, with four bathrooms, hardwood floors, ceramic tile and granite countertops, is described as a "dream home" on online listings.
Despite the negative press, the asking price has dipped just $15,000 -- that's less than two per cent of the original price. It's now listed at $949,900.
"If anybody wants to buy it, it's still for sale," said Linge.
At the time of Buziak's killing, Re/Max Camosun, the company she worked for, dropped the listing. Real estate agents across the country pledged to increase safety and develop monitoring systems for agents who show homes alone.
Re/Max Camosun has since reconnected with the property. Agent Adrian Langereis now displays the listing on his website. He did not return a call for comment.
According to a B.C. property search, two local construction companies have liens on the house for unpaid bills.
Leauni Holdings Inc., the title owner, is run by Joseph De Sousa, a local developer whose name adorns the cul-de-sac on which the subdivision is built. He also did not return a request for comment.