West Seattle’s Dakota Condominium recently reduced prices on most of its actively listed units, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, though most units reflected a $10,000 adjustment. The Dakota has sold 26% of its 39 homes with prices now starting from $199,950.

The Dakota is in a great location near the Alaska Junction in West Seattle at 4116 California Ave SW, close to local businesses, restaurants, shops and is easily accessible to downtown Seattle.

Sample pricing (as of 5/22/10):
Unit #201: 520 sq ft studio reduced $10,000 to $199,950
Unit #311: 590 sq ft 1-bedroom reduced $10,000 to $249,950
Unit #413: 759 sq ft 1-bedroom reduced $10,000 to $339,950
Unit #210: 1,083 sq ft 2-bedroom reduced $15,000 to $384,950
Unit #206: 1,052 sq ft 2-bedroom reduced $25,000 to $399,950

View available Dakota condos for sale.

View property website: www.seattlecondos.info

“What people might not realize is that the first-time tax credit expiration date means that the deal must close by November 30th, 2009,” explains Michael Miller, CEO of local real estate marketing firm, MCM Group. “It’s taking 30 to 45 days for deals to close, so really the deadline for purchasers to qualify for this credit is right upon us. Buyers who want to take advantage of this should make their decisions and have their offers signed around by early next week at the very latest.”

Sylvan Ridge has just two available new townhomes that are complete and ready to move in today. Two buildings are currently under construction with seven new townhomes, two of which have already been purchased. Building 27 is due for completion in late October, and building 28 in early November. Buyers of the homes in building 28 who make a decision by next week will still have time to customize the features with optional upgrades such as slab granite countertops.

“We partnered with a local interior finishes firm, Super Floors,” says Tamea Duckworth, Sylvan Ridge Community Sales Manager. “They can provide the buyers with upgrade options and interior design consultation to upgrade or change several of our finishes at Sylvan Ridge. But once they start installing the interior finishes in building 28 next week, buyers will miss the chance to roll the upgrade costs into their purchase and their mortgage.”

All townhomes at Sylvan Ridge feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, den, powder room and attached garage. These zero-lot line townhomes are approved for VA and FHA financing, so qualified buyers can put as little as 3.5% down. Homes are priced from $289,950.

Located in West Seattle, these homes are just east of the new High Point neighborhood, offering buyers an easy commute to downtown Seattle and a myriad of choices for shopping, dining, entertainments and outdoor recreation. Sylvan Ridge is now in its third phase of construction, with over 70 homes sold and closed. When the community is complete there will be 178 townhomes.

Sylvan Ridge is located at 2733 SW Sylvan Heights Drive in West Seattle.

Website: www.sylvan-ridge.com

Puget Ridge Condos, 9013 16th Ave SW (at SW Henderson)
12 unit complex featuring one- and two-bedroom homes. The one-bedrooms are 514 sf that range in price from $134,500 to $149,500, while the two-bedrooms are 867 sf and are priced from $192,500 to $199,500. Parking included.

Beach Cove Condos, 3633 Beach Drive SW
8 unit building featuring two-bedroom homes ranging in size from 1,080 to 1,120 sf. All homes have exceptional views of Puget Sound. Prices start at $749,000 and top out at $819,000.

Madrona Beach Condos, 1119-1121 Lake Washington Blvd.
This is a converted 4-plex with two units currently available. Both of these are 900 sf and are priced at $469,000 and $489,000, and neither have parking. The building is located next to Madrona Park and has unobstructed views of Lake Washington.

Bleü, 419 21st Ave (at E Jefferson)
6 unit building featuring two-bedroom homes sized between 720 and 780 sf. The homes are priced from $299,950 to $309,950. Uncovered parking is included.

Galaxy Condos, 1800 35th St (at Wallingford Ave N)
9 units with a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes. The one-bedrooms are approximately 570 sf and are priced from $259,950 to $275,000. The two-bedrooms range in size from 670 to 877 sf and priced between $295,500 and $329,950. All but the three lowest price homes come with parking.

6000 Condos, 6000 24th Avenue NW
11 unit building comprised of two- and three-bedroom homes. The two-bedrooms, which range in size from 653 to 801 are priced from $299,950 to $369,950, while the 1,424 sf three-bedroom is priced at $699,950. Except for the three-bedroom, garage parking is extra.

The Sylvan Ridge development will contain 178 townhomes in 2, 3 or 4-plex configurations. Each home consists of 2-bedrooms + den and 2.5 baths in a 3-level floor plan. Home sizes range from 1,413 to 1,546 square feet.

Interior home features include:

• Three designer color schemes
• Plank-style hardwood floors throughout the main level (Walnut, Oak or Bamboo)
• Mohawk carpeting on the upper level
• Slab granite topped kitchen counters and cooking island
• Solid alder custom cabinets in kitchen adn bath
• Higher end GE stainless steel appliances
• Double-sided gas fireplace with built-in shelving separating the living and dining rooms
• Two-car tandem garage

Currently, Phase II homes are for sale with prices between $349,950 and $379,950, and they are offering a $3,500 buyer bonus. Additionally, qualified buyers may also take advantage of the $7,500 first-time home buyers tax credit.

These luxury homes feature:

• 2 or 3 bedroom layouts
• Elevator that opens directly into the unit
• Slab granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
• Floor to ceiling windows providing views of the Sound
• Wrap around decks
• Hardwood floors with in-floor radiant heating
• 1325 or 1425 sq ft

Nine of the ten homes are still available, which range in price from $699,900 to $949,500. These prices reflect a recent price reduction between $40,000 to $60,000, depending on unit. On the other hand, these units have been on the market for nearly a year now.

One of the greatest benefit this development offers is its location along Alki Avenue. Just step outside the front door and you’re right on the walk/jog/bike/rollerblading pathway along the waterfront, Alki Beach and numerous shops, cafes and restaurants.

The WestWater came on the market last year and has sold about half of its inventory, not bad considering the present market environment.

The development features 55 one-bedroom units that range in size from 575 to 700 square feet and priced between $225,000 and $300,000. The 16 two-bedroom units are 900 sq ft in size and priced from $320,000 to $370,000. Currently, WestWater is offering one of the most progressive buyer incentives I’ve seen – 6 months of paid mortgage payments (check with the sales office for full details).

Inside, the units are nicely appointed with above average finishes, definitely higher quality compared to the developer’s other projects. Home features include:

• Hardwood, marble tile and carpet flooring
• Slab granite countertops in kitchen & bath
• Wood cabinets in kitchen
• Stainless steel appliances
• Baths with marble tiled surround & floors
• Front load Maytag washer and dryer
• Fireplace, in most homes
• Parking in controlled access garage
• Decks with Sound views
• Additional storage is optional
• Pet friendly

Most homes have West facing decks and/or windows that provide bright interiors and views of Puget Sound. If you visit, I suggest that you look past the staging decor which perpetuates the developer’s preference for Miami retirement chic. Fortunately, homeowners can apply their own design style.

Residential amenities include a community room & courtyard. The slate-tiled common courtyard offers a great place to hang out and is equipped with a fire pit, BBQ and water feature. It’s also situated above street level offering some privacy from passing pedestrian & vehicular traffic. The community room includes a wide-screen tv, card table, kitchen and fitness equipment.

WestWater is located in the Gatewood district of West Seattle, two blocks South of Morgan Junction. While that may seem far it’s only 6 miles from downtown, which is about the same distance between downtown and Greenwood.

The sales office is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

WestWater is developed by the Gamel/Mastro partnership whose other projects include Sapphire, Asia, Onyx, Athena and Epic. The project recently changed marketing firms, which is a good thing in my opinion. The new marketing team, CB Bain Builder Solutions, is comprised of seasoned condo marketers.

Previously the Riptide Apartments, Lighthouse Point offers 40 studio and one-bedroom homes starting from $195,000. The initial release of homes are located on the 1st and 2nd floors and range in price from $195,000 to $215,000.

The homes offer Sound views, bamboo flooring, stainless appliances including a cooktop with a separate convection microwave oven, European-styled refrigerators (smaller than regular refrigerators), walk-in tiled showers and storage. Parking is also available. Located at the tip of Alki Point, residents are just a few blocks from the many shops, eateries and businesses along Alki Beach Park.

Lighthouse is hosting a fully-catered community BBQ for West Seattle residents on Saturday, March 29th from Noon to 3:00 PM.

The grand opening is slated for the weekend of April 5th.

seventeen07 - 1707 Boylston Ave

seventeen07 (website) is located in the mix of Capitol Hill’s vibrant Broadway & Pike/Pike districts, just west of Seattle Central at the corner of Boylston and E. Olive Street. The 3-story building features 36 studio, one- and two-bedroom homes, some with downtown views.

Studios come just under 400 sq ft in size and are priced from $180,000 to $205,000; one-bedrooms range in size from 471 to 742 sq ft with prices between $220,000 and $350,000; two-bedrooms range from $360,000 to $390,000 for homes between 814 and 849 sq ft.

Features and amenities include: cork flooring, granite slab countertops, stainless steel appliances, a community room, a fitness/yoga area, extra storage including bike storage and parking. Some homes come with balconies and washer and dryer.

seventeen07 is pet-friendly, gaining a 4-Paw rating on my pet condo list. The building features a pet lounge and play space plus a grooming area. Bonus: if you mention their Craigslist ad, they will donate $250 to the Seattle Animal Shelter at closing.

The Westland Manor – 220 16th Avenue E.

Originally constructed in 1928 Westland Manor (website) combines the charm and architectural highlights of yesteryear with modernity. Westland Manor features 17 one- and two-bedroom homes priced from the low-$300,000s into the $400,000s. Located behind Group Health at 16th and John, residents will enjoy being just a few blocks from 15th Avenue’s cafes, shops and restaurants.

Garage parking is offered as an option and are priced between $25,000 and $30,000.

Magnolia

Promenade on the Park – 3855 34th Avenue W.

Promenade on the Park (website) is a walk-up conversion ideally located two blocks from Discovery Park. The project features 19 studio, one- and two-bedroom homes starting at $200,000 for studios. Most one-bedrooms are around 550 sq ft and priced between $245,000 and $260,000. The two-bedrooms range from 879-962 sq ft and are priced from $385,000.

Home features and amenities include: cork or bamboo flooring, granite and limestone countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, storage and BBQ area.

West Seattle

The Sidney – 2514 57th Avenue SW

The Sidney (website) is a small 9-unit complex located steps from Alki Beach at 57th Ave and Alki Ave. The one- and two-bedroom homes are fairly spacious ranging in size from 735 to 940 sq ft. The one-bedrooms are offered between $299,000 and $375,000 while the two-bedrooms range from $425,000 to $475,000. Recently, prices were reduced $50,000 for a number of the homes.

Updates include new cabinets, slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, windows, siding and finishes. Homes come with storage, parking and washer/dryer hookups.

Trenton Court – 8659 Delridge Way SW

Trenton Court isn’t new having been on the market since August and they’re nearly sold out with just three two-bedrooms units remaining. The units range in size from 742 to 784 and are priced at $235,000 and $245,000.

The homes feature bamboo flooring, updated kitchens with stainless appliances, private decks, storage and 2-car tandem parking.

Condo Appreciation Rates for selected neighborhoods:

Source: Seattle Times