Presently, only eight of the community’s thirty-eight distinctive condominium residences are available for purchase.

“Our buyer profile could be around the corner or around the world,” says Community Sales Director, Melissa Camp. “We look forward to closing out our remaining inventory soon given emerging trends in home sales and a dearth of new supply.”

“Supply of this design is inherently limited, our client has a closeout perspective and interest rates are at historic lows. It all adds up to opportunity for homebuyers ready to make a move.”

Harvard & Highland is comprised of five buildings with seven or eight generously-scaled, single-level residences within each. With only two or three homes per floor, most residents enjoy three exterior walls of windows maximizing natural light.

This low density approach to development provides greater exclusively, added security and harmoniously merges the benefits and conveniences of urban living while residing within an established residential neighborhood. One of the Harvard Avenue buildings is sold out while a second Harvard Avenue building and one of the two Broadway East buildings has only one unit each remaining.

View Harvard and Highland Residences for Sale

View all homes for sale in the Harvard Belmont District

Harvard & Highland’s upscale features and finishes include:

• Gracious 9′ ceilings in the main rooms, all featuring coffer detailing with custom crown moldings
• Wolf cooktops and wall ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Asko dishwashers
• Solid cherry wood kitchen cabinets
• Solid 5.25″ baseboard with custom detailing, and elegant 5.5″ crown moldings
• State-of-the-art acoustically engineered designs, with “tried, tested and proven” double-insulated wall construction and a special multi-layer composite floor system (the top layer of which is tongue-and-groove engineered hardwood flooring)
• Radiant-heated stone tile floor surfaces in master bathrooms
• All suites fully air conditioned with highly efficient and ultra-quiet heat pump units
• Secure private parking with 2, 3 or 4 spaces per home (depending upon suite size)

Harvard and Highland is situated on the former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple site on Capitol Hill and is designed by Studio Meng Strazzara and developed by Admiralty Group, LLC.

Inquire to schedule a private tour or for additional information.

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1. Harvard and Highland grand opening
2. Ten Most Expensive Seattle Condos Sold in 2010
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Now, buyers who hope to purchase a home with FHA’s low down payment loan program are getting frustrated that fewer condo buildings are now FHA approved.

For buyers like Kristy Fender, of Chicago, FHA certification is a must-have on her list, and not just because it lets Fender and her fiancé, Dan Harvey, make a smaller down payment on a home purchase. She also figures that in approving buildings the FHA is doing the due diligence that she would otherwise have to do.

That’s amplified by the fact that many associations haven’t taken the initiative to obtain FHA approval, do so poorly, or encounter problems related to distressed properties.

The number of rejected buildings is adding up, due to bad paperwork and bad balance sheets as an increasing number of condo associations struggle with rentals, short sales and foreclosures. It is jeopardizing the plans of condo sellers who rely on the FHA’s stamp of approval as a marketing tool and condo buyers who either want or need an FHA-approved building.

Condo financing has become more complex and challenging for buyers (and sellers) since FHA and Fannie Mae tightened their condo qualification guidelines. With conventional condo loans requiring at least 10% down, FHA has been a favorable option for condo buyers.

But…

Some associations are deciding that the effort and the expenses tied to the application process, which can run into the thousands of dollars, aren’t worth the payoff and are letting their certifications lapse.

It behooves associations and sellers to be proactive with their condo building’s FHA certification, which is more significant now as record low interest rates are encouraging first-time buyers into the market place, many of whom gravitate towards FHA approved condos. And, it doesn’t have to be a complicated process.

We can help.

We’ve team up with a respected, local mortgage company who will take the reigns of the certification process at no cost to the association, seller or buyer. Whether you’re a buyer considering purchasing, or an owner thinking about selling in a non-approved condo building, we can help. Contact us to learn more about this special program.

Similar posts you may find interesting:

1. Seattle condos gain FHA approval
2. Historic Mortgage Interest Rates
3. FHA Condo Approvals Set to Expire Soon
4. FHA condo guideline changes

There are over 14 re-sale properties on the condo tour representing 10 of Belltown’s most desirable condo buildings including The Vine, Bellora, Pomeroy, the Concord and Seattle Heights. The units range from a $199,000 studio to a spacious $1,900,000 3-bedroom home.

Just park your car once (it’s free on Sunday), then walk and tour Belltown’s best places to live.

Click image for larger, printable map (pdf):

Did you know you can search open houses on SeattleCondosAndLofts.com?

Just start a Seattle condo search and in the “Open House” search filter on the left hand column, select the appropriate day option.

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Homes now available for sale include studio and one-bedroom residences priced from the $300,000s, two-bedroom homes priced from the $600,000s, and spacious penthouses priced from $2 million.

Bellevue Towers’ homes range from 809 square feet to 6,398 square feet, representing some of the most generously sized condominium homes in the market and offering the best value on a per square foot basis.

View listed Bellevue Towers homes for sale

If more information or if you’d like to view Bellevue Towers, our Eastside condo specialists are here to help.

Sample pricing (click table below for the limited release pricing list):

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The remaining homes are a variety of one-bedrooms. The smallest and least expensive home is a 662 sq. ft. open one-bedroom for $299,900, which has a bedroom nook separated from the main living space by sliding doors. This small home has all the features of the larger homes including garage parking, air conditioning, German-engineered cabinetry, natural slab stone countertops and hardwoods throughout the main living area.

The largest of the remaining homes are approximately 880 sq. ft. with a spacious open living, dining and kitchen; a master bedroom with private ensuite bathroom; a large deck and a powder room for the convenience of guests. These homes top out at $439,900.

One Main Street is approved for 3.5% down FHA financing.

View available One Main Street Condos for sale

Located on Main Street in Old Bellevue, these homes offer a quiet, upscale alternative while still enjoying the benefits of a Downtown Bellevue location mere blocks from the Downtown Bellevue park, Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and the shops and restaurants of Main Street. Another perk of the location is the new retailer on the main level of One Main Street – the Italian deli, Mercato Stellina, from the owners of Cantinetta, with fresh-made pasta, meats, cheeses, espresso and more for dining in or take-out.

One Main Street is open Saturday through Wednesday 12 to 5 p.m. at 10000 Main Street, Bellevue. For more information visit www.onemainstreet.com

Adapted from a press release

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View Sanctuary homes listed for sale

Construction is now complete and the 12 town homes are scheduled to be listed for sale next week at up to 45% below original list prices. A preview open house will be hosted this weekend from 11am – 5pm to showcase new model homes and the common areas.

The following is from a news release about The Sanctuary development on Capitol Hill.

(January 19, 2012) SEATTLE — Construction on The Sanctuary—a 12-unit, residential conversion located within the former 1906 First Church of Christ, Scientist in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood—is now complete.

Originally built between 1906 and 1911 and designated an historic landmark by the City of Seattle in 1977, the completed project—now consisting of fee simple, concrete and steel town homes—offers a rare mix of intricate historic features, artisan craftsmanship and innovative modern design elements. The construction team was spearheaded by Belfor Property Restoration, Runberg and Associates, Robin Chell Design and The Justen Company.

A compelling example of adaptive reuse and historic preservation, redevelopment on the project initially began in 2007 but was stalled in 2010. An affiliate of San Diego-based Pathfinder Partners, LLC, acquired the construction note on July 7, 2011, and funded an additional $2 million to bring the project to its full potential. In readying the homes for sale, Resource Transition Consultants, LLC (RTC), the seller, responded to feedback from local real estate brokers, prospective homebuyers and other market experts.

“We made many improvements and are thrilled with how the individual homes and common areas turned out,” says Rob Nall, a principal of RTC. “The additional construction and restoration was worthwhile—we’ve optimized the final product and the pricing for positive market acceptance.”

In addition to changing the building use to residential with the City of Seattle, RTC worked through the Landmark Preservation Board to protect key architectural features while improving livability. For example, the century-old stained-glass windows now slide to the side, revealing new vision glass, which adds natural light, territorial views and fresh air to the unique residences.

“Our job is to complete construction, realign values and sell the homes at prevailing market rates,” adds Nall. “This is a unique scenario in which an inspiring product designed at the peak of the housing market may well sell at bottom-of-the-market prices.”

Despite its Classical Revival-style architecture, the former church now boasts modern interiors and technology, as well as high-rise construction quality within. Each home features soaring 30-foot-high ceilings, metalwork and cabinetry crafted by Seattle area artisans, polished concrete floors, re-purposed marble from the original building and top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures that include brands such as Wolf, Bertazzoni, Liebherr, Asko, and Kohler to name a few.

Ranging from four to six levels (including roof top terraces); the town homes are sized from 1,600 to more than 3,000-square-feet and will list from the low $500,000s to $1.1 million – about 45% below original asking prices, according to the listing brokers.

“Waiting paid off for patient homebuyers trying to time the market at The Sanctuary,” said Dean Jones, principal of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “We’re offering a greatly enhanced yet highly affordable product by virtue of dramatically lowered purchase prices and historically low interest rates. And the landmark designation means significantly reduced property taxes for the next ten years.”

Two model homes will be opened this weekend for public previews from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The official sales debut is scheduled for January 28, 2012 when the sales office opens. More information can be found on the recently launched website at www.LiveatSanctuary.com.

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1. Update on The Sanctuary – Capitol Hill
2. The Sanctuary Resurrected
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4. First Church – Capitol Hill

On the new construction front, 2011 brought good tidings to developers, marketers and banks. Several developments sold out including the Gallery in Belltown, Enso in South Lake Union, Trace North and Trace Lofts on Capitol Hill. Other buildings are close to selling out, surpassing the 75% sold mark – 1521 Second, Hjarta, Marselle, 1111 E Pike and the Daneille – with Olive 8 not far behind. Escala reached the 50% milestone gaining Fannie Mae approval status, while on the Eastside, Bellevue Towers closed 144 units last year.

On the resale side, fewer owners took to selling last year, many perhaps, taking advantage of the hot rental market or waiting it out for a recovery before attempting to sell. The available listed inventory supply dropped approximately 30% from 2010 levels, which resulted in quite a few multiple offer situations…something we haven’t seen in a while.

Buyers, who may have been encouraged by the job outlook in the Seattle area (e.g. tech and manufacturing sectors), historic low mortgage interest rates and declining prices, kept Seattle’s condo market rolling along.

2011 By The Numbers

Condo unit sales remained relatively even with 2010 with just 43 fewer units, 1,783 to 1,740, or a decrease of 2.4%. The largest dip was in South Seattle with -14.0%. West Seattle unit sales decreased 11.4%, Capitol Hill was down 9.3% and Northeast Seattle had 5.4% fewer sales.

One the other hand, several areas saw increased unit sales over 2010 – Queen Anne & Magnolia (+7.8%), downtown/Belltown (+4.1%) and Northwest Seattle (+0.7%) – neighborhoods with a high density of condominiums.

Buyers bought bigger and cheaper in 2011. The citywide median condo sales price declined 11.2% to $253,000. Bucking that trend were downtown/Belltown and West Seattle, which saw median sale prices increase 4.7% and 0.8%, respectively for the year. The total aggregate dollar value of condos sold in Seattle dropped 8.2% to $596,022,458.

The average condo unit that sold in 2010 was a one-bedroom at 946 square feet. In 2011, the average unit sold was a 991 square foot two-bedroom. Buyers got more for less.

For sellers, besides seeing sale prices fall, it also took much longer to sell a condo in Seattle last year. The average cumulative days on market rose 12.4% to 136 days. Pricing, property condition, location and whether or not it was a distressed property greatly influenced the time it took to sell a property.

Distressed properties currently account for 29.0% of the available condos for sale. Of that, short sales (pre-foreclosure) make up 9.9% and bank-owned (foreclosed) make up 19.1% of Seattle’s condominium inventory.

The sold condo figures last year reflected a similar overall split between distressed and equity properties but with bank-owned and short sales switching places. Equity sales accounted for 70.9% of the condos sold in 2011, while 18.9% were bank-owned and 10.2% were successful short sales. The numbers bear out the fact that short sales, which make up 1 in 5 properties on the market only account for 1 in 10 closed sales, do not have the same appeal as equity or bank-owned properties and have a high purchase failure rate.

Moving ahead through 2012…personally, I think we’ll see more of the same this year. I expect sales to remain brisk with continued pressure on values and further reduction of inventory. Even though supply will shrink I’m not betting that prices will stabilize or recover citywide, not with the significant number of distressed owners and the shadow inventory. However, it is not inconceivable that prices could improve in certain neighborhoods or price tiers.

Source: NWMLS database. Some figures were compiled independently and were not published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
_______________________
© Seattle Condos And Lofts

Similar posts you may find interesting:

1. Seattle Condo Market Report November 2011
2. Seattle Condo Market Update – March 2011
3. August 2011 Seattle Condo Market Report
4. December 2011 Seattle Condo Market Update

The following is adapted from a press release:

BELLEVUE, WASH (January 13, 2012) – Bellevue Towers, the region’s largest urban condominium project, was also the region’s best selling condominium project in 2011 at 144 homes closed and sold since January 1, 2011. With sales of $88,940,000 – triple the volume of the closest, comparable project in the market – the cost for Bellevue Towers’ homes averaged $433 per square foot, representing the most attractive condominium value offered to buyers in the market. To date, the luxury, downtown Bellevue project has now sold a total of 263 homes and just this week sold two more $2 million plus homes.

“We chose to prioritize sales velocity and value for our buyers rather than wait for market demand and pricing to return to pre-2008 levels,” said Patrick Clark, principal with Realty Trust, the brokerage company marketing and selling the project.

Bellevue Towers’ remaining homes include studio and one-bedroom residences priced from the $300,000s, two-bedroom homes priced from the $600,000s, and spacious penthouses priced from $2 million. Original prices have been reduced on average by 30 percent, with a limited release of new homes reduced by as much as 40 percent from original pricing to generate strong momentum for the New Year.

Bellevue Towers consists of a 42-story North Tower and a 43-story South Tower with 539 total homes. Each tower offers its own lobby with dedicated concierge service, while sharing an array of other amenities. Residents of Bellevue Towers have access to a 24,000-square-foot urban garden nestled between the two towers, a private screening room, large dining room with terrace and chef’s kitchen, fitness center, spa and sun deck, and a great room that opens to an expansive outdoor terrace with fireplace and barbecue grill.

The project also features more than 300 original pieces from Northwest artists including Lucinda Parker, Julie Speidel and George Batho. Standard finishes in all Bellevue Towers homes include Viking or Wolf cook tops and ranges, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Bosch dishwashers, full-height granite kitchen-counter backsplashes and master bathrooms finished in marble or travertine. “It’s a fabulous building, not only because it’s green, but because it’s beautifully constructed, offers luxury amenities, and contains high-quality finishes and appliances,” said resident Michael Brandt.

View Bellevue Towers homes for sale

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1. Bellevue Towers Limited Release Pricing
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The Pontedera Condominium, situated just south of Downtown Seattle at 827 Hiawatha Place just reduced prices significantly on a number of units. The price drops range from $10,000 up to nearly $60,000 per unit! Good thing, too, since there’s only been 18 closed sales out of 102 unts, with only 2 sales in the past year, per NWMLS & county records.

It’s a shame really since Pontedera was nicely designed and accented, plus it’s conveniently located to downtown, Capitol Hill and the International District. Home prices start from $174,900 and there are several incentives and programs geared to first-time and lower income home buyers, including down payment assistance, property tax exemptions for qualified buyers and no HOA dues for a year. Its worth checking out.

View available Pontedera Condo homes for sale

1111 E Pike Street – Capitol Hill

The Tom Kundig designed 1111 E Pike Street Condominium is down to the final three homes for sale. The uniquely designed boutique condo building is located in the heart of Capitol Hill’s trendy and vibrant Pike Pine Triangle. Homes start from $314,950. Own for less than comparable Cap Hill apartments rent for!

View the last remaining 1111 E Pike condos for sale

Hjarta Condominium – Ballard

Ballard’s green constructed concrete and steel Hjarta Condominium reports they are now over 75% sold. Per NWMLS records, Hjarta closed 25 units, just over 30% of its homes in 2011.

Hjarta is located at 1530 NW Market and is one of only two new constructed condominiums in Ballard. Hjarta’s new home prices start from $264,950.

View Hjarta condos for sale

Marselle Condominium – Lower Queen Anne / South Lake Union

The Marselle Condomium report they have sold 100 homes, or 75%, since opening, with 21 home sales in 2011. Marselle features a variety of floor plans ranging from open one-bedrooms to 2-story three-bedroom penthouses with soaring ceilings.

Marselle is located at 699 John Street in the shadow of the Space Needle…a great place to call home for those who work in downtown or South Lake Union. Home prices begin from $199,990.

View Marselle condos for sale

Danielle Condominium – Ballard

Ballard’s other new construction condominium, the Danielle, is down to its final three homes for sale — 2 one-bedroom units and a two-bedroom. Located at 5803 24th Ave NW, it’s close to Ballard’s many shops, restaurants and attractions. The remaining homes range from $219,950 to $479,950.

View Danielle condos for sale

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The total dollar sales volume increased 1.9% from $103,761,956 to $105,709,480, while the average price per square foot reduced 11.9% from $774 to $682. The average home size just barely shrunk from 2,286 to 2,281 square feet.

Here’s a look at the Top Ten most expensive Seattle closed condo sales in 2011:

• Price range: $1,765,000 to $3,167,440
• Average price per square foot: $903
• Number of bedrooms: seven 2-bedrooms and three 3-bedrooms
• Average size: 2,859 square feet
• Location: Downtown Seattle & Queen Anne

Compared to 2010′s top ten Seattle condo sales, the homes were smaller and less expensive.

#1 – Fifteen Twenty-One: $3,167,440

1521 2nd Ave #3103 | Downtown Seattle – 2,658 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Fifteen Twenty-One condos for sale

#2 – Fifteen Twenty-One: $3,134,889

1521 2nd Ave #3500 | Downtown Seattle – 2,602 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Fifteen Twenty-One condos for sale

#3 – Fifteen Twenty-One: $3,050,000

1521 2nd Ave #3000 | Downtown Seattle – 2,602 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Fifteen Twenty-One condos for sale

#4 – Fifteen Twenty-One: $2,990,000

1521 2nd Ave #3200 | Downtown Seattle – 2,602 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Fifteen Twenty-One condos for sale

#5 – Millennium Tower: $2,690,000

715 2nd Ave #1501 | Downtown Seattle – 4,589 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Millennium Tower condos for sale

#6 – Escala Condominium: $2,200,000

1920 4th Ave #2401 | Downtown Seattle – 3,562 square feet, 3 bedroom, 3.25 baths

View available Escala condos for sale

#7 – 200 West Highland: $2,100,000

200 West Highland #202 | Queen Anne – 2,406 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2 baths

View available 200 West Highland condos for sale

#8 – Millennium Tower: $1,950,000

715 2nd Ave #1902 | Downtown Seattle – 2,720 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.25 baths

View available Millennium Tower condos for sale

#9 – Escala Condominium: $1,925,000

1920 4th Ave #2903 | Downtown Seattle – 2,442 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths

View available Escala condos for sale

#10 – 200 West Highland: $1,765,000

200 West Highland #402 | Queen Anne – 2,406 square feet, 2 bedroom, 2 baths

View available 200 West Highland condos for sale

Expanding the list to include the top ten most expensive condos in the region last year, the list would include three Eastside condo sales:

5505 Lake Washington Blvd #2-C, Kirkland sold for $3,249,000
500 106th Ave NE #4005, Bellevue sold for $2,220,000
10700 NE 4th St #4104, Bellevue sold for $2,062,000

Source: NWMLS and King County, all sales data are in the public domain

Related story: 2010 Top Ten Most Expensive Seattle Condo Sales

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