The Seattle Condo Blog

NOTE: The auction has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2009.

TeamBuilder JLS has just announced the auction of 36 Seattle area condo properties, located in North Seattle and Capitol Hill, on December 5, 2009. The auction includes studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units at Avaview Condominium, Sunrise on the Lake and The Summit. All three properties are conversions.

Avaview Condominium – 9056 Mary Avenue NW
Six of the 11 homes at Avaview will be sold at the auction. Located in Seattle’s Crown Hill neighborhood, Avaview offers one and two-bedroom homes ranging in size from 646 to 738 square feet. Interiors feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and breakfast bars, frieze carpeting, private decks or patios and engineered hardwood flooring in kitchens and entries. Minimum bids for Avaview will begin at $150,000. View auction property info.

Sunrise on the Lake – 13426 Greenwood Avenue N
Sixteen of the 39 homes at Sunrise on the Lake will be sold at the auction. Located in Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood, Sunrise on the Lake is set on the shores of Bitter Lake. Sunrise features studio, one and two-bedroom homes ranging in size from 502 to 895 square feet. Interiors feature stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring in kitchens and entries, natural hardwood cabinetry, slab granite countertops, and private decks with lake views. Minimum bids for Sunrise on the Lake will begin at $125,000. View auction property info.

The Summit – 900 Summit Ave E
Everything is new at this down-to-the-studs remodel. All 14 homes at this Capitol Hill boutique building will be available at auction. The one and two-bedroom homes range in size from 531 to 795 square feet and feature stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring in kitchens and entries, solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops, private decks and controlled access entry. Minimum bids for The Summit begin at $140,000. View auction property info.

Auction Infomation
The auction will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle, which is located at 1400 6th Avenue.

Auction buyers must pre-register no later than Thursday, December 3rd and will need to be pre-qualified through the Seller’s designated lender. Buyers may elect to use their own lender, however.

Auction website: www.SeattlePropertyAuction.com

For more information, please download the auction brochure (click on image):

Seattle’s condo market kept churning through September even though the citywide median price fell to $259,250, a one month and year-over-year decline of 7.5% and 16.4%, respectively. The number of properties going under contract and closed increased over August, while available inventory and the condo supply rate dropped.

The $259,250 median condo price last month marked the lowest value point since February 2006 when the median price was $251,725. Historically, median prices tend to plateau or decline between August and September, then drop considerably in October. However, in addition to the down market and seasonal fluctuation, the first-time home buyers tax credit also contributed to the price slide. The median price is the middle point of homes sold, that is, half above and half below. In September 2007 and 2008, condos under $350,000 made up 61.9% and 64.2% of the total number of units sold. In September 2009, condos priced under $350,000 accounted for 80% of the total units sold, a significant increase in the number of lower-priced properties that shifted the median point downward. The pricing trend will continue for the next two months with the rush to buy before the tax credit expires at the end November and the seasonal Fall downturn.

The condo inventory supply rate decreased to 5.4 months in September due to a drop in active listings and a rise in the number of properties going under contract (Pendings), which would move Seattle back towards normal market conditions. However, pendings generally decline between August and September so last month’s bump may be attributed to the tax credit. Additionally, mortgage rates on 30-year fixed recently dipped below 5%, increasing affordability and buying power, which may have spurred sales as well.

The data used in this report comes directly from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) database and are either compiled and published by the NWMLS or compiled by myself. The database, however, does not include all properties for sale or that have sold, and is missing a good chunk of sales last month. The 80 or so units sold (pending) at auction last month – Brix and Gallery – are not reflected in the NWMLS database, therefore, understating the number of pending transactions. Officially, there were 251 pendings last month, though it’s probably closer to 330. It will have a greater effect next month as it’ll not only under count the number of closed sales for October, but their exclusion will deflate the median price. The median price of the Brix and Gallery auctions was $330,000.

Some say the tax credit artificially boosts sales volume, others say it provides the needed inertia for the market to rebound. In any case, the tax credit is slated to expire on November 30th. Given the current escrow time frame (about 45 days), the long Thanksgiving weekend and the rush to get sales closed in time, properties should be under contract by the end of this week at the latest to ensure eligibility for the credit.

The National Association of Realtors has been lobbying Congress to extend and/or expand the credit beyond November 30th, but at this time, opinion is mixed on the outcome. Given more pressing issues like health care, Congress is unlikely to vote on the tax credit any time soon, which according to Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott, means that the credit will cease on November 30th. Scott, who is involved with NAR’s legislative arm, stated it takes about 45 days from passing a bill until its implementation; therefore, October 15th is basically the last day to pass the extension bill in order continue the credit uninterrupted. It is hoped that the credit will be continued in 2010.

The inventory supply rate shows months of supply. For September 2009, the supply rate was 5.4 months.

Source disclaimer: Most, though not all, information and statistics were complied and published by the NWMLS.

The Seattle median condo price rose modestly to $280,274 last month, up 3.8% over July. Compared to last August, it reflected a 9.6% dip. Throughout most of 2009, the year-over-year median price has been under 2008 levels, however, the gap has been steadily narrowing. Fortunately, median prices have essentially plateaued this year (see graph below) and we haven’t seen the wide swings as we did last year.

Two areas realized increases in median price last month. The downtown/Belltown area median price increased 8% over July and 11.5% over August of last year, mostly due to to closings at newer developments. West Seattle exhibited a 10.4% one month increase and an 11.7% year-over-year increase. On the other hand, Queen Anne and NW Seattle showed the largest year-over-year decreases in median price, down 10.6% and 9.6%, respectively.

The condo inventory supply dipped slightly in August, down 1.1% from July and 6.4% compared to last August according the the NWMLS. In actuality, the decrease in supply was a bit more substantial with Equinox’s conversion to apartments last month, which effectively removed 200+ units from inventory (most were not listed).

Northeast Seattle and downtown/Belltown reflected increased inventory last month, up 7.4% and 34.4%, respectively. Most of downtown’s increase was attributed to newly listed units at several new developments, while NE Seattle were predominately re-sales. Although the stats show downtown’s inventory increased 7.4%, it actually changed very little as many of those newly listed units were always available. The NWMLS stats are based on properties entered into the NWMLS database and few of the hundreds of new construction units are reflected in the NWMLS database. The NWMLS is expected to change this practice.

The supply rate, now at 7 months, has been trending upwards indicating fewer sales relative to inventory. This is evidenced by the drop in the number of units going under contract last month by 6.1% from July (13 properties), though it did exceed the number of pendings in August 2008 by 1.5% (3 properties). At 7 months, Seattle remains in a marginal buyer’s market.

There is no doubt that condo sales this year were boosted by the first-time home buyers tax credit. In reviewing closed sales data for the past three months (June – August), condos under $350,000 accounted for 74.8% of all condo sales while those over $500,000 accounted for 10.6%. Compared to the same three-month period last year, only 64.4% of sales were under $350,000 and 14.9% were priced over $500,000. Comparing year-over-year, the number of sales under $350,000 increased 16.1% while those priced over $500,000 dropped 28.8%. Currently, the tax credit will expire on November 30th and unless it is extended or the economy improves, we may see a decline in sales.

Source: NWMLS, not all statistics were compiled or published by the NWMLS.

HUD announced today that it has approved the monetization of the $8,000 first-time home buyers tax credit, making it available to buyers at the time of purchase.

Here’s a few highlights:

• Housing Finance Agencies such as the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and certain non-profits will be able to monetize the tax credit, offering a loan against the tax credit at the time of purchase, which buyers can apply towards the down payment.
• For buyers using other FHA-approved lenders, the monetized tax credit can only be applied in excess of FHA’s required 3.5% down payment or towards other closing costs. In other words, it cannot be applied towards the initial 3.5% down payment requirement. As a result, most people will be able to use the monetized funds for closing costs rather than towards the down payment.
• This option only applies to FHA-insured mortgages, not conventional loans. As such, it’ll benefit buyers of single family homes or townhouses more so than condos. The reason for this is that FHA-insured loans are only available to HUD-approved condos. With only about 300 approved buildings in Seattle, many condos are not eligible. Additionally, HUD limits the number of FHA-insured units in a condo complex to 10% (e.g. only 2 units in a 20 unit complex will be eligible for FHA).

While this particular monetization option isn’t likely to help Seattle condo buyers much, it’s definitely a great option for first-time buyers who are taking advantage of FHA-insured mortgage loans. At the very least, buyers can increase their down payment amount or cover closing costs. The recently passed state version would help condo buyers but that seems to be dead in the water at this point.

The $8,000 first-time home buyers tax credit will expire on November 30, 2009. So if you’re interested in taking advantage of the credit, keep in mind, there’s only about 4.5 months left to get under contract. Also, the King County courthouse will close beginning Wednesday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, you’ll essentially need to close/fund/record the purchase by November 24th to qualify for the credit.

More information:
HUD/FHA: Donovan announces recovery act’s homebuyer tax credit can immediately help thousands of first-time homeubyers to buy a home
SeattlePI.com: Feds will allow tax credit for down payment, closing costs

Live Historic, a local development company known for revitalizing Seattle’s older residential properties, is putting the finishing touches on its latest condominium project, The BelBoy Condominium. Located in Capitol Hill’s Pike/Pine Corridor, The BelBoy offers a unique urban retreat with turn-of-the-century charm.

The BelBoy (website) comprises five buildings arranged around a central courtyard and parking. The buildings, known as “Builders Houses”, were originally constructed between 1893 and 1902. Three of the buildings were built as double houses that were designed to appear as a single family house.

Though the properties have been updated throughout their lifetime and revitalized by Live Historic’s conversion, much of the original character and craftsmanship remain. Most of the windows (single pane, leaded glass) and trim work are original. In a few of the units the interior trim work were replaced with fairly good facsimiles of the original and some units have double pane windows. The kitchens have been updated with new appliances and countertops while the living and bedrooms have new carpeting. However, in most homes, Live Historic retained pre-conversion baseboard heaters and bathtubs.

When fully completed The BelBoy will comprise of 30 studio and one-bedroom homes. Currently, 18 homes are available for purchase in the C, E and F buildings. The units are fairly compact ranging in size from 333 to 615 square feet, with most units under 500 square feet.

C Building, 4 studios and 4 one-bedrooms – 1423 Boylston Ave
- Studios: $170,000 to $185,000; 333 – 438 square feet.
- One-bedrooms: $250,000 to $265,000; 509 – 517 square feet.

E Building, 4 studios and 1 one-bedroom – 1420 Belmont Ave
- Studios: $160,000 to $200,000; 314 – 365 square feet.
- One-bedroom: $230,000; 501 square feet.

F Building, 3 studios and 2 one-bedrooms –1424 Belmont Ave
- Studios: $200,000 to $245,000; 377 – 550 square feet.
- One-bedrooms: $235,000 to $275,000; 424 – 615 square feet.

(Listed prices as of April 2009)

A number of homes have great city views and private decks or patios. The homes do not have in-unit washer and dryers, though there are laundry appliances (one set) available in each building. Parking is available separately but are limited, the seven uncovered parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25,000 each. Homeowner dues run about $.55 per square foot and it is a pet-friendly community.

The BelBoy is centrally located to downtown and the hub of Capitol Hill – it’s just off of Pike between Belmont and Boylston. The BelBoy is just a short distance to downtown, a dog park, Cal Anderson Park and numerous restaurants, cafes, shopping and entertainment venues.

UPDATE 3/4/09: The single owner / single property auctions appear to have busted with lack of interest. There were no registered bidders for either auction; the Tribeca auction is scheduled for tomorrow is being canceled. Single property auctions may work in cases where there is a value incentive, a low minimum starting/reserve price relative to the list/market price. In these two cases, the minimum bid was approximately 10% below the list.

Post revised 2/24/09:

For most of us in Seattle non-foreclosure auctions have been a rarity. However, the current market place has sellers looking at real estate auctions as an alternative means to sell their property. In the past six months two Seattle condominium projects (The Press & Seventeen07) utilized a public auction to sell off their remaining units. Both the sellers and buyers benefited — the sellers sold off their inventory (public records show most closed) and buyers were able to purchase well-below list.

It worked so well for condo projects that now individual unit owners are giving it a try. I received information on auctions at Ballard’s Canal Station and the Tribeca in Lower Queen Anne. The auctions are held by individual sellers and are being facilitated by the CE Group.

Canal Station #304 is an fairly large 873 square foot 1-bedroom. This single property auction is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m.. The minimum bid starts at $279,000.

Tribeca #201 is a 1,116 square foot 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit with a large deck and 2 parking spaces. The condo is presently listed at $538,950 with an auction starting price of $465,000. The Tribeca auction is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th at 5:30 PM.

The location for both auctions are still to be determined. More detailed information about the auctions can be found at CE Group Auctions. The process is similar to the last two project auctions.

I don’t know if single property / individual owner auctions will take off in the Seattle area, but if they do, there are some advantages to them. For sellers – the potential to sell the property quickly and eliminate carrying costs, reduce the hassle of on-going showings & open houses, remove sellers from the negotiating process and sell the property at market value. For buyers – the price is set by the buyer and eliminates negotiations, know they are competing on same terms with other buyers, have the ability to review documentation beforehand and reduces the closing time frame.

Disclaimer: CE Group and TSCB are independent entities affiliated with John L. Scott Seattle Center. TSCB has no vested interest in this auction.

The median Seattle condo price rose to $335,000 last month, a record high and a 9.84% increase over January of last year. Unfortunately, that was due to high-end unit closings in downtown (MLS area 701) rather than an overall market improvement. Besides downtown, NW Seattle (MLS area 705) also realized an increase in median price, up 4.2%. Combined, those two areas comprised 44.4% of all condos sold (closed) last month.

Capitol Hill fared reasonable well. Though the median price dipped slightly compared to a year ago, down 1.7%, more units moved resulting in increases in both pending and closed transactions. The market in other in-city neighborhoods continued to struggle with under performing sales volume and declining values.

The number of active condo listings last month increased slightly over December, up 38 listings or 3.3%. Though, compared to January of last year, active listings were down 9.4%. The economy and further softening of Seattle’s real estate market are likely keeping sellers on the sidelines, either holding out as long as they can or renting their units instead.

The citywide condo inventory supply rate (absorption rate) decreased to 7.8 months in last month based on pending transactions. Although Seattle remains a buyers market, the rate has been trending back towards balanced market conditions. North of the ship canal, the condo supply is commensurate with last year’s rate; Capitol Hill’s rate is lower than it was a year ago.

While pending transactions (condo units going under contract) remained below last year’s level (-20.2%), there was a 22% increase in the number of pending transactions last month compared to December. Historically, January sales volume outpaces December, so we’d expect these results. Yet, it is a positive signal that even with the current economy crisis people are buying real estate… the number of pending condo transactions increased for the second consecutive month.

By all accounts 2009 looks rather bleak. The seemingly endless reports of layoffs, mortgage defaults and tightening mortgage guidelines will impact the region’s housing market. Foreclosures and outbound migration could result in higher inventory levels. Yet, there are opportunities that could spur market activity.

• One of three things will probably come out of the stimulus bill – a repeal of the payback component of the existing $7,500 first-time buyers tax credit (House version), a $15,000 tax credit which isn’t limited to first-time buyers (Senate version), or something in between.
• Fannie Mae just reversed its 4-property limit investor restriction and are now allowing loans for up to 10 financed properties.
• Mortgage rates remain historically low even when factoring in the .75% condo fee and more properties are receiving HUD/FHA approval.
• Continued value depreciation in most neighborhoods makes condo ownership more attractive.

With the opening of the new Seattle Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in downtown, news have been plentiful.  The 21-story $150 million project includes 147 hotel rooms (levels 3-10) and 36 uber-luxurious condominium homes (levels 11-21).

Project details:

• 11 unsold condo units range from 1,300 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet. Prices range from $2 million to more than $15 million — an average of around $2,100 per square foot.
• Hotel room rates start at $365.
• Fran’s Chocolates has opened in one of the two available commercial spaces. Four Seasons veteran Kerry Sear, former chef and owner of Cascadia in Belltown, runs Art Restaurant and Lounge, the hotel restaurant.
• Hotel features include a business center, 4,900-square-foot ballroom, five meeting rooms, a fitness room, 6,000-square-foot spa, and an outdoor pool and fireplace.
• The first condominium owners moved in earlier this month.
• The new public stairway between Union Street and Western Avenue has 103 steps. 
• The ownership group’s managing principals include John Oppenheimer, CEO of Columbia Hospitality; former Seattle Mayor Paul Schell; and Tom Alberg, managing director of Madrona Venture Group. Other investors include Bruce McCaw and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

Linkage:

The Four Seasons Seattle website

Four Seasons delivers a jolt of urban energy - DJC

How Four Seasons returned to Seattle – DJC

In the lap of luxury at Four Seasons – Seattle PI

Four Seasons Grand Opening Photos: Amenities – Stroupe Condo Blog

Photos from 11/14 Broker’s Event:

Model Home Unit

View of terrace from 11th floor model home:

Hotel room:

The $1 million floating stairway:

Official August figures from the NWMLS haven’t been released yet, though a review of sold condo properties for the month points to a year-over-year median price decrease of approximately 2.2% and about a 4% increase over the prior month. These figures may change due to a lag in end of the month reporting of sold properties.

If the figures hold, it’ll reflect the fifth monthly year-over-year citywide condo median price decrease so far this year, which isn’t surprising. Condo list prices have taken a hit this year.

Throughout 2008 we’ve seen a rising inventory supply rate (even with recent declines in the number of active listings) and fewer properties being sold (42% drop in YTD sales), resulting in a buyer’s market. Yet, despite the wide fluctuations in monthly sales activity and median prices, overall, Seattle condo values have remained on par with 2007…so far.

Looking at year-to-date values, the citywide aggregate median price for the first eight months this year was $315,000. By comparison, the median price for the same period last year was $314,950, essentially unchanged.

The market has softened quite a bit over the past few months and that’s likely to continue. Going forward, especially through the characteristically slower part of the season, we’ll probably see a downward, though nominal, movement in the aggregate median price.

Data reflects YTD median price through August 31, 2008.

Data Source: Provided, but not computed, by the NWMLS.

June exhibited a solid month for Seattle’s condo market. Though unchanged from May, the citywide condo median price of $320,000 reflected a 6.7% increase over June of last year, marking the second consecutive year-over-year increase since December. In fact, most neighborhoods recognized value appreciation last month.

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