This is a fun post for me to write.  I have been so excited to share with you some recent updates to the blog.  As you will see in the picture below, we have added a category of links titled “UCS Exclusive Sites”.  I think this is an incredible addition to the site.

For the last 2 months, I have been working tirelessly on building individual sites for the major condominiums projects in Bellevue and Seattle.  The objective was to bring each project to you!  This hyper-local approach, delivers “building” specific information.  Each website is loaded with great info.  You can search units for sale, units that have sold and within a few weeks you’ll be able to search for rentals as well!  In addition, you will find the following:

• Neighborhood information
• Amenities
• Walkscore and much much more.

Each site is fairly interactive as well.  For example, if you want UCS to send you listings in your favorite building, just fill out the email notifications form and you will receive new listings immediately when they hit the market.  As an owner you will also be able to keep tabs on the units that are for sale in your building.  We will be adding new features to the site as time goes on. For now, my hope is that you enjoy what has been created.  Please spread the word!  I’m very excited to get your feedback.  See below for a list of all the websites offered at this time:

Here is an example of the website for the Vine!

These are where the website links are located in UrbanCondoSpaces (see the picture below):

Eastside/Bellevue Condos:

Bravern Condos
Bellevue Towers
One Lincoln Square
One Main Street Condos
Astoria Condos
Washington Square
Kirkland Central

Seattle Condos:

Trace Condos and Lofts
Brix Condos
Eastlake Condos and Lofts
Enso Condominiums
Veer Lofts
2200 Westlake
The Cosmopolitan
5th and Madison
Escala Condos
1521 Condominiums
Cristalla Condos
Bellora Condos
Concord  Condos
The Vine
The Parc
Mosler Lofts
Madison Lofts
Gallery

According to my source at Realogics/Sotheby’s, 1521 second is now 70% sold and occupied.  This includes 4 sales in April and a number of other contracts in negotiation.  They are still running a program that includes a Smart ForTwo car with a purchase before April 30th.  (See here)

Other notes:

• All remaining homes start at $1.1 million.
• New website  www.1521second.com
• New Vimeo webpage with 1521 building tour
• Photo galleries
• Building Features
• Floor plans

To schedule a tour, click here:

I exchanged a few e-mails earlier today with a contact over at Realogics.  I thought I would share the update they provided on their current inventory.  In less than 18 months their group has acquired a notable amount of units.  I commend their efforts on promotions.  I think we would all agree that everything needs a big red-bow on it right now.  That means that it has to be price, promotions or perceived value that is second to none.  At any rate, see the update below:

MARKET DISTRICT – Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue (www.FifteenTwentyOne.com)

• William Justen hosted an agent seminar on Tuesday, March 23 and presented “The Value of View” (LINK)
• New video building tour online (LINK)
• New interviews with William Justen (LINK)
• New interviews with Tom Parsons (LINK)
• In celebration of recent LEED “Silver” certification, all new home sales before April 30, 2010 will include a Smart ForTwo vehicle (LINK)
• Introduced a new 4,400-sq. ft., three bedroom plus den floor plan offered at $7.25 million (combines a C & J plan for half of the 34^th floor)(LINK)
• Open house this weekend (Noon – 4pm)
• Homes start at $1.1 million
• Now more than two-thirds sold and occupied

FIRST HILL – The Decatur (www.OwntheDecatur.com)

• Offering “Double the Tax Credits” up to $16,000 (select homes) for sales before April 30
• Up to 35% off original list prices
• Home start at $184,950 or just $859 per month (see agent for details)
• FHA approved –just 3.5% down payment!
• Phase II sales release happening now – see NWMLS (LINK)
• New video building tour online (LINK)
• Now more than two-thirds sold and occupied

CAPITOL HILL – Eleven Eleven East Pike (www.1111EastPike.com)

• Up to 25% off original list prices
• FHA approved –just 3.5% down payment!
• Home start at $244,950 or just $1,127 per month (see agent for details)
• Full sales release now available  – see NWMLS (LINK)
• New video building tour online (LINK)
• Now 50% sold – only 13 homes remain!

BALLARD – Hjarta (www.hjartaballard.com)

• Bulk Sales Event – March 27 & 28 (Noon – 5pm)
• Up to 35% off original list prices
• Home start at $274,950 or just $1,154 per month (see agent for details)
• FHA approved –just 3.5% down payment!
• Phase one sales release – now listed on NWMLS (LINK)

GREENLAKE – Florera (www.floreragreenlake.com)

• Bulk Sales Event – March 27 & 28 (Noon – 5pm)
• Up to 35% off original list prices
• Home start at $244,950 or just $1,028 per month (see agent for details)
• FHA approved –just 3.5% down payment!
• Phase one sales release – now listed on NWMLS (LINK)

Ever wonder if buying a green home is a sound financial investment?  A recent article in the Seattle Times discusses recent statistics and the benefits of buying a green home.  It cites a study by GreenWorks Realty which reviewed the NWMLS King County condominium sales from September 2007 – May 2008 and included only new construction built in 2007 and after.  The statistics reflect that 18.7% of condominiums bought during this period were environmentally certified.  When priced per square foot, these green condominium homes were 28% more valuable than non-classified homes.  A green home may be classified by LEED, Built Green, Energy Star or another 3rd Party classification.   Check out the article regarding green homes and condominums…Buying Green.

In addition to this article, I thought I would highlight a few environmentally certified new construction projects and those under construction seeking some form of green building classification:

Trace North/Trace Lofts – Capitol Hill

Brix – Capitol Hill

Rollin Street – South Lake Union

Enso – South Lake Union

Veer Lofts – South Lake Union

Parc – Belltown

Mosler Lofts – Belltown

Cosmopolitan – Downtown Seattle

Olive 8 – Downtown Seattle

1521 – Downtown Seattle

5th & Madison – Downtown Seattle

220 West Highland – Queen Anne

Hjarta – Ballard

NoMa – Ballard

Florera – Greenlake

Bellevue Towers – Downtown Bellevue

1521 Second is proud to have staked a claim in one of the nation’s top 10 neighborhoods. Pike Place Market, not even necessarily considered a “neighborhood” by most Seattleites, was recently awarded that distinction. Citing diverse occupants (high-priced condos and low-income housing), the plethora of things to do within walking distance, history and functionality, the American Planning Association was sufficiently charmed to bestow the honor. No doubt developers working with 1521 Second welcome the recognition.

Slated for completion in late 2008, 1521 Second will be one of Seattle’s premier luxury buildings. Amenities include lounge rooms, a yoga/pilates center, high-speed elevator, business center, concierge, children’s playroom and a rooftop deck that, at 400 feet in the Seattle sky, should be captivating. In residences, finishes feature 8′ solid interior doors, motorized bedroom blinds, custom cabinetry, slab granite counters and self-closing drawers. Appliances include Bosch washer/dryers, Wolf ranges and microwaves, Sub-Zero refrigerators and Miele dishwashers. There will be residential homes on floors 7-38. Each floor will have only 3-5 units – five toward the base, four in the middle and three at the top. Prices at 1521 Second start at $1 million.