Stroupe Group Exclusive Building Websites

We wanted to take a moment to share a beneficial service we provide for both buyers and sellers looking at downtown Seattle real estate.  Over the last couple of years, we have built a collection of websites for buildings downtown, and have many more in the hopper.  Our intention with these websites is to allow each unique address to convey it’s own personality online.

Every site we build for a condo building allows a visitor to:

• View active units for sale,
• View the past three years of sold history,
• Sign up for instant email notifications of new listings,
• Inquire about a particular unit’s value,
• See a neighborhood map and WalkScore,
• Look at a photo gallery of amenities,
• Get building management/concierge contact information.

In addition, whenever we have a seller that lists with the Stroupe Group, we integrate a customized page with professional photography.  All of our building websites also place at the top of all major search engines for maximum exposure, and we also use linking strategies to further secure placement.

Visit our current project: EscalaTower.com

Below is a list of other websites that are constantly being improved, and we would love to hear any suggestions on how we can make them better.

• 81 Vine Lofts
• 2200 Westlake
• Arbor Place Tower
• Avenue One
• Bay Vista Tower
• Bellora Building
• Cristalla
• Fifteen Twenty-One
• Gallery
• Meridian Tower
• Newmark Tower
• Pomeroy
• Seattle Heights
• Tavona Condos
• The Cosmopolitan
• The Parc
• The Vine
• Toscano
• Watermark Tower

Sample Gallery

BelltownParc.com	FifteenTwenty-One.com
LiveAtTheVine.com	AvenueOneCondos.com
GalleryInBelltown.com	CristallaBuilding.com

New Pricing for Gallery & Brix Maintains Buyer Momentum

We were told that Brix sold another eight units (one being a fallout/back up buyer from the auction) during the weekend after the auction. Also, of the 3 townhouses that were remaining, only one is now left and has yet to be released. We’ve yet to speak to any little birdies about how Gallery has done since the auction, but our web traffic shows our Gallery website received 1,355 visits compared to our Brix website which received 346. Although we built the websites and integrated tracking on the same day, we have to also consider that search engine placement for both vary. Our placement for Brix is nowhere near as good as it is for the Gallery.

At any rate, those who have won a home at either location seem to feel happy with the deal they got. Schnitzer has also acted promptly and has repriced their first release of homes–which are moving quickly based on what we know from the eight additional units that sold just this weekend.

Any one of these units shown below does not guarantee that it is still on the market. To take advantage of this low pricing and to get more information on what units are available, contact us.

Gallery

Brix

Unit #1206 | Open 2B/2B 1,066 sq. ft. Was $800,000 Now $499,000 Unit #1204 | Open 2B/1B 880 sq. ft. Was $625,000 Now $469,000 Unit #1202 | 2B/2B + Den 1,301 sq. ft. Was $1,080,000 Now $699,000 Unit #918 | Open 1B/1B 771 sq. ft. Was $475,000 Now $335,000 Unit #915 | Open 1B/1B 596 sq. ft. Was $386,300 Now $335,000 Unit #908 | Open 1B/1B 603 sq. ft. Was $392,400 Now $295,000 Unit #802 | 2B/2B + Den 1,301 sq. ft. Was $800,000 Now $559,000 Unit #616 | Open 1B/1B 603 sq. ft. Was $368,100 Now $279,000 Unit #908 | Open 1B/1B 603 sq. ft. Was $392,400 Now $295,000 Unit #307 | 1B/1B + Den 883 sq. ft. Was $440,000 Now $275,000 Unit #302 | Open 2B/2B 961 sq. ft. Was $530,000 Now $409,000

Unit #607 | Open 1B/1B 724 sq. ft. Was $395,000 Now $309,000 Unit #505 | Open 1B/1B 674 sq. ft. Was $369,000 Now $279,000 Unit #314 | Open 1B/1B 547 sq. ft. Was $309,000 Now $255,000 Unit #311 | 1B/1B 671 sq. ft. Was $399,990 Now $295,000 Unit #307 | Open 1B/1B + Den 789 sq. ft. Was $420,000 Now $329,000 Unit #136 | TH 2B/2.5B + Den 1,418 sq. ft. Was $622,000 Now $489,000 Unit #134 | TH 2B/2.5B + Den 1,172 sq. ft. Was $520,000 Now $439,000 Unit #113 | Loft TH 1B/1.5B 747 sq. ft. Was $449,990 Now $309,000 Unit #126 | Loft TH 1B/1.5B 814 sq. ft. Was $459,990 Now $319,000 Unit #112 | Loft TH 1B/1.5B 938 sq. ft. Was $549,990 Now $339,000

Arrange a Showing to Take Advantage of New Pricing Last Chance to Take Advantage of $8,000 Tax Credit

click here

View Sold History and Unit List for Gallery & Brix

We’ve had several inquiries about the Gallery and Brix auction, so we have put together a couple of websites for you to review if you are also interested.  The new sites show previous sold prices, and a list of units will be going up for auction.  Click on either of the project names below to view the site:

GalleryInBelltown.com

BrixInCapitolHill.com

Gallery Letter to Homeowners Regarding Auction

There’s nothing of major concern with this letter sent to residents about the auction of condos that’s scheduled for September 27th, but it does verify that they will only be auctioning off a select number of units.  After the auction, they will commence sales as normal, but with an expected revision in pricing.

We have contracted with Accelerated Marketing Partners, a respected national sales marketing company, to sell select inventory homes during a one-day sale that will take place on September 27, 2009. Please note that this is not a complete sale of the remaining inventory of homes. Following the September 27th event, we will resume our normal sales activities.

gallery resident letter

Get Educated Before You Even !VISIT! Gallery and/or Brix: List of Units up for Auction

As of our most recent visit this afternoon, several potential buyers have already visited Gallery to tour some of the homes that will be going up for auction.  Unfortunately, any of those buyers who have signed in as a guest who will later want representation from an agent will be denied that request.  Therefore, it’s important for you to decide if you wish to have representation before you go to visit these two properties.   There are several important things to consider before making this decision.  We’ll be doing a more detailed post tomorrow as to what those benefits are, but we have had a client who was unable to bring us as their agent during the Lumen auction because we were not present during their initial visit.  They were very disappointed that they had to attend the auction without any professional insight.  The bottom line is that auctions can get very emotional, and you very much need a ‘game plan’ and numbers figured on how much you’re willing to pay.  Most all units at Lumen sold for over $100k from the starting bid, and not all of those who won a purchase really made a “great deal.”

Schnitzer’s goal is auction off enough units to get FHA approval, then afterward adjust the prices on the remaining units to match current market value determined from the auction.  Not a bad strategy in this market.

In the meantime, here is a copy of what units will go up for auction at Gallery (we’ll post Brix tomorrow), and you can see some of them online by visiting our condo profile for the address here.  If you would like to put together a game plan to take full advantage of the up-and-coming auction for either of these projects, give us a call and see how we can help you, or be sure to contact your favorite agent.  Either way, representation doesn’t cost you anymore money, but getting wrapped up in an auction without it can.

Gallery in Belltown & Brix in Capitol Hill Off to Auction Sept. 27th

Schnitzer West properties going to auction for both Gallery & Brix.  Matt & Ben both twittered the announcements already, and you can view their posts below.

Matt, Ben…

Here’s your ‘pings’:

Brix Going to Auction September 27

Gallery Also Going to Auction September 27th

Gallery & Brix Condo Auctions

Both auctions have their own websites where you can get more detailed information:

• http://www.auctionthegallery.com/
• http://www.auctionbrix.com/

There’s no doubt that auction buyers have walked away with massive savings.  Contact us for more information on what you should pay for these units if you’re looking to attend.

P.S. Don’t forget to buy your Mega Millions ticket.  Drawing for $325M is tonight!

GALLERY New Construction Photos: Amenities

We went and took some pictures of just the amenities last Friday and wanted to share the pics.  Unfortunately we weren’t able to get to the roof to see the dog track, but everything was looking pretty good.  Here’s what we got.

Gallery Presentation Center New Location

Gallery has informed us that they are moving thier presentation into the building this weekend!  You will now be able to visit them at 2911 2nd Avenue, Suite 120.  They will be in one of their fabulous loft townhomes just north of the lobby.  They will also continue to be open 7 days a week from 11:00 to 6:00.

This is an exciting opportunit to see one of the many new construction project finally come to fruition.  Congratulations GALLERY!

Examples and Characteristics of Lofts in Seattle

Most all dictionaries define a loft as a storage area or attic. This can cause some confusion, so I scoured the Internet to find out everything I could to provide the true definition of a “livable loft.” In real estate terms, all lofts feature ceilings 10′ or higher, and with very few exceptions, large windows measuring 6′ or higher. Lofts can also be classified into three styles; New York Lofts, Industrial Lofts, and Modern Lofts.

Examples of Lofts

New York – Also referred to as the “true” loft, the most common trait among this style is the lofted bedroom. This design also has very high ceilings of 15′ or higher, and traditionally excludes interior walls. New York style lofts typically sell at a premium compared to others because the 2nd story is commonly more desirable.

Examples of Projects in Seattle with New York Style Lofts

Site 17	Veer Lofts	Lumen

Industrial – This style of loft may or may not include a 2nd story, but strictly refers to industrial or commercial structures that have been converted (usually by the addition of full baths and kitchens). It’s also very common for this style to include exposed brick walls and/or ductwork.

Examples of Projects in Seattle with Industrial Style Lofts

81 Vine	Jackson Square	Stadium Lofts

Modern – This style falls into the definition of a loft because of ceiling and window height. However, it’s common for this style of loft to have interior walls separating rooms. This type of design has also become a popular trend in new construction and will typically have a less industrial feel.

Examples of Projects in Seattle with Modern Style Lofts

Klee	Mosler Lofts	GALLERY

Characteristics of Lofts

In addition to various styles, lofts have various characteristics that make them even more unique. When beginning your search, the more you know about what you’re looking for, the less time you’ll have to spend searching. Here is a guide to help you add to, or cross off, characteristics on your loft wish list.

Exposed Brick	Exposed Beams	Multi-Level
Floor/Ceiling Windows	Metal Catwalks	Concrete Columns
Exposed Ductwork	Open Kitchen	Concrete Ceiling

This blog is a great place to search for loft style condos in the downtown Seattle area. If an address features loft style units, the building has been categorized in the “Condo Categories” drop-down menu in the left column of this blog. All condo projects have also been categorized by amenity, location by street, zip code, architect, neighborhood, and more.

If you’re interested in taking a look at some of Seattle’s lofts for sale, contact to arrange a day and time that fits your schedule.

New Construction Projects Report Increase in Activity

Gallery recently sold the last of their penthouses. They also told us that there has been a significant increase of interest over the last couple of weeks from people coming into their sales center. The sales representative at Trio also had an excited tone over the phone when telling me they’ve averaged more than a sale a week since April with an expected offer today. Olive 8 sold 2 of their larger units in the last week, and the Parc has sold 10 units in the last 16 days. The sales manager for the Discovery Center (ENSO, Veer Lofts, and Rollin Street) and Four Seasons was unavailable for comment.

The last few weeks of sales ratios also show in increase in sales activity for resale condos. We’re excited to see some of those buyers who were sitting on the fence to finally start making some movement. Recent data showing the future of Seattle’s urban housing shortage due to rising construction costs and developers credit crunch may be the motivator.

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