Hjärta – Living Green, and Making Green

Hear what you will about home sales in Seattle, but we continue to find success stories all over the place.  The latest news is that Ballard-based Hjärta Condos has closed 13 sales in three months! 

There are two reasons for this tremendous burst of success.  The first one is price reductions.  A review was done on every unit and pricing was readjusted accordingly.  Low HOA dues and FHA financing are also helping to close deals. The second is that Hjärta is currently the only LEED Silver-certified suburban Seattle condominium development.  Constructed of concrete and steel, it also includes high-performance fiberglass windows, a central gas boiler instead of individual water heaters, and energy-efficient elevators.  Hjärta owners average a 30% reduction in energy bills.  Buyers are finding this competitive with buildings of wood frame construction.

Hjärta’s Ballard location is only 10 minutes north of downtown Seattle.  It’s also within walking distance of public transportation, locally-owned shopping, dining, salons, coffee shops, movie theaters, groceries and recreation. Speaking of recreation, the area is pedestrian and bicycle-friendly.  Old Ballard Avenue is nearby, as is Market Street, plus you’re a mile away from the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.  

There’s some great amenities, too.  Hjärta’s rooftop garden provides raised beds for vegetables, flowers and herbs. Add some lush professional landscaping and it provides a peaceful retreat from the day, not to mention spectacular city, water and mountain views.  An elegant common area features a pool table, catering kitchen, fireplace and internet access. Comfortable for socializing, it also opens to a private, inviting outdoor deck. It’s the perfect place to host old friends or meet new neighbors.

That’s enough about amenities for your soul… how about some for your body?  Aside from the ease of walking and biking, Hjärta also has a private Yoga Room which provides mats, straps, blocks and other accoutrements for resident use.  Its Workout Room is perfect for a good cardio or weight workout, with natural daylight and a TV to keep you moving.

Currently, one bedroom homes start at $259,950. A one bedroom corner unit with 917 sq ft is priced at $319,950.  They also have two bedroom homes.  One recently sold at $379,950, and a corner unit with an outdoor patio is currently priced at $409,950.  Penthouses on the 7th and 8th floors are also available.

 All in all, Hjärta offers a nice mix of green, high-rise living in a neighborhood setting.   If you would like more information or to schedule a private tour, just drop us a line at urgent@stroupe.com.

“Now’s The Time” – Pryde + Johnson Announces Condo Clearance Sale in Ballard and Greenlake

FloreraInGreenlake.com for more info.

We have recently been given a press release from Pryde + Johnson regarding another bulk buy sales strategy for LEED Silver (targeted) built Hjarta in Ballard and Florera in Greenlake – units will be sold at up to 35% off original pricing in an alternative to auctions.

“We’re meeting the market on price and are committed to selling through as condominiums,” said Curt Pryde, principal of Pryde + Johnson and developer of both Hjarta and Florera Condominiums. “Homebuyers will also benefit from our preferred selection, FHA financing (3.5% down payment), today’s low interest rates and other limited-time incentives such as Federal tax credits up to $8,000 (for purchases contracted before April 30, 2010).”

As we understand it, several dozen sales have been generated to date using the sales strategy at The Decatur and Eleven Eleven East Pike. Rather than slowly lowering prices over a longer period of time (which seems systemic at many projects), Realogics was able convince the developer and their lender to explore more dramatic cuts in hopes of garnering quicker sales.  The block of sales also helps shore up FHA financing and unit appraisals.  In theory, this establishes a stabilized market value for the remaining sales while resolves a common concern amongst “wait and see” buyers that prices will drop further after buying.  Hjarta and Florera will be undergoing a similar strategy and should offer some great deals for those who take advantage.

Studios (578 – 598 sq. ft.) will start from $244,950
One bedrooms (614 – 921 sq. ft.) will start from $274,950
One bedroom plus dens (792 – 923 sq. ft.) will start from $314,950
Two bedrooms (1,037 – 1,447 sq. ft.) will start from $399,950
Two bedrooms plus den penthouses (1,331 – 1,578 sq. ft.) will start from $589,950
Three bedroom plus den penthouses (1,909 sq. ft.) will start from $799,950

HjartaInBallard.com for more info.

Pryde + Johnson appears to be motivated to sell now so buyers can take advantage of the extended homebuyer tax credit, and today’s historically low rates.  Since rates will soon begin to climb, and the homebuyer tax credit will soon expire, these are exceptional opportunities for buyers who are interested in living outside the urban core, but within one of two prime urban neighborhoods.  The official sales release will begin on March 27 but you can preview in advance – open houses will be scheduled for each weekend or by appointment.  March 27th is the same weekend as Escala reintroduces sales at price drops and 5th & Madison auctions their remaining inventory so it should be a marketplace as buyers hunt down bargains.

PRESS RELEASE

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Disclaimer:  These projects are listings of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s “special projects” division, which is affiliated but independent of the “resale” division co-founded by James Stroupe and Moira Holley.