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A Visit to the Brix Auction

September 19th, 2009 · Comments · By Matt

This afternoon I went with a friend of mine to check out the Brix auction.

It was a busy place as they had free food and chocolate and a DJ rocking the lobby (I’m sure the residents were hating it). I think their marketing was a little off as they were advertising it as a “taste of Capitol Hill” but with half the participating restaurants not being Capitol Hill restaurants it seemed a little off. Hell, Buca di Beppo is a chain, and couldn’t be more un-Capitol Hill!

Unlike Lumen I feel like there are some good units up for auction. I’d probably go for one of the two bedroom townhouses on tenth but I’m tapped out; no more condos for me! Also, if you do get a place, get it inspected, if you look closely they need to do some touch up work.

Everytime I visit Brix I see more details that just seem a little off. This time I noticed that in the two story lofts they used windows that open for the uppers. Those will be pretty hard to open without a ladder. They also seemed to skimp on the closet in a lot of the units. Most of the two bedrooms had tiny closets. Capitol Hill hipsters need space for all their retro Urban Outfitter tees.

The media was also checking things out and we chatted with KOUW who is working on a story.

Also, I need a new camera. Any recommendations for a great point and shoot that does HD video too?

Related link: Auction condos, (because) our prices are insane

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  • Michael H
    We were seriously considering participating in the Brix auction. The 2-story townhomes on 10th were exactly the units we were interested in. We also noted the touch-up that would be required and the sales staff assured us that auction winners will have the opportunity to do a complete 'blue tape' walk through and have all issues addressed prior to occupancy. The thing that changed our mind - the ridiculously high HOA dues. The dues for the 1171 sf townhomes is a staggering $555 per month. I know condo dues are high, but this is truly a deal breaker. The building doesn't even have a pool or a fitness center.
  • Alan
    Just want everyone to know, the contract says very clearly there will be NO Blue Tape inspection, NO inspection at all actually. What you buy is what you get. I'm still bidding, but wanted you all to know. Don't expect the paint to be retouched or the light bulbs to be replaced...
  • kent_2
    Agree with above. If you are going to live in a nice / new bldg downtown, those are dues are equal to or lower than most. Shop around before the auction to see if there are lower dues available elsewhere. Otherwise you might miss out on a good deal.
  • Name
    "The dues for the 1171 sf townhomes is a staggering $555 per month"

    Staggering? It sounds pretty typical for any realistic operational budget (which includes really expensive building and earthquake insurance, common area utilities, elevator maintenance, water, sewer, etc.), and a realistic reserve budget.
  • EconE
    Matt...you've got a pretty critical eye.

    Would you be allowed to "inspect" the units for potential buyers (as a side business) and go over it with a fine tooth comb or do you need some sort of special liscense?
  • Thanks for the kind comment but your eye is much more critical than mine!

    Plus, I'm more of a big picture guy. I'm not known for my attention to detail (or spelling). And, yes, I do believe you need a license to be an inspector and its doubtful the US government would let me do that kind of work on a H1B visa.

    That said, if any buyers want me to come along with them my hourly consulting rates are quite reasonable :).
  • Mik
    I recommend checking out steves-digicams.com and dpreview.com before buying your camera. They have detailed reviews.
  • Panasonic makes a small Lumix which has a Leica lens that does 720p HD video. Canon's recent set of Elphs also have this capability, though I think it would be hard to get really great HD video with glass so small.
  • danji
    We just bought a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10, and we're pretty impressed so far.
  • Given how small the Flip Mino HDs are, you might be better off simply buying one of those and a dedicated point'n'shoot. Yeah, it sucks carrying around two items, but having two, each of which does one thing well, might be better off than one that does two poorly.
  • Actually I had a Flip but sold it because I hated lugging around two devices :).
  • emmaspringer
    Most closets in condos are small in general. I have never heard of a point and shoot camera that does HD video. Sorry I can't help you.
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