Comments on: Hjarta and Florera to Sell at 35% Off

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:55:00 +0000

Nice post Matt. Good debate.

By: The MD

The MD — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:08:10 +0000

BallardBuyer, a “bulk sales” program is little more than a gimmick to round up the last few potential uneducated buyers in the condo market and really stick it to them. I would recommend staying away from it.

By: Trace

Trace — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:46:58 +0000

Have you ever applied for homeowner's insurance? Your rates are partially calculated by how far you are from the nearest emergency response. Now that's a reason! They also have restrictions on their sirens if they're in a residential neighborgood, if that's what you're wondering.

By: Ben K

Ben K — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:20:57 +0000

I agree strongly with Matt and Brett on this, too.

By: roomboard

roomboard — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:49:27 +0000

As a current tenant at the Florera, I can tell you that living next to a fire station has not caused any sleepless nights. The firetrucks rarely leave the station, and when they do it seems that they wait a few blocks to turn the sirens on. Plus, all of the firemen who work there are extremely friendly and interactive with the community.

The bigger concern is with the building itself. There is only one elevator for the entire building, which seems to break down on a weekly basis. Although the management team said that storage lockers were part of the building plan and were in the process of being built, I have yet to see any progress on this.

By: mattgoyer

mattgoyer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:31:49 +0000

I agree with Frosaker as well. Volta/Alex in Belltown is also holding back its price sheet and only showing it to people who visit in person.

The day of holding back inventory and hiding prices is long gone. Put all your units on the MLS and price them to sell.

By: The MD

The MD — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:14:55 +0000

Frosaker, I do not believe you're making trouble at all. Don't get me wrong, you may be pissing a few people off, but who cares? IMHO, the marketers are the ones who have “made trouble” for this entire market by making the same stupid claim they too believe in transparency, but then turn around and play games with the MLS and don't release their entire inventory. Finally, you're a person I would happily do business with, based on the ethics you've provided.

By: The MD

The MD — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:09:13 +0000

Frosaker, you're absolutely correct. I couldn't agree with you more, and I think it is great that you as an Agent are willing to say what you said. Thanks.

By: BallardBuyer

BallardBuyer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:19:52 +0000

What exactly is a bulk sales program? No offer prior to March 21 will be accepted? No offer less than the “new” price will be accepted? Buy 2, get one free? Are they for sale or not?

By: EconE

EconE — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:44:01 +0000

Just by driving around Hjarta using the street view on Redfin, I wonder how long it will be before the N & E facing units are boxed in by neighboring buildings, never to see daylight again.

And tell me…why on earth would somebody want to live across the street from a firestation?