A lot of good things are in the pipeline for Spring 2008 and over the past month I have been cranking away on new projects, taking on more listings and trying to balance all and everything in between.  Obviously I have had a little trouble keeping up with the posting, but the clouds have parted (except for one dark cloud- aka “the tax man”) and I can get back into my routine once again!  

Sales-
5th and Madison:  I have to say that I definitely fell in love with 5th and Madison.  As the “hidden gem” in the heart of downtown, I love the location, finishes and floorplans and have been eyeing #405 myself (currently at $425k/ 808SF).  The 05 floorplan is on the southeast corner of the building and has a very open view of the city, park and the First United Methodist Church‎ on 5th, with 808 square feet, wall-to-wall windows, lots of storage (beware- you build out your own closets!), high ceilings, spacious bedroom/living rooms and an open kitchen… One of my clients is set to close this Friday on #205 and I am sure he will love living there! 

Watermark Tower: We gave it a try last September but this time around, #1005 sold to #1004- a perfect combination for one gigantic residence on the northwest corner taking up nearly half of the 10th floor!

Escala:  Homeowner’s at the Escala are in the process of selecting their finishes!  I went with one of my clients to choose their package and I was really impressed with the standard options.  A couple upgrades to look out for…cable/outlets- a whopping $600 each to install them above the fireplace or at the built-in desk and the fireplaces are electric not gas, prices to be determined.    

The Parc #328:  Just Listed!  If you are looking to get into the market, this condo is perfect for your first home.  Not to big ($), not to small, very useable square footage throughout, a HUGE deck, brand new and priced to sell.  Check it out!

New Website- 
I am in the process of launching a new website- SeattleCondoExperts.com!  The concept is to be announced on a later date as I am still working on creating the perfect resource for both agents and the public eye. 

Seattle Rental Group/ NW Property Group-
We have hired a couple new agents, so being that I am #1 in charge of training, I have been working very hard to create little “UrbanAshies” for everyone.  Everyone is falling into place- Alexandra established a website of her own and has found a focus in sales/leasing of multiplexes, whereas Lillian and Adam are just getting started but good things are surly to come!
 
Additional Education-
This Spring I will also be working towards my Associate Broker license completing a total of 120 hours of classroom time in real estate law, brokerage management and business management.  I am sure completing the coursework and continuing with my day to day operations is going to be a challenge but it is either now or never…

So, apologizes for the neglectful behavior…definitely not my typical A-type personality to leave people hanging!  

Photos- Michelle Moore Photography, Madison Tower #1503 

This coming Friday, 5th and Madison will host a grand opening celebration for the new half acre Green Plaza from 12:30pm until 2pm. 

The event will be open to the public and the official ribbon cutting will be at 1pm.  Light refreshments, live music and beverages will be served, visit the 5th and Madison website for more details. 

A few Green Plaza benefits:

• A half acre of ground level green space
• Open to the public during the day
• Cisterns sunk into existing underground parking capture rainwater to satisfy all exterior landscaping needs
• Lushly landscaped with drought tolerant and native plants and a water channel with waterfall. 
• This park-like space helps offset the “heat island effect”. 
• The green plaza is actually a green roof over the parking garage and retail space.
• A green roof helps filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air.

This Saturday and Sunday, don’t forget to drop by the 2007 Seattle Urban Condo Tour at Fisher Plaza!  The two day event is FREE and will give you the opportunity to tour 20 of the newest condo projects in Seattle. 

There will also be seminars that will cover topics on securing financing, adding value to your condo, agent secrets and what our cityscape/economy will look like in 2011.

Some of the properties that are participating:

For more information, visit the official website!   

Last week there were concerns about possible delays at the 5th and Madison Condominiums due to the recent sales transaction but it doesn’t look like it will be impacting October occupancy!  Over 75% of the homes have been sold and they will be unveiling 2 concept homes in late August, décor provided by Roche Bobois. 

The 41-story office building (901 5th Ave) and 5th & Madison Condominiums were purchase by Kennedy Wilson Inc today for $300M. 

Everyone seems to be covering the story but the Puget Sound Business Journal and Commercial Property News reported that the price includes the completion of 5th & Madison (126-unit condominium project, $660,000 average sales price, occupancy fall 2007) and the $35M redevelopment of the office building (LEED Silver status, new lobby, common areas etc) that is already in progress. 

They also mentioned that 84 condominiums have been sold in 5th and Madison and 59% of 901 5th Ave is currently leased.