Value Alert!
If you have followed my blog for any length of time you will know that from time to time I will come out with a Value Alert…here is my Covid/quarantine value alert!
Unit 1804, now priced at $1,495,000, a lower level penthouse at Meriwether in South Waterfront! This unit is not only large, 2541 sq. ft. , but also ranks high for style points as well. Ironically, part of the design is what has hurt the sale of this beautiful unit! This unit was custom designed by one of my favorite designers in town, Jeffrey Lamb. The quality is of the highest available and tastefully done. One issue, I believe, is it is a little dark with the all of the custom woodwork and the imported Brazilian granite counter tops. I have shown this unit three times now to my clients and three times the feedback was the same… it’s just too dark and they all would have replaced the green counter tops! My suggestion, and Jeff Lamb may hate to hear this… replace the beautiful green Brazilian counter tops with a and bright white quartz counter top and increase the island size, also with quartz! This would make a huge difference in the brightness of this unit and, I believe, change the look dramatically. While I do think the current counter tops are beautiful, they are very specific and attractive to a far less percentage of buyers!
Sometimes buyers will sacrifice size for higher quality. No need to sacrifice here! With this unit…you get both! Let’s compare this unit to a neighboring unit at Atwater, unit #1906 also priced at $1,495,000. #1906 is only 1896 sq. ft. ( 645 sq. ft. smaller than 1804!) The quality is basically original construction finishes, which are nice at Atwater, but nothing compared to the custom quality of the remodeled #1804! The layout of #1804 is also superior. The spacious kitchen is central to the open living spaces and offers fantastic views where as the kitchen on #1906 is tucked on the backside of the unit and almost galley like with limited views.
One of the negatives of #1804 is that eventually, OHSU will build on the lot to the north and block some of the views. Again, comparing to #1906, Meriwethers East tower is already blocking some of the views of #1906 to the north so it is very similar in views..
I have been selling condos for a long time now and one thing I have seen is that when the market is rising, buyer’s are more willing to pay up for a nicely remodeled unit. When the market is declining…not so much! This is what is happening now. The condo markets are almost 20% off from the highs in late 2018. Another problem with #1804 is that I believe it was way overpriced from the beginning ($1,900,000). This may not have been the fault of the agent. Many times when an extensive remodel has been done, seller’s tend to believe the value is much higher than what the market will pay. Now, after multiple price reductions and 15 months on the market…the sharks will start circling!
I believe the purchase of this unit will be at a good value for the buyer! I do not believe that price will be at $1,495,000 but I believe we are closer to where it will eventually sell. Because of the circumstances, the new buyers of this beautiful condo are going to have a condo with exceptional finishes and a lot space! I believe if the seller would have replaced the counter tops with a white quartz or light marble, it probably would have already sold. Now you have the opportunity to pick it up at a decent value and make those changes yourself!
If you would like to view this special unit, please give me a call.
Brad Golik is a condominium specialist focusing on the luxury condo markets in the Pearl District, South Waterfront and the downtown Cultural Area. You can reach him at 503-896-8856 or at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com
http://www.LuxuryCondosofPortland.com www.PortlandPenthouse.com
Do a condo search at: https://bradgolik.luxecir.com/condo-search
Value Alert… It’s already gone!
If you were thinking about giving me a call on the condo I mentioned a few days ago…it’s too late. I did say call me asap on this one! After the owners of this unit dropped the price again…this time $60,000, the unit went pending in 2 days! I am not sure what the final sales price will be but anything under the $899,900 listed price will be a very good buy for some lucky buyer!
Because I specialize in the condo market I am able to recognize good value. I don’t post these value alerts very often as I feel it needs to be a pretty special condo…and price, to do so and this was one of those moments. So the next time you see one of these condo alerts, call me ASAP!
Brad Golik is a condo specialist with LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate. You can come down and meet Brad in his new Pearl District location at 707 NW 11th Ave. – LuxuryCondosofPortland.com PortlandPenthouse.com
Here is a Christie’s fun fact: In New York last year, Christie’s International Real Estate sold 8 out of the top 10 most expensive homes… and 16 out of the top 25!
Value Alert!
Every so often I see a condo that I feel represents a really good value and today a recent price reduction has made this unit very attractive in terms of pricing! Unit #714 at the Gregory had a $60,000 price reduction today and is now priced at $899,900. This unit was priced originally at $1,310,000. While I think the original price was way too high, it has now had 10 price reductions and for the quality of finishes, the amount of square feet available, and being a corner unit… this will make a very good buy for somebody especially if they get it for below the current asking price of $899,900!
The corner units at The Gregory are always in high demand and this stylish unit is going to make someone very happy! Originally, this was a two bedroom unit and it could easily be returned to being a 2 bedroom. Currently, the layout is very open and spacious. The master is huge with tons of closet space. The sliding glass panels are beautiful and give privacy when needed. The kitchen features modern white cabinets with quartz countertops and high end appliances. It is a stunning condo!
My only negative comment about this unit is that the master bath could be a bit larger, but to me…this is an easy one to look past when you consider the quality and size (1983 sq. ft.) of this beautiful Pearl District condo!
If you would like to see this unit, give me a call asap and I will set it up.
Brad Golik 503-896-8856
Brad Golik is a condo specialist with LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate…the brand that defines luxury real estate!
We are now open in the Pearl! Come by our new office at 707 NW 11th and say hello!
Portland Penthouse for Sale…Part 2
Yesterday I made a posting about the penthouses for sale in Portland. Well today… I have a new favorite! As I have often mentioned, The Elizabeth is one of my favorite buildings. Today a new penthouse at The Elizabeth ( #1503) came on the market for $4,000,000. This penthouse is stunning! What do I think about the price at $1,222 a square foot? I think it might be a bit high. If I am representing the buyer I think $3,300,000 to $3,500,000 might be more realistic. While it would be great for owners in the building if they did get $4,000,000 (and the owners of #1503) the problem is a recent penthouse sale that happened recently. Unit #1502 sold for just $1,900,000 or $551 a sq. ft. This will not help the sellers of #1503 in getting their price. While I don’t understand that low number at all, I will say the finishes in the beautifully remodeled #1503 are really jaw dropping. I believe this unit deserves a premium in that it is one of the most beautiful condos on the market! Did I mention that it comes with 2011 sq. ft. of outdoor living?
In the last three years there have been 3 penthouses at The Elizabeth that have sold for over $1,000,000. Of the three, I have sold two of them and the price per square foot was $712 for unit $1406 and $732 for unit #1404. The third was the above mentioned #1502 that was $551 a ft. ( again, I can’t explain the low price as it was the largest of the four …including the new one)
Will the newly listed penthouse #1503 be able to get it’s $4,000,000? I truly hope so …unless I am representing the buyer!
Speaking of buyer’s, If you are looking to tour any of the mentioned penthouses for sale ( or any other condo) give me a call at 503-896-8856
Portland Penthouses for sale!
How is the + $3,000,000 condo market looking?
The Portland condo market has slowed pretty dramatically and we are seeing price reduction after price reduction. Many units have been reduced in price 5 to 6 times! We have also seen an increase in the inventory at the highest end of the market.
Currently there are six units priced above $3,000,000…and three that are almost $3,000,000. Of the nine listings, 5 are still the 5 out of 6 unsold penthouse units at the Vista priced from $2,821,000 to $3,335,000 ( $1044 a sq. ft up to $1228 a ft).
The other four are …in order of pricing, Crane Building #711 priced at $3,300,000, The Metropolitan PH-2 priced at $4,700,000, The Cosmopolitan penthouse #2715 priced at $6,995,000 and the Meriwether penthouse #2000 priced at ….drum roll please…. $9,300,000.
So of these units, which ones do I like? All are unique in their own way. If you like ultra contemporary, The Cosmopolitan #2715 is very high in style and has, hands down, the best views of all nine listed here. The newest to hit the market is at the Crane Building. Unit #711 is a beautiful penthouse unit with an outdoor terrace that runs the length of the entire east side of the building. It offers far more deck space than all of the others with the exception of PH-2 at the Metropolitan, which is priced at a pretty hefty $4,700,000… or $1349 a sq. ft. While this penthouse is steeply priced, the Metropolitan, in my opinion, is in my top 5 buildings in Portland. I believe the very traditional design of the interior of this large unit will create a problem in trying to find the right buyer unless someone wants to go in and start over. Topping the charts at $9,300,000 is the full floor unit #2000 at Meriwether in South Waterfront. This unit features over 7,000 square feet of living space that includes a guest suite. If you are someone that needs a lot of space…this could be the one! Also, if you are a car buff and need parking spaces, this penthouse comes with six parking spaces.
If you are a buyer that wants a contemporary space that is warmed with some beautiful woodwork, the penthouse at the Crane might be the answer. It is priced below (price per square foot) the two $3,000,000 units at Vista and has the deck space that many desire.
If you are the buyer that wants views, the Cosmopolitan is the building in town with simply the best views around. When you have paid a premium to be above 20 stories…the unobstructed views can’t be beat. I will say this about The Cosmopolitan, you don’t have to be in a condo priced above $3,000,000 to have sensational views!
If you are looking for a Portland penthouse that is ultra contemporary, one that is more traditional or anything in between, I am happy to take you on a tour of Portland’s finest condominiums and let you feel for yourself how each of these units are special in their own way! Give me a call at 503-896-8856.
Brad Golik is a luxury condo specialist with Christie’s International Real Estate. You can contact him at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com or visit one of his websites…LuxuryCondosofPortland.com or PortlandPenthouse.com
Opportunities in the condo market!
With tougher markets come opportunities. The condo market has slowed down and we have seen many, many price reductions…and not just one or two reductions, but four, five and six price reductions! There are a few that stand out for me right now that I think represent good buying opportunities. And because some of these have been on the market for so long, the chance to buy lower than it’s current listing price could be very high. In the higher end of the market, a penthouse that I have discussed multiple times is unit #1301 at The Strand. This is a beautiful waterfront unit that has great river, mountain and city views! The downside of this unit… many agents have tried to sell the large rooftop deck as a selling feature. Truth is you are almost level with the nearby bridge traffic and the noise is pretty loud. With that said, put a water feature and some music on the deck and I believe it becomes usable. The current price on this penthouse is down to $1,995,000 , reduced from last month where it was at $2,350,000. ( if you remember, this penthouse was originally priced over $4,000,000) At $1,995,000 you are at $615 a square foot. This is getting pretty low for any penthouse unit. I recently mentioned a penthouse sale at The Elizabeth…it sold for $551 a foot, an extremely low price for a penthouse of it’s caliber. If you are looking for a large unit (3242 sq. ft.) The Strand is one worth looking at.
In the lower price points there are also some good opportunities for buying opportunities. One example is unit #515 at The Elizabeth priced at $750,000 for a 2bed/2 Bath with 1562 sq. ft. A similar unit just went pending at $765,000 and an identical unit ( just four floors higher) went on the market $115,000 higher at $865,000!
In the sub $500,000 market you will see more turnover but you can still find some good values in the lower price points. If you would like to get out and view some condos, give me a call.
Brad Golik is a condominium specialist with LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate You can reach him at 503-896-8856 or at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com.
http://www.LuxuryCondosofPortland.com www.PortlandPenthouse.com
Opportunities… PART 2
As I finished up my blog post earlier today, a new listing came on the market in South Waterfront for $2,500,000. This 22nd floor unit has 2349 square feet and has had a few new very nice touches added…new kitchen, wine room and general updates. What do I think of the $2,500,000 price tag? Well, it’s next door neighbor is on the market for $1,000,000 less at $1,495,000 and it is only 160 square feet smaller. If you want an opportunity, you could buy that one for $1,495,000…or a little less, add a brand new high end kitchen, add a very nice wine room and make some additional updates and you would still be under $2,000,000! What is the only advantage of the 2.5M unit? I would say having the St. Helens and city view are more desirable. So are those views important to you?
Here is an alternative ( shameless plug here) I have a penthouse listing at The John Ross next door. It is in the NE corner…most preferred. It is 2699 square feet, so larger. It is 359 sq. ft. larger (equivalent to a 14×25 room) It is on the 27th floor so 5 stories higher. This is important because if something were built on the nearby OHSU property, your chance of loosing views of the Tillicum Crossing Bridge are less if you are 5 stories higher. Not only does it have an amazing Mt. St. Helens view, it also has an awesome Mt. Hood View! To add even more value to John Ross #2703… it has been in litigation for some time now (cash only buyers) and litigation has ended. What have we seen time and time again when this happens? Prices jump up in these buildings when litigation is resolved.
So you could also do an amazing kitchen in this unit ( there is a huge open area to make a much larger kitchen than the other two units) And do all of this and still be well under $2,000,000. The other option, you buy it and move in because you don’t need to do much because it is very nice and move in ready!
If you would like to tour Atwater Place 2206 and 2200 as well as John Ross #2703, give me a call today! 503-896-8856
Portland Luxury Condominiums.
When it is time to sell your luxury condo in Portland, look to the brand that defines luxury real estate worldwide!
Where I was right…Where I was wrong!
If you have ever listened to the sports show The Herd hosted by Colin Cowherd you might know that on his show on Mondays he talks about sporting events over the weekend. He then goes on to discuss where he was right and where he was wrong in some of his predictions. I want to do a little of the same here and discuss one of my previous posts. In that post I mentioned a few penthouse units that were on the market, Pinnacle #1403 and Elizabeth #1502. I mentioned that I really liked #1502 at the Elizabeth.
Where I was right: I said that with patience, a buyer was going to really be able to pick up a good buy on this one!
Where I was wrong: I said a buyer might be able to pick it up for $300,000 to $400,000 off of its value at The Elizabeth! Boy….was I wrong!
The other unit, #1403 at Pinnacle sold on 5/3/2019 for $2,200,000 or $99,000 off of it’s recently reduced price. Now the buyer was probably thinking “ya, I got an ok buy, not a great buy, but ok!” (now to remind you, this penthouse was just 2600 sq. ft.)
On 5/8/2019…3 days later, the buyer of 1403 was probably saying… “Oh no!” because on that day Elizabeth #1502 just closed for …. Drum roll please…. $1,900,000! Ouch!
This penthouse was much larger and had less obstructed views. Now is the buyer of #1403 thinking they grossly overpaid? Now here is the Where I was wrong part comes into play. This unit had it’s priced reduced from $2,995,000 to $2,695,000. I was thinking $300,000 to $400,000 off of that price is where it was going to sell for. Normally, I would be saying “Awesome job” by the buyers agent that got his client such a great deal….however, not this time because buyers agent was also the listing agent! Who was the agent really working for here? You have heard me say before there are times when I will handle both sides of the transaction and other times when I would not touch it with a 10 foot pole. Well, this was one of those ten foot pole times! How does the buyer pick up this penthouse for $795,000 off of the “reduced” list price? The other consideration to look at is the fact that I also had a penthouse listing in that same building ( it was smaller 1 bedroom penthouse) and it sold for full price in 6 days! It closed two weeks before #1502.
When you are an agent handling both sides, it can be a tricky situation. In the situation of #1502, the listing agent took over the listing from another agent who had last priced it at $3,199,000. The new (current) agent took over the listing and convinced the seller that the price should be reduced to $2,995,000 ( I am gussing that agent said ”this is where I think I can get it sold!”) Now, 9 months later, this agent allows his client to sell it for One Million Dollars less? Wow. This is really a total head scratcher to me, especially after just selling the other penthouse in the building at full price. Did the buyer get a good price? I think a VERY good price! And while this is great for the buyer, I am not totally happy because I worked with some buyers who bought another penthouse at The Elizabeth 3 years ago… and it affects their value now. The market has not been going down the last 3 years!
What is the reason that this unit sold for $1,000,000 less that what the agent originally said it was worth? I don’t have the answer to this. This will end up being a tremendous purchase for the buyer. Not so good for the seller!
I mentioned how, with patience, you can get good values. I really did not see this one coming though. Now, the new buyer will pick up a stunning penthouse and put some money into it ( total kitchen remodel) and have an amazing unit. Let’s say this buyer invest $400,000 into this unit. At $2,300,000, you will have one of the nicest penthouse condos in town for $668 a sq. ft.! Compare this to the smaller penthouse units being offered at Vista for $1044 to $1228 a sq. ft. You have heard me talking about the benefits of buying some of the older penthouse units and putting some money into them… this is a prime example, and you will get to choose all of your finishes to your taste and chances are they will be even a little more higher end than what you will get at Vista …and for almost half the price per square foot! This new penthouse comp in the market will certainly NOT help to sell those remaining penthouses at Vista.
Portland Penthouse with stunning 2 mountain view!
Don’t miss out on this one! This spacious ( 2700 sq. ft) penthouse condominium features 2 decks, including one that is a 50′ wrap around terrace! Take in views from your living room. Mt. Hood to the East and Mt. St. Helens to the North. At night enjoy the sparkling city lights or the the changing colors on the Tillicum Crossing bridge.
For a private showing of this spectacular penthouse, call Brad Golik, luxury condo specialist with LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate at 503-896-8856
Real Estate Marketing…done right!
You want to capture top dollar in the sale of your luxury condominium? Any agent can sell your condo, but at what price. Brad Golik, a condominium specialist at LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate, gives you the best in condominium marketing. To see more on Brad’s philosophy on real estate marketing, please visit: https://www.luxurycondosofportland.com/marketing
Christie’s International Real Estate is the market leader in the worldwide sale of luxury properties!
Brad Golik – Broker – pdxluxcondos@gmail.com 503-896-8856
Real Estate marketing…done right!
If you want to capture top dollar on the sale of your condo, why not hire an agent who cares enough to do everything he or she can to get your place seen by as many buyer’s as possible. I simply refuse to cut corners when it comes to marketing your condo or loft. I often tell people “Any agent can sell your condo…but at what price?”
Whether it’s soda, beer or tennis shoes…marketing is so important. But, it’s not just selling these products, it’s selling them at a premium to other similar products by giving them a perceived higher value. Real Estate is no different! With real estate marketing it’s so important to start with great professional photos, after all, photos are the foundation for most of your other marketing such as print media, listing websites and video. And great photos should be something that teases the buyer’s and makes them say “I HAVE to see this property, it’s beautiful!” And when buyers see high quality marketing, they will often associate the listing as being a higher quality property.
Quality vs Quantity – More marketing is not always better marketing. 360 degree photos are something a lot of agents use today. To me, this is giving away too much information to the buyer. A potential buyer may see 1 or 2 little things that turn them away from visiting the property, one they may actually have loved had they seen it. Marketing is all about getting the buyers to a property. It is also about giving the property a higher perceived value so that they are more comfortable in paying a higher price.
You have many choices when looking to hire an agent. Why not hire an agent who gives you great marketing for your listing. After all, you are paying an agent to market and sell your listing! Why not hire an agent that cares enough to spend the money it takes to do the job right?
Brad Golik is a 15 year real estate veteran with a specialty in the Portland condominium markets. You can reach him at http://www.LuxuryCondosofPortland.com or at 503-896-8856
The current market is an interesting one.We continue you see many price reductions on properties. With that said, condos in desirable buildings like The Cosmopolitan, if priced right, will sell in a short time. There are many units in the market, but special units, units that are not so typical can go quickly.
In a previous post I mentioned that buyers who have patience will be rewarded. We have seen many properties that have gone through 5-6 price reductions. Condos that were way overpriced are getting pummeled , especially those that have had that many reductions. A good example of this is a condo I have talked about before is the penthouse #1502 at the Elizabeth. That penthouse was originally priced at $3,650,000… a number that was incredibly high from the start. Now, after another price reduction, it is now priced at $2,695,000. If you may recall, when I previously mentioned this unit it was at $2,995,000 and I said I really liked it but that you will be able to pick it up at a better price later. That time is here! And now that it has struggled for a year on the market and gone through 5 price reductions, the sharks are circling and will eventually get an even better deal on this on. If you can pick up this one for $2,400,000 to $2,500,000 and add $100,000 for a new kitchen…you will have one stunning unit for a price much less than you will find in new buildings like Vista and The Cosmopolitan. In 2016 I sold a similar penthouse (#1406) in the same building. This would have been the ideal comp when listing #1502 and if it would have been priced correctly, maybe $2,850,000 to $2,950,000, it probably would have sold. Now, because it was so overpriced, it will probably sell for $300,000 to $400,000 less than it should have.
While I am talking about penthouses, I would like to revisit the new Vista condominiums. This seems to be a subject that my clients keep bringing up. When I wrote about the Vista penthouses in a previous posting: https://luxurycondosofportland.wordpress.com/2018/10/12/why-are-the-vista-penthouses-not-selling/ I believe at the time they had 1 penthouse sold and 2 were pending. (out of a total of 6) Now it looks like the two pending units fell out of escrow and only #2012 has sold at a price of $3,075,000. There are still 5 of the 6 penthouse units on the market.
Portland is soon to see two of its most expensive condos hit the market! Both of these penthouse condos will be in the $6,000,000 range. Based on their square footage they will be priced at $1192 to $1370 a square foot. Keep in mind, Vista #2112 is $1228 a foot. The difference is that both of the new penthouse listings are 7 to 10 floors higher. They are also totally custom with very high end finishes. If you are in the market for a large, stunning $6,000,000 condo, give me a call and I can give you a heads up as to where these penthouses are and to get more information, give me a call.
Are you looking for something a little more affordable? You will begin to see more condos coming on the market. Many will stay on the market for awhile and others will not. The ones that won’t are ones that are more unique like a special corner unit in a building or something like a 1 bedroom penthouse unit. When you have a condo that is unique, the urgency to not miss out is much higher. When you have 10 to 15 condos that are very similar like interior units at the Edge, Elizabeth, Gregory and the Elliot, there is no urgency or fear of loss. As you move forward in your search for a condo, work with a specialist, someone that understands the condo market and understands why one unit at $600 a ft make sense while another one does not. Just as a $6,000,000 penthouse at $1190 to $1370 a foot can make more sense than the very linear penthouse units at Vista priced at $1050 to $1228 a foot or why the 04 units at Vista were priced correctly and made sense at $922 a foot.
In my post about the Vista penthouses (see link above) I mentioned that the views from The Cosmopolitan were much better in the floors 19, 20 and 21st than those same floors at Vista. A 20th floor unit at Cosmo just went pending at $1122 a foot. Compare that to one of the 20th floor penthouses at Vista and there is no question…the views from the Cosmopolitan unit is far better and the amount of windows and natural light make it hands down a better value!
Brad Golik is a 15 year real estate veteran and is a condominium specialist with the market leader…Christie’s International Real Estate. You can reach him at 503-896-8856 or at his website http://www.LuxuryCondosofPortland.com
Values in the market?
Every so often I like to let readers know when a unit that comes on the market that I believe is priced too low…today is one of those days! If you are in the market for luxury condos in Portland in the $1,200,000 to $1,700,000 range, here is one you should know about. Today, unit #2805 at the John Ross came on the market for $1,450,000. I believe this unit is priced far below it’s value. This unit, on the 28th floor, is selling for $265,000 less than the best possible comp …the unit directly above it. Unit #2905 sold in February of 2018 for $1,715,000. Now that unit had many upgrades in terms of the extensive remodel. With that said, that unit originally was on the market for $2,350,000. That price was certainly overpriced, and in my opinion, affected the final sales price to be lower than what it probably should have sold for. In the end, it sold for $635,000 less than it’s original asking price. WOW! With this said, the true value of that unit was probably closer to the $1,800,000 to $1,900,000 range. (You have often read on my blog the dangers of overpricing…this was a great example.)
Unit #2805 is priced $265,000 lower than what #2905 sold for…and in reality, when you look at what #2905 should have sold for you start to understand the value in #2805 being priced at $1,450,000. You are getting almost 2,700 square feet of open living space for a price you won’t find anywhere in the market. ( and don’t forget to compare these prices to those in the new Vista. For 2,700 square feet in the Vista it will cost you between $2,821,000 to $$3,335,000) Vista North Pearl
Now the biggest negative to this unit is the small deck space ( but this is the same deck space as #2905) not everybody cares about a deck…but MANY do! Another possible negative that I consider in units in South Waterfront is that it faces upriver. Why is this a negative you ask? Many people that buy condos buy them for views. While the daytime river view is nice, the nighttime view is mostly darkness. Another condo in the market that I think is reasonably priced is The Strand #901. This is a good example of the preferred views buyers like to have, which is a great river view during the day but at night you get the magical twinkling lights of the city. And at $1,375,000, it is a lot of view for the money!
If you are wanting to be at the bottom of the range in the above mentioned pricing ($1,200,000 to $1,700,000) another great view property to consider is a penthouse unit at Benson Tower, #2601. Priced at $1,199,000 this unit consist of the entire south side of the 26th floor. It has panoramic views that go from Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, South to the Tilikum Crossing bridge, west to the sunsets over the west hills all the way back around to the St. Johns Bridge…wow that is some view! ( Check out those views at: www.PortlandPenthouse.com )
It is a buyer’s market out there and there are some values to be found. If you are in need of a condo with over 2,000 square feet, The John Ross #2805 is a value! With that said, if you want to consider looking at that unit, give me a call as I have a pocket listing coming on that is also near 2700 square feet that has great daytime views but better night time views than 2805. It was going to be priced near $1,695,000 but now with the low pricing of #2805, the sellers now realize they will be forced to go lower. Please give me a call if you want to see this unit or any of the units I have mentioned. 503-896-8856
Brad Golik is a 15 year veteran of the real estate markets and is a luxury condominium specialist. You can find him at his popular website www.LuxuryCondosofPortland.com
New Portland penthouse listing!
Amazing panoramic views that will take your breath away!
For a private showing of this beautiful penthouse 26 floors above it all, call me at 503-896-8856.
Christie’s International Real Estate Portland
I am thrilled to announce I have just joined top real estate firm Christie’s International Real Estate! The Christie’s brand is synonymous with luxury worldwide. As many of you know, if you have followed my blog for some time, marketing is so very important to me and the Christie’s brand aligns so well with the marketing vision that I have for my listings. Now, with Christie’s, I am able to take my marketing for my clients to the highest level! Those of you with luxury condominiums, especially Portland penthouses, the best worldwide exposure is just a call away! 503-896-8856
Why are the Vista penthouses not selling?
This is question I have gotten several times in just the last week. In fact, I get questions about Vista frequently.
Three words…Priced too high!
When The Cosmopolitan went on the market, it was a very different market. Buyers were paying a premium, and they knew it! They were hoping at the time that the hot market would continue and that the values would catch up to the the prices they paid. They were lucky because that is what happened. Today, not the case! The condo market has slowed a ton. Last month, of all listings in the Pearl, over 50% of those listings had to reduce their price. Days on market for higher end condos is now over 100 days! For many penthouses that have been on the market, we have seen multiple price reductions…not just one!
So, when I say that the Vista penthouse units are priced too high, I would like to support my comments. When The Cosmopolitan came on the market, I was very critical about the new building. The fact was that while I did like many things about the new building, I just had issues with the pricing. With the Vista, I believe that some of the lower priced units are in line with the current market. The penthouse units are a whole different story. For one, they are not like the cosmo penthouse units and do not deserve similar pricing. They are very linear and do not offer the floor to ceiling windows and views that you find in The Cosmopolitan. This is a big one because this is something buyers really like. In addition, look at the floor plans below. There is a stark difference between the amount of windows in The Cosmo compared to that of the Vista. In my opinion, this is why they are not selling! Also, the developers are asking 27th and 28th floor prices (The Cosmopolitan) for 19, 20 and 21st story units. I must say, I got a little giggle each time I saw the adds for Vista that asked “Ever wonder what the views are like from the Penthouse? My immediate thought was … ya, like the views from the 21st Floor at the Cosmopolitan that were priced at $875 a square foot…not over $1250 a foot! And to be honest, I do not believe that the Vista penthouse views are as good as the 19th – 21st floors at The Cosmopolitan.
The below floor plan is from the Penthouse #2815 at The Cosmopolitan. It offers panoramic views to the east with Mt. Hood and to the south with stunning city views!
Now lets take a look at the Vista penthouse on the South side #2108 currently priced at $3,216,000 . It is very clear when you look at them side by side the difference in the amount of windows/walls. Which is going to offer the better and more panoramic views…hands down it is Cosmopolitan #2815! In addition, #2815 is seven stories higher which adds tremendous value ( and if you remember, Hoyt put a premium of about $88,000 per floor above the 20th floor in the Cosmo).
Now lets take a look to the East. In most buildings, having an east view of Mt. Hood gets a premium. But, when your views are out of windows like shown below from Vista #2108…is it worth it?
Options! If you are in the market for a Portland penthouse, you have options. Unlike when the Cosmopolitan went on the market, a buyer has many more options then at that time. Back then, inventory was very low. In addition, condos are staying on the market longer and we are seeing many price reductions. If you are thinking about a penthouse purchase in Portland, here are a few good options:
1st: Pinnacle #1403 $2,488,000 – While you will be slightly lower being on the 14th floor, I believe your views are really much better. With #1403, you get true floor to ceiling windows with exceptional views to the south and the nighttime city lights. This unit was recently remodeled so you are getting everything brand new just as if you were buying at Vista! Like the Vista penthouses, this one offers 2600 square feet.
2nd: This is a penthouse that I like a lot… The Elizabeth #1502 $2,950,000 Another unit with many floor to ceiling windows looking to the West Hills and the city lights to the south. This 2-level penthouse has tons of character. With 3443 square feet, it is much larger than all six of the Vista penthouses and compares more closely to #2815 at The Cosmo which has 3131 square feet. This one has been on the market for awhile now after several price reductions… and you might be able to pick it up for an even lower price.
3rd: While this Portland penthouse is not in The Pearl District, it does deserve mention… #1301 at The Strand $2,395,000 – This 13th floor penthouse offers spectacular river, marina and city light views! Offering 3220 square feet with walls of windows, this unit offers some of the best daytime and nighttime views! If you can put up with some “white noise” from the rooftop deck, it offers stunning views…see below!
In closing, I just want to say I am a fan of any new condo building in the Pearl District or any other area of downtown Portland. With any luck we will get other developers looking at our great city with plans to build something that is uniquely Portland. As for Vista, sales have been much slower this time around. As I mentioned, there are some reasonable values at Vista…just not at the penthouse level! I do not believe that the designs, layouts and views are worthy of the $2,821,000 to $3,335,000 pricing.
Brad Golik is a condo specialist with Christie’s International Real Estate and LuxuryCondosofPortland.com You can reach him at 503-896-8856 or at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com
Touchmark in the Westhills… simply stunning!
In previous blog post I have written about the experience of downsizing. This was about downsizing from a large home in the suburbs to a smaller urban condo scenario. In this blog post I wanted to discuss a different type of downsizing.
As many of you know, for many, after years of condo living and as age creeps up, normal day to day task become a little more difficult. Discussions of Mirabella and other facilities become more and more a part of conversations. If you are getting closer to this stage in life, it is something to start thinking about. Now there is a great option!
Thursday night, my wife and I were honored to be part of the Grand Opening for Touchmark in the West Hills. I was blown away by this new senior community and the thoughtfulness that went into every aspect of what they have created. As we pulled into the driveway of this new community it reminded me more of a beautiful lodge in Aspen or Vail than a retirement community. The beautiful community lodge with it’s clock tower and the future parcel where vineyards will be growing set the tone for something I believe will be a very special place! Touchmark in the West Hills will offer different levels of living styles and needs. From Independent living in a condo like atmosphere or independent lodge style homes to assisted living and memory care. Recently, my mother had to move into a memory care facility in Arizona. While my dad is still very independent, I couldn’t help but think “This is where I would love my parents to be when my dad is ready for the next phase in his life.”
When we first arrived and walked through the main lodge doors the first thing I noticed was the views I could see out the back of the building. We immediately walked back to the beautiful patio, with the welcoming fire pit, and took in the amazing coastal views to the west overlooking Beaverton, Hillsboro and beyond.
Later in the evening, we all moved up to the 5th floor dining area…and yes, the views are even more spectacular from there! We even spent a little time in the adjoining pub with big screen tv’s , and a little Thursday Night football! Later, we took the elevator down to the 1st floor area that include a gym, swimming pool, exercise rooms and a little juice bar. This place has it all! In fact, I mentioned earlier about the vineyard. They also have plans for a nice winery with a tasting room located near the top of the property that will include a small outdoor amphitheater for future events.
My wife and I have known Werner and Colleen Nistler, the owners of the Touchmark company, for over 20 years as our kids have grown up together in the same schools. They are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. What they have created here, as I said before, is something special. I know the level of care and detailed attention will be off the charts! We had a chance to meet several of the new residents of this wonderful community and we heard the same thing from each of them…we should have done this sooner!
While most of the readers of my blog live in the Pearl District, Downtown or South Waterfront and like the urban living lifestyle, for some, this lifestyle does become a little more difficult and some also worry about safety, as they become a little older, especially with the rising homeless population.
If you are living in a condo and possibly ready for the next chapter in your life, give me a call if you would like a valuation of your place. And if you are looking at other options of Independent or assisted living, you will be thrilled by what you see if you were to visit Touchmark in the West Hills!. https://www.touchmarkportland.com/
Brad Golik is a condominium specialist with Total Property Resources and LuxuryCondosofPortland.com and can be reached at 503-896-8856 or at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com.
How is the rental market?
When I last wrote about the state of the condominium market, I mentioned that the market has “put the brakes” on. This trend continues, especially in the higher end of the market where we now see condos priced above $600,000 are staying on the market much longer. In fact, the average days on market has now risen over 90 days! The condo inventory has also risen pretty dramatically in the over $600,000 market with over a 9 month supply of units, clearly indicating a buyers market!
One of the things I have been watching, and baffled by, is the rental market. If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have said we will start seeing rental rates come down. Well, I was wrong on my timing. With all of the new construction we have seen in the building of apartments, rates are finally declining in the Portland area.
Even with rental rates coming down, it is more affordable to own then rent. If you are in the market to start looking at condominiums to purchase, give me a call and we can start the search for your dream condo!
Brad Golik is a condo specialist with Total Property Resources in The Pearl District. You can see his website at LuxuryCondosofPortland.com You can reach him at 503-896-8856
Location, location, location…NOT!
Every condo may or may not have the best location… in the building or within a neighborhood. So when you go to sell, what are you going to do? Watch this video if you want to see what I think are the three most important words in real estate!
Brad Golik is a condo specialist in Portland, OR. with a focus on the Pearl District, South Waterfront and downtown. You can reach him at 503-896-8856.
Condo of the week…The Cosmopolitan!
This beautiful 28 story tower is the tallest condominium building in Portland’s Pearl District. To see available units in this building, call Brad Golik at 503-896-8856 or contact him at pdxluxcondos@gmail.com.
Luxury Condos of Portland 