About Daytona Beach Shores' Ocean Vistas

Ocean Vistas Condominiums. 1925 S Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

I consider Ocean Vistas in Daytona Beach Shores the best oceanfront condo in greater Daytona Area. «A uniqueness of this project is bringing the Art Deco style to the Daytona Beach area» wrote the architect, the Principal at Charlan Brock & Associates, David Portwood.

And as Ocean Vistas' website says «Premier among Florida's luxury condominiums, this beautiful community features 108 graciously sized, two- and three-bedroom residences on 400 feet of beachfront.

Spacious balconies with glass rails for unobstructed views;
Access-controlled entry to building, parking garage and pool area;
Gourmet kitchens with imported cabinetry;
Granite countertops;
G.E. stainless steel kitchen appliances;
Stainless steel Jenn-Air® outdoor kitchen grill;
A Variety of floor plans;
Over 9' interior ceilings;
Elegant master bedrooms with walk-in closets;
Tele-entry video systems;
Oceanside pool with six person hot tub and large landscaped sun-deck;
Gated, reserved parking;
Health & fitness facility with sauna;
Lush, tropical landscaping»

Ocean Vistas is a sister property of Ocean Villas, also in Daytona Beach Shores. Initially started by Devlin Group in partnership with Urban Partners, both from Jacksonville, they soon decided to concentrate only on Ocean Villas and sold Ocean Vistas to Ambling Land & Resort from Georgia. These are the only 2 condominiums that used thick (2 inch or close to it) insulation panels on all exterior walls of the condominium, and even on the garage ceilings.

Large balconies with glass railings, built in stainless electric grills right on your balcony, master walk-in showers with dual heads, Kohler fixtures... Kitchens are the best in the area. When I happen to show Ocean Vistas, and we walk in, a lady will invariably turn to the kitchen, and you have plenty of time on your hands as she would not come out anytime soon...

High ceilings, 8' double entry doors, gorgeous units with breathtaking views, magnificent grounds, stylish and modern lobby, concierge services o site, all it makes this condominium a gem

Rental policy is the most liberal with one week minimum. And they are quite liberal with pets. Yes, you can have a big dog in Ocean Vistas.

Here is the list of units for sale in Ocean Vistas:

And here are all sales that happened in Ocean Vistas in 2011. There were a few developer units that were sold just recently, and now the prices started going up.

Call me if Ocean Vistas or any other condo in Daytona Beach area is on your mind. There are still very good deals there, but they are fewer and harder to find now.

Lenn Harley posted WAS STAGING REALLY THE CAUSE OF A HOME SELLING FASTER AND/OR FOR MORE MONEY??? Inquiring REALTORS want to know??? Her blogs are always a good read, so I suggest you read. I am sure that Lenn is right in general. Lenn was inspired by Karen Bernetti, and I was inspired by Lenn’s post.

Our client recently bought a luxury condo in Bella Vista in Daytona Beach Shores. In about a month after, he brought his brother-in-law and asked me to show him a few units. I showed a couple of great buys in Bella Vista and then took them to Ocean Vistas, also in Daytona Beach Shores, which was very similar in quality and amenities, and overall luxury. There was this 2,927 sq. ft. stunning 3-bedr/3 bath plus media room ocean view unit designed and furnished by Interiors by Steven G. Inc.

My client, who accompanied his brother- in–law, was very surprised. He and his wife were in love with the unit, and they asked me why we did not show it to them, when they visited Ocean Vistas just about a month before.

But we did. They said that they were not particularly impressed with the building.

Now they were standing in this unit and they were upset that they have not seen it before. When I told them that they have been in this unit, they adamantly denied it.

So, how could this happen? Here’s the story.

When FDIC took over a failed bank, they gave a dozen of unsold developer's units to a bulk reseller. They were struggling with sales, it was moving excruciatingly slow, even though they did not seem to be overpriced. The Seller decided to invite a famous designer (Interiors by Steven G. Inc) and they designed/furnished/staged a unit there. That unit was sold rather quickly. Then they staged a couple of more units. They sold them, and they also used them to sell un-staged ones. They would show a staged unit, and then would take them to a bare walls one.

At the time we took our clients there, the unit was not staged. It was a nice unit with walls, windows, a kitchen, but with no soul. It did not have the wow, it did not touch people's hearts. The weather also did not cooperate, it was drizzling, and the ocean was grey… And they decided they did not like Ocean Vistas Condominium...

The listing agents, after selling a unit above it, decided to stage this unit and invited Steven G to do the job. So, when my clients came second time, they were in the same unit… and the same time it was a totally different unit. Add a bright sunny day with blue skies over blue waters of Atlantic Ocean, and you get the picture. We had difficult time assuring them that they have seen this unit, that’s how different was their experience this time.

Now it had a huge Wow, and it had the soul….

It was listed for $452,500 and it was sold for $452,500. Yep, staged units were selling faster, and were selling for more. (Furniture package was separate).

The last unit designed by Steven G Inc, a 2,097 sq. ft. 2 bdr/2 baths unit went under contract Thursday last week. Buyers were my clients. They came to see the unit, and they immediately felt the connection, that rarely happens. A gorgeous unit welcomed appreciative and sophisticated discriminating buyers. It was a perfect match.

Made them happy… made me happy for them.

This is the story of staged units in Ocean Vistas in Daytona Beach Shores. A true story, not an argument pro or contra. There are many scenarios in life. This is just one of them.

P.S. All photos are taken in this 9th floor 2,097 sq. ft. 2 bdr/ 2 baths unit put under contract by my clients.

For information about Ocean Vistas and/or other condos or condo-hotels in Daytona Beach Area call 386-405-4408.

Search Daytona Beach Shores condos on MLS

Search Daytona Beach Shores homes on MLS

I love Googling condominium development and then go to Developer's site and read about the condo.

One of the best condominiums in Daytona Beach Shores and in greater Daytona Area is Ocean Vistas.

Built in 2007 by Ambling Land & Resort, this 11-story 108- unit gorgeous building is one of the few really luxury condos in Daytona area. Double entryways, 8' doors and windows, kitchens with island, wine cooler, hood... Beautiful granite countertops, balconies size of an older condo, craftsmanship... everything here is first class.

I am looking at the website and it says «*Priced from the $500's» and then there is a disclaimer that «offer subject to change without notice». And sure it did change. Just take a deep breath and look at the prices. Out of 13 units for sale 8 are under $500K.

Call me 386-405-4408 if you are interested in Ocean Vistas condos in Daytona Beach Shores or any other condo in greater Daytona area

It's working. It's moving. This is a big shock. Yes, we know that properties in the group "steal it and I will even pay you if you do" are going fast, and the inventory is decreasing on this end. But medium priced properties in $300K-$400K range is a different animal.

Ocean Vistas, one of the best built luxury condos in Daytona, proved that they are selling, and selling they are, indeed.

The Auction was scheduled for 1 PM Sunday in the Shores Resort (former Hilton). I came early. The parking was full, the parking across the street, was full. I parked the car at a restaurant parking, Came to the door, sorry, no more capacity. Oops, all my plans to watch the auction and write a nice blog were going through the drain.

So, I was not at the auction. Called Jeff Moore, who is also an AR member, who was working there, and asked about the auction. It is hard to believe, but they actually sold every units they had for auction, and they even threw in a few more. Altogether 31 were auctioned, but one was cancelled, so 30 units sold in this unprecedented auction.

Street and river view (beautiful by the way) units went from $291K to $357K. Line B went in the $300s, direct oceanfront 2/2 (Catalina) went for $485K (minimum bid was $375K). Wow. Many people expected very little competition and there were expectations, that there will be fewer units than buyers. I have to give credit to Accelerated Marketing for their brilliant work.

So, what’s now? They still have 16 units left. Well, they will sell them. Monterey model, which is on the North side with great ocean view will be priced at $495K at penthouse level and will be $5K less for each floor down. And the Catalina, a 2/2 direct oceanfront unit that bounced back, is available for $485K.

Here are the lowest priced three units in Oceans Vista.

What are the lessons if any?

1. The expectation was that there will be too few buyers and too many units.

2. The market is much more active than before and this is the reality of life, and please, do not quote me another article about the economy.

3. In April the number of sales compared to April of 2008 was up 11%

4. I will not be surprised to see the end of falling prices on good product, and I will be surprised if in 12-18 months we will not see them climbing up. Pessimists, please, keep this blog, so that you do not say “Who could know” when it will be too expensive. I know, and if you open your eyes, you know, too.

If you are looking for this class of condos, do not regret that you missed the auction. These prices are still here, and we can help you make a similar deal.

With the market like this, we are used to see the signs "Auction" while driving along A1A. Never went to one, know that there isn't much success, as people are waiting, and the hype is simply not there.

I can only imagine auctions 4 years ago. I actually remember how we all went to Venetian Bay to make reservations for condos for our out-of-state buyers. The rules were strict and there were 5 of us, because you could not reserve more than one condo for your client.

We came at 3 AM, and there were 3 people ahead of us. We played food for mosquitoes until at 8 AM, when we were let in, and by that time there was a long line of people behind us. I remember being frustrated that they took off the market the best units, as they claimed they were reserved for their employees. The units were over $300K, and now I can go there and buy any unit I want. But it is now.

Anyway, driving past one of the best (and most expensive) buildings in Daytona Beach Shores, I noticed the sign "Auction". I have never seen units there, and this was a perfect opportunity, so I went and registered as an agent. The Condominium building is very impressive. I liked it more than Ocean Villas, it is larger, more open, and it is simply in a better location.

Units from 2/2 to 3/3.5 and from 2,025 sf to 3,005. Well thought of floor plans, comfortable layout, private elevators, huge, and I mean it, balconies, breathtaking views, exceptional quality of construction, high end appliances and cabinetry, high ceilings... terrific units.

The interesting part in this auction is that the developer, once the unit goes for bidding, can't say "no". They set the minimum bids on each type of units (same starting bidding price on similar units no matter what floor), bids start at $255K and go all the way up to $395K. But do not forget that these units were selling from $785,000 to $1,370,000.

If you would like to take part in the auction, let me know, we will register you ,and we can tell you all the details about each unit there, what type of cabinets, and other nuances. We can also represent you if you can 't be here yourself. Call me at 386-405-4408.

Jon Zolsky, your Dyatona Beach, Florida real estate connection
www.AtlanticCondos.com