About Seattle's Capitol Hill

Seattle's own, Press Condominiums, are holding an auction to sell the remaining 18 units that are still unsold. Beverly Hills-based real estate auctioneers Kennedy Wilson, will be conducting the auction, held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, 721 Pine St. on December 13th.

The starting bids for many of these units are nearly 50% less than what comparable listings are selling for. Minimum bids range from $185,000 for one-bedroom units and $255,000 for two-bedroom units. (http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/realestatenews/archives/154792.asp) For all the details on the minimum bids, the process by which to put in a bid, and the floor plans of the units available, check out the Press website at; http://www.presscondos.com/auction.html.

Capitol Hill offers a truly unique experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else in Seattle. The Press Condominiums is surrounded by many bars, restaurants, and shops that are sure to fill your hearts desire.

It is a very good idea to look at the co-op or condo board meeting minutes as soon as you are thinking you maybe interested in a property. That way, you can find out what the association is looking at in the way of repairs which could mean some very expensive special assessments. You can also see how the reserves look and how well run the association is run.

For you Listing Agents, I would suggest you get the bi-laws, and board minutes scanned so that you can send them out as soon as someone shows an interest in the property. This can save everyone a great deal of time.

Wallingford, Green Lake, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Laurelhurst, View Ridge, and Windermere, Washington Real Estate Property Listings. Just click on the blue "homes search" button and then click on the area you wish to view. You can also search by street address or the MLS number.

The Montage (website) is the newest condominium addition to the Pike/Pine corridor on Capitol Hill. The 6-story, 23-unit building is located at 1422 Boylston Avenue, just around the corner from the HoneyHole.

Montage includes a mix of open one-bedroom, one- and two-bedroom homes ranging in size from 661 to 1,121 square feet. Homes on the “Terrace” level have expansive decks that range up to 375 square feet, providing excellent outdoor living/entertainment space.

Home prices begin at $340,000 for one-bedrooms and range up to $690,000 for a two-bedroom penthouse unit.

Home features include:

• Stainless steel Bosch and Kenmore Pro appliances, gas range
• Cherry or walnut hardwoods and carpet flooring
• Slab quartz and granite countertops
• Gas fireplace
• Parking & storage
• Pet friendly
• Roof top deck
• BUILT Smart construction

Montage’s interior finishes appear above average for this price point on the Hill. Unlike larger developments, Montage does lack somewhat with common amenities. However, homeowners will be in the center of Capitol Hill’s urban flavor - restaurants, cafes, street side retail and boutique stores, pubs, a QFC a block away and close to major bus routes.

Last month exhibited the second consecutive decline in Capitol Hill's median condo price in both month-over-month and year-over-year results. At $313,000, the median price is down 4.3% from the same period last year. Unfortunately, the outlook portends more of the same as Capitol Hill has the highest absorption rate in Seattle at 8.6 months.

The number of active condo listings increased 47% over March 2007 to 336 properties. Additionally, fewer condos are being sold with a 57% drop in the number of pending sales, compared to March of last year.

seventeen07 - 1707 Boylston Ave

seventeen07 (website) is located in the mix of Capitol Hill’s vibrant Broadway & Pike/Pike districts, just west of Seattle Central at the corner of Boylston and E. Olive Street. The 3-story building features 36 studio, one- and two-bedroom homes, some with downtown views.

Studios come just under 400 sq ft in size and are priced from $180,000 to $205,000; one-bedrooms range in size from 471 to 742 sq ft with prices between $220,000 and $350,000; two-bedrooms range from $360,000 to $390,000 for homes between 814 and 849 sq ft.

Features and amenities include: cork flooring, granite slab countertops, stainless steel appliances, a community room, a fitness/yoga area, extra storage including bike storage and parking. Some homes come with balconies and washer and dryer.

seventeen07 is pet-friendly, gaining a 4-Paw rating on my pet condo list. The building features a pet lounge and play space plus a grooming area. Bonus: if you mention their Craigslist ad, they will donate $250 to the Seattle Animal Shelter at closing.

The Westland Manor - 220 16th Avenue E.

Originally constructed in 1928 Westland Manor (website) combines the charm and architectural highlights of yesteryear with modernity. Westland Manor features 17 one- and two-bedroom homes priced from the low-$300,000s into the $400,000s. Located behind Group Health at 16th and John, residents will enjoy being just a few blocks from 15th Avenue’s cafes, shops and restaurants.

Garage parking is offered as an option and are priced between $25,000 and $30,000.