About Tacoma's Downtown

One of my favorite parts of being a Realtor is Previewing. Previewing is just visiting homes and condos for sale keeping an eye out for bargains for your buyer clients, and building your knowledge of your market. I took a trip to Marcato at 1501 Tacoma Avenue. I had been there before, but I realised it had been about a year and a half and it was time to check them out again. I'm glad I did!

Marcato has had some big price reductions. There's a lot of condos to compete with downtown, and while Marcato is central within downtown- there is not much in the immediate area around 15th & Tacoma yet- so living at Marcato makes you a bit of a Pioneer.

The Realtor on duty is Survon Narcisse from John L. Scott, and he was very friendly and helpful. One of the things that I remembered most about Marcato were their cool amenities. They are still cool!

One of the biggest challenges for people who are downsizing out of a house and into a condo that may be half the size of their former house is envisioning how they will entertain. Rooms like this are great for super bowl parties, baby showers, book club, game night, whatever. The one at Marcato has a flat screen TV, a swanky eat in kitchen, dining table, and pool table. Just add friends.

I couldn't find a picture of it, but I love the Theater at Marcato. It's a real theater, you just bring your DVD and some friends and settle into plush theater seats. The best part is you don't have to be sneaky when you smuggle in your candy... not that I ever do that.

I asked Survon what he thought the two best deals at Marcato are right now, and here they are:

Unit #312 - 2 Bedrooms + Den - 2 Bathrooms - 1,228 Square Feet with views of Downtown Tacoma and the Marcato Courtyard. It is listed at $339,900.

Unit #314 - 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - 1,120 Square Feet with views of Mt. Rainier. This is also a corner unit and has great light. It is listed at $305,900.

Considering the high number of available condos competing with these in Downtown Tacoma, I would consider these prices a jumping off point for some serious negotiating, but if you are the type of person that wants space, views, and zero maintenance- Marcato is something you should check out!

For more Downtown Tacoma Real Estate information, visit www.GetRealTacoma.com.

I was hoping to do a great post today about all the condos that have sold downtown since my last post on the topic on 11/16. Unfortunately, there is not much to report, even after expanding into the Stadium District for material!

Only 2 condos have sold downtown since 11/16, one yesterday, and one today.

This first one, at Bella View Townhomes on 21st & Yakima is an exciting one. It is the last of that little neighborhood to sell. I have a couple of (Fabulous!) clients that bought at Bella View and they say they are meeting for their first Homeowners Association meeting next week! Congrats Bella View! You are all done being sold!

A Ladder Leads to this great Loft!

The last Townhome to sell in Bella View was 2 Bedrooms 2 bathrooms and 1,550 square feet. All the Bella View Townhomes have 2 car tandem garages and these great lofts! The selling price was the same as the listed price- $235,000. The buyer used FHA financing.

So there you have it, loyal readers. The last 2 condos to sell in Downtown Tacoma. I would say if you're looking for a townhome in the Hilltop Neighborhood have some fun wheeling and dealing, because they are making deals! For more Tacoma Real Estate information visit my blog at www.GetRealTacoma.com!

.Oh Tannenbaum!

For More Downtown Tacoma Real Estate Information visit www.GetRealTacoma.com

You know you have one. That bad christmas sweater that you got from your mom, your grandma, or some distant aunt who still thinks you're 11.

In celebration of the bad christmas sweater- Doyle's Public House in Downtown Tacoma (both the Stadium District and St Helens Neighborhood claim this awesome bar) is having a Bad Sweater Party. Mark your calendars for November 26th at 8pm!

There is no cover, but you have to be 21. There will be prizes! Raid your grandmas closet or head over to the Goodwill if you're too classy to have one of these waiting for you in your closet!

Here's what selling in Downtown, and how much it sold for. This is all a matter of public record- So don't feel like you're doing anything naughty when you look. They all sold within in the last 60 Days.

Reverie at Mercato

1501 Tacoma Ave S #419 Listed at $349,900 Sold for $320,000 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1040 Sq ft This one came with 2 parking spaces, Lucky!

The Walker

405 6th Ave Unit#: 303

Listed for $468,837 Sold for $465,000 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1383 Sq Ft Concierge and Room Service from Maxwells.

27th Street Station

A103 2 Bed 1 bath 760 Sq Ft Listed & Sold for $149,990 A203 2 Bed 1 Bath 760 Sq Ft Listed & Sold for $158,990 C301 2 Bed 1 Bath 790 Sq Ft Listed & Sold for $165,000 No HOA Dues til 2009 and giving a $4,000 Buyer Bonus

Rainier Vista

1919 S I St #2 2 Beds 1 Bath 725 Sq Feet Listed & Sold for $137,500 The least expensive Condo to sell downtown in the last 2 Months. Granite Counters, tile floors...

Bella View Townhomes

2105 S Yakima 2 Beds, 2.5 Baths 1400 Sq Ft Sold for $277,000 2108 G Ct Tacoma 2 Beds 2.5 Baths 1400 Sq Ft Sold for $240,000 These are really neat townhomes (owners own the land) with a Loft/Bonus Room and great views.

City Steps

2162 Yakima Ave Unit#: 107

2 Beds 1 Bath 1113 Sq Feet

Listed at $234,990 Sold for $229,990

2168 Yakima Ave Unit#: 306

2 Beds 2.5 Baths 1126 Sq Ft

Listed at $254,990 Sold for $235,000

It's interesting to note that all of the Condo's and Townhomes to sell had at least 2 Bedrooms. The average days on market were 220 days, (that's a little over 7 months for those of you who hate the Maths) and the average price per square foot was $219. Little surprise that the units that had been on the market the longest gave the biggest price concessions. The sold prices ranged from $137k-$465k... so... when's someone going to close on one of those big, fancy, condos?