Crescent Heights is trying to get plans approved for a $184M condo tower to be located at 10000 Santa Monica Blvd. between Century City and Beverly Hills.  If approved, it would take approximately 6 years to design and build.  Maybe Crescent Heights thinks we’ll be out of this recession in 2017, which could be a good signal.   They do have a good track record, having built the Remington in LA and Regatta in Marina Del Rey.

Call it whatever you want, we love the corner units at The Martin.  The floor-to-ceiling walls of windows offer fantastic views of City Center and the Strip, and provide that “living in the sky” feeling so many high-rise buyers look for.  The amenities list is long too and rivals some of the resort hotels.  Speaking of resort hotels, Aria is just a short walk across the pedestrian bridge.  Best of all financing is available with reasonable terms.

Contact Bill Zinsser at 702-583-4049  for more info about The Martin.  Bill specializes in high-rise condos in Las Vegas.

One of the best places to call home in downtown Austin, the Nokonah offers sophistication, luxury and security.  This newly listed residence has over 1500 square feet with two spacious bedrooms, two full baths plus a home office. Luxurious, upscale appointments are found throughout.  Be impressed by the panoramic views of the downtown skyline and eastern facing terrace that overlooks Shoal Creek.  Whole Foods and other major shopping/dining destinations are one block away.

The Nokonah is the benchmark for downtown Austin condos.

Asking price:  $689,000
More information about this condo is available here.

I’ve toured this building personally and I love how the modern finish contrasts with the historic feel.  I also think the fourth-floor units are well worth the modest price difference because the windows are bigger and arched and they let the light stream in.  There is no parking available with these units, so that may turn some people off.  The location is good for mass transit though and I’m sure there’s a Zipcar nearby.

Once an icehouse in the early 1900′s, 1 Ecker is now home to 51 modern residences in San Francisco’s Financial District. 1 Ecker floor plans include lofts, junior one-, one- and two-bedroom homes set against an immaculately landscaped interior courtyard garden, a stunning rooftop lounge, and expansive windows.

1 Ecker is centrally located to a variety of dining, retail and entertainment destinations such as Yank Sing, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Metreon, the Ferry Building, and Union Square.

Priced from the low $500,000s.

If you live in a high-rise in the city your options for taking part in the local food grower’s movement may be limited.  However if you combine that desire for growing your own food with the desire for local farmers to utilize all their available land and BAM you have micro-farms!

In Japan, condo dwellers are renting small plots of land at country farms where they can escape the city and get their hands dirty while harvesting their own food and avoiding big agriculture. Read more…

Click here to see available Safari Drive condos.

• “Reserve” auctions mean the seller has complete control over whether or not they accept the high bid, even after the auction is concluded (unlike reserve auctions on eBay, which are more like a true minimum bid auction).
• “Minimum-Bid” auctions mean that the seller has agreed to sell the unit to the highest bidder as long as the bidding exceeds a pre-defined number.
• “Absolute” auctions are the rarest kind.  These are the auctions where the condo will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price.

If you’re considering purchasing a condo at auction you should find out first if they will accept financing or if it’s going to be cash only.  Sometimes the seller will arrange financing with a bank ahead of time, but not often.  Typically one of the reasons the developer has had a hard time selling is because buyers have been unable to get the condos financed for various reasons (litigation, foreclosures, etc).   Be prepared to pay cash, or arrange with a hard money lender ahead of time so you can still participate.  Here are a few more things to keep in mind:

• Find out if the developer will work with Realtors.  If so, you may be able to engage a buyers agent at not cost to you.
• Does the developer allow inspections of the units prior to sale?  This is important if you’re considering traditional financing.
• Is there a “buyer’s premium” on the units that you’ll owe to the auction house?  This could greatly affect what your bid should be.
• What is the status of the HOA in the building?  Are there any pending lawsuits that you’ll become a part of if you’re an owner?
• Make sure the common areas and amenities are complete.
• Is the developer offering any new home warranties on the units?  If not you may consider purchasing one on your own in case they cut corners when finishing the property.

• Loan amount between $100,000 – $500,000
• Property must have full kitchen and separate bedroom (no studio hotel units are eligible)
• Owner-occupied or second homes only
• The project must be complete including common areas
• There must be no major pending litigation against the building
• Must be established HOA reserves if the building has been turned over by the developer
• Must have adequate building insurance.

Those are a lot of hoops to jump through, but this new loan program does cover many condos on the market that weren’t eligible for financing before.  Contact Bill Zinsser, Las Vegas condo specialist, for more info about these loans.