Condo in Downtown

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 09:16 AM

Ewelina and I have been thinking about purchasing a condominium in downtown denver. We want to be in the central down. We have looked at two condominiums so far: The Glass House and Beauvallon Condominiums. We both liked them and the prices are right but we want to see what else are out there for us.

These are our wants:

1. 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
2. a balcony
3. must be on 6th floor or higher (and views are not blocked by other buildings)
4. Unit must be a newer unit (>2000)
4. Price is less than $300,000

We are looking to buy sometime this year. Not really in a hurry to buy though. Anyone have any suggestions where to look? Also, how much are HOA fees in Denver (I know it depends on where/property management but what is the average)?

Happy New Year All!

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 09:48 AM

Watch out Matt! Someone else is "ballin" in the group! You guys can be neighbors. I looked at a couple last time and there are a lot of good ones out there. Now is a buyers market so you guys should have no problem finding something.

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 09:53 AM

Alfred call me up when you want to talk. Those requirements you noted are going to be limiting. But give this site a look. www.recolorado.com

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 09:55 AM

What can I say? I want to be just like Matt when I grow up

Finding a condo is prob. not going to be a problem, but finding one with all of our wants may be challenging. Ewelina and I have to compromise on some things first. That's one of the reasons we haven't hired a realtor.

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 09:59 AM

Matt, we've checked that website out. A lot of condo's for sale on there. But we kind of want to know the market from other people other than realtors. As we all know, realtors are salespeople. As we also know, sales people are....ahh nevermind

Matt, how do you like your place? how's it on the weekends?

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 10:00 AM

I have a great realtor. Just call me up

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 10:09 AM

Are your sure you want to live downtown? Ewelina is quite the partier and might be tempted too easily!

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

Are your sure you want to live downtown? Ewelina is quite the partier and might be tempted too easily!

I can handle that

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

Are your sure you want to live downtown? Ewelina is quite the partier and might be tempted too easily!

H, I went to la Boheme last night after the new year. You would have liked it.

But I spent way too much!!!

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfred

I can handle that

Seems like you have shielded her away from the scene so far. But living down town is going to be different.

Quote:

Originally Posted by forza1976

H, I went to la Boheme last night after the new year. You would have liked it.

But I spent way too much!!!

And you didn't hit me up? I thought you were my boy? LOL, just kidding.

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 10:38 AM

That is untrue.

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

Seems like you have shielded her away from the scene so far. But living down town is going to be different.

And you didn't hit me up? I thought you were my boy? LOL, just kidding.

Sorry man, it was too cold to make anyone head out last night. I about froze walking from Tavern to LB.

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 11:12 AM

Alfred,
To answer a few of your questions above. $300k is going to be tough to meet for a 2 bed place. If you look at that site, you can see that the cheapest 2 bedroom at the glasshouse is $349 grand, that's probably your best starting point for price at just about $350k. Interest rates are low now so that could offset the potential for spending a bit more that expected.

I looked at the Beauvallon as well, nice place but I wanted to be central to Lodo so that is why I chose my location. The glass house wasn't built when I bought mine but it's a cool place and the pool is nice. As for the Beauvallon, they have had quite a few issues with the stucco but I think they got that recently sorted out. I just didn't like the Golden Triangle locale.

I'd give the Spire a look, I know they have a ton of availability (like 50%) but you need to be careful about something like that because it will be tough to sell with that type of vacancy. Always need to think future to be honest. But they have a sick pool and if you can swing one of the penthouses, they have a special lounge only for folks that spend the cheese

Finally, expect a minimum of $300/month for HOA's at any of the new places. They have more amenities so that costs but it typically includes water/gas/trash/snow removal but not typically Internet/Tv or electricity. I have a buddy that is dating a girl at the glass house and her 1 bedroom HOA's are $300/month. I have seen the rates usually go from $.27 cents to $.35 cents per square foot. So you can estimate what they may run from that.

Hope that helps.

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 11:54 AM

Thanks, Matt! Thats a lot of useful information. $300 for HOA isnt that bad when utilities are included. We've came across some nice condos for the price we're willing to spend. Maybe the market is low and is time for us to move forward! We wanted to look at the Spire, but were unable to find anything for the price we're willing to spend

We'd love to have a condo there!

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 12:09 PM

Dude, you only live once! Spend the cheese and live the life of luxury!

16M4 · 01-01-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

Dude, you only live once! Spend the cheese and live the life of luxury!

I want to be able to have fun still and be able to buy things

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 12:20 PM

If Matt can do it, you can do it too!

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 12:28 PM

You in Dallas already H?

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 01:00 PM

Yeah, I flew out since 4:00 am

forza1976 · 01-01-2011, 01:07 PM

Damn. Early flight

Bimmer This · 01-01-2011, 01:42 PM

Yeah, it sucked!

raceyBMW · 01-03-2011, 12:28 AM

Beauvallon had a lot of problem with the cladding, something to the tune of $12mil to repair just a few years after they built them. However it has all be sorted out, so you may be able to get in for a reasonable price.

The only place I can think of downtown that will meet your price range off hand for a 2bdrm would be the Barclay Tower, but you don't want to live there. The Spire has some nice units too, and they are fairly reasonable in price, but still probably more.

I think a more realistic number for a 2bdrm place in downtown like Matt said would be 350k. I do have a friend that recent bought a 2bdrm foreclosure on Little Raven (1440 maybe?) for like 260k. I would say for your price range you definitely should be looking at foreclosures and short sales, which are still pretty easy to find, though you may need a realtor.

01-01-2011, 09:16 AM	#1
16M4 Colonel 131 Rep 2,978 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Broomfiled, CO iTrader: (5)	Condo in Downtown Ewelina and I have been thinking about purchasing a condominium in downtown denver. We want to be in the central down. We have looked at two condominiums so far: The Glass House and Beauvallon Condominiums. We both liked them and the prices are right but we want to see what else are out there for us. These are our wants: 1. 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms 2. a balcony 3. must be on 6th floor or higher (and views are not blocked by other buildings) 4. Unit must be a newer unit (>2000) 4. Price is less than $300,000 We are looking to buy sometime this year. Not really in a hurry to buy though. Anyone have any suggestions where to look? Also, how much are HOA fees in Denver (I know it depends on where/property management but what is the average)? Happy New Year All! Last edited by 16M4; 01-01-2011 at 09:26 AM..
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01-01-2011, 09:48 AM	#2
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	Watch out Matt! Someone else is "ballin" in the group! You guys can be neighbors. I looked at a couple last time and there are a lot of good ones out there. Now is a buyers market so you guys should have no problem finding something.
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01-01-2011, 09:53 AM	#3
forza1976 Major General 3398 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49417 and 60610 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [10.00]	Alfred call me up when you want to talk. Those requirements you noted are going to be limiting. But give this site a look. www.recolorado.com
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01-01-2011, 09:55 AM	#4
16M4 Colonel 131 Rep 2,978 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Broomfiled, CO iTrader: (5)	What can I say? I want to be just like Matt when I grow up Finding a condo is prob. not going to be a problem, but finding one with all of our wants may be challenging. Ewelina and I have to compromise on some things first. That's one of the reasons we haven't hired a realtor.
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01-01-2011, 09:59 AM	#5
16M4 Colonel 131 Rep 2,978 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Broomfiled, CO iTrader: (5)	Matt, we've checked that website out. A lot of condo's for sale on there. But we kind of want to know the market from other people other than realtors. As we all know, realtors are salespeople. As we also know, sales people are....ahh nevermind Matt, how do you like your place? how's it on the weekends?
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01-01-2011, 10:00 AM	#6
forza1976 Major General 3398 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49417 and 60610 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [10.00]	I have a great realtor. Just call me up
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01-01-2011, 10:09 AM	#7
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	Are your sure you want to live downtown? Ewelina is quite the partier and might be tempted too easily!
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01-01-2011, 10:38 AM	#11
16M4 Colonel 131 Rep 2,978 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Broomfiled, CO iTrader: (5)	That is untrue.
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01-01-2011, 11:12 AM	#13
forza1976 Major General 3398 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49417 and 60610 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [10.00]	Alfred, To answer a few of your questions above. $300k is going to be tough to meet for a 2 bed place. If you look at that site, you can see that the cheapest 2 bedroom at the glasshouse is $349 grand, that's probably your best starting point for price at just about $350k. Interest rates are low now so that could offset the potential for spending a bit more that expected. I looked at the Beauvallon as well, nice place but I wanted to be central to Lodo so that is why I chose my location. The glass house wasn't built when I bought mine but it's a cool place and the pool is nice. As for the Beauvallon, they have had quite a few issues with the stucco but I think they got that recently sorted out. I just didn't like the Golden Triangle locale. I'd give the Spire a look, I know they have a ton of availability (like 50%) but you need to be careful about something like that because it will be tough to sell with that type of vacancy. Always need to think future to be honest. But they have a sick pool and if you can swing one of the penthouses, they have a special lounge only for folks that spend the cheese Finally, expect a minimum of $300/month for HOA's at any of the new places. They have more amenities so that costs but it typically includes water/gas/trash/snow removal but not typically Internet/Tv or electricity. I have a buddy that is dating a girl at the glass house and her 1 bedroom HOA's are $300/month. I have seen the rates usually go from $.27 cents to $.35 cents per square foot. So you can estimate what they may run from that. Hope that helps.
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01-01-2011, 11:54 AM	#14
16M4 Colonel 131 Rep 2,978 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Broomfiled, CO iTrader: (5)	Thanks, Matt! Thats a lot of useful information. $300 for HOA isnt that bad when utilities are included. We've came across some nice condos for the price we're willing to spend. Maybe the market is low and is time for us to move forward! We wanted to look at the Spire, but were unable to find anything for the price we're willing to spend We'd love to have a condo there!
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01-01-2011, 12:09 PM	#15
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	Dude, you only live once! Spend the cheese and live the life of luxury!
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01-01-2011, 12:20 PM	#17
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	If Matt can do it, you can do it too!
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01-01-2011, 12:28 PM	#18
forza1976 Major General 3398 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49417 and 60610 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [10.00]	You in Dallas already H?
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01-01-2011, 01:00 PM	#19
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	Yeah, I flew out since 4:00 am
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01-01-2011, 01:07 PM	#20
forza1976 Major General 3398 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49417 and 60610 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [10.00]	Damn. Early flight
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01-01-2011, 01:42 PM	#21
Bimmer This Major General 99 Rep 6,473 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Westminster iTrader: (3)	Yeah, it sucked!
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01-03-2011, 12:28 AM	#22
raceyBMW king of the hills 92 Rep 2,915 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	Beauvallon had a lot of problem with the cladding, something to the tune of $12mil to repair just a few years after they built them. However it has all be sorted out, so you may be able to get in for a reasonable price. The only place I can think of downtown that will meet your price range off hand for a 2bdrm would be the Barclay Tower, but you don't want to live there. The Spire has some nice units too, and they are fairly reasonable in price, but still probably more. I think a more realistic number for a 2bdrm place in downtown like Matt said would be 350k. I do have a friend that recent bought a 2bdrm foreclosure on Little Raven (1440 maybe?) for like 260k. I would say for your price range you definitely should be looking at foreclosures and short sales, which are still pretty easy to find, though you may need a realtor.
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